Jul 8

The Real Reason Why eBooks Aren't Selling?

I’ve been reading Bill Bryson’s “A Short History of Nearly Everything” as an eBook in Microsoft Reader. It’s been a great experience, and I’ll write more about it later, but today I went looking for other eBooks at Amazon, and I was amazed at the prices. Consider:

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Boating and Sailing
eBook: $18.95
Paperback: $13.27 new (used from $10.50)

The Disney Way: Harnessing the Management Secrets of Disney in Your Company
eBook: $21.95
Hardcover: $17.47 new (used from $7.99)
Paperback: $11.87 (used from $8.59)

Living History
eBook: $28.00
Hardcover: $16.80

What am I missing here? The digital versions are more than the physical versions. Plus, with the digital versions, you can’t resell them. At least if I have the paperback, I can sell or trade it when I’m done. I don’t get it.


Comments

by Deane,   July 8, 2003 12:48 PM  

I went to ebooks.com for another test, and I did find this:

"Salt: A World History" http://www.ebooks.com/item/041003.htm $10

This was $11.95 at the book store down the street from my office. But "Living History" was still $28.


by Chris,   July 8, 2003 1:06 PM  

It's the price you pay for convenience. With an eBook, you have it immediately. Alternatively, maybe it's just a simple case of supply and demand. As more people use this service, the price should come down, right? Or am I being naive?


by Joe,   July 8, 2003 3:43 PM  

Try Peanut Press ( http://www.peanutpress.com ). The prices are more reasonable, the selection is wider, and the Palm Reader's DRM model (bind the book to the cardholder) makes a heck of a lot more sense than Microsoft's (bind the book to the device).


by Deane,   July 8, 2003 4:01 PM  

Yes, better. "Living History" is $18.20 ($16.38 is you sign up fo rone of their free newsletters). "CodeNotes for XML" is $7.16 compared to $19.95 cover, and $9.95 for eBooks from BarnesAndNoble.com.


by Matt,   July 8, 2003 6:17 PM  

E-books should always be cheaper IMO. Replication of paperback books cost $$ for ink and paper but e-book replication costs absolutely nothing. I've tried reading e-books on my Palm and I'll definately stick with paperbacks. The reason being; I've found I can scan over more information much quicker when dealing with paperbacks. That and scrolling on that iddy biddy screen is just annoying to me.


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by Sailing,   August 13, 2006 4:28 PM  

Nice post, it could have been a bit more elaborate, but it was a good read nevertheless. :)



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