Dumb As A Box Of Nails
07-19-2005, 02:31 AM
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Coffee Fanatics
Join Date: May 2005 Location: South Dakota
Posts: 146
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Yes, I admit it. I am as dumb as a box of nails. On second thought, that statement is a compliment - to restate, I am as dumb as a rock. That's better.
Yesterday, there was a slight tremor which was felt across a few message boards concerning PublishAmerica selling "intellectual property" as an e-book with a different ISBN# on Amazon. I went to the Amazon site and yup, there it was, right above my trade paperback.
Well, okay. The intractable PublishAmerica contract - in a convoluted manner stated that PublishAmerica can take such an action without consulting the author. I used to get steamed about PublishAmerica's innate ability to pull rabbits out of their hat. As of late, I Post messages and ask questions of those in the "know."
Each board I Posted on (AW was down) for information concerning this event, frustrated other Posters and they also felt blindsided. Just for grins, click or paste into your browser the link below. Linda Roberts investigated PublishAmerica's current contract and came up with some interesting results concerning PublishAmerica's stand on e-books:
http://www.publishamericasucks.com/ebooks.html
PublishAmerica once again played stupid and took the fall back position, 'We had nothing to do with this, Amazon screwed up. This e-book situation affected other publishers as well.' Excuse me! Someone at Amazon decided to carry out PublishAmerica's scheme by involving other publishers property. It is a classic example of trying to implement a new marketing strategy - testing it out by using the cover of a "data entry malfunction," while covering it up and involving other publishers. What was this, a program or data entry mistake that began to run wild? Think of all the "successful marketing goofs" that the advertising agencies on Madison Avenue have employed in the past.
If everyone jumps on the bandwagon, pats them on the back for "pushing the envelope" which results in a temporary spike in sales - the marketing ploy was successful. If the goof leaves a bad taste in the public's mouth, the goof is pulled, some data entry clerk or low level advertising assistant falls on their sword and gets axed. The offending company puts out a statement and apologizes to everyone for the "error," and the matter is closed. It's a typical "Not Me" excuse and I do not buy into it.
My book in a printed trade paperback edition is priced at $24.95 + shipping and handling for 325 pages. The e-book appears on Amazon for the astounding price of $16.47 for 325 pages. Let's travel into my abstract world for a moment...
Imagine Peter Griffin from the animated series The Family Guy, decides that this is a great deal. In Peter's mind he can have the book downloaded to his computer - no muss, no fuss. Then, he decides to print out the entire book because his iPod malfunctioned, and the original download resides on his desktop or laptop. Peter loves to spend hours in the bathroom reading stuff.
He owns a common ink jet printer. After 50-75 copies the printer runs out of ink. Cost of an average ink jet cartridge - $16-$20 + tax. Three ink cartridges later and a ream of paper - the book is completely printed. Even at the low figure, the total cost of the book is - $55 including the paper it is printed on + the original investment of the e-book! $16.47 + $55 = $71.47. That amount is about three copies of the printed trade paperback, not including shipping and handling.
Okay. Let's go further out there. Suppose Peter downloads the book into his desktop/laptop computer and transfers the e-book to his iPod. For some odd reason the data becomes corrupted and or the computer malfunctions, then his iPod needs to be repaired or is lost. Poof! $16.47 fly’s out the window.
There is nothing like holding a book (no matter who prints it) in your hand. This low tech device - called a book, can be used with out batteries and is completely portable. Yes, one does need to illuminate the pages so that the words can be seen. The Sun and a lamp are good sources to fill that need.
I am a cheerleader for evolving and useful technology. However, sometimes the old way, is the best way. I guess dumb as a rock has its advantages.
Argile Stox
Oops! 
. What's the royalty on an E-Book going for 16.95 ?? LOL.