Will you subscribe to Kindle Unlimited?

[Poodlemom1]

Originally Posted by rguion

I signed up for KU when I heard about the 3 free audible credits, see link below. After signing up for KU, I still don't see a new credit on my audible page. Is there another step to claim the 1st credit or did you guys just see it added right away?

http://www.audible.com/mt/KUTerms

There is a link in your welcome letter. Click on "get started" in the second paragraph.

[Tarana]

I was actually hesitant to get it except for my Mom until I discovered the entire Ed McBain series was on this program AND most mystery cozies. I never keep these - read them and move on. My Mom also likes Ed McBain (87th precinct), and she's quite a fast reader. My library doesn't have any of these. Yay!!

[Jessica Lares]

I didn't think about the fact that it prompted me to return a book. I think I did see it, but didn't like that it suggested me one that I was still going through.

Originally Posted by jbcohen

Back when I bought my third ereader (thats a long story for a different day) I chose amazon's echo system for one and only one reason, their willingness to under cut their competition's prices. A behavior that I want to encourage.

Jessica - since you have signed up already,what do you think of the program?

I like it. I don't know what to comment about though. It's just something you subscribe to, and then you pick out books like you normally would, except now there's a "Read for Free" button.

On the Paperwhite 2, there's a new section in the store, along with a link to a page with everything you have out with a button to return stuff.

It's pretty much transparent. You click the book, and then it appears in your library in whatever Kindle device/app you're using, and the audiobook magically appears in Audible. When you return it, they both disappear.

My biggest problem with the Lending Library is that I have to do that whole process on my Kindle. Even though those can only be read on Amazon devices, I still like the browsing experience on a desktop better, and I can stick my "Want to Read" in my Reading List in Safari (which is what I'm taking advantage of with Unlimited).

My only quirk with KU this far is that some books don't come with the audiobooks. But that could be a publisher problem since sometimes it's two parties behind them. They are giving us 3 free months of Audible though, and the discounts apply to whatever you have rented out too.

I think it's worth it, as long as you actually make use of it.

[jbcohen]

Originally Posted by Jessica Lares

I didn't think about the fact that it prompted me to return a book. I think I did see it, but didn't like that it suggested me one that I was still going through.



I like it. I don't know what to comment about though. It's just something you subscribe to, and then you pick out books like you normally would, except now there's a "Read for Free" button.

On the Paperwhite 2, there's a new section in the store, along with a link to a page with everything you have out with a button to return stuff.

It's pretty much transparent. You click the book, and then it appears in your library in whatever Kindle device/app you're using, and the audiobook magically appears in Audible. When you return it, they both disappear.

My biggest problem with the Lending Library is that I have to do that whole process on my Kindle. Even though those can only be read on Amazon devices, I still like the browsing experience on a desktop better, and I can stick my "Want to Read" in my Reading List in Safari (which is what I'm taking advantage of with Unlimited).

My only quirk with KU this far is that some books don't come with the audiobooks. But that could be a publisher problem since sometimes it's two parties behind them. They are giving us 3 free months of Audible though, and the discounts apply to whatever you have rented out too.

I think it's worth it, as long as you actually make use of it.

Let me ask a few questions about the program:

The selection, does it have an adequate selection of various different types of books?

The pages which run the program: Can you navigate the Kindle Unlimited library easily enough to the books that you want?

The return icon, does it prompt you to return the books or do you have to recall from memory what you have out?

Does it break down the library into catagories and sub-catagories far enough? The regular amazon pages break down the books into catagories and sub-catagories fairly well so I would imagine that the Kindle Unlimited would do this adquately as well.

Is the sign up process easily navigated? Or is it too long?

Have you been able to find something in the program library easily enough?

Have you been able to identify several books you want to read?

[jbcohen]

Originally Posted by SteveK

I've signed up for the 30-day free trial, and I will probably keep it beyond 30 days. Although I'm not overly impressed with the selection, I did notice quite a few titles that I've previously purchased (unfortunately), so at least they do have some titles that I plan to read. Although I also subscribe to Scribd, there appears to be relatively little overlap at this point. (Actually, I wish there was more overlap, as I prefer to read on my Kindle rather than a tablet or phone.) I am enjoying an audiobook that was available with my initial selection, and certainly the audiobook "bonus" when available is significant compared to other subscription plans.

So I plan to maintain the subscription, at least for a few months, as it makes a nice supplement to Scribd and to my local library. Hopefully the choice of books will improve, but I already have added quite a few to my wish list, certainly enough to keep me busy for a few months.

SteveK

Does scribd have any of the major book publishers in their catalog of books?

How about the mechanics of the process of getting book to your kindle. I would imagine that you would need to side load the books from Scribd, however do they have kindle format books?

[fjtorres]

Originally Posted by jbcohen

Let me ask a few questions about the program:

1- 30 day free trial
2- you don't have to be a subscriber to explore the catalog pages and categories
3- 80% indie content, (essentially) zero percent BPH content
4- Indie titles generally span a greater range of diversity than the BPHs (Roman espionage historical novels? They're in there. Genre-blenders? Ditto. Superhero novels. Serials? Short stories? All in there.

Take a walk, skim the "stacks", maybe sign up.

Unless you insist your books come from a glass tower media conglomerate there ought to be something worth looking at.

Whether it is worth paying for after the free trial... Well, that is between you and your wallet.

[fjtorres]

Originally Posted by jbcohen

Does scribd have any of the major book publishers in their catalog of books?

How about the mechanics of the process of getting book to your kindle. I would imagine that you would need to side load the books from Scribd, however do they have kindle format books?

No.
Scribd and oyster don't do regular downloads.
Their books are app-bound and only for iOS and Android. (Maybe Windows.?)
Technically they offer neither epub nor kindle format.

Even more than with DRM'ed ebooks, you are paying for the right to read.

[Jessica Lares]

My answers in blue:

Originally Posted by jbcohen

Let me ask a few questions about the program:

The selection, does it have an adequate selection of various different types of books?

Yes. The lowest would be 8,000 and highest would be about 300,000. On average, you're probably looking at 15,000 per section.

The pages which run the program: Can you navigate the Kindle Unlimited library easily enough to the books that you want?

It could be better. You're going to spend a lot of time looking for and checking the "Kindle Unlimited Eligible" box.

The return icon, does it prompt you to return the books or do you have to recall from memory what you have out?

When the prompt shows up, it'll suggest you return the first book you checked out. Under it, it'll say, "Return another book". You click it, it shows you a list of everything else you have out, and then buttons next to them that say, "Return book to continue".

Does it break down the library into catagories and sub-catagories far enough? The regular amazon pages break down the books into catagories and sub-catagories fairly well so I would imagine that the Kindle Unlimited would do this adquately as well.

Yeah. They are mixed in with the other books, and just carry the "Kindle Unlimited" title next to them. If they're featured titles in like the deals area, the title will be at the top.

Is the sign up process easily navigated? Or is it too long?

I think it was just a one-click thing? I don't remember anymore.

Have you been able to find something in the program library easily enough?

Yeah, using the checkbox helps.

Have you been able to identify several books you want to read?

Yeah... There is nothing they have done differently other than stick the extra title. The site works the same as it did before.

[DuckieTigger]

Originally Posted by Jessica Lares

My answers in blue:

For the store, you don't have to look for the kindleunlimited icon. Go to shop department -> kindle books and in there kindle unlimited from there go to browse all books, and you have a KU only view with search and (sub)categories on the left.

Same if you use the store in the kindle itself - got a KU subcategory with all and only KU elegible books.

[jbcohen]

I am finding out that each service has their downside:

1) Amazon Unlimited, no major book publishing houses

2) Scribd, can't use my paperwhite

3) Oyster, that's apple only

And upside:

1) Amazon Unlimited: Using my paperwhite, that's a no brainer;

2) Scribd, major book publishers

[SteveK]

jbcohen - As indicated by fjtorres, there is no way you can load a Scribd book onto your Kindle or any epub reader, as you can only read it using the Scribd app. Yes, they do feature books from several major publishers, including Simon & Schuester and Harper Collins, so I've had no difficulty finding books I'd like to read.

Unfortunately, their app is rather basic. There is no way to control the spacing between lines, so everything winds up doublespaced, which I find quite unattractive and distracting. I can usually ignore the formatting when reading a book, but I'd much prefer narrower spacing. Also, currently their app does not include a dictionary, but they are supposedly working on it for a future update. You can now access endnotes, which previously you couldn't do, so the app has improved over time.

I remember when I first joined I sent them an email complaining about the app, stating that their service would likely appeal only to a prolific reader, yet their app had none of the features that a serious reader would require (dictionary, endnotes, ability to control margins and spacing, etc). As stated, they have made some improvements, but it is still a very basic app with limited font options, etc. They do provide good customer support, but they are rather slow about implementing improvements to their app. Perhaps their app makes it difficult for them to implement improvements.

Overall, I'd rate their selection as better than Kindle Unlimited, but having to use an app rather than an e-reader is a major drawback.

I had purchased the new Boox T68 hoping to use the app on an e-ink based reader, but the font proved much too light and was virtually unreadable, so I returned the device and am now forced to use Scribd on my tablet.

Hope this helps.

[DuckieTigger]

Originally Posted by jbcohen

Ed Mc Bain, will need to look into this one.

I am finding out Duckie that each service has their downside:

1) Amazon Unlimited, no major book publishing houses

2) Scribd, can't use my paperwhite

3) Oyster, that's apple only

And upside:

1) Amazon Unlimited: Using my paperwhite, that's a no brainer;

2) Scribd, major book publishers

For me personally only KU is usable. The no major publishers is not a limitation - the books are too expensive to use them for read once and not intend to reread. Too expensive for me that is. Even a lot of KU books are too expensive for me if I had to purchase them. KU works on my Paperwhites so it is a no brainer - I won't sacrifice that for selection. The occasional book I intend to keep I buy outright - right now that is limited to Jim Butchers books only since I started and want to finish Dresden Files.

For new reads I am now looking only in KU. My wife already used to look and buy books that are plentiful availlable in KU. She doesn't usually reread anything anyway ...

[jbcohen]

[SteveK]

DuckieTigger - I agree that the (temporary?) lack of major publishers is not a limitation, as KU offers a decent selection of other titles. Being able to read the books on the Paperwhite is a major plus, and the availability of audio for some titles is also a major plus.

I haven't decided yet whether or not I will keep my KU subscription, since I also have Scribd and Entitle subscriptions. (Entitle offers books (epub) for about $5 each, on a 2, 3, or 4 per month plan.). I currently have the 4-per month plan, but I can reduce it to the 2 per month plan to offset the cost of the KU subscription to have even more books available.

Now if only I had more time to read!

SteveK

[DuckieTigger]

Originally Posted by SteveK

DuckieTigger - I agree that the (temporary?) lack of major publishers is not a limitation, as KU offers a decent selection of other titles. Being able to read the books on the Paperwhite is a major plus, and the availability of audio for some titles is also a major plus.
...
Now if only I had more time to read!

SteveK

If you consider the price/value for KU you should not include possible future features. Any service or product should never be gauged by "promised" new features. Too much disappointment if you count on it to justify value. I can't hold my breath forever and got screwed too often with: oh sure the firmware can be upgraded easily, we include that next update - the update that never shows up?

If the selection of KU is not good enough yet for you, then don't get it. Wait until it got bigger and reevaluate then. For me it is good enough the way it is - any more is just going to be a bonus.

And don't we all need more time to read.