Inside Amazon-dot-com

Less than an hour ago, Amazon prompted KDP authors (like me) to write an email to  Hachette CEO, Michael Pietsch,  supporting their point of view in their negotiation with Hachette.   It's interesting on how Amazon is finally realizing that it's bullying tactics towards traditional media corporations that are already facing financial challenges are no longer working, and given the enormous size of Amazon, the public now views Amazon with suspicion and as the bully.  While in its email Amazon makes some valid points about how lower cost will actually increase the size of the business by increasing volume, it fails to mention that lowering prices of popular, top-rated eBooks will also result in increased sales of the Kindle devices, eventually allowing it to sell those devices at profit rather than selling them as a cost. This is called vertical competition, consumers have a annual budget for books in their mind and if eBooks are lot cheaper than books, then the br...

The tiff between Amazon and book publisher Hachette continues to make waves, and everyone associated is getting vocal. Here’s a quick look at the situation: it all began when negations between internet biggie Amazon and Hatchette—owned by Hachette Livre, the largest publishing company in France, and the third largest trade and educational publisher in the world—went awry due to Amazon’s demand for price concessions from the publishing house. The subsequent controversy had grabbed a whole lotta eyeballs. The authors involved seem to have taken clear sides; they are either staunchly on the side of Amazon or in full support of Hachette—what’s more interesting is how either powerhoouse is retaliating. Once Hatchette refused price concessions, Amazon made its move. Hatchette’s publications saw their pre-order option saw removal, and certain authors have found themselves unlisted.  And there’s more! Forget Amazon’s usual discounts and be ready for lengthy delivery times. All of ...