Under the Dome released. We're now officially e-screwed. - Page 6

Darqref · 11-12-2009, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alisa

I have a question. I don't mean it as a criticism. I'm just curious. Why do people pre-order ebooks? It's not like they're going to sell out or you'll have to wait. Personally, I always get samples and buy the book when I'm done even with an author I like.

Pre-ordering a book is just about the best thing you can do for an author being published in hardback. The fact is, pre-orders have a direct influence on how many copies the major chains will order. If a store has a larger number of pre-orders, then the normal order will also be increased because the book is "popular". In some cases, pre-ordering can happen before the book is actually printed, and will therefore affect how many copies are printed in the first run.

Now granted, I've never pre-ordered a book. This is all based on comments made by publishers on their own websites, including both Baen Books and TOR. But, This is the reason for watching the "to be published" or "coming soon" lists, so you can choose to reward those authors that you think are good enough to buy hardbacks from. (and yes, I'm not one of them. In the last 10 years, the only hardbacks I've purchased were when the author was on tour and I wanted her to autograph it.)

verndude · 11-12-2009, 06:45 AM

Nonsense, do you boycott movies or get mad at the movie stars because the DVD isn’t released until months after the movie?

wdluke · 11-12-2009, 07:55 AM

I don't think a movie to DVD example applies here.

SK - an author who has previously been very supportive of the e-book format decides to delay release of his e-book to help independent booksellers. That's pretty much a wash, because the majority of e-book purchasers who were tracking this release were well aware of of the price war over the book and many ordered online for the lowest price point. His more devout constant readers probably ordered the book anyway as an addition to their hardcover libraries. Chances he gave a big boost to the independent booksellers is pretty slim. I think the thought process on delaying the ebook here is flawed and a little money grubbing.

I also think if it had been a tactic pulled by a more vocal opponent of ebooks - let's say Audrey Niffenegger - no one would be surprised. Since it is SK , I think the portion of his ebook reading fan base that is annoyed and confused by the delay isn't wrong for feeling that way. Ascribing those feelings to a petty "I want in now-ism" is really missing the point, IMHO. Yes, we all have other books to read, but that doesn't negate our position of wanting to be able to read this particular book now or frustration with the logic behind the delay by this particular author.

Elfwreck · 11-12-2009, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by verndude

Nonsense, do you boycott movies or get mad at the movie stars because the DVD isn’t released until months after the movie?

Movies aren't delivered to my home; I don't expect to watch new-release movies while sitting on my own couch.

And while I can respect (if not agree with) delaying the ebook to push up hardcover sales, I can't respect the delay "to help independent bookstores," while simultaneously releasing the hardcover at several online places that give deep discounts so that independent bookstores can't compete with those.

jament · 11-12-2009, 01:22 PM

I think a better example would be a movie that was released in theaters using analog sound & projectors and withheld from theaters with digital projectors & sound for six weeks because the distributor wanted to help the business of older-style theaters.

The point is that the access to the material is restricted based on the type of medium the audience is choosing to use. It alienates part of the audience with only a slight tangible benefit.

FligMupple · 11-12-2009, 01:39 PM

My semi-solution: Make the eBook version available right away, priced at $35. On Dec. 24th, it goes on sale for $9.99. That's it.

Anyone who really really wants the eBook version immediately (like me) can buy it for the normal book retail price (That's not the most outrageous thing in the world!). If that's too high, they have options... they can buy the hardcover or wait a few weeks for the cheaper ebook.

Sporadic · 11-12-2009, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FligMupple

My semi-solution: Make the eBook version available right away, priced at $35. On Dec. 24th, it goes on sale for $9.99. That's it.

Anyone who really really wants the eBook version immediately (like me) can buy it for the normal book retail price (That's not the most outrageous thing in the world!). If that's too high, they have options... they can buy the hardcover or wait a few weeks for the cheaper ebook.

But then you would have one of those people buy it at $35, break the DRM and reupload it. And I do think it would result in lost sales (don't get me wrong, piracy doesn't always equal that) since the price would be ridiculous. The backlash from the community would be even bigger than not releasing it at all until the 24th.

HarryT · 11-12-2009, 02:11 PM

It's an approach that other publishers use successfully. Baen, for example, issue "early" versions of many of their e-books for $15, typically a couple of months before the main $6 release.

Sporadic · 11-12-2009, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

It's an approach that other publishers use successfully. Baen, for example, issue "early" versions of many of their e-books for $15, typically a couple of months before the main $6 release.

I agree with you, the strategy isn't flawed, it would be the price difference that would sink it in this hypothetical. There's a big difference between $6/15 and $10/35. It would work people into a lather.

FligMupple · 11-12-2009, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sporadic

But then you would have one of those people buy it at $35, break the DRM and reupload it. And I do think it would result in lost sales (don't get me wrong, piracy doesn't always equal that) since the price would be ridiculous. The backlash from the community would be even bigger than not releasing it at all until the 24th.

I'm sorry, but there's nothing "ridiculous" about selling a $35 book for $35. It might be/is higher than what most people would *want* to pay, but "ridiculous", no. If it was $750 then I would that that's a ridiculous price.

Plus the point I was making is it would not be the only option. If it's too high, go out and buy the damn hardcover book for less.

And I disagree that the "backlash from the community would be even bigger than not releasing it at all until the 24th". How is "if you want it that bad, here it is at normal retail price" worse than "screw you, Kindle owners... you can't get it for weeks... hahahahahaha!!!!!!!!"?

animedude01 · 11-12-2009, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sydney's Mom

Oh, no! Page numbers means topaz!!!!

Actually, it's giving the number of pages for the print versions, i.e. "Print Length"

desertgrandma · 11-12-2009, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FligMupple

And I disagree that the "backlash from the community would be even bigger than not releasing it at all until the 24th". How is "if you want it that bad, here it is at normal retail price" worse than "screw you, Kindle owners... you can't get it for weeks... hahahahahaha!!!!!!!!"?

Its called "gouging" as far as I'm concerned.

The $35 price tag puts it out of reach of most people who have more important things to spend that money on.

Books should be accessible and reasonably priced for all.

FligMupple · 11-12-2009, 03:31 PM

If you have more important things to spend money on then don't buy the book at all! Or get it from the library! Or wait for the $10 version on Dec. 24th!

Quote:

Books should be accessible and reasonably priced for all.

I didn't get this memo.

I thought Under the Dome was a product that is being sold like anything else, and not an essential service.

Let me remind you and everyone else that my semi-solution does not involve altering the price of the Hardcover, or the price and date of the ~$10 delayed ebook "release". I suggested an additional early higher-priced ebook version. That's all. How people think this will bring us End Times I don't know.

desertgrandma · 11-12-2009, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FligMupple

If you have more important things to spend money on then don't buy the book at all! Or get it from the library! Or wait for the $10 version on Dec. 24th!

I didn't get this memo.

I thought Under the Dome was a product that is being sold like anything else, and not an essential service.

Let me remind you and everyone else that my semi-solution does not involve altering the price of the Hardcover, or the price and date of the ~$10 delayed ebook "release". I suggested an additional early higher-priced ebook version. That's all. How people think this will bring us End Times I don't know.

No one is saying it will bring us to the 'end times'. What I'm saying is that the $35 list price is ludicrous. No one sells it for that, even BN gives 25-30% off their list prices for best sellers.

There is no reason at all for an earlier higher priced ebook version.

FligMupple · 11-12-2009, 03:45 PM

There is absolutely a reason for an earlier higher priced ebook edition when the ebook is intentionally delayed. The reason? SO WE CAN GET THE EBOOK AND READ IT!

Right now you are being punished for having a Kindle. If $35 is "ludicrous", how did you justify buying the Kindle in the first place? And why are not angry for being punished for doing so with the delayed ebook release? And why would a possible early $35 ebook option make things worse for you?

11-12-2009, 01:22 PM	#80
jament Enthusiast Posts: 40 Karma: 185 Join Date: Jul 2009 Device: Sony 505	I think a better example would be a movie that was released in theaters using analog sound & projectors and withheld from theaters with digital projectors & sound for six weeks because the distributor wanted to help the business of older-style theaters. The point is that the access to the material is restricted based on the type of medium the audience is choosing to use. It alienates part of the audience with only a slight tangible benefit. Last edited by jament; 11-12-2009 at 01:22 PM. Reason: spelling.

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11-12-2009, 06:45 AM	#77
verndude Junior Member Posts: 2 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: United States Device: Clie t665c	Nonsense, do you boycott movies or get mad at the movie stars because the DVD isn’t released until months after the movie?

11-12-2009, 07:55 AM	#78
wdluke Junior Member Posts: 1 Karma: 18 Join Date: Nov 2009 Device: Kindle 2	I don't think a movie to DVD example applies here. SK - an author who has previously been very supportive of the e-book format decides to delay release of his e-book to help independent booksellers. That's pretty much a wash, because the majority of e-book purchasers who were tracking this release were well aware of of the price war over the book and many ordered online for the lowest price point. His more devout constant readers probably ordered the book anyway as an addition to their hardcover libraries. Chances he gave a big boost to the independent booksellers is pretty slim. I think the thought process on delaying the ebook here is flawed and a little money grubbing. I also think if it had been a tactic pulled by a more vocal opponent of ebooks - let's say Audrey Niffenegger - no one would be surprised. Since it is SK , I think the portion of his ebook reading fan base that is annoyed and confused by the delay isn't wrong for feeling that way. Ascribing those feelings to a petty "I want in now-ism" is really missing the point, IMHO. Yes, we all have other books to read, but that doesn't negate our position of wanting to be able to read this particular book now or frustration with the logic behind the delay by this particular author.

11-12-2009, 01:39 PM	#81
FligMupple Enthusiast Posts: 49 Karma: 192 Join Date: Nov 2007 Device: Kindle DX	My semi-solution: Make the eBook version available right away, priced at $35. On Dec. 24th, it goes on sale for $9.99. That's it. Anyone who really really wants the eBook version immediately (like me) can buy it for the normal book retail price (That's not the most outrageous thing in the world!). If that's too high, they have options... they can buy the hardcover or wait a few weeks for the cheaper ebook.

11-12-2009, 02:11 PM	#83
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383099 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	It's an approach that other publishers use successfully. Baen, for example, issue "early" versions of many of their e-books for $15, typically a couple of months before the main $6 release.

11-12-2009, 03:45 PM	#90
FligMupple Enthusiast Posts: 49 Karma: 192 Join Date: Nov 2007 Device: Kindle DX	There is absolutely a reason for an earlier higher priced ebook edition when the ebook is intentionally delayed. The reason? SO WE CAN GET THE EBOOK AND READ IT! Right now you are being punished for having a Kindle. If $35 is "ludicrous", how did you justify buying the Kindle in the first place? And why are not angry for being punished for doing so with the delayed ebook release? And why would a possible early $35 ebook option make things worse for you?