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Ad-supported books on the Kindle? Showtime offer of download script could pave the way
June 2, 2009 | 6:53 am
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By David Rothman
I hate obnoxious advertising, especially if it’s the only choice for e-book readers; and in many cases some ugly credibility issues may arise. Do you want Ford to be the sole sponsor of a book of tips for auto buyers?
Even so, restrained, appropriate advertising has a place in books for readings choisingthis option. So I was pleased to learn of the following item in Ad Age:
Showtime may have finally cracked the code on using Kindle as an ad medium. Starting today the cable network is offering Kindle users a free, downloadable version of the pilot script for its new series "Nurse Jackie," featuring Emmy Award winner and former "Sopranos" star Edie Falco.
Working with its media shop, Omnicom Group’s OMD, Showtime will use banner ads throughout Amazon.com and on the Kindle storefront to promote the free download, which will be available until Aug. 31. Along with cover art and a title page, the script comes with show scheduling information and a call to action urging readers to visit Sho.com to watch the premiere of "Nurse Jackie"…
So, gang, what do you think?
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Comments:
“Nobody has figured out what the future ad model for a device like the Kindle is going to be. ”
How about no ad model for the Kindle? Why does the Kindle need ads when I’m buying ebooks already?
For this particular ebook, it looks like the whole thing is an ad for the TV show, but more disconcerting is the possibility that future releases may have marketing incorporated in them. I doubt ebook ads would be as non-intrusive as the old cigarette ads in the middle of books from a few decades ago; they would have to be more consumer driven or individual ads placed by data mining engines.
Other people might have different preferences, but I’d choice choose DRM hands-down over ad infestations any nanosecond of the millennium.
> How about no ad model for the Kindle? Why does the Kindle need ads when I’m buying ebooks already?
But Greg, many would prefer not to buy.
Totally agree re the need to avoid obnoxious ads. I think it can happen. You’re welcome to disagree. given the pathetic condition of the book industry, we need to be open to all models.
Thanks,
David
Pass. I buy my books. I don’t want ads in them. Otherwise it’ll be like going to the movies, spending $12.00+/ticket and still having to see the same lame ads I turn off when I watch television (a rare event).
This particular example sounds more like promotion than advertisement (though, clearly, Amazon is running banner ads for it, which is fine by me).
Personally, I could live with ads… especially if they brought the price of e-books down significantly, which should be the point. And yeah, I’d rather they be unobtrusive… but I could even deal with mini banner ads at the top of each chapter, I’m not so wound-up that I can’t just register them, forget them, and move on, just like I do on a web page.
But to reiterate, the only point is for the ads to bring e-book prices down (or even to make them free, paid for by the ads). If the price does not change, the heck with it.
As Steve has already touched upon I guess it depends on what the quid pro quo would be.
If there is no offset for the buyer and it is just another way for the seller to get more revenue then I wouldn’t likely tolerate the intrusion.