News Tidbit:
Amazon announced this week that they are opening a brick and mortar store in Seattle.
Very interested considering many bookstores are closing because of Amazon.
The store will include customer ratings of books alongside the book. The store will also encourage customers to buy later on Amazon.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/amazon-opens-bookstore-extension-website-34940992
Good Afternoon and Happy Thursday!
This week it was announced that Amazon would be suing more then 1,000 sellers of fake product reviews.
They targeted account holders on Fiverr.com where jobs are sold for $5 and up.
For new authors, getting any positive review is a wonderful accomplishment. Knowing it may be fake is horrible.
When looking for reviews, make sure the person who will review is not taking money for a 5 star review. One wants an unbiased review.
The lines can be fuzzy as many web sites do take payment so a person can get a faster review, but always make sure the review is unbiased.
Never a dull moment in the world with Amazon around.
Latest News:
Amazon Prime announced today that it will air a new car show with the former Top Gear hosts.
It is being reported that Valerie Harper has been hospitalized after collapsing on stage in Maine.
Paul McCartney will reissue two early 1980s albums.
Mission Impossible opens tomorrow and it is garnering great reviews!
Lastly, today is National Cheesecake Day! Go get a piece!
Happy Tuesday Afternoon!
I decided to do something new in 2015. Once per week I’m going to mention the five things I’m fascinated with.
For example:
1. The Kardashians: I’m always fascinated with them. I’m fascinated with why they are fascinating. Maybe I’m just fascinated with our obsession with them? Thoughts?
2. It was announced today that the New Kids on the Block are going back on tour. Love Joe! They are going to the Xcel in May. Let’s see what is my Ticketmaster password…
3. Amazon will produce 10 original films this year. Wonderful! Now if TCM would just make their app subscription based v. cable based.
4. PBS will also start producing more original content!
5. Lastly, do we really need another Grease? I think the original was perfect.
Happy Tuesday!
According to USA Today, buyers can now negotiate with some sellers on Amazon. Here are more details. Buyers can negotiate in Fine Arts, Sports and Entertainment and the Coin market. Unlike Ebay the price starts high and goes down.
Only items over $100 are eligible.
Many sellers are liking the new features as it offers the same courtesies online that they find in brick and mortar stores.
The service is available on more than 150,000 items.
It will be interesting to see what Amazon will do next.
Good afternoon all!
The following link is about publishing and Amazon. This is a fascinating time in the book industry. Michael Wolff is saying publishers are too late and they dug their own graves. I don’t agree. Times will continue to change put publishers must innovate and change. Check out his article here:
http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/columnist/wolff/2014/06/01/the-battle-between-hachette-and-amazon/9761817/
BookCon: This new public event is launching in late May in New York. Celebs like Martin Short and Amy Poehler are excited to discuss their books. BookCon will be a part of BookExpo America.
Check your In-Box: If you bought ebooks between April 2010 and May 2012, you will get a credit for each bestseller or other ebooks you purchased on your Amazon account.
Fifty Shades: Based on those who have seen previews, the Fifty Shades movie is a love story v. a sadomasochistic relationship. I’m very glad the director is emphasizing the love story. It is the real reason it was a bestseller!
Happy Thursday!
