[cardguy]

I love reading - it is the most important thing in my life (yeah - im a loser). So - I guess I won't need the following incentive.

But - I just wanted to share this with you guys, since I love coming across creative and novel ideas.

Famous technology writer/guru, Kevin Kelly, has an interesting scheme whereby authors could pay readers to actually read the books they purchase. Since, it seems alot of people buy books and never get round to reading them.

It is the most inventive thing I have seen in ages:

www.kk.org/thetechnium/archives/2013/01/ill_pay_you_to.php

[painter]

If you have to sell a book by paying people to read it then what's the point?

This guy is willing to make his publisher pay the readers but isn't willing to put up his own money which tells me he's not 100% sold on his own idea.

[Virtus]

(01-20-2013 12:18 PM)painter Wrote:  

If you have to sell a book by paying people to read it then what's the point?

This guy is willing to make his publisher pay the readers but isn't willing to put up his own money which tells me he's not 100% sold on his own idea.

let me guess... you didn't read the linked article. did ya

that was the point . people buy shit they do not start or finish.

[painter]

I read the article, that's why I said he's willing to have the publisher pay the readers but he's not willing to put up his own money.

I understand the concept, it rewards bad writers and punishes good ones. Publishing would become a game of marketing shitty books with awesome covers and a spectacular sounding but false synopsis in order to trick people into buying and not finishing books.

Scammers would also set up ebook reading programs that would mimic reading and allow them to get paid without actually reading books.

I think this idea would destroy the publishing business, discourage writers and encourage people to be scam artists instead of readers.

[Faust]

I hope he goes for it. I can spend a weekend figuring out a way to game the system and walk off with some decent cash.

[cardguy]

I emailed to a the link guy I know who is quite a large ebook publisher.

He emailed back to say the idea might be more effective if you offered a discount (say 90%) as opposed to offering a payment. That way you prevent scammers from trying to game the system.

Personally - I think the idea is more applicable to those large books which regularly go unread. Large non-fiction books, 'classics' and many of the literary prize winners.

Many writers are in the business to share ideas than they are to make massive ammounts of money. As such - I can see why it is a concern for many authors who worry that their books are being bought but not actually read.

Actually - a system like this might be useful in rewarding citizens for reading the manifestos that the different political parties release in the run up to an election. We have manifestos in the UK - but I am not sure about the US.

Lastly - I have seen an idea similar to this in the past. The idea was a gym membership which was free - as long as you visited at least once per week. The idea being alot of members start off with the best of intentions - but soon lose the motivation to visit the gym.

Here is a link to the gym membership post:

http://marginalrevolution.com/marginalre...-self.html

[painter]

I agree, this is more something you'd do to get people to read a big heavy book about astrophysics than a story about a rabid dog terrorizing a family.

[cardguy]

James Altucher is currently paying people to read his latest book:

http://www.jamesaltucher.com/2013/06/nob...d-my-book/