Quote:
Originally Posted by Elfwreck
I could read nothing but free content for the rest of my life, and never run out of interesting, informative, meaningful texts to read. I mean, digitally; obviously, living with access to both UC Berkeley and the SF public library, and several of the Bay Area's diverse personal collections, I would never have to pay for paper books and could still surround myself with incredible reading content.
[snip]
With an effectively infinite (i.e. "more than my lifetime could encompass") selection of reading material, I can afford to make buying choices based on ideology, not just to get access. I don't *need* access to any particular book, any particular author. When I buy, it's partially in thanks to the literary tradition that let me grow up reading three-for-a-dollar books from yard sales. I can't pay those authors back; I *can* do something towards making writing a viable job.
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I have to admit that I'm in a similar situation as you. I have no real need to buy books other than just "want" or "support." I've actually cataloged over 150 books (dtbs & digital) that I've purchased (in the last year) and not read yet. These are just the ones cataloged. I have no real clue how many others that I have that I haven't cataloged. It's a very large number, however. And it doesn't include access to the Philly Free Library, the Singapore Library, and my local libraries.
Add that to the fact that I have tons of other entertainment options, publishers need to realize that they need a better pricing strategy.
Dear Author had a great blog series about this very sensitive subject:
Quote:
When readers speak about price, they are talking about the amount that they are willing and able to pay at the particular time that they are expressing the opinion about price. Willingness includes the measurement of time.
Let’s assume that the reader is willing and able to pay for 10 books a month with a budget of $50. This means at current mass market print prices, a reader can afford to purchase 5 new books at 7.99 with a little over $7 left over. In order to meet her budget & book quantity requirement (as most reader’s resources are finite), this means she will only be able to buy 3 new books and 7 at the price of 3.99, either used or with a coupon. (Willingness + ability). Here’s the value scale that I’ve come up with:
Full value = one new book.
Half value = used book, book with coupon.
Slighty greater than zero value = paperback swap, library, borrow from a friend.
Zero value = no purchase.
Scenario 1. We don’t know the author. Zero value.
Scenario 2. We’ve heard of the author. Slightly greater than zero.
Scenario 3. We’ve heard of the author because someone recommended the book to us. Between slightly greater than zero and half value.
Scenario 4. We’ve heard of the author because someone we trust recommended the book to us. Between half value and full value. (depending on the source, whether the book is outside reading comfort zone, whether it has trigger tropes, etc).
Scenario 5. We’ve read the author before and did not like the book. The value of the author’s next book is zero value or slightly greater than zero.
Scenario 6. We’ve read the author before and she has been hit or miss for us. The value of the author’s next book is slightly greater than zero to half value.
Scenario 7. We’ve read the author before and her last book has worked for us. The value of next book is full value.
Scenario 8. We’ve read the author and she consistently delivers what we are looking for in a read. The value of next book is not only full value but can take the place of other purchases for that month (i.e., a hardcover purchase which is equal to the value of three full priced mass market books).
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Also see:
http://dearauthor.com/features/lette...ital-part-two/