04-01-2010, 02:53 PM | #31 |
Addict
Posts: 214
Karma: 511602
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: BC, Canada
Device: Aluratek Libre
|
Do you think FW could negotiate an exception for existing BW members allowing them to keep the existing discounts?
|
04-01-2010, 02:58 PM | #32 | |
Grand Sorcerer
Posts: 5,185
Karma: 25133758
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: SF Bay Area, California, USA
Device: Pocketbook Touch HD3 (Past: Kobo Mini, PEZ, PRS-505, Clié)
|
Quote:
It's possible that FW could keep its lower prices by offering *rebates* instead of *discounts*--Micropay dollars probably don't affect anything. But by offering a direct discount, they run into contract terms that the publishers aren't going to be willing/able to change. It's possible that some bookstores will start figuring out how to play with rebates instead of discounts--buy this book, and get a $1 credit in our store, or buy any 5 books at $10 or more and get a $5 coupon. But whether or not they can do that depends on the exact phrasing of the contracts. |
|
04-01-2010, 03:08 PM | #33 |
Banned
Posts: 2,094
Karma: 2682
Join Date: Aug 2009
Device: N/A
|
I'd imagine that obvious loopholes like that won't be possible (also, a rebate wouldn't be what the club promised)
|
04-01-2010, 03:19 PM | #34 |
Connoisseur
Posts: 53
Karma: 6000
Join Date: Sep 2009
Device: Sony PRS505, Kindle 2 Int.
|
Looking at the model (or what we know of it anyway) it looks like the publishers are trying to ensure that they get a guaranteed x% back on every sale. So rebates which don't touch the profits of the publishers should be ok. I say "should" because I haven't seen the small print. They could have outlawed that too.
On the legal point, I suppose the one possible claim could be a breach of contract. The "you promised me discounts, so I bought membership and now you're not going to give me the discounts. I want my money back!" approach. However, I reckon if we check the small print of the contract it'll say that the discounts available can be changed by Fictionwise at any time, without prior notice. That's standard practice so the company doesn't sign themselves up to something the they won't be able to honour at some point in the future...like now. If you want to argue with that clause that the ability to change discounts is unfair then you're into the Unfair Contract Terms Act here and good luck with that one... Generally the rule is caveat emptor or buyer beware before signing [sic] However, I freely admit that I'm not a corporate or commercial lawyer, you should in no way rely on my advice and I know nothing about US law and things may be totally different over there. Infact they are still offering discounts where they can (i.e. honouring the 15% Club discount for the life of your membership) but they're having to withdraw discounts for REP books. I'm taking a "wait and see approach" as I've only got one year left. I'll see what Fictionwise do once the dust has settled and then decide whether to ask nicely whether I'm entitled to some money back as a good-will gesture. Last edited by Grumpyreader; 04-01-2010 at 04:23 PM. |
04-01-2010, 03:23 PM | #35 |
Addict
Posts: 214
Karma: 511602
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: BC, Canada
Device: Aluratek Libre
|
Yeah. In my case I'm kinda lucky. I only got it for 1 year because at the time they were offering a 100% rebate of the BW membership price. I had books I was going to buy anyway, so I figured why not? So I'm actually not out any money at all, even if BW was pulled out from under my feet.
|
04-01-2010, 03:33 PM | #36 |
Connoisseur
Posts: 53
Karma: 6000
Join Date: Sep 2009
Device: Sony PRS505, Kindle 2 Int.
|
For once it's better to be outside US when buying e-books then inside!
I've just noticed that Waterstones are selling [shudder] Twilight by Hatchett Digital at below RRP. A whopping £1.60 off too. Looks like the Brits haven't caught on to REP or perhaps haven't implemented it yet? I haven't tried to buy it to see if it's still purchasable (does that word even exist?) because...well...it's Twilight but it's still listed for sale at less than RRP. |
04-01-2010, 11:55 PM | #37 |
Grand Sorcerer
Posts: 19,832
Karma: 11844413
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Tampa, FL USA
Device: Kindle Touch
|
This is not news... I have moved it to the discussions thread.
BOb |
04-01-2010, 11:55 PM | #38 |
Grand Sorcerer
Posts: 19,832
Karma: 11844413
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Tampa, FL USA
Device: Kindle Touch
|
|
04-02-2010, 01:16 AM | #39 |
My Kingdom for Karma
Posts: 430
Karma: 7125
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Las Vegas
Device: Sony 350, 650, 950, Nook Color
|
Bob.
FW induced readers to purchase long term memberships by creating the expectation that deals would be available for the length of their memberships. A question is created regarding whether they have delivered to their members that which they promised. A further question is whether FW had a duty, if any, to tell its members that the opportunities it promised was about to evaporate. I, for one, refuse to believe that FW decided Wednesday morning that they were going to both reduce the books offered and further increase the cost of the books that remained. I believe they had a duty to those from whom they had accepted money to give them a warning of the impending changes. To you, as an experienced hand in the ebook business, this might not be news. To me, as a newbie who paid good money to FW for a long term relationship, this was important news. Sorry you don't see it that way. If they had told me, I would have purchased the books in my wish list that are now gone. |
04-02-2010, 05:47 AM | #40 |
Grand Sorcerer
Posts: 44,748
Karma: 55645321
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Peru
Device: Kindle: Oasis 3, Voyage WiFi; Kobo: Libra 2, Aura One
|
I've changed your title, which is misleading to the membership of MobileRead and to any visitors who happen to pass by.
Don (Moderator) |
04-02-2010, 07:40 AM | #41 |
Evangelist
Posts: 456
Karma: 1044878
Join Date: Apr 2009
Device: Kindle Paperwhite 4
|
|
04-02-2010, 07:53 AM | #42 |
Wizard
Posts: 2,743
Karma: 32912427
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: North Yorkshire, UK
Device: Kobo H20, Pixel 2, Samsung Chromebook Plus
|
|
04-02-2010, 08:11 AM | #43 |
Evangelist
Posts: 456
Karma: 1044878
Join Date: Apr 2009
Device: Kindle Paperwhite 4
|
|
04-02-2010, 08:15 AM | #44 |
Resident Curmudgeon
Posts: 74,033
Karma: 129333114
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts
Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3
|
From what I've read on Teleread, it's possible that Amazon, FW, BON, and others not yet setup for Agency pricing will be set on April 3.
|
04-02-2010, 08:33 AM | #45 |
Wizard
Posts: 2,743
Karma: 32912427
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: North Yorkshire, UK
Device: Kobo H20, Pixel 2, Samsung Chromebook Plus
|
Last edited by Graham; 04-02-2010 at 08:36 AM. |
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Kindle case and Amazon class action? | Kevin R | Amazon Kindle | 0 | 08-08-2010 11:53 PM |
Class action suit against Amazon (sign up here!) | gmvasco | Amazon Kindle | 104 | 07-31-2009 03:26 PM |
Unutterably Silly Class Action Lawsuit against MR | Taylor514ce | Lounge | 566 | 07-22-2009 03:40 AM |
$5 million class action lawsuit against Amazon | nathantw | Amazon Kindle | 3 | 07-17-2009 01:00 AM |
Apple MacBook screens subject of class-action lawsuit -Could this be done to iRex? | vranghel | iRex | 0 | 05-18-2007 03:48 PM |