Norm,
I know what you mean, but for compilations, it kinda makes sense. If you've read Eric Flint's introduction to the library, it's clear the library's concept from inception was as a marketing gimmick -- and not a bad one at that. The purpose of the free book library is to give a good, full taste of the writer so you know who's worth buying from.
Case in point: Christopher Anvil
When they first posted his compilations they had 3 total on the shelf . . . 2 of which were in the library. That's 2 out of 3 books they couldn't sell if they tried. They've released (oooh, hadn't seen there's a new one) 3 more since then, and other than the new one, I've bought them all.
My point is, I'd have been hooked on his short stories after 1/2 of the two they gave away, and gladly paid for the second half of the stories. They also would have had a better measure of which authors are better liked -- they'd have had 3 book's sales to gauge, not just 1.
Now if they'd done that to a David Drake novel, I'd have never given it a try, been wholly unsatisfied if I had, and I currently wouldn't be reading one I'd purchased.
If they do this to a novel, I'll completely agree. Without a full story, how do I know the author has the ability to wrap it up? If they only split up compilations of short stories and novellas, you still get a full taste of the author and series AND they'll get a sale only if you like it.
I don't see how this isn't a win-win.
Dan <><
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