Gio Gutierrez

Power to the people – publishers take notice!

// Wednesday, March 24th, 2010 01:50 pm GMT -5 // Random

Michael Lewis’ latest book - The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine was published recently and the book’s reviews are extremely negative. Most of these reviewers haven’t even read the book! Reviewers are irate due to the fact that publisher WW Norton has decided not to release a Kindle version (nor Nook) of the book at the same time as its hardback release. Example review:

“I’d like to add my name to the list of people who are very disappointed that this book does not have a Kindle edition. No, I haven’t read the book, but I want to — on my Kindle! If all these one star reviews lead to fewer sales, I think that would be a great result and an excellent lesson for the author/publisher.”

I support these efforts 100% because publishers delaying Kindle releases to protect hardback sales is bullshit. Similar to what movie publishers are doing with Netflix, this is only pissing off consumers like myself whose spent hundreds of dollars on a Kindle and its books because we want our media in a different, arguably better format. Publishers should be embracing technology, not hinder it in any way.

At the time of this post, there are 70 one star reviews (more than all others combined) sending a clear message to publishers – we want digital versions now. I’m glad people are doing something about this although it sucks for Michael whom I’m sure has no word on this. Please don’t take it personal Michael, your just the “Rosa Parks” of the digital book revolution.

PS. Had to throw this funny review:

I cannot believe that Mr. Lewis and his publishers have the nerve to produce a book and not simultaneously produce a Na’Vi Audio Version. After watching Avatar, I only speak Na’Vi now with my friends and we wanted to listen to this audiobook – in Na’Vi – while on our summer roadtrip to Pandora. Avatar is the most successful movie ever by some measures. It’s not like we’re asking them to produce one in Xhosa.