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

[caoilfhionn.livejournal.com]

For additional money, I would expect to get a book unique in more than having an author's name hand-written in it. Even the inclusion of something like a separate, limited-edition image would do it, depending on the book. But not just the same book in the same covers for a higher price.

I don't make an effort to collect signatures, but I enjoy getting them for a few special books. It's meaningful more for the memory of standing in line with other fans and chatting briefly with the makers of work that I enjoy. I've picked up signed editions because they were the only ones available, and I felt a bit cheated that I didn't get to enjoy the pilgrimage.

However, I picked "maybe" here because I can see a few cases in which I might fork out the extra. If it were an author I loved but expected never to see in person, I might take it. If I felt it was going to benefit the author significantly, or if it was a fundraiser for charity, I might take it. If it was somehow the only way to get hold of the book RIGHT NOW, I might take it. But in most cases I would do my own autograph-hunting.