Time Travel discussion

This just broke today - http://www.nbcnews.com/business/amazo...

I'm thinking this may be a good thing for indie authors. The vast majority of ebook sales are on Amazon, and a better, more high-profile integration of Amazon and GR could facilitate such sales.

As its done, I hope it works out well for everyone involved. I expect this would evoke some passionate opinion on two different ends of the spectrum. I am not anywhere educated enough to make any judgement or predictions one way or other but it is a U-turn from just a year ago when Goodreads severed ties from Amazon to gain more freedom...that was my perception, I could be wrong.

Anyway, If Paul is right and the move helps indie authors, then I am very glad! I can see its quite a tough ride for Indie authors to get there books out there.

I would like to learn more on what other benefits and disadvatages the aqcuisition may result if anyone has more comments on this. For sure the main groupread group will be swarming of comments but i rather hear it from you guys :)

Paul & Tej:

I guess TIME will tell.

TIME will out, at any rate.

Go with the flow.

Well done, Howard, you linked this totally irrelevant topic to time travel, phew!


Go with the flow."

Yep, I always like that and I'm that kind of guy, especially knowing I havent power to rule the world, so I just go with flow...still predictions and speculations are fun, its mental time travel to the future. Oh goodie, I'm maintaining that link, albeit dubiously.

All that work John, Amy and other librarians were doing rebuilding the catalogue seems a bit redundant now, that saddens me only because, they worked pretty hard on that because I'm sure its all going to revert right back to the Amazon catalogue again...?

Early word is that Amazon is pretty much going to leave GR alone - i.e., not make any big changes. It wouldn't be logical for Amazon to try to transform GR into another Amazon - they'd be wise to have some links and let GR continue to generate its own special energy.

On the links, I saw somewhere that Amazon might have a link here on GR next to every book's Kindle edition, so the GR reader could easily read the sample. That would certainly be helpful.

Tej is back! Welcome. We missed you! I hope you've been on holiday, rather than having the day job(s) get in the way of really important stuff in the TT Group.

Paul

Thanks Paul, yeah, I have been on a longer trip than expected but on returning, I still found it hard to groove back in with the reading. Still yet to finish previous month's groupread! But the biggest thing for me right now that has dominated my life, is my sudden insatiable thirst for all things Astronomy. I havent even watched any movie (which was my first love). I have joined 3 astro societies, attended fascinating space lectures by scientists working on important projects such as the recent amazing Planck cosmic microwave news, stargazing and spent over three grand on telescopes and accessories in the last 3 months...so addictive and bank breaking! I hope everyone forgive my absence, at least its somewhat time travel related, I'll post up some of my astro-imaging attempts and story. I also have the the next group read to host shortly.

Paul wrote: 'every book's Kindle edition'

Paul, my 1st Epic Fable is now free on Smashwords.

If this change goes through would that effect anything?

I presume the link would remain, etc., but what do I know?

And to the other Paul: Perchance Tey was off playing sports; he's into that in a large way, just look at his picture.

Tej, so I was wrong, but no matter given your most excellent reason.

Astronomy is great for it shows a higher, different & completely opposite truth.

Most people, while being in the PRESENT live for the FUTURE, but with a telescope the PAST is always moving towards you.

Carry on & enjoy.

Yes in fact that is my "day" job! I'm a personal fitness trainer, Squash coach, Cricket umpire (and player), servant of the IT industry, Video editor...and I still dont know what I want to be when I grow up...:( I cant decide. I am also learning photography and Astronomy. I need to see alternative timelines where in each one I see myself focussed in one career and see how I turn out...

Tej, can you post the type & size of your scopes?

Just wondering.

Howard wrote: "Tej, can you post the type & size of your scopes?

Just wondering."

Is that an astronomy come on?

Tej wrote: "Yes in fact that is my "day" job! I'm a personal fitness trainer, Squash coach, Cricket umpire (and player), servant of the IT industry, Video editor...and I still dont know what I want to be when..."

WOW! Hope fully, they are all "REAL" jobs. Unlike Walter Mitty, The greatest man in the world.
I am huge fan of Mr. Mitty btw and try to follow his "ideology" for escape.
What was the thread's topic again?????

You know, I think my only concern about this would be if amazon decided to dilute what's available on GoodReads. I think that what makes GoodReads strong is its groups and review update emails. As long as those stay intact, I would think that amazon's acquisition could only improve the site. I guess the powers-that-be at amazon were noticing the large number of books purchased directly from links from goodreads and thought they'd rather not have to give away profits to someone else?

I think the other issue is that Amazon realized their Shelfari was never, ever going to be a valid competitor to Goodreads. To use my son's new favorite word, Shelfari is pretty "suckish." Part of the problem is that there aren't nearly as many people using Shelfari, but it also has a much clunkier user interface. I'm glad to hear this because it means I can now ignore Shelfari (which I was doing all too often anyway)...

Amy wrote: "Howard wrote: "Tej, can you post the type & size of your scopes?

Just wondering."

Is that an astronomy come on?"

See what you've been missing, Tej?

I wonder if this means GoodReads will get a better Android app. I do so loathe the existing one because it really doesn't include the features I use most when I'm on my phone.

Ooo... Kindle/GoodReads integration would be nice. Highlight a quote and send it straight to GoodReads from your Kindle? I'd vote for that one.

I would say just about everything Amazon does these days is with an eye towards increasing its Kindle book sales.

Amy & Paul said: 'Is that an astronomy come on?'

You two need to get your minds out of the gutter.

My come on's (of this nature) are restricted to this post:

http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/8...

Howard wrote: "Tej, can you post the type & size of your scopes?

Just wondering."

yeah uh...an 8 inch and...hey stop giggling, Amy...oh its no good Howard, I'll see you in the Astronomy thread...wait that..that didnt come out right. Sheesh.





I just thought about our reviews, I wonder if they will now propagate to the Amazon site? I suppose it would make sense.

One thing I suspect will go is the options to purchase each book from different stores and ebook readers. This move is a further step towards monopolisation. Just something to think about, whether one thinks its good or bad.

I personally dont like the idea I am now in a forum controlled by Amazon. Not that I hate Amazon, not at all, I buy a hell of a lot of stuff from them, they are a superb internet shopping site, with great returns policies. But to put it bluntly, GR sold itself out (that picture with the two founders holding the Kindle with a GR sticker slapped on it is a bit cringeworthy!). Good on them for their business venture. GR was always a business model right from the start and well done to the founders for that success. I feel they could have struck a better balance option. That being sponsorship by Amazon but GR gained an enourmous goodwill value that I guess was too tempting to the founders to sell out.

I have experienced takeovers as both the big fish and the fish food. Each time the announcement starts with "Exciting News" followed by "no changes". I think you might guess the rest. But as Howard says, go with the flow...doesnt stop me from being wary, though! Having inherited someone's job through takeover and in a circle of life way, being made redunandant as the bigger fish gobbled us up and diminished the brand. No regrets, mind you, changes are GOOD, keeps you on your toes. Hence my consequent lifestyle in self employment doing all sort of things ;) which in all honesty wished I had being doing since I left school! I like independence, I am independent, so ultimately I think that is why personally, I dont find GR's move an "exciting one".

Tej, once again bravo, your thoughts are concise & well written.

Here's my question:

Both of my Epic Fables have been revised re: typos but also some tweaking for a tighter product, etc.

So now, on Amazon are the original editions (books or eBooks, which are the same).

Yet I've posted the new additions on Smashwords (eBook only) as I'd earlier put them in Kindle but Smashwords handles not only Kindle but Nook, Amazon, etc. & I thought this would give me a larger reach.

I was even thinking of deleting the books altogether from Amazon (the older editions) as it think the new editions flow much better without typos, etc.

Now Amazon is once more thrown into this mix.

Perchance I should simply concentrate on my broken machine & then just depart this Timeframe.

Yet, easier said than done, as my books explain.

And Tej, no matter what others may think, 8in is nothing of which to be ashamed.

Of course, my ASTROLA is 12 1/2.

Equatorial mount, too.

Let’s see what Amy thinks about that.

Oh, lordy. I can't decide if I'm legitimately giggling or if it's the customary Friday night glass of port making me giggle.

Amy wrote: "Oh, lordy. I can't decide if I'm legitimately giggling or if it's the customary Friday night glass of port making me giggle."

Its the port, Amy and uh...got enough in the bottle to poor me a glass? I sure need one...!

Howard wrote: "Tej, once again bravo, your thoughts are concise & well written.

Here's my question:

Both of my Epic Fables have been revised re: typos but also some tweaking for a tighter product, etc.

So now,..."

Quick, off with you to the astronomy thread before Amy spaces out on her third glass...

I have mixed feelings, as well, and for many of the same reasons Tej mentioned. I *do* think it's cementing Amazon's monopoly status and suspect that the links to other platforms and sellers will eventually disappear. I hope not -- and I would argue that it would be good PR for Amazon to leave them, since they'd look less like the Evil Book Overlord -- but it does seem likely that this will be the end result.

On the other hand, as someone who was initially doing the Kindle-only route for a few months, I was annoyed that it was almost impossible for someone to find a link to my book that would work at Goodreads. They had to scroll all the way down to the bottom to find the Amazon link and clicking on most of the others would be a wasted effort. Goodreads could have provided an interface that allowed authors to turn off any outlets that weren't carrying our work -- that would have been less frustrating for the authors and for readers trying to find a book. But they never did...and I have to wonder if this wasn't a long term ploy to get Amazon annoyed enough that they'd up the ante. If so, well played, gentlemen, well played.

And to be honest, the vast majority of sales (in my case, by a factor of about 30 to 1 this month) continues to come from Amazon, even though I'm now at B&N, Kobo, Smashwords, etc. So the side of me that is an indie author feels the merger may be a good thing. The side that is a reader thinks, meh, maybe not so much...

And guys, I'm no astronomy expert, but I've been told that you can compensate for deficiencies in size with some creative positioning of mirrors ;)

Tej wrote: "Howard wrote: "Tej, can you post the type & size of your scopes?

Just wondering."

yeah uh...an 8 inch and...hey stop giggling, Amy...oh its no good Howard, I'll see you in the Astronomy thread......"

Rysa wrote: "And guys, I'm no astronomy expert, but I've been told that you can compensate for deficiencies in size with some creative positioning of mirrors ;)"

And that equatorial mount works wonders! So I'm told.

As for Amazon, I give them the benefit of the doubt, simply out of appreciation for shaking up the publishing world. Change is good, we hope. So we'll see what happens. Right now they're trying to comprehend the surge in Astronomy book sales.

Amy wrote: "Howard wrote: "Tej, can you post the type & size of your scopes?

Just wondering."

Is that an astronomy come on?"

snort... hehe

Rysa wrote: "I have mixed feelings, as well, and for many of the same reasons Tej mentioned. I *do* think it's cementing Amazon's monopoly status and suspect that the links to other platforms and sellers will e..."

Yeah, I'm of a mixed mind as well on this merger. I guess we just have to wait it out. I don't think it necessarily will be great for indie authors, it will remain difficult to stand out in the market no matter what.
Feeling kinda blah about the entire thing today.

E.B. wrote: " I don't think it necessarily will be great for indie authors, it will remain difficult to stand out in the market no matter what."

It's a good time in general to be an indie author, though. The world is your oyster. Just a couple of years ago, people would just snicker to hear that you're an indie author. They'd think that your writing must be so bad that no publisher would take you. But these days, I don't think that's the assumption anymore. Of course, then you have to do all the legwork of promotion yourself. But I would only think that a GoodReads/Amazon merger would increase your sales. I would hope for ratings and reviews to cross over. Also, if people who normally rate things on Amazon cross over to GoodReads and into groups like ours, you're going to get even more exposure.

Amy wrote: "E.B. wrote: " I don't think it necessarily will be great for indie authors, it will remain difficult to stand out in the market no matter what."

It's a good time in general to be an indie author, ..."

I think you're onto something there, Amy.
Fingers crossed that I will soon no longer be an indie author...I have no regrets as far as that path, but I think it might be a bit easier to get more writing done if things work out. ;)

Amazon has been good to me, I certainly can't complain. I guess it will take a few months before we see the impact this merger will truly have.

And btw, I feel entirely left out since I don't have a telescope. ;)

Hmm ... I wonder where I can suggest things to Amazon to integrate into GoodReads. I just read someone's book review in my email this morning, clicked on the book, and wished I could "Look Inside" without making all the extra clicks to Amazon ... especially since it was an illustrated book. That would certainly be a nice feature.

P.S. Here's the official word about the GoodRead's hopes for how GoodReads & Amazon will co-exist:

http://www.goodreads.com/blog/show/41...

Howard wrote: "I was even thinking of deleting the books altogether from Amazon (the older editions) as it think the new editions flow much better without typos, etc."

Just catching up on this thread. Howard, why not just replace the typoed editions with the corrected ones?

Not sure what you & Paul are talking about, exactly, but this might be relevant. Goodreads' librarian policy is not to delete any editions. That's because we want our database to be complete.

Sencario: If someone owns an original edition with typos, they are rather likely to want to record that exact edition as the one they own. If it's replaced in the GR database, then the member's personal library is no longer accurate, because it says they own the new one.

Make sense?

And now I'm off to follow the link Amy provided...

O, that's from the original - March 28 - and it doesn't really say a whole lot...