The trouble with free books is:

gali · Post by **gali** » 11 May 2014, 11:42

anomalocaris wrote:Normally I don't mind it. Nothing wrong with an author giving you a free sample to get you to buy the series, just like there's nothing wrong with getting a free sample of laundry detergent in the mail. Obviously the detergent company isn't sending that sample just because they like you. Why should an author (who is, after all marketing a product) be any different? I don't know why anyone would feel "tricked" by that.

However, Amazon offers something they call serials, which are novels broken into small sections. In the description of the first section, they clearly state that once you've purchased the first part, you will not have to pay to get the other parts. It's a single book that you'll just get in installments. Sounds fair enough, but after purchasing one, when I tried to get the rest of it, I learned that I was going to be charged for it. Went back and reread the info on the first one, just to make sure I hadn't misunderstood, but it was there in very clear and simple language, saying the other parts would be delivered automatically with no further charge. There's a difference between honestly offering a free sample, and outright lying about what's being purchased.

You are right. Have you asked them about that? You should. If they offered it free, they should have kept their world.

-- May 11th, 2014, 7:43 pm --

I see nothing wrong with free books as long as they are well written and free of typos.

ccm · Post by **ccm** » 11 May 2014, 17:23

They reel you in with the first free one then you have to pay for the remaining one's in the series. Which is fine if they were like five or six dollars but when they are like ten dollars a book it's like oh man.

ebookfan · Post by **ebookfan** » 15 May 2014, 13:00

I've only read one free ebook - Promise Me Forever. It was alright, but I don't think I'm gonna invest in them anytime soon again.

~DevineDestinies~

Norma_Rudolph · Post by **Norma_Rudolph** » 15 May 2014, 14:23

The trouble for me is that there are so many that if I were to read them all I would never get anything else done with my life. And yes, you have to dig to find the ones that are really worth the time.
It is a good marketing plan though. I also have gone out and bought the rest of a series because I couldn't find the books any other way and couldn't stand to not know the ending.

Headbanginghunny · Post by **Headbanginghunny** » 15 May 2014, 20:02

I agree with most statements said. It can be tricky because they usually are a part of a series. I tend to try to stay away from those if I can. I'd rather just read a free story. Sometimes, it's only an excerpt and is not indicated, which drives me mad. However, I love free stuff and will take what I can get, even if they are scanned badly or with poor editing. It's free, I can't return it. What do you expect!

mamelotti96 · Post by **mamelotti96** » 15 May 2014, 21:32

Free books on my Kindle give me stress to be honest. They are hits and misses for me, but mostly misses. I feel like many of the free ebooks I get are amateur, no development, or been there done that.

amansmith · Post by **amansmith** » 19 May 2014, 09:38

I have had those books that I read just so I can find out what happens in the end and not because I am in love with the book. I read free books whenever I can because it gives me a chance to see what the author is like and determine if I want to continue reading books by them. Unfortunately, out of all of the free books that I have read I have only found 1 book that I had to stop because it was that bad. So I usually end up purchasing the rest of the books because I love to read in general and unless your book is just plain horrible I am going to keep reading.

Lovely_Ink · Post by **Lovely_Ink** » 27 May 2014, 18:32

They are sometimes hastily written and poorly proofed. I've downloaded many free books that were so poorly written that I spent more time interpreting than enjoying.

derekpowell · Post by **derekpowell** » 28 May 2014, 08:32

This pre-dates ebooks, too.

Years ago, at my favorite bookstore, I picked up a free paperback book that contained the first few chapters of "The Eye of the World." I had already read it, so I gave it away to get a friend hooked on the series.

They gave away a free sample to sell 14 more books. Not a bad deal.

readinginreview4 · Post by **readinginreview4** » 28 May 2014, 10:09

Yeah, I think some free books are extremely good. But then I wonder why they are putting them free. Maybe they just want the work to see it, maybe they want feedback, but some are just terrible to read.

mmandy38 · Post by **mmandy38** » 03 Jun 2014, 11:27

It is like that with every e reader and it can get annoying at times lol but if you are a member of amazon prime try the lending library. You can "borrow" books to read that aren't usually in a series. Or look under the kindle singles tab.

bkjr-20171 · Post by **bkjr-20171** » 25 Jun 2014, 17:02

The number one thing I don't like about free books would have to be the story in general isn't believable or relate-able. The character's are not thought out enough and the plot isn't what it should be. Also the typos get kind of annoying.

AlexesR · Post by **AlexesR** » 25 Jun 2014, 20:31

not a thing. If you read the sample first, you can skip the unedited/badly edited stuff and discover some great authors. I do agree, though, that even a free book should be a complete story, not a "to be continued." That's annoying.

vickylette33 · Post by **vickylette33** » 26 Jun 2014, 00:42

were i come from imagination is key if pages are missing have fun with it free books is free knowledge i cant say i have a problem with that

spacebound · Post by **spacebound** » 05 Aug 2014, 15:26

I love free e-books, I find it hard for myself to dish out a ton of money on e-books, and being free they have really expanded my interest in other genres as well as uncovering some amazing ( not well known) authors. (even if you have to over look some grammatical errors)