Comments on: Amazon Owns Me (Or “I knew He’d Break Down Before the End”)

By: Sunday Night Links: 13 July 2008 | Amazon Kindle, Kindle 2 And Kindle DX Blog « Vavcare Blog

Sun, 24 Jan 2010 03:25:19 +0000

[...] Amazon Owns Me (Or “I knew He’d Break Down Before the End”) – Words of Redemption [...]

By: Michael Lomker

Michael Lomker — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 22:44:09 +0000

Being someone that is ignorant about the publishing industry, I have no idea how much authors actually earn for their work. I’ve read that Amazon gives authors that self-publish something like 35% of whatever they charge to the end-user. I’ve read blog entries that suggest that a better percentage than publishers offer but perhaps the average selling price would have been greater.

I have no idea! I will say that I prefer the digital mediums I’m 30-something. The younger generations are even less likely to be impressed by paper. The music industry had to adapt sooner (since music is mostly consumed by youth) but the publishing industry is going to have to evolve — their customers won’t live forever.

By: Blog Kindle · Sunday Night Links: 13 July 2008

Blog Kindle · Sunday Night Links: 13 July 2008 — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 14:08:51 +0000

[...] Amazon Owns Me (Or “I knew He’d Break Down Before the End”) – Words of Redemption [...]

By: Brandon Satrom

Brandon Satrom — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 12:45:49 +0000

LL, My mistake there. I didn’t mean to suggest that all Kindle books should be 99-cents. The ones that are are mostly classics with no copyright.

What’s more, I agree that pricing shouldn’t just be about paper versus digital. Content is the first thing it should be about, regardless of the format. Meaning, in my opinion, the the author should receive the same royalties no matter what because their contribution to the work in question is constant across mediums. What is different is the publication, sale and delivery. I assume that the current difference in price is coming from the reduced expense of the publisher and re-seller (Amazon in this case). My question, I suppose, is if it’s enough. If it’s the right price point.

But the bottom line is this: If Amazon and Publishers have squeezed out all discount possible, and any further reduction would be passed on to Authors in the form of reduced royalties, then I would gladly continue to pay $10 for a book on my Kindle. I want the Kindle to be a way for Authors to make more, not less.

By: L.L. Barkat

L.L. Barkat — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 02:07:54 +0000

Wow. Sounds amazing.

But really. If Amazon were to sell my book in digital form for 99 cents, that would be highly depressing. Pricing should not just be about the paper, I suggest. Might it not also take into account the content?

By: Words of Redemption » Blog Archive » What’s On My Kindle - July 2008

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 13:41:24 +0000

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By: Brandon Satrom

Brandon Satrom — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 18:52:44 +0000

Sarah, Thanks. It was rough, as you know. But worth it. I think you did hold it once… as soon as you are done with that book you are reading now and I’m done with American Gods, you are welcome to try it out. How about that? Or you can use it now. You are the boss, after all.

Len, thanks for dropping in and for the comment. I’ll let you know how my reading changes over time, noticing some of the volume increase that you refer to already… along with quite a few samples of books I can’t wait to start.

And I do leave the Kindle unattended from time to time… and not under lock and key either.

By: Len Edgerly

Len Edgerly — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:32:12 +0000

I just figured out that you’re married to Sarah, so she has a Kindle in the house to try, if you ever leave it unattended. If not, that Amazon forum may be helpful!

By: Len Edgerly

Len Edgerly — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:29:40 +0000

Great review, Brandon, and congrats on joining the Kindle revolution! I will be very curious to hear how your reading changes. I find I am buying and reading more books than before, by a factor of about 50 percent. I wish I could print out highlighted notes by book, instead of all in a bunch. Sarah, you may be able to find a Kindle user eager to let you try their unit. Amazon has cleverly set up a forum where Kindle enthusiasts can hook up with people who are interested.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:54:20 +0000

Congratulations, and despite not quite finishing your reading list before getting the Kindle, I am proud that you were able to delay your gratification as long as you did.

And yes, I would like to read a few books on it at some point. In fact, I’d like to actually hold the thing for once. But I’ll wait while the boy in you tries out his new toy.

(Just kidding, I know I have actually held it…once…I think…)