tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949421001644904537.post3170330728479682400..comments2024-01-24T18:56:58.635-08:00Comments on EXPLORING CULTURES: A Global Blog (all languages): Is pre-ordering books on Amazon a publishing gimmick?Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949421001644904537.post-34599540985589959372016-02-14T03:50:43.744-08:002016-02-14T03:50:43.744-08:00I noticed that on his Twitter feed, Neil Gaiman t...I noticed that on his Twitter feed, Neil Gaiman the UK writer replied to this oped: "I pre-ordering books I want that haven't come out yet, and am always happy when the bookshop, online or bricks, gets them to me. " DANIELBLOOMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05130493903696077379noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949421001644904537.post-82897075485402151292016-02-14T02:30:37.308-08:002016-02-14T02:30:37.308-08:00Brian, good points. I am beginning to see all th...Brian, good points. I am beginning to see all this more clearly and from multiple viewpoints. Thanks for insightful comment. DANIELBLOOMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05130493903696077379noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949421001644904537.post-51662400434284588412016-02-14T01:31:20.722-08:002016-02-14T01:31:20.722-08:00This is a really interesting piece, but I think th...This is a really interesting piece, but I think the problem with it is that you need to look at the phenomenon from the customer side, not just the store's. There are only really two reasons people pre-order. One is for a friend/relation's book, which is a special case and a relatively minor thing. The other is a new book by an author you know and love. My favourite author is Gene Wolfe. If I see in April he has a new book out in August, I will pre-order it. Not because the industrial complex wants me to, but because that way I don't have to remember to buy it in August, when I might not see it. Why wouldn't I?<br /><br />The comparison with buying food doesn't make a lot of sense. If your favourite restaurant only opened once ever two years, I think you probably would pre-order (i.e. book a table) rather than just hope you remember to turn up on the day.<br /><br />I'm not saying that people don't try to game the system - good luck to them - but pre-ordering isn't a gimmick, it's a useful service.Brian Clegghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12723555872580740773noreply@blogger.com