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

[craig trader (from livejournal.com)]

I think it's perfectly legitimate for someone to charge more for a signed copy of a book than an unsigned copy -- the signature is seen as value added by most people. Of course different people will have their own ideas as to how much they are willing to pay for a signed copy, above and beyond an unsigned copy. In my case, that number would be ... zero. I'm buying the book to read it, not put it on a shelf (or worse, wrap it in plastic) and wait for the author to die to make it valuable.