Autographed Copies Poll

[rolanni]

As some of you may know (we didn't, until it was pointed out to us by an Alert Reader), Baen has decided to release two editions of some top-line 2012 books: A regular, unsigned copy at The Usual Price Point ($22 - $24); and a limited-to-1000-copy signed edition for $30. These editions would be released simultaneously and be available equally through all vendors, including Amazon.com and BN. This would effect books by David Weber, John Ringo, Larry Correia, and Lee-and-Miller.

I'm curious how readers might feel about the price difference between the signed and unsigned editions. When we were signing hardcover preorders for Meisha Merlin, back in the day, there was no extra charge for our signatures, so personally I'm rather. . .non-plussed by this new scheme. I do know that Very Special Editions -- such as slip-cased editions, or illustrated editions -- command higher prices, and rightly so, but it just seems. . .wrong to charge people for ink.

So! What do you think?


[Poll #1793777]

Comments

[redpimpernel.livejournal.com]

I'm decluttering so I currently prefer books on e-ink.
Autographs that I'd collected meant something when I was younger.
I see autographed books (with a special sticker) at local bookstores frequently, and it just doesn't mean anything to me. (Sometimes I'll look to see how far into straight-line land the poor author was when they did their signing.)

When you start paying extra for autographs, that implies the signature in and of itself has worth, and in that case, I'd want some proof of authenticity. (Think sports figures, famous actors and others that at a con, you'd have to pay an extra fee to get said personal scrawl.)