Quote:
Originally Posted by VydorScope
I have not heard any complaints like that... but if a reader had that problem I could point them to Amazon, B&N, etc to get the ebook form instead. Smashwords' retail store is by far its weakest offering, and I really wish they would higher a couple-few decent web developers to build them a store front. As a developer myself, I know it would not be that hard if they put 1-2 people on it, and used some free/inexpensive tools to build from. Take a while, maybe 6-12 months to release something and mature it, but it should be done.
Personally I think the deal is Smashwords real focus is on publishing and not selling. That is they want to position themselves as the way to get indy books into Amazon/B&N/etc... not as a the place to go and buy books. I have no information to back up that hunch... but that appears to be their focus to me. If I am right, then pretty much expect the store to stay as is... potentially expect to see a culling of "garbage" books in the future once their position is secure enough to risk the bad press. Again, I am just making this up based on what it appears. I could be way off... but their store front really sucks.  |
You've captured my concern very well. While I am critical of Smashword's book purchase structure, I am very appreciative of the resources they make available to Indy authors. It would be a shame if they limited themselves (and us) by providing a cumbersome purchasing interface when the publishing side of the business is so robust.
I would not discount the power of the purchasing side of the business, however. A 30% income on the sale of books from thousands of authors to potentially millions of readers could be very lucrative for them. I think the investment of resources to improve the purchase experience would pay off handsomly for all.
Thanks,
Chuck Miceli
Author, Amanda's Room