Your money is your vote

[clevermanka]

Remember a while back, when I said I was ceasing to do business with Amazon because they were being asshats? Well, I was convinced by friends to stick around since this just couldn't be the fault of a person bent on a political cause. It just had to be a programming error! I maintained that even if it was a programming error, it still was a huge mistake on the part of Amazon not to research and solve the problem immediately, as well as make a public apology. But I stuck around--mostly because I never buy anything new. I just troll my wishlist for used CDs.

Last week, Amazon management fully revealed itself for the shit-sucking dumb fucks they are.

jaylake's LJ post here

John Scalzi's editorials here and here.

Amazon has every right to do business with whom they choose. But I know too many authors who need money from their royalties and successful book sales. I don't feel comfortable supporting Amazon's business policies. If Amazon isn't supporting authors, neither shall I support Amazon. Amazon isn't getting my money anymore. I don't believe they deserve it. Do they deserve yours?

Consider buying locally. Consider where that extra buck fifty you paid to your local store is going.

And please, don't buy me gifts from Amazon any more. I am deleting my wishlist today.

Edit: In the interest of full disclosure, I should say that I'll side with John Scalzi on pretty much anything, mainly because he gives even my bitchy snarkness a run for the money. Anybody who can pull that shit off (and pull it off with teh funny) gets my default nod. I'm not saying I can't be convinced otherwise, but usually...yeah. He's awesome.

Comments

[geekmom.livejournal.com]

I'm not buying a Kindle because it's too locked to their store. I'm eventually buying a ereader that supports epub and PDF and hopefully new open standards. Because I like variety and competition.

That said, I'm unsurprised that they're being all heavyweight about pricing. They want to sell Kindles before everyone buys iPads. And the iPad, as badly named and iPhone running as it is, is actually more flexible with the content types it will display. Go figure.

[miischelle.livejournal.com]

Wow.
There's this idealist part of my brain that needs reminding every once in a while that big companies like Amazon don't sell books because they love books, they sell books to make money. This is some bull-crap. I will inform my masses.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

big companies like Amazon don't sell books because they love books

I'm kinda militant/knee-jerk in my reactions towards any big company. I feel like any place that has more than fifty employees has questionable ethics/standards.

[miischelle.livejournal.com]

Slightly off-note, I'm thinking about using a site like this one: http://wishlist.com/
for my future wishlisting needs.

[nataliesee.livejournal.com]

I would add to this what Jackson Pearce has to say about authors whose work doesn't get picked up the big book chains. They rely on Amazon for sales. A lot.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1HU-YmE5hE

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Well, let's hope those authors aren't being published by Macmillan (or anyone else Amazon takes a dis-fancy to), eh?

[draco-kc.livejournal.com]

Still reading about the underlying dispute, but there's some suggestion that MacMillin is trying to essentially engage in price-fixing, telling Amazon not just what it wants to sell it the books for, but also how Amazon must price them for it's customers. Not saying that Amazon's move here was smart (don't have enough data to say), but I can't say that MacMillin's position in this is any better for anyone.

What we are clearly seeing here, though, is the corporate equivalent of Mechazilla v Godzilla. The rest of us getting trampled underfoot.

[solan-t.livejournal.com]

MacMillian trying to price-fix is the way I saw this, too.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

It's so good to see you back on LJ! I was wondering if the birthday greeting was just a fluke.

the corporate equivalent of Mechazilla v Godzilla

Definitely. And it stinks!

I had a (short-lived) conversation on someone's LJ who said people shouldn't stop buying books published by Bloomsbury because that hurt the authors. Instead, everyone should just write Very Angry Letters. That worked in this particular case (http://justinelarbalestier.com/blog/2009/08/06/the-new-cover/), but what would've happened if Bloomsbury hadn't changed the cover and people bought the book anyway? Would there have been a lesson learned there? Yes! Bloomsbury would've learned that they could pull all sorts of racist shit and people would still buy their books. *sigh*

I can't say that MacMillin's position in this is any better for anyone.

Very probably not. I'm sure nobody is a doe-eyed innocent in this situation. But it does highlight Amazon's serious problems with how they conduct themselves in the public and completely fail at any attempts (even misleading attempts) at disclosure.

If I'm going to give my money to a rat, I'll at least give my money to the rat who knows how to run a business without falling on his face twice in twelve months.

[redheadfae.livejournal.com]

From what I'm seeing, this mainly has to do with Kindles and iPads (and one publisher in particular so far?); I don't own either one, nor do I intend to do so.
I did have a membership on Audible.com for a year when I got my Zen Vision, and decided that I prefer reading a book in print. My learning style doesn't jive with listening to a book, and my eyes prefer a printed page for enjoyment reading.

but bleh.. I just ponied up my Amazon Prime monies. sigh
I'll defer from this argument until I know more about it.

Did you catch Jay Lake's link further down about buying used books? It almost makes me feel guilty for doing so, even if I do buy new when I know the author and am trying to support their craft.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I don't buy used books anymore, unless it's for an author like Stephen King. Come to think of it, when's the last time I even bought a book? Sheesh. CSSF affiliation has its benefits, I s'pose.

Same goes for CDs. Justin Timberlake, the soundtrack to Gladiator...they're not gonna feel the sting of me picking up the CD used. Small touring bands, though? I try to buy at their live shows when I can. For everything else, there's Lovegarden. =D

[redheadfae.livejournal.com]

Most of the books I've bought lately aren't available used yet, but they're things like new mosaic and beading books for future projects.
The nice thing about LJ is I've met some authors I could buy from directly, and that gives me warm fuzzies.

I pop into Kiefs downtown, too. I like their selections as well.

But yah, I don't think Lady Gaga is going to miss buying a set of eyelashes because I bought her MP3 download.

[curieuse.livejournal.com]

Come to think of it, when's the last time I even bought a book?

If you don't buy books or ebooks, I can see how Amazon be a smart and doable sacrifice for you more than for people who do. Good for you for looking elsewhere for your CDs and other online-buyable items.

[curieuse.livejournal.com]

Note my clever and unintentional use of the AAVE verb "be." ;)

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

=D

AAVE must be the new acronym for BEV. Yes?

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

I feel for people who have no options other than giant stores. Oh, the irony that people in small towns must rely on huge corporations to purchase things. Even Lawrence is (I fear) going to be down to one independent bookstore soon. =(

[redheadfae.livejournal.com]

If I may play Devil's Advocate, one is not legally nor morally bound to purchase an item from the Evil Behemoth just because one has found it listed there. Amazon does include many options for purchase, and it has created a number of jobs in a teeny town just south of us. Money spent through them still reaps taxes for our state, which really really needs it, as those of you in state employment know full well.

It's all a matter of weighing where you want to put your arguments/principles. And frankly, people in small towns have so many more options due to technology, they can buy and sell to and from other small vendors all around the world.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

I'm unsure what Devil you're advocating here...

[http://users.livejournal.com/_luaineach/]

I think they are pointing out that you can buy new and used books et al from other tiny sellers via amazon's "available new and used from..." feature so dumping the amazon site as a whole for buying may not exactly be making the point correctly, especially if you are "small business rah". You don't need to buy from amazon on amazon.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Doesn't amazon get a cut of the reseller fee, though? Surely they're not offering that service out of the goodness of their hearts.

[redheadfae.livejournal.com]

Of course not. I don't know of any places that do, but it sure is a heckuva lot of exposure for a small fee.
They don't charge just for listing (unlike eBay), and the commission is variable, depending on the item sold. (http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=1161240)

Also, I get a referral paid fee for directing someone there to buy, if I direct them from my website through my Associate's link.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_luaineach/]

Yes, this.

[bestill.livejournal.com]

Yeah, if anyone buys ANY book on Amazon (well, I think only new books), and they get there through my associates link, I get a cut. Which, is pretty cool. And the percentage is better than my royalties percentage.

[redheadfae.livejournal.com]

Still discussing Amazon.

[belluthien.livejournal.com]

I only buy used books when the book I'm looking for is out of print. And I must say, this seems to happen often, especially when the book I want is research oriented.

This whole thing really sucks. And yes, Amazon does remind me of WalMart, and I HATE and never go to WalMart, although I do shop Amazon. As was mentioned by someone above here, some authors never get stocked in bookstores, so Amazon has been their avenue...

Maybe more avenues will open up. Here's to optimism!

Seems like so much is happening in so short a time, to change the whole nature of publishing, etc. It is really hard to keep up.
y

[bestill.livejournal.com]

Rae, if you cancel your amazon prime, and haven't used it for the month you paid, they will refund your money (for that month).

[redheadfae.livejournal.com]

:whimper: I think it's too late. I'll have to check.

[redheadfae.livejournal.com]

:brightens: well, it's not too late, and the main reason I'd renewed is because I thought it was a two-year membership. Yikes, is not!

[bestill.livejournal.com]

Oh, I forgot they had different ones. I signed up for the trial when I wanted to get something right away, and then of course forgot to stop it. I had signed up for the month-to-month. But on Monday, I canceled and got an e-mail that I'd be refunded the $9.95! Drinks for everyone!

[bestill.livejournal.com]

Hmm, I'll have to read all of the links when I have more time. But this makes me sad because as a new author whose book will be out soon, Amazon is the main source from which people will buy my book, and how I'll (eventually) earn my royalties. Yes, other big chains like Barnes & Noble and Borders will carry it. But for the people who have no choice but to order a book, they'll get it from Amazon.

[redheadfae.livejournal.com]

Exactly why I'm not getting up in arms yet, I need more input. I doubt your book will be coming out on Kindle, right?

[bestill.livejournal.com]

I have no idea, but it would seem kind of odd if it did.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

I'm unsure why when I say "I'm not doing this anymore, you should consider not doing it, either" everyone thinks I'm making some sort of call to arms.

I don't shop at Hobby Lobby, either, but I'm not telling you not to. I'm just telling people what I'm doing and why.

[bestill.livejournal.com]

No, I didn't take it that way, so sorry if it sounded like that. I meant I'm sad that perhaps Amazon is being "jerks"--but I didn't get a chance to read the articles to see exactly what the situation was. I'll read them when I have more time to ponder them. And, I didn't take it to mean that you felt I (or anyone else) shouldn't have anything to do with amazon. I knew it was just your opinion, which I always value.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

It's okay. I'm sorry I was bitchy at you.

I knew it was just your opinion, which I always value.

Aw. Thanks.

[redheadfae.livejournal.com]

I don't think that everyone takes it that way, but all of here do like a good discussion over it. I think of it as you hosting a discussion "party." You're a great host!

I had just realized that my account got an automatic debit on the Amazon Prime renewal, to the tune of $78.00, which I thought was a two-year renewal but is only for one year. Yikes.

I'm not as convinced as you that shopping local first is my best option or even available in some things I purchase, but I do try my best to shop individual over corporations, even if it sometimes means .. for instance..
shopping across the state line for a guy who can cover my motorcycle seat. ;)

[http://users.livejournal.com/_luaineach/]

I think of it as you hosting a discussion "party."

Yes!

You're a great host!

Yes! Even when she is over in the corner slamming her wine and making catty comments about her guests! ;)

[bestill.livejournal.com]

But hey, you're not making the catty comments behind our back. So here's to you! And oh hostess, my glass needs to be refilled.

And speaking of being a good hostess, this morning I was thinking that you should host a regular dance party!

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Even when? Even when? Make that especially when.

[frugurl27.livejournal.com]

When I read/hear about crap like this, I generally just question the integrity of every company. I think all companies probably make decisions like this on a daily basis - we just don't hear about all of them because they're not as high-profile as Amazon.

With that in mind, it's hard for me to get truly infuriated at any one company in particular (unless they have a terrible track record containing lots of incidents like this).

Also, when it comes right down to it, most of the books I want to read simply aren't available if I physically go to a bookstore and look. Amazon *does* have free shipping, and at least part of my purchase price is going to the author, which is more than I can say for my slightly morally ambiguous habit of frequenting places like Half-Price Books.

That said, when Chris' book comes out, I'll be buying it directly out of his hands. :)

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

I generally just question the integrity of every company

As well you should.

[yavaphun.livejournal.com]

I m with you on just about buying everything local.

[professormass.livejournal.com]

As you well know, I'm one of the forces behind EPUB.

(Damn, I love how that sounds.)

I predicted this stuff years ago. The essential issue is that publishers will not abandon the print model of doing things. There is no real reason why an ebook should cost more than, say, 99 cents. The constant war over the cost is ludicrous -- ebooks don't use paper. They aren't shipped, or stored, or returned.

If publishers were smart, they'd create a wrapper for EPUB with light DRM, setup a registry to allow those books to be exchanged between any device, and incidentally, cut themselves in for a shared of the used ebook resale process, also handled via said registry.

I actually tried to build a business around this idea, and was laughed out of the room by People Who Don't Get It.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

If publishers were smart

Ha ha ha ha ha ha!

*wipes tear*

Ha ha ha ha!

Yeah.

[professormass.livejournal.com]

It's funny. I keep turning 'round and 'round back to the ideas I had ten years ago, and how interesting it would be to run a publishing house backed by ebook technology, and do things almost completely differently from the few conglomerates who control modern publishing.