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| where’s your reading corner |
…are we aware we’re cheating authors and their hard work?
Stealing?
Being underhanded?
Just taking advantage of the vendors’ offers?
Are vendors cheating/stealing/being underhanded by allowing eBooks to be returned?
Will this posting make you angry…in what way?
I’m P***ED at the notion that something I worked on can be bought, copied by the buyer, then said buyer can return it for a refund and I get nothing. This has happened to the authors I read, edit, and work beside.
Think of the top four major online bookstores…do they allow eBook returns
1…yes, within a set number of days
2…no…if an error in purchase contact them
3…unclear…leaning toward a negative on eBook returns
4…unclear
Why have I not named these four companies…because this is an opinion-based posting which isn’t showcasing some companies in a positive light. Reword…covering my arse.
Hey, for a reader I should love being able to read for free, right? No way. There’s no way shape or form I want to be considered a cheap thief by “buying” someone’s eBook and returning for a refund after reading it. I can go to a legit library and do that.
When do I want to return an eBook or any book…default, missing pages, illegible print.
Exchange? Sure…on print. EBook…exchange for new copy of the same title only.
There’s no guarantee someone doesn’t have a copy of the eBook they are returning on their machines. There’s no guarantee they haven’t read the whole thing and just don’t want to keep it. Oh, I know, I can hear the argument…it was a horrible book; it was filled with errors. I bought the wrong eBook.
Well, guess what, if I bought the wrong computer software or CD or DVD and have already opened the product I’m screwed.
Again, as a reader, why does this anger me when it’s really to my benefit? Simple answer…I don’t like devious deception. As someone who is pretty electronic savvy and knows those who are more savvy, I don’t like others being cheated and taken advantage of.
Is there ever a legitimate reason for a refunded/returned eBook? I will agree there most likely are.
BUT…at whose cost?
Caveat emptor…buyer beware…the purchase of items is at the buyer’s risk.
Entirely agree with you Chris. When I think of all the work we writers put into a novel, not taking account of edits and final gallery edits, and don't let us forget the blood sweat and tears that goes into producing the story in the first place, it's a travesty that this is allowed to happen. I've downloaded books, found errors and bad editing, did I return it, NO, because I know the work that has gone into it by the author. Reading is subjective, and people must accept that sometimes purchasing a book that is not what you expected, is part of life's rich tapestry. We must accept a bad error of judgement when buying a book, just as we accept buying a food item that we find we don't like. We don't take that back to the supermarket and ask for a refund, and therefore this should not be allowed for e-books, a lot of which are cheaper than some of the food we buy.
Thanks for dropping over Anonymous. You hit the nail on the head about reading being subjective…something I keep in mind as a reviewer, too. There are items that make sense for returning and refunding and items that don't…eBooks don't. Adding to your supermarket comment…never had someone return a steak they've eaten.
Absolutely agree that this policy stinks. Part of the problem is the self-pubbed authors who have flooded the marketlace with free, often shoddy, books- leaving many readers feeling like all books should just automatically be free.
Hey, Chris. Thanks for dropping over. We're a toss away society looking out for ourselves and forget everyone around us. I'm seeing this more and more in all aspects. Thinking it's time authors…which I am one…start working with the vendors that care and value our work and show/help our readers. The way one vendor is going, I know I'm not comfortable with the amount of personal information they appear to access to…and are telling me they have. That may just be the selling point to more readers…buy where you're more secured and protected.