stuff i didn't post on facebook

[vnfan]

This will only matter to you if you're involved in publishing or buying a lot of ebooks, I think. It's a long quote followed by a rant.
I'm not a fan of everything Dear Author (or much at all, to be honest), but this post in response to the Authors United advert is spot on. Read more... )

Comments

[willow_wand]

I still buy from Amazon. The books are cheap and I'm poor. Don't get me wrong. I love independent bookstores like Powell's and I try to buy from them when they have good sales or free shipping or special deals (like when Stephanie Perkins signed books at indie bookstores and gave away the buttons/stickers/totes for Isla). But I think a lot of the argument about Amazon ruining the world by selling cheap books is people refusing to acknowledge their privilege. If you can afford to pay the list price of $19.99 for a brand new hardcover, then great, do it. But don't judge someone who would rather buy it on Amazon for $10 because that's more affordable. When I was a kid my mom and dad bought me cheap paperbacks from Wal-Mart occasionally. They never bought me books from Waldenbooks. It was too expensive

[kp_mushu]

I admit that I turn to my local bookstore when I want a book and only turn to Amazon when neither local store can get the book. I don't buy enough in a year that the price difference sways my decision.

What irks me about some shoppers is that they'll go to the local store, browse/read the book, scan the barcode with an app and then order from Amazon anyway. I don't blame the store owner for being a bit annoyed with that. That's what libraries are for, if you want to sit and read without any expectation that you'll buy something. :)

Also, I think you can convert eBooks into other formats so they're less likely to just up and disappear on you.