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View Poll Results: Do you preview?
If there's no preview, I don't buy. 18 16.82%
Sometimes. 49 45.79%
I haven't looked at a preview in forever. 36 33.64%
I am existentially confused by this poll. 6 5.61%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 107. You may not vote on this poll

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Old 12-14-2011, 02:06 PM   #1
anamardoll
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Do you try before you buy?

A question for Mobile Readers: how many of you use the "look inside the book" or preview function before buying a book?

I'm hoping to be self-published next year and one thing I've noticed with Mobile Readers is that a lot of sites aren't clear on whether or not the book is DRM-free. I was planning to put something on the first few pages -- definitely included in a preview -- noting that the book is being sold DRM-free.

(I was also thinking about adding a "this book is distributed through Smashwords" for the Kobo/Sony versions, because I know some people really hate taking a chance on a Meatgrinder product.)

Question is, I'm not sure how many people would SEE the note. I rarely preview books before buying anymore -- if they're super cheap and I like the genre, I throw down. What do the rest of you think?
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Old 12-14-2011, 02:16 PM   #2
RainingLemur
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I'll occasionally take a peek at the preview. I tend to do it more if the book is image-heavy. If I know that they're just text with the occasional image, I will just buy and wait for it to be delivered.
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Old 12-14-2011, 02:52 PM   #3
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I would vote "usually", but that's not an option.

I usually buy from Amazon, Smashwords, or Baen. Amazon tells you whether the book is DRM-free, and it isn't an issue with Smashwords or Baen.
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Old 12-14-2011, 02:55 PM   #4
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I used to, especially with self-pubbed books. Now I rarely bother.
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Old 12-14-2011, 04:03 PM   #5
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I normally only preview something if I'm unsure if I want to buy it or not. If I'm sure I want to buy it I just go ahead and do so, without previewing anything.
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Old 12-14-2011, 05:11 PM   #6
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If I haven't read anything by the author before, yes, I preview. If it is an author I know, no, I don't.
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Old 12-14-2011, 05:22 PM   #7
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almost always especially on indie books just to get a sense of the grammar structure i'm in for.
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Old 12-14-2011, 05:32 PM   #8
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Almost always--both to preview the content AND the ebook formating/readability.
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Old 12-14-2011, 05:36 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by colinsky View Post
Almost always--both to preview the content AND the ebook formating/readability.
Same here.
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Old 12-14-2011, 05:53 PM   #10
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Preview. Until I get to the 'Gotta have the next in this series' state
Those 'Rave' blurbs leave me cold.
A good synopsis and a sample chapter will be what 'set the hook'

I always opened the paper book in the store.
Just because it is by author X does not mean I buy ALL their work. They have to 'set the hook' for each new series.
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Old 12-14-2011, 05:56 PM   #11
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I never preview anything, I didn't find it helps much.

I just do a bit of research as to whether it appeals to me, and that's about it really - unless it's by someone I've tried and disliked.
I need a bit more persuading then - like someone whose opinoin I respected, or someone here who makes it sound interesting !
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Old 12-14-2011, 05:56 PM   #12
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If I am unsure I will like a book and there is a preview I will preview it. I will also try to get download it from our library before I buy it if I am unsure.
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Old 12-14-2011, 08:10 PM   #13
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I always preview a book with amazons samples option. Mainly because I've been shocked by some of the **** proof reading (in a few cases I doubt any was done). That goes for both indie books (not often edited) and mainstream (OCR mistakes)

Occasionally I'll sample due to checking if I like it, but not as much as for checking the book is actually readable. I've encountered the odd error in paper books before but never ever to the same level or quality as I have with ebooks.
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Old 12-14-2011, 08:18 PM   #14
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For unknown authors, yes I preview if one is available. For favorite writers no I don't.
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Old 12-14-2011, 08:18 PM   #15
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I don't use the web preview but I almost always read the sample, unless it's an author I know well.
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