I’m not sure what I think about this…..
Amazon is launching a new program in October, called Kindle Matchbook.
Basically this is a book-bundle program. If you buy a new paper book from Amazon, you can buy the Kindle version for $2.99 or $1.99 or $.99 or FREE.
This is not just for books that you buy, now. Amazon promises that you will be able to look back to ALL (yes, ALL) previous paper books bought from Amazon since 1995 … and if they are on the matching-list, you can buy a cheap Kindle copy.
Of course, in order for this to work, the publishers have to be on board. It is not clear how many publishers are planning to be part of this model.
I am not excited about this program. (no bubbling 🙂 ) I’m just not sure how I feel about bundling a book and its ebook counterpart.
I don’t really see the point. Do you?
sharechair 
It’s great for books I use as reference, but other than that…
That’s certainly a great thought. Yes. OK… I agree. Reference books would be good! 🙂
I’m not sure how it will impact those of us who buy more books on Kindle than we do in printed form. Will the pricing structure change? Will this encourage more Kindle authors to produce print books? And those of us who have published Kindle Select books, which have to be priced between $2.99 and $9.99 to take advantage of some of the promotional deals through Select . . . does this hurt us? It feels weird to me. For instance, my Kindle publication is priced at $4.99. If I offer a print book next month, will that mean that a buyer can get the print version and then get my Kindle version for less than $4.99? And is that a bad thing or a good thing? I guess if it’s only available at the reduced price when bundled with the print version, it wouldn’t hurt me. But somehow, it still feels weird. I have to think about this. Dang it, SC. It’s too late in the day for me to have to think! I’m not sure I have any functioning gray cells past 8:00pm.
😯
I just really don’t know what I think about it. And I have no idea if they plan to do it with their own published books or just through the big publishing houses? I dunno. Just have to wait and see, I guess.
I’ll be curious to learn more. I think I might take advantage of this because I have bought a lot of books as gifts and now might go back and get those on my kindle for myself. Or maybe I have lost track of some of those earlier books that I loved and want to now go back and reread. Thanks for the heads up. . .I’ll be watching.
Another good idea that I didn’t think of! Actually 2 good ideas. You’re so right… and it will be interesting to look back at all the books we bought, I’m sure! 🙂
I hope they do, it would be bloody handy. I was thinking about buying the paper books I have on Kindle and then sell the paper ones. If they do this, it would certainly save me soe money as i have loooooaaaaaddddssss of Star Wars books that I brought, and I don’t tend to read them at the moment because they are paper lol
Let’s just hope that your Star Wars publishers are among those who are jumping on board with this plan. If they are …. way to go, Alastair! 🙂
🙂
I LOVE this idea! As far as my favourite books are concerned, when the end of the world comes and the electricity runs out, I’ll need a hard copy to go blind with by candlelight 🙂
When the electricity runs out … I’ll be toast. Rather ironic, huh 😆
😀
I just love the idea I’ll be able to take more of my favourite books with me when I’m travelling! Well hopefully I’ll be travelling again soon…having some withdrawal symptoms at the moment.
You’re right… it’s a chance to get some favorites on our Kindles. 🙂 It will be interesting to see what publishers hop on board. Hope you get back to traveling, soon!!