Quote:
Originally Posted by GeoffR
But I think it generates resentment in readers once they have got past the initial comparison with paper and start comparing ebook prices in other countries, and that will hurt the publisher in the long run.
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As a reader, that would be my thought. eBooks, unlike other products, do not cost any more to distribute across 10,000 miles than across 100. Price discrimination of that sort is already a hot button issue in Australia, from what I've seen of criticism of Apple, Microsoft, and other multinationals and if I were an Indie publisher I'd be leery of getting lumped in with the local publishing cartel. They might get away with it arguing "culture" or "jobs" but as a foreign vendor I wouldn't expect a free pass like them.
I know of at least one Indie publisher who sets his prices the same dollar number across the US, AU, and NZ and doesn't bother to account for currency coversion. The goa for most Indiesl is to get stories read and build a following of satisfied readers.
This publisher would rather give up the 10-12% or whatever the currency conversion discount amounts to than even appear to be discriminating by region.
I wouldn't expect everybody to do that but for Indie publishers there is great risk in following tradpub cartel practices and great value in raising their visibility with low, fair prices. If nothing else, it buys good will.
As I said, I'm curious to see how much support Kobo's position might have.
Maybe people down under are used to price discrimination and won't notice...