Scott Sigler

Damn skippy!

Wow! I had already read Evo's post, and now Scott's. but to hear Nathan Lowell repeat the sentiment is just staggering (Major "Trader's tale" fan here). These people sound less like a legitimate business, and more like (in ethics anyway) a pyramid scheme, or maybe a business cult... I don't know. but in either event, they just got taken off my list of people to talk to for when/if I ever decide to audio publish. 

I was thinking about looking into Audible for some other books; After reading this they can F*** themselves. I do listen to the free podcast and because Scott gives his stuff away I also buy anthing of his I can get my hands on, why? To support this business model. I have all his books in podcast form. I have purchased e books, hardcovers, and unabrided audio versions when I can. I find this is the best way to support someone who has taken a chance by giveing his work away and asking me to help him out. It is the least I can do to show my support of this business model.

 

 

Long Live the FDO

Serious question. Would there be a market for a free Audiobook system (like Evo says, without author commentary, out-of-date contests, story-so-far, etc.) Only finished stories could enter, and the authors would have to deliver their books as a single, zipped collection of MP3s.

Considering that a "market" implies demand for something in exchange for pay... that model would depend on what type of revenue model (advertisements, for example) you were using, I should think. 

There is definitely a market for it, not as free, but as a paid audiobook download depository. Will that be a competitor to Audible. Not now, not for awhile. Selection is king, and Audible has more than anyone else. 

Podiobooks.com - not having that kind of annoys me though.  That's part of what I love about the FDO.  Sure some of the commentary is out of date, like when he talks about going to DragonCon, or such, but I love listening to the lead in.

Wait, but Infected ( http://www.audible.com/pd/ref=sr_1_1?asin=B002VA9CO2&qid=1327379369&sr=1-1 ) and other novels published by crown that are also available free from Scott are for sale on Audible?  So basically, they won't sell anything also available free unless it's coming from a big six publisher?  Makes no sense.

I second that, I enjoy hearing whats going on with authors...keeps me coming back...

Any reason why Podiobooks.com could offer both?  Free serialized, and paid complete, unabridged audiobook version?  Just a thought...

Bravo, Scott!

Anyone here tried to slide onto Amazon through Createspace? I've got that in my sites over the next few months, got about 5 books to push out that way in conjunction advance with getting the podcast restarted.

i think audible really sucks and to tally agree with geerace, that why dont podiobooks acts as a complete store and sell the full versions of the books thus cutting out audible. 

It's at times like this I have to recall what Einstein said, "Only 2 things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not certain about the universe."

I don't fathom why anyone goes to Audible. They quite clearly take every opportunity to bend an author over and aim for penetration and don't even have the decency to pay for dinner first, but from a customer side (which is the only one I've looked at) it's just as bad a deal. I considered signing up for my Grandad who has macular degeneration so can't see well, audiobooks would rock for him, but the cost to get hold of those audiobooks is through the roof, it's just not worth the money they want.

I listen to roughly 200 hours of audiocontent a month, that would probably be more than I earn if I sourced it from audible, theiving bastards.

It seems to me that Audible are heading towards the same problem that prevails in Hollywood. They are attempting to shoe horn an ancient business model into an era where it simply doesn't fit. Their business model is a Nike and they want to put it on a tree. The sooner these dinosaurs disappear the better.

I hate seeing people get shafted by corporate greed. GAH!

In a nutshell, the work of a creator is due to hard work, lack of sleep, headaches, and sacrifices. Thus, the rewards when they arrive, be they recognition, money or fame, are enjoyed by said creator.

A helping hand is always nice, but not when my hard work AND MY CREATION means I have my pockets dipped.

There is no place in the workd for greed.

Therefore,

 

I wonder if a site like smashwords would be willing to start selling audiobooks in addition to selling e-books. 

I guess ACX thinks that no one would ever purchase a song or album after hearing it for free on the radio.  Or buy a book after borrowing it from the library.  Or a friend.

FWIW, Scott, THIS (and because you make the bestest, creamy, juicy fluffy stories) is why I wall ALWAYS choose the option that gives you, the author, the most money per transaction.  I hoover up your free podcasts, and I will line up on day one of every hardcover pre-order you have.  Let's face it, I'd send my money your way in any case, as I want to own the stuff you make.  But I will support you in direct proportion to the lengths to which you go to support us, your fans.  And you treat us like M-F-in' GOLD.

Also - Audible sucks balls.  My opinion, of course, but... YUCK.  I hate that service.

I considered listening to Audible books a couple of years ago. I'm glad I didn't as as podiobooks.com frackin' rocks!!

I've heard some of these things about Audible in the past which is why I've never and will never order a book from them. I support the little guy/gal trying to make a place for themselves - it's what American used to be about.  Hmmm almost 13000 Scott Sigler fans should vow to never order from Audible again until they allow his content.  

A lot of people don't seem to understand the obvious things Nathan Lowell tells them.  I believe there is a pattern there somewhere. ;)

I believe this policy being discussed here only applies to their ACX program, not Audible as a whole.  The stuff done via ACX is, essentially, put out by Audible. The rest (well most of it) comes from commercial audiobook companies, and in that case Audible is just reselling product.

Hey Dan,

I considered an Audible.com subscription a couple years ago, before I'd even heard of our great FDO. I thought it was expensive, but the best way to get good audio content since I was driving over 2 hours per day and love to listen to stories. Well...then I found podiobooks and have found some of my favorite authors ever. I have DEFINITELY made purchases based on the authors I find on podiobooks, and I LOVE the service. That being said, I finally gave in a couple months ago and subscribed to Audible, just because there were a couple big name books I wanted to listen to. Then I read the information both you and Evo put out today, and I went out and cancelled my subscription, giving them feedback about how they had wronged the two of you, and that was why I was leaving. It's the only real voice a tiny consumer like myself has, I can vote with my dollars, and make a small noise right here. I hope it counts for something. I will continue to give my hard earned dollars to people like you Scott, and Nathan and Michael Sullivan, etc. I may have never sent a dime to you guys if not for podiobooks.com. Keep up the awesome work.

I signed up to Audible using a code from another podcast, to support their sponsorship. I was not aware they wanted to ball bust my other podmasters. Not acceptable. Audible account cancelled. They are not fit to live. They should be killed. And eaten.

thanks jczorkmid, I suppose that does make some sense.  Of course they still told Scott No about EarthCore.  It just seems to me that this is a bonehead move on their part since they would be essentially making free money, they don't have to promote it, they don't have to create it and they don't even have to deal with big time publishers demanding more of a cut.  One would think they should be fine with whatever the author wants to do... heck even apple's "exclusive" deal lets you give your iBooks away free, they just won't let you sell it anywhere but iBooks

Audible still provides a good service to people who are happy paying their prices. If you use and enjoy it, and think you're getting value out of the exchange, you'll get no argument from me. 

Just read through all of this both on the Sigler site and Podiobooks ... and Nathan Lowell's comment above ... I'm with all of them: This is stupid on Amazon / Audible's part.  The problem is there is not a viable threat to them.  I disagree that selection width makes them unassailable: 600 podiobooks that exists here and not there makes us a decent niche.  I am tempted to wonder whether a niche alternative to Audible could not be credible ... I would think Apple would cheer such an effort, since Amazon and Apple are increasingly becoming enemies ... hmm. 

In any event: I was going to put ARMAND PTOLEMY up on Audible when I'd finished with it on Podiobooks; now there just ain't no way.  That and MAX QUICK stay on Podiobooks only!!!

I guess I hav been spoiled with Sigler and other free podiobooks, or just ignorant of Audbile's selection and never used their service.  And this doesn't give me much faith in them....

I don't know if this is a stupid idea but why not ask Evo to fork Podiobooks.

Money makes the world go round.

Yeah ACX is just trying to make a quick buck, aren't we all? It is fully up to the customer if he/she is willing to dish out money for these downloads. I for one enjoy listening for free because WHAT isn't free nowadays? I'll tell ya not much and if you find something for free have at it!

I also am one who does purchase the dead tree version of authors who I do enjoy the adventure they provide. I see it as a investment a investment into their success for providing a means of escape from reality.

rise up

It would be kind of funny to see something like Net Flix and Block Busters take place in the world of audio/podio books! Big company fails to see the future and not buy little company. Little company explodes and big company files chapter 11.

This is interesting when contrasted to the stink over iBooks Author as a composition tool, wherein you can give your output away for free - but only charge for it through Apple.  

I agree as to the boneheadedness of this move.  If I were to guess as to the reason I'd say that in my personal experiences with them, Audible is generally very customer-centric and they foresee issues with customers complaining when the find the same title available for free elsewhere. I'm pretty sure ACX exists because there are a lot of titles that don't have audiobook versions and they want to lower the barrier to entry for people trying to fill that gap.

I am still an Audible customer, and have been for a long time, and would like to add this to their defense: If you purchase 24 of their credits in one swoop, you have a price og 9,56 bucks pr book. In my opinion that is a fair price. Sure, they have DRM on their files, and takes almost any oppertunity to secure the product, which is a quality that really sucks. I cannot use the audiobooks on any platform I want. That also sucks. That said, im happy overall.

I have listened to all Scott Sigler books. And I think that there is a market for pure content books without lead ins and outs. I personally purchased The All Pro from his site (I think the price was about 20$) in order to not have the in- and outtros. When Scott publishes the episodes on his site for free, he has his 4 minuts of fury, and whatnut at the end. Im not a big fan of that, so I pay for it.

Audible will ofcourse try to maintain or expand their business. It just looks like they are trying to take too much advantage of people this time.

It seems to me this greedy decision by one company that doesn't get it leaves a fabulous business opportunity for someone who DOES get it.. Hint, hint, Evo, hint, hint.  I for one wouldn't turn my nose up at a premium section of podiobooks right alongside the already existing repository.

If you love Podiobooks.com you could always become a Patron like me :D  and support the little guys/girls

Small question on the numbers; I have been told by several authors that most publishers take 82.5%, not 88%, which is correct?

I know it's not a huge difference, but I find it hard to get reliable stats on the publishing industry and I find the business models very interesting. As to your main point, couldn't agree more, audible is being completely unreasonable here; thanks for letting your fans know!

Powerful post man. And well put together.
And something I agree with Evo on. Wonders will never cease! ;)

I signed up for Audible a few years ago because of a Sigler promo for one free book (Young Man's War was the one Scott was pimping). I have since enjoyed several great books from Audible while also enjoying free content from indie authors. It seems to me that there is a possibility for a symbiotic relationship. Scott and other indie author promotions can (and do) influence my buying. So maybe I would not buy a Sigler Ebook from Audible because I already have a free version (and likely the hard cover). I would however buy other books from audible that the indie authors pimp. Pimping could simply be part of the price of admission. Everyone would win.

I've been sucking up the free juice for long enough, I'm ready to contribute to the growing fortune of Scott, but wait, sorry, I can't. I've listened to four or five of his free books already. Fortunately I got turned on to them after they were completely podcast. I sucked 'em all down and didn't shed a shilling. Now I'm engrossed in "the All Pro". I'm tired of waiting for a week until the next installment so I decided to pay, pay anything to get the rest of the episodes. I know they are done. I almost bought the "real" book on accident. Shwew, glad I dodged that colossal screw up. I would have been forced to actually read, instead of lazily allowing myself to be immersed in having my bed time story read to me by the author himself. Wait a minute, what do you mean I can't just buy the audio book. If I "order" the book, he'll give me the audio book for free, but that means I have to wait, which is what I planned to avoid, by means of PAYMENT. But since it's being dribbled out for freeeeeeeee, no one will let me buy the damn thing. I'm sorry Scott. I would have liked to have finished the AUDIO book tonight with a sense of satisfaction that I finally paid some small token in return for the hours of enjoyment you've given me. I guess the penance for my freeloading is that I have to wait. Lucky for us both I'm devoid of anything that might resemble a conscience.  Too bad the people at Podio are devoid of sense.

Where were you looking for the audio book? Click on the store at the top of this web page and you can buy the audio book there.

I just cancelled my Audible membership after three years based on this info.  I also pasted the link to Evo Terra's blog post as my reason for cancelling. I didn't realize that they were shutting out some of my favorite authors like that, and I am now pledging to invest that money each month to you guys.  I have pretty much listened to all of Mr. Sigler's, Mr. Lowell's, Mr. Rossi's, etc. works that I could get my hands on. Now I will be ordering print copies of my favorites each month instead.  Thanks goes to all of you who are changing the landscape of the literary universe... bit by byte.

I just bought and finished contagious from audible.   whats up with that?  does that mean that Scott caved and only received 12%?

Joe

Scott has a contract with Crown Books for Infected and Contagious. This is not a cave. Scott has contractual obligations with the publisher (Crown) for these two books that are different than his rights and control of other books that he has either not published or self published.