Author Urges eBook tie-up

Originally Posted by HomeInMyShoes

The first R is reduce, so getting both a physical and electronic copy to me just seems wrong philosophically. I don't need to use the energy to transmit the bits or the paper in the book if I've got the other.

I don't see much of an issue if a person is buying a physical book and has the option to download the electronic version. The energy involved in downloading the book is minimal after all, particularly when you consider that the person would probably be using a device that they already have. In the long run, it may even reduce the energy used since it may encourage people who would otherwise stick to physical books to convert to electronic editions.

Now if it was the otherway around, I could see your point. Printing and shipping a book takes a considerable amount of energy.

[speakingtohe]

Originally Posted by fjtorres

The general idea is that the bundle is a separate sku from the ebook and pbook items. Much as movies are sold as DVD, BD, and a triple combo with DVD, BD, and Ultraviolet.

I understand the obvious If the price was the same or only slightly higher, many people would not want to pay the that price for one or the other. If the price was double for the bundle, most people would buy just as they do now. The majority would only buy one format if the price was double.

I am sure there is a fine line that would satisfy a lot, but IMO, no way are most people (those who want only one format) going to be happy.

Helen

[speakingtohe]

Originally Posted by fjtorres

The general idea is that the bundle is a separate sku from the ebook and pbook items. Much as movies are sold as DVD, BD, and a triple combo with DVD, BD, and Ultraviolet.

Not really into DVDs. Are they all exactly the same content as with books, and is the pricing the same for the combos? Do people with DVD players pay extra in the hopes they will one day upgrade their player, and do the people with ultraviolet pay more in case their player breaks? Can they legally sell one or more formats, which I would assume you can with at least the paper copy of the books we are discussing?

Just curious

helen

[fjtorres]

Originally Posted by speakingtohe

Not really into DVDs. Are they all exactly the same content as with books, and is the pricing the same for the combos? Do people with DVD players pay extra in the hopes they will one day upgrade their player, and do the people with ultraviolet pay more in case their player breaks? Can they legally sell one or more formats, which I would assume you can with at least the paper copy of the books we are discussing?

Just curious

helen

The movie on DVD is generally the same version (theatrical, extended, or director's cut) as on the BD and in the bundle, though the packaging varies.
As with CDs, you can do whatever you want with the package.
The street pricing generally runs $15 for DVD, $20 for the BD release, and $25 for the bundle.

A common reason to buy the bundle to watch the BD in the living room, the DVD in the minivan or camper, and the Ultraviolet on a PC/tablet/smartphone. BD players are now cheap but there aren't many cheap portable BD players. Plus, older cars only have DVD playback.

The movie studios seem to be doing alright with their triple release model.

[donpapachino]

depends actually, but dont make it compulsory to bundle both, because printed books and ebooks are targeted to different segments of the market

[fjtorres]

Originally Posted by donpapachino

depends actually, but dont make it compulsory to bundle both, because printed books and ebooks are targeted to different segments of the market

Making a bundle the only sku only works if the bundle price is the same as the price of the original version. Otherwise consumers will see it as a ploy to raise prices.

Now, since the BPHs have so far refused to learn from other similar business that have faced the same challenges, they just might be stupid enough to try mandatory bundling at double the price. And crash and burn that way.

(There already is grumbling at Amazon's policy that *if* you want to bundle via their MatchBook promo campaign, the ebook needs to be at least 50% off.) Of course, MatchBook isn't the only bundling game in town, nor is it compulsory.

[Prestidigitweeze]

The crucial idea seems to be that people who buy physical copies shouldn't miss out.

Physical copies involve a commitment of space and physical ownership; hardcover editions frequently cost more than e-books as well. Additionally, some books (like biographies of artists that contain high-quality color reproductions) have dual-purpose content: straight text that can be read more comfortably on an e-reader, as well as beautifully printed artistic content that's perhaps best seen in physical form -- and certainly looks better on paper than in black and white e-ink.

Why shouldn't a reader get both versions, just as Amon Tobin's customers get mp3 versions to go with their vinyl and/or CDs?

The customer's made an investment, after all -- particularly when the book's an elaborate object.

[fjtorres]

Originally Posted by Prestidigitweeze

The customer's made an investment, after all -- particularly if the book's an elaborate object.

That is what I've heard from indie author-publishers who've signed up for MatchBook; that their pbook customers are their most loyal readers and they welcome a mechanism that lets them reward that loyalty.