venting about Amazon and the Kindle! Grrr...
 

I know there are several Kindle-users on here...

I'm downright ****** and frustrated with Amazon/publishers for NOT releasing new books on Kindle when the hardcovers are released. This is NOT acceptable to me. I would somewhat gladly pay an increased price (to make the Kindle edition comparable to the hardcover sales) but they don't give us the option even. The only options are:

1. buy the hardcover when released
2. wait at libraries
3. wait 2-3 months for the Kindle edition

This is VERY messed up!

Okay, sorry, I'm just annoyed b/c one of my favorite authors (James Patterson) has a new book out - and every store I go into (whether the grocery store or Target), the book is out on display - but I don't have it yet!!!! ARGGH! He also has several other books due out this spring/summer and I wonder if the same thing is going to happen.

I'm used to reading the books on the day they are released. Majorly bumming out.

Part of me wants to cancel the Kindle order (who wants to wait until April for a book that is out NOW)....and I don't want to "give in" and buy the hardcover - b/c then the publisher wins and the consumer loses.

Why isn't amazon giving us an option to buy the Kindle edition at a higher price for an earlier release? Then we have a TRUE choice! I'd still go digital and forego the hardcover, regardless if the prices were the same.

Okay, vent over.

Back to your regularly scheduled programming.


~Keri

I understand about that. (I've got two Kindles, a K1 and a K2) and it's annoying...but I rarely buy new releases unless it's an author I really like, and I dont like most of the big name authors right now. So, I've been buying classics and the occasional scifi novels (went thru all the Stargate novels they had)

I'm a big fan of fanfiction. (stories written by fans about tv shows that are either still in production or cancelled) I've been putting some of the fanfic stories into Word and then emailing the documents to my Kindle and using the Kindle to read it. It's a lot easier on my eyes than staring at a computer screen, and I can take it anywhere. (to the gym!)

I have to pay to email documents to my Kindle, but so far the largest file only cost me about 30 cents...and I think I've only spent about $3 emailing fanfiction to my Kindle so far. Some of the fanfic stories I've put on the Kindle have been novel length stories, and they're sometimes written just as well as storebought novels.

It is irritating that Amazon is being so stupid and kowtowing to the publishers for new releases on books. They're going to end up pushing people into buying other e-reader devices. I'm not planning on buying an iPad (the iTampon...lol!) because it's backlit, and the backlight will hurt my eyes.

First the publishers and the authors made Amazon disable the text-to-speech, and now they're going to make us wait for new releases (unless the author/publisher wants to release the ebook with the hardcover release)

I wait in line at the library for the free audio versions. You can always buy the book, and then donate it to the library when you are done with it. Take the tax deductions.

I love my Kindle. Maybe we all a little spoiled in this country, wanting immediate gratification in everything, flying, cell-phones, computers, etc. Kindle is my much beloved tool. In a chair with only one usable arm, I could no longer hold a book or turn a page. I love reading. Kindle makes reading possible for me. I no longer drive, Snowmageddon has fallen on us in MD (over 2 feet!) and can't get out with others,within moments new books or samples are here for me. I read nothing for 2 years until I saved my money and got my Kindle. Kindle is such a wonderful tool for me I can wait a little sometimes. I once took walking and reading as a given until both were taken from me. I'm not trying to argue here, just want to point out Kindle is different for everyone, depending on your expectations and needs. It fills my holes. (obviously my expectations have out of necessity been lowered). When my computer seems a little slow, I remind myself I'm so lucky to live in this technology and despite my disability be connected to others all day. I can wait a little.

Wonder when the day will come when you can download it instantly...

I'm lending my mom one of my Kindles (the K1, because it has big buttons) while she's got her broken shoulder. She's one armed right now because of that, and she's not all that mobile (at least we got her walking around in the house)

My uncle put some of my grandfather's writings about religion on Amazon in Kindle form. I think they're some of his sermons (my grandpa was a methodist minister) I'm downloading them so my mom can read them.

I just have to get over the fear that she's going to break the Kindle or lose it. (my dad said if something happened he'd take care of it)

I'm trying to decide if I should deregister it from my account and register it with an account for my mom...or register it under my dad's Amazon account.

OK I get that a Kindle is an elec device which downloads books, but do you then read them or are they read to you?

I don't honestly think Amazon has any influence over the publishers on this issue. The publishers are the ones driving this. If Amazon can't get them to cooperate, I doubt anyone can. I also think that other brands of readers are going to have the same problems. In time, I think the publishers will come around and offer something for new releases, but this is still a relatively new technology and it takes time for it to evolve.

I really want a Kindle, but haven't bought it yet. I keep going back and forth trying to figure out what I really want / need. I'd love to see one in person to make sure it doesn't bother my eyes like excessive computer use does. The other brands also have different formats - some that even allow access to borrowing libraries. I haven't had the energy to figure it out yet.

I hope to put off getting on e-book for as long as possible...I love the feel of a book in my hands...

Oh, don't get me wrong - I absolutely positively adore and love my Kindle! It's the greatest!! And I admit, I want immediate gratification most of the time, for sure.... but this - well, the hardcover is out there, so why can't I have the digital version now? THREE months is a LONG time to wait!

I've heard this particular publisher has changed to the "agency model" - which means we will pay more for the Kindle but will receive digital at the same time hardcover is released.

I think I'm just a little grumpy....stressed about business....and taking fertility meds is probably not helping me (I've heard they can make you a lil nutty!)....

I wasn't even sure anyone would respond to this thread - so I'm happy now :)

I did write to amazon and voiced my issue...and got a bogus canned response, which I expected - but it was good to have done it - I almost never do that kind of thing. I do think my idea is a good one - OFFER the Kindle version on time at a higher price - and the folks who want it now can get it now - and those who want the lower rate, can choose to wait. I don't like not having options! :) tee hee.

I admit, I will probably "go against myself" this weekend and buy the hardcover b/c I really want to read the darn book and May seems awfully far away right now. Plus you cand find the book at the grocery store for 45% off....still more than the Kindle version but I'd have it now, now, now!

oh yeah, and I'm super crabby b/c I've been on a dang diet forever and lately I find myself "starving" and cranky! Why, oh why can't cookies be made out of protein?! ;)

~Keri

I think I'm just a little grumpy....stressed about business....and taking fertility meds is probably not helping me (I've heard they can make you a lil nutty!)..

******
While on fertility meds I might have thrown a knife in DH's direction - a butter knife and thrown in anger but knowing it would never hit him. Another med made me see double grout lines in shower. But got me twins long ago.

Understand I was young and feisty then, had five years of disappointment and infertility behind me and my best friend kept getting pregnant if her husband just entered the room.

If the publisher has not had the text-to-speech deactivated, you can have the Kindle "read" the books to you...in an electronic voice. It's not super horrible, but it's not a performance like you'd get with an audiobook.

When the Kindle 2 model came out with it's text-to-speech feature, authors and publishers and the companies that produce audiobooks freaked and made Amazon deactivate that feature on a lot of books. The publishers thought that the text-to-speech would cause them to lose money on audiobooks.

Silly thought for them to have tho, audiobooks are performances of a book and are fun to listen to. The text-to-speech, in my opinion is just another tool for people with have vision problems or possibly to help dyslexics with learning to read. I'd prefer to listen to an audiobook than the droning of a text-to-speech program. I do use the text-to-speech on my Kindle and a program that I have on my computer sometimes because it's easier to crochet or knit while the Kindle or computer is "reading" to me.

The Kindle allows you to read the text of a book with e-ink and e-paper. It doesnt have moving parts that I know of. It's not backlit, so it's easier on the eyes than trying to read text on a computer monitor. Plus, the Kindle doesnt weigh that much. About 10 ounces, maybe a little bit more if you buy a cover for it to protect it (recommended, keeps it from getting scratched up or damaged) I'm not sure exactly how the e-ink works, but when you "turn" a page, the e-ink rearranges itself so the text changes. I need to google and see how e-ink works.

What I like about my Kindle is the fact that it only weighs about as much as a paperback. Easier to hold than a huge hardback book, and I dont have to deal with trying to turn a paper page with numb fingers. Just have to hit the Next Page button.

Plus, I can carry around almost as many books as I want to in my Kindle. I think I have close to 100 books stored on my Kindle so far. (I can probably get up to about 1500 books into it)

I can understand Red Penguins frustration with not being able to get the new release on the Kindle at the same time as the hardcovers are released. I dont usually buy new releases (last time I bought a new release, it was a Harry Potter book in hardcover) But, I do understand the frustration at having to wait.

It's not Amazon that's not releasing the new releases, it's the publishers that are making Amazon hold them back for a few months. Apparently the publishers think that they'll get more money if you buy the hardcover version of the books instead of the e-book version. I think that's silly. I'd be willing to pay a bit more for the ability to get a new release on my Kindle at the same time as the hardcovers come out. I'd almost pay a little more for a hardcover if it came with a digital download of the book to put on my Kindle.

I dont think Kindle users should have to pay as much as they would for a hardcover because the books dont have to be shipped, and you dont have to kill a tree to make an e-book, but I'd be willing to spend a bit more than what a few Kindle users think is a fair price (lots of Kindle users think that Kindle books shouldnt cost more than $9.99, I'd pay a bit more than that)

I love my Kindle. Good investment for me.

re: your eyes/computer/Kindle. The Kindle does not operate like a computer, the screen is similar to a book rather than a computer. So eye fatigue is not a factor to consider. Plus, you can adjust the print size.

DH purchased a nice cover for it when he gave it to me. It can fold out like a book. I like it because the Kindle is more protected.

This is probably the evolution in book technology.

I am old enough to remember the 8 track, then the cassette. Now the ipod means downloading music instead of buying the CD. Cars used to come with a CD player. Telephones that had long cords to cordless to cell phones are a primary communication.

DVD's are about to morph into Blue Ray. Then again, movies on request direct to the TV? I think that is already a reality.

I say buy one! I love my kindle!

This is my Kindle in it's cover.

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v1...t=DSC03678.jpg

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v1...t=DSC03683.jpg

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v1...t=DSC03681.jpg

The brand of cover that I have is called JavoEDGE. It's their flip cover. They do have some that open up like a book, but the flip covers have a kickstand on the back so that you can stand the Kindle up on a desk or table and read it hands free. I love this cover because of that.

I can set it on my computer desk, and read my Kindle and only have to press the Next Page button to turn the page.

Plus, the Kindle slides into the case like a holster, so I dont have to worry about the Kindle sliding out of the cover.

The basic Kindle cover that Amazon offers (sold separately) has these clips that the Kindle uses to clip to the covers. They've had problems with some people cracking their Kindles when using those clips. I didnt want to worry about that, which is why I bought the flip cover from JavoEDGE. The JavoEDGE covers that open up like a book also use the holster to slide the Kindle into. So, no worries on damaging the Kindle itself using the clip system.

The JavoEDGE cover had a coupon code for buying it on Amazon. I go to Kindle Boards forum (PM me if you want the link to that forum, or you can probably google it...I just dont know if it's proper to post the link here) The coupon code can be found on the Kindle boards forum where the people who represent JavoEDGE and get suggestions from Kindle users there have an entire thread on the Accessories forum there that's dedicated to them showing off new releases of covers and people showing off their Kindles in their JavoEDGE covers.

You wouldnt believe how many people on the Kindle Boards are obsessed with accessorizing their Kindles. I'm almost as bad, but I'm almost broke, so I dont go shopping much for stuff for my Kindle like some of the people on that forum do.

Not only is the Kindle fun to read with, it's fun to accessorize it too! I have at least 3 bags to carry mine in.

Erin - I like your cover a lot. Mine has a green leather cover (kind of a light green)... but it doesn't have the "stand" feature that yours does. I got a nice Amazon gift card for my bday last month....(and it hasn't burnt a hole in my pocket yet!), so I may just order a cover like that!

I'm going to charge up my kindle and find some stuff to read...I know there's lots to read that I can get now... (but somehow, just KNOWING that the other book is out there, waiting for me......................lol).

You know, the nicest feature of the K1 was that it had a memory card and so you could "share" your books with others....the K2 doesn't have that. They got smart, I guess! LOL

I pre-ordered the K2 to arrive the day they were released - and sold my K1 on ebay (got a lot for it too) - and I was able to send the K1 off with lots of books on the memory card, too. They (the buyer) scored well.

I haven't tried the text-to-speech feature yet...I'm not much of an aural/auditory learner...so I doubt I'd like it. Never got into audio books.

I see that the K2 prices have come down quite a bit - so that's nice for people now - especially since they are raising the prices of the ebooks now. Of course, if you got it early on like me, you paid full price and may now feel a little rooked by the increases. Ho hum.

Right now Amazon lists James Patterson's future books as coming out on Kindle the same day as hardcover - so we shall see if that holds true or not. This latest book said the same thing, then a week before release, they sent an email changing the release date for 3 months off.

~Keri

PS/Greatest feature of the kindle - the instant download of the books. At Xmas time, I got on the plane....they were closing the doors and I realized I forgot to bring a "new book" with me - I opened up my Kindle, turned it on - and two mins later I had purchased and downloaded two books for the flight! You can't beat that!!

I got my K1 for Xmas in 2008. I got my K2 for Xmas in 2009...and I love my Kindle2!

I think my Kindle1's SD card is a 4gb card. I might transfer a bunch of my books to the card later. I wish the K2 had space for an SD card.

I'm considering giving/loaning my Kindle1 to my mom right now while she has a broken shoulder, since the K1 has those nice big Next Page buttons on it. I have to see if she wants to try it, or if she's intimidated by the technology. I know she's tried my dad's Kindle2 and liked it. So, if she doesnt want to use my K1, she can always borrow my dad's K2.

I love the case I have... (btw, it's the JavoEDGE Kyoto flip case, it's some sort of fabric blend, soft but durable fabric, but go look at the other styles that JavoEDGE has, they just came out with a couple of new purple colored cases! I want a purple one now!!!! their newest leather one is purple!)

I agonized for a couple of days over which case I wanted. They had a style called cherry blossom, and then they had the Kyoto one that I eventually bought. I love the look of this case. I almost bought the cherry blossom flip case tho. They're some really nice Japanese style fabrics...

I had a credit from Amazon (had a download problem a few weeks ago) and they gave me a $5 credit. I used a little bit of it emailing some fanfiction to my Kindle (like 50 cents worth or something) so I actually bought a real book the other day that I just got in the mail today.

I'm obsessed with Stargate SG-1, and Stargate Atlantis, and they havent kindleized some of the novelizations for awhile, so I broke down and spent what was left of my Amazon credit on a physical book to feed my obsession. Which is cool, since I built this nice big desk/bookcase in my room over Xmas and I needed something nice to put in the bookcase.

I still like the feel of real books (as long as they're not that heavy) so having a Kindle hasnt really changed me much on buying a regular book, I'm still going to enjoy real books...but I really love the Kindle. I think it's the gadget lover in me. Love gadgets!

I thought about getting the new Apple tablet (I just cant call it the iPad...silly name) but if I want to read on a backlit screen, I've got five computers I could do that with. (I have Kindle for PC on one of my laptops) or I can use my iTouch (which is nice to have, but hurts my eyes after a bit.) I also cant justify buying an Apple Tablet when I'd rather spend the money on a Mac Mini if I'm going to buy an Apple product. I can probably do more with a Mac Mini anyways.

I think I'm going to go count the loose change in my cow bank...see if I have enough to go to a Coinstar machine to get an Amazon gift certificate for myself. My dad took his loose change to a Coinstar machine last winter, ended up with over $100 in Amazon gift card for himself. That bought a lot of books! Loose change is a great thing to have now! and you dont have to worry about paying off a credit card bill when you have a giftcard that you got from saving loose change!

As a writer, let me answer to what I think is going on.

There is an entirely different format required to produce a Kindle than a paper book. It is time consuming to change a novel over from one format to the other. And every ebook has its own format - they are not all the same, trust me, I've looed into submiting for a few.

What is needed for a print published is easier - IMHO - for a writer once you get used to it. You need a little more techy background to figure out even what they're taking about to get the book to fit the guidelines for ebooks. And there aren't any ebook editors really yet. It's still too new for people to know what to do.

I hope that was clear - it made sense to me.

Even James Patterson is going to have to set his manuscript up properly himself for the correct format or it will not come out right on an ebook. He does not have to re-write the whole thing, but he has to re-format the whole thing, then the editor (who also does not have much of a clue and has to look line for line at the guidelines to see if it's done right) has to re-edit the book again. Then, it has to pass Kindle's people, who have to load it, do the Amazon page, etc.

I can see where that takes an extra couple months.

It's not magic, it's hard work.

Every story I submit I have a week of sweat just refomatting for the next market. I have a copy saved in as many formatted versions as places I have sent it to, and I have not even started with ebooks. It's more work getting the techs down than writting the story.

Ok, that explanation doesnt work.

I can copy/paste text, like a fanfiction story, straight off of the internet...put it into a Word document, and then emailing to the email address for my Kindle, and within a minute or two my document has been converted into a Kindle file. With all the formatting intact.

So, it's easy to convert text into the Kindle format...

I really do think it's the publishers that are keeping Amazon from publishing the Kindle versions of the books...and it's got to be related to money somehow... or they think people are hacking the e-books somehow when they come out to get rid of the DRM.

There was an article in some business section that I read lately which discussed the publishers going after Amazon for releasing books too soon.

The fast release dings their book sales and something is/was worked out so Amazon did not release so soon.

gmi

I dont know...I still go to bookstores and still see a lot of books flying off the shelves. I dont know how much the Kindle has affected that.

Maybe Amazon could wait a week after a hardcover release to release the Kindle version? I just think a 3 month wait is a bit excessive.

I think the publishers are being a bit...snippy. I think the Kindle helps books sales...the books are being bought, no matter if they're made of paper or if they're digitized. I just dont see why the publishers are being so difficult.

If they're worried about the books being pirated, I hate to tell them, but books have been pirated for quite a long time before the internet and the Kindle came around. I've talked to a few people on the Kindle Boards, and they've said that they know of people who will take a physical book, an X-acto knife, and a scanner and will sit while watching a movie and scan whole books into digital form to post on Bit-torrent (sp?)...

You can believe whatever you want, and be disgruntled. Have YOU ever submitted your work to Kindle? HAve YOU looked up their guidelines, compared them to an ink and paper publisher? I doubt it. I have, and I know the diff. You can copy and paste from one format to another -that does is not the same thing as reformatting for a totally different market.

Here's another thing - rights. Say Penguin published a book, you may not have electronic rights to Kindle it for X amount of time, if ever.

My uncle just published some of my grandfather's sermons to the Kindle. (he was a methodist minister) He really only did that I think so that my family could read them easily. My uncle only has a charge of $1 to download the sermons.

I thought it was cool to have a couple of Kindle books with my grandfather's name on them on my Kindle.