The Audio Version of Thomas Friedman’s Book Costs Way Too Much
September 9th, 2008, 13 Comments »
I’m not a huge fan of “The World is Flat”, but I’m keen to read Thomas Friedman’s new book, “Hot, Flat, and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution–And How It Can Renew America”. And not just because Seth recommends it.
I’m buying more and more audio books these days. I’m choosing audio books because I can consume them while I’m exercising or walking from place to place. Plus, of course, it eliminates the environmental costs of manufacturing, packaging and shipping the book to me.
I went to iTunes to purchase the “Hot, Flat and Crowded”, and was a bit shocked at the price. Then I compared it with Amazon.ca and Chapters:
iTunes: $45.95
Amazon.ca: $19.50
Chapters: $23.52
I’m usually happy to pay a ‘green tax’ for more sustainable options, but this is a bit ridiculous. I’d have to pay more than twice the hardcopy cost for, ostensibly, less value. It’s ironic, too, given the subject of the book. Why do you suppose the audio book is priced where it is?