Comments on: Something that’s been bothering me-

By: Dave Robinson

Dave Robinson — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:06:06 +0000

I would be saddened by that motivation myself, but at least it would make some kind of sense. Selfish and childish sense, but still sense.

By: Michelle Muenzler

Michelle Muenzler — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:41:08 +0000

“I was just thinking that I would be more understanding about some of the Amazon support if people were saying that they didn’t care about Amazon’s tactics, they just wanted cheaper ebooks for themselves now.”

I think I would understand them more also, if that were the case, though that sort of attitude of “NOWNOWNOWNOWNOW!” would still sadden me. A little patience would do a lot of folk good long-term.

By: admin

admin — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:51:24 +0000

Dave Robinson-

You’re dead on with Amazon not being the little guy. I think that’s what’s bugging me the most- it’s like pot calling the kettle black. Amazon doesn’t care about saving the consumer money, it cares about people buying Kindles. Both companies (Macmillan and Amazon) have charged both more than 9.99$ a book and less than $9.99 an ebook. This is nothing new.

What is new, is that the contracts were up and Macmillan (as well as other publishers) used the iPad to twist Amazon’s arm behind it’s back to come to their terms. Neither action is right, per se. But the delusion that Amazon is Robin Hood is a scary one.

By: admin

admin — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:47:54 +0000

Jay M. Gates- Sadly, yr absolutely right. It’s a piece of manufactured rebellion as propaganda- you convince people by the narrative that what you’re doing is counter-culture, will make them unique and is a form of protest against an evil empire who wants to eat babies and steal all your money.

People like it because it gives them a cause, let’s them think they’re going against the grain, but it requires no actual effort.

By: Dave Robinson

Dave Robinson — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:47:00 +0000

I was just thinking that I would be more understanding about some of the Amazon support if people were saying that they didn’t care about Amazon’s tactics, they just wanted cheaper ebooks for themselves now.

At least immediate self-interest and hang the consequences is understandable. But that’s not what’s happening.

People are actually demonizing Macmillan and all multi-billion dollar companies without understanding that Amazon’s one too.

By: Jaym Gates

Jaym Gates — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:37:33 +0000

“It’s interesting how well narratives and stories can effect our psyche, especially an emotional one like this, that was proven to work in the media/political environment. People eat this shit up.”

Then again, this IS why we writers can actually do what we love. It would be nice if it came with a side of critical thinking, but humanity isn’t that evolved.

There was a Twitter discussion about critical thinking recently. Debate, discussion and critical thought are being shoved out the door of every school. We’re in the age of ‘Politically Correct Subversion’ now. I.e: Be unique and against the grain, but don’t piss ANYONE off or disagree with them or think too deeply about the core issues.

Unfortunately, not likely to change any time soon.

Good piece, very accurate.

By: admin

admin — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:55:52 +0000

Michelle- I agree on everything you’ve said regarding fine line, balance, etc. I think in the next few years, ebooks are going to be becoming more popular, more viable, but also more experimental (in pricing, quality, etc) until they find the sweet spot.

“It’s not that I find it strange that Amazon is playing on this; what I find strange is that so many people are buying into it.”

EXACTLY!

By: Michelle Muenzler

Michelle Muenzler — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:41:57 +0000

I don’t get it either, but I wish I did so I could hire a team of mutant ninjas to combat it. Mutant ninjas can solve anything…for the right price!

By: Dave Robinson

Dave Robinson — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:26:17 +0000

It’s not that I find it strange that Amazon is playing on this; what I find strange is that so many people are buying into it.

If all multi-billion dollar media companies are evil, then how can a 50 Billion dollar media company with Amazon’s record of bullying be the good guys?

I don’t get it.

By: Michelle Muenzler

Michelle Muenzler — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:10:36 +0000

There is an always cautious balance between price and sustainability, and I think it is important that the market remain fluid enough to readjust. As Paul brought up, who doesn’t love cheaper steaks/books/haircuts/etc.? What I don’t like, however, are cheaper steaks at the expense of the quality. And the moment those steak producers no longer make any money on the more expensive cuts, they aren’t going to bother with them anymore. Which means all my cheaper steaks will suck. So I accept that I have to pay more for certain steaks, and I choose when I will buy that steak versus a cheaper cut. (I say this having recently bought a Jack in the Box burger using a coupon and ending up with a meat patty full of gristle and bone shards. Was it cheap? Yes–but I am sure as hell not going back for another)

Amazon is acting in the best interests of Amazon, and Macmillan is acting in the best interest of Macmillan. And all I want out of this squabble is high quality books at a sustainable non-excessive price.