Ebook Buying Addicts' Support Thread

[pdurrant]

It's the Humble Bundles that hit my numbers hardest. Very little cash, but loads of interesting books. I suppose one shouldn't complain about such good deals.

[CRussel]

Originally Posted by issybird

This is the enablers' thread, isn't it?

Yes, it sometimes seems that way.

[DrNefario]

I'm doing pretty well this year, but I feel like I really need to draw a line and start concentrating on the great books I already own.

One of my wishlist books dropped to £0.99 the other day, so I bought it, but I haven't even read the author's previous 4-book series yet, which is kind of ridiculous. I probably need to start moving away from challenges and reading more books by my favourite authors. My challenges are good for moving out of my comfort zone and discovering great new things, but there are plenty of great things I already knew about I seem to be neglecting.

I'm in danger of finishing March behind on my TBR, thanks partly to my free Nook money and the aforementioned wishlist bargain, and partly to library borrowing. I think I'm going to attempt to cut way down on my acquisitions for the next few months. There are two books I need for challenges (neither available as ebooks, which is kind of why I don't already have them), and two more recent books by favourite authors that I'll give myself a pass on, but apart from those, I'm going to have to think really hard about any offers that come up, even if they're on my wishlists. And I'm going to cut back on my library borrowing again, I think, and not even borrow my monthly KOLL book unless there's something really compelling.

[issybird]

Originally Posted by DrNefario

I'm doing pretty well this year, but I feel like I really need to draw a line and start concentrating on the great books I already own.

I'm doing much better with this, especially in regard to buying pbooks. I hate the dusty shelves and stacks and I prefer reading ebooks, so I'm finally internalizing the thought that since I'll never read everything I'd like to read, the first and easiest cut to make is with pbooks.

And I'm going to cut back on my library borrowing again, I think, and not even borrow my monthly KOLL book unless there's something really compelling.

This is in line with Paul's excellent advice in regard to KU; quit. The problem with library books (and this goes back as long as I've gone to the library as a wee thing) is that because of the due date, they jump the queue - even though I generally would prefer the books I own. And KOLL just isn't worth the time; it's another case of freebies aren't free. As long as I've had it, I've read exactly one KOLL that was a wishlist book. There's one more that satisfied a challenge and I've currently got out (unread) another, but face it - the quality's just not the same as purchased or library books.

This is my long-winded way of saying, thanks for the exhortation, because it speaks to me, too!

[DrNefario]

Originally Posted by issybird

This is in line with Paul's excellent advice in regard to KU; quit. The problem with library books (and this goes back as long as I've gone to the library as a wee thing) is that because of the due date, they jump the queue - even though I generally would prefer the books I own. And KOLL just isn't worth the time; it's another case of freebies aren't free. As long as I've had it, I've read exactly one KOLL that was a wishlist book. There's one more that satisfied a challenge and I've currently got out (unread) another, but face it - the quality's just not the same as purchased or library books.

Yes, I'm having exactly that problem with library books right now. The book I have currently checked out is actually an omnibus of two books. I finished book one a few days ago, and didn't really think much of it, but feel like I still ought to read the second book (and have just started it). I mean, I didn't hate it, but I don't know if I'd have read volume two if I didn't already have it, and certainly not so soon.

Also, while I have had some worthwhile books from the KOLL, there's nothing particularly calling to me at the moment, and this month's was a bit of a stretch. There is a new Marko Kloos out next month, though, which is definitely worth saving my loan for.

[CRussel]

Originally Posted by issybird

I'm doing much better with this, especially in regard to buying pbooks. I hate the dusty shelves and stacks and I prefer reading ebooks, so I'm finally internalizing the thought that since I'll never read everything I'd like to read, the first and easiest cut to make is with pbooks.



This is in line with Paul's excellent advice in regard to KU; quit. The problem with library books (and this goes back as long as I've gone to the library as a wee thing) is that because of the due date, they jump the queue - even though I generally would prefer the books I own. And KOLL just isn't worth the time; it's another case of freebies aren't free. As long as I've had it, I've read exactly one KOLL that was a wishlist book. There's one more that satisfied a challenge and I've currently got out (unread) another, but face it - the quality's just not the same as purchased or library books.

This is my long-winded way of saying, thanks for the exhortation, because it speaks to me, too!

I have to admit, I've done rather better with KU. A whole layer of books that aren't freebies and aren't self-published [deleted] are in it, or have been over time. For example, the Albert Campion series and most of Ross Thomas' books. Definitely books I would pay for without question at some reasonable price. But overall? I suspect I'm not really getting my $$ worth. Perhaps that will be a good challenge for the second half of this year -- track the KU books read v. the cost of KU v. the cost of the books if bought.

[issybird]

Originally Posted by CRussel

I have to admit, I've done rather better with KU. A whole layer of books that aren't freebies and aren't self-published [deleted] are in it, or have been over time. For example, the Albert Campion series and most of Ross Thomas' books. Definitely books I would pay for without question at some reasonable price. But overall? I suspect I'm not really getting my $$ worth. Perhaps that will be a good challenge for the second half of this year -- track the KU books read v. the cost of KU v. the cost of the books if bought.

At least KOLL is free, so the only cost is (the not inconsiderable one of) my time. I'm lucky that (not having) KU is an easy call for me, because while a terrific value for some, for many others I'm sure it's just like that pesky gym membership. More a reproach than anything else, but you always mean to get back to it....

[DrNefario]

KU wouldn't work for me until after I cleared most of my backlog (if at all). I'm not that sure I can even justify Prime for the KOLL, but I've got it for a few more months anyway.

[Sydney's Mom]

I am almost at 10k in Calibre. About 400 have been read, and about 100 are freebies from Amazon that I downloaded in the beginning. I have tried, very, very hard, to not buy books at Costco, cause I really won't read them-I prefer the electronic version. So now when I get home from Costco, I put a hold on whatever book I saw that I wanted to buy.

I lost my job, so I have lots of time to read, and I still have too much to read!

[issybird]

Originally Posted by Sydney's Mom

I am almost at 10k in Calibre. About 400 have been read, and about 100 are freebies from Amazon that I downloaded in the beginning. I have tried, very, very hard, to not buy books at Costco, cause I really won't read them-I prefer the electronic version. So now when I get home from Costco, I put a hold on whatever book I saw that I wanted to buy.

I lost my job, so I have lots of time to read, and I still have too much to read!

I'm sorry about your job. I hope it turns out to be a change for the better, however it works out.

In the meantime, enjoy all that reading time!

[Tarana]

Originally Posted by CRussel

I suspect I'm not really getting my $$ worth. Perhaps that will be a good challenge for the second half of this year -- track the KU books read v. the cost of KU v. the cost of the books if bought.

If you are reading 3-4 books a month, you ARE getting your money's worth. However, given that you have a backlog of TBR that you have purchased, consider making a wishlist of KU titles that you are interested in. Then once or twice a year, get a one month subscription so that you can indulge. Then go back to TBR.

I managed to resist and only buy 6 audiobooks, all by the same author, all for $1.99 plus tax. Hard to pass by since I heard the first book already and totally loved it. I talked myself out of several other ebooks and audiobooks for similar pricing, but it was tough.

[issybird]

One quarter into the year and I have to admit that while I'm winning the battle, I'm losing the war.

I've bought only 15 books, five per month, and one each month was free with No-rush credit. I've spent about $40 ($20 in January). All of this is eminently acceptable on the face of it and an exponential improvement on my full-blown addict period. Unfortunately, they're still coming in faster than I read them, since I also read library, audio, paper and public domain books.

More of the good news/bad news type is that I will definitely be buying fewer books now that Kobo has eliminated the contests and presumably the multi-use codes. On the other hand, no-rush and similar credits will keep me buying (and require a cash outlay) - this month, I have a few of the Kobo credits which I will spend, as I'm constitutionally unable to leave them on the table.

I still have a way to go, obviously.

[Tarana]

Originally Posted by issybird

One quarter into the year and I have to admit that while I'm winning the battle, I'm losing the war.

More of the good news/bad news type is that I will definitely be buying fewer books now that Kobo has eliminated the contests and presumably the multi-use codes. On the other hand, no-rush and similar credits will keep me buying (and require a cash outlay) - this month, I have a few of the Kobo credits which I will spend, as I'm constitutionally unable to leave them on the table.

I still have a way to go, obviously.

While I enjoyed it while it lasted, it's probably good for us that Kobo has eliminated the contests. It's helped me that most of the books I wanted were not couponable. Still, they will probably come up with something else in future and we can work on our addictions to prepare. I used the bulk of my no-rush credits on ebooks, but the piddling amounts I typically accrue just go for my small list of songs that I want.

[DrNefario]

Oof. I've just bought a new paperback, and in one hit have spent more money than in any single whole month so far this year.

It's not even a long book.

[Yolina]

I have to say that Agency Pricing mk2 makes me seriously consider KU. I do prefer buying my content rather than renting it, but the now often outrageous Agency prices are really putting me off - only buying agency books if it's something I really, really want to read. So if most of what I would now read is available through KU anyway, then I guess it would make sense to subscribe (once I've made a dent in my TBR pile of course )