I'm giving up my Kindle - an update!

[@wallhagens2001]

You’re not a pathetic whinger because you care about what companies you support. You are a responsible citizen of the world. Thanks for addressing this topic. ❤ I keep my Kindle for library access, but I don’t buy books through Kindle. That’s my way of resisting the dominance of Amazon.

[@peaceknot]

I find it interesting that any of this was 'controversial'. I think most people would agree that Amazon has too much control. Why not try a different avenue. Quite a brilliant experiment actually.

[@ianboard544]

There are a number of much better readers out there that aren't in the Amazon ecosystem. I have been very happy with the boox note air 2/calibre combo.

[@harveyjprice]

Back in the day before eReaders were a thing, I used to read things on a Palm PDA I had. The screen and fonts were tiny but it kind of worked. There is always an alternative if you put your mind to it!

[@Welther47]

Yeah, seems like a down to earth, common sense decision.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@KevinGamin]

@@ianboard544 I'm using my Boox devices and the Libby app with my library. It's perfect for me and I'm spending much less money as a result.

[@DuncanMcCurdie]

In terms of business ethics and morality Kobo/Rakuten are no better than Amazon. I’m hoping that the third party options can diversify the market to give readers and authors/publishers more options to suit their needs and desires.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Yeah I discovered the other day they were at one time the largest seller of whale meat in the world.

[@halifirien]

Changing the covers is something I do all the time in Calibre, especially for Stephen King. I also tend to crop and resize to make them fit the dimensions of the Kindle screen.

[@binglamb2176]

I always find it slightly annoying that according to most of booktube, the Kindle is the only ereader in the world.

[@SamHarrison2099]

For me, as a smaller booktuber, the kindle is much cheaper than most alternatives and I also read a lot of self-published books that are exclusive to Amazon in eBook form.

[@PeculiarNotions]

Good update. I'm interested in seeing how this whole process works for you.

[@JasonFuhrman]

Glad you found something that works for you. I personally don't mind Amazon. I've never bought a Kindle book from the sales page on my device, but I only read about a book a week at most, so I can imagine how someone like you who reads so fast can be tempted. I love Kobo as well, but I've had a Kindle since version 2, so I'm very deep in their ecosystem. The only thing that has piqued my interest to switch is the new color device. It's difficult to justify moving to a new platform when there really aren't any benefits other than if Amazon as a company bothers you, so I'll probably stick around until there are some great incentives for consumers that can compete with Amazon.

[@sandeesandwich2180]

I use my Galaxy tablet to read ebooks. So far I just run Libby and read using that. Using the tablet is great for me, because of the multiple functions it provides.

[@allgirlreview433]

Great to know of another device that runs Libby. I get all of my eBook's from the library and am still not sure which devices will work with it.

[@Synthwave89]

Its definitely more versatile, but the backlit screen is horrible to use for long periods of time. It's like staring at a light bulb for hours, which I already do for work on the computer. E-ink displays are a respite for tired eyes and always allow falling asleep comfortably while reading in bed. Have you ever tried an e-ink device?

[@Gwyndon]

Great discussion I too am moving away from Amazon. My library colour comes Thursday!

[@jseger9000]

Amazon makes it easy for indie authors to be published. But then they also lock you into exclusivity if you want to bed part of Kindle Unlimited.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Yeah I really think it sucks ghat they do that

[@lordtardar4639]

I'm a new Kobo Clara BW user and I have managed to significantly increase my reading time by converting my library of PDF books on local storage to EPUB and transferring them to my Kobo. I did some research and found out that apparently, Kindles don't support easy drag and drop as opposed to Kobos (biggest Kindle dealbreaker for me, among a few other things). And to support your point, I hate it when any device/service continues to be intrusive and shoves ads down the proverbial throat for something you've ALREADY PAID FOR . Even if you pay extra to buy a no-ads Kindle, the homescreen is flooded with suggestions and recommendations from their marketplace, and Kobo has my utter respect for their uncluttered, non-intrusive and consumer-friendly approach. PS: I'm an accent freak and love your voice and accent.

[@jimsbooksreadingandstuff]

Glad it's working for you. Amazon's reach is scary.

[@Michael_Wertenberg]

Great video. I would like to hear more about your experience selling your books on Amazon. I've seen dozens of your videos and this is the first I've heard that you are also a writer! Now, I want to know more😁

[@christianbrown7696]

This really captured how I feel about Amazon but haven't been able to articulate. Convenience accompanying by growing unease. Thanks for sharing this.

[@rj-reads]

I'm also a book cover editor! I like removing all the "NY Times Bestseller"/etc text and stickers and, most importantly for me, using a consistent template for the aspect ratio. It always drove me crazy that all the covers were slightly different aspect ratios/varying quality when viewing my library in grid view. Having nice covers is super important to me, especially since I use the screensaver option to display the cover of the book you're currently reading and I like leaving my Kindle on the coffee table.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

It’s one of those activities which is surprisingly satisfying to do

[@SimonAlexanderMarlow]

Are the books you've written still available? I 'd be interested in giving them a look. Good luck with kicking the Amazon habit, I think we all need a bit of consumer rehab every now and again.

[@sclyon]

The color ereader tablets are great for running all the reading apps. So you dont have to give up your amazon books. The boox tab mini is such a device.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Yeah I love my Bigme and Boox Palma for that

[@theldun1]

I have an old Kindle DX that I can turn the wifi off with. Never had a problem with it. I think it's too old to be exploited. Never used Kindle Unlimited. I have downloaded books and converted them to epub formats that work on my Kindle. The best gift my wife ever got me.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

I remember being fascinated with the DX when it came out. Really cool looking device

[@leebalmforth2269]

I've had my kindle for less than a week. So far I'm really enjoying it. I haven't bought any books so yet. (Download free books to read) Only book so far I would consider buying is city of fear as I read the first book for free city of prey and really enjoyed it.

[@saintdonoghue]

This journey of yours is just fascinating to me!

[@bpuryea]

So get a Nook, support a bricks and mortar book seller, put a budget on your ebook purchases. Just a thought.

[@stevemcclure2879]

I have the same problem with resisting a purchase! I too have many Kindle books, cheap ones too, that I'll probably never read :) I also purchased a reMarkable tablet to reduce distractions and have stripped off all non-essential apps on my school iPad. I also HATE how Amazon rams ads and content down our throats. I made the mistake of buying an Amazon Echo Show and despite several, detailed, attempts to stop the ads it won't. I will never buy another product like that from them. On that same vain I am working on walking away from Amazon. I do love the highlighting and having everything in one place. That will be a work in progress. Thanks for your first video as well. I've played with Calibra before and was grateful for your reminder to use it!

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Glad I'm not the only one! Calibre is definitely worth investing a bit of time in

[@rossalexwriter]

Thank you for this video. My indie author comment on the last video was purely to get your thoughts and not a criticism in any shape or form, which I thought I had made clear but perhaps not clear enough. I’ll certainly be considering my options going forward.

[@terriersforever23]

I’m exactly the same as you,particularly the cheaper kindle books and I never actually read them.but will be difficult to let go as I have the basic,paperwhite and scribe kindles.

[@EFergDindrane]

Thank you for this. I have admired the ease of annotation possible on a Kobo Libra, but I was intimidated by the thought of moving 1000s of books from my Kindle. But if you can do it, patiently, a book at a time, then maybe I can do it. I suppose I need only move the books/series I'm immediately going to read, as well. I don't need to think about ALLLLL of them just now. Good luck and thank you!

[@Kritz_Reads]

I juuuust got my kobo yesterday, and was messing around with the free trial of kobo unlimited. (the only thing I thought I would possibly miss from kindle, was KU, and like you, thought that I would be just as happy separately purchasing those e-books). Sadly, I noticed that most of what I purchase through kindle/KU, are independent horror books....and those aren't available on kobo. David Sodergren? not there. Adam Neville? Very few titles. I really hope this changes in the future. As far as I can tell, the kobo unlimited won't really be a thing that is worth it for me. I still need to figure out how to get my netgalley books on kobo, as that is the other major reason for my using an e-reader. I will say that shopping and using overdrive/library is MUCH faster and easier. I need to play around with it more, but I would love to see more independents available on kobo.

[@mopete9830]

I switched from Amazon to Kobo in 2020 for the reasons you stated because I typically don't buy books I get a lot of my books from the library. So getting a device with built in library integration was my best option. I still have never bought anything else from Kobo. Sometimes they have free books I might grab but I haven't in a long time. Recently switched to a boox and even with having to charge it more I absolutely love it. I love my bigger screen with my note air 3c. My comics and graphic novels look great. I mostly use books I removed the drm from like you. I had a much smaller Amazon library to move over but I had already removed the Amazon drm when I switched to Kobo and then moving those files to the boox was super easy. I don't use caliber but I have tinkered with it a bit. The Kobo runs on Linux and my favorite thing was actually being able to modify it. I was even able to remove their terrible browser and store from my device entirely and install a better browser. I was even able to change the margin sizing on all sides and add new fonts and add screensavers. Like the Kobo is the best for if you want to learn how to modify some software.

[@skywalker80316]

Enjoyed the video! Nice to see you making changes as a consumer to fit your values. I enjoy my Kindle and the Amazon experience and see no need to change, personally.

[@grand-merev.1104]

I stopped using Kindle years ago, recently Audible books also. I instead am sticking with physical books preferably used books, or independent book stores. For audio books I now listen via Libro audio books. I really prefer the feel of a written page in my hands. Audio books are for when I travel, working in the garden or hiking.

[@eriebeverly]

My Paperwhite is a library book delivery service. I'm enjoying all the bright and shiny device reviews you have been doing but I don't buy ebooks from Amazon so I think I'm just staying put. As far as syncing across devices would installing the same reading app on the Kobo and the Boox work?

[@benjackson1077]

How do you get library books on kindle? I have Borrowbox on my phone and I borrow audiobooks and books from there, but can I use it on Kindle? Is there anything else I can use?

[@eriebeverly]

@@benjackson1077 I'm not sure where you are in the world. I'm in the US and I use Libby through my library. If I check out an ebook it gives me a Kindle option and it downloads that way.

[@ChrissyM]

@@benjackson1077 I think library books work on Kindle in US only.

[@t0dd000]

Same. I bought my Kobo during the pandemic specifically to borrow library books with ease. Since Kobo (Rakutan) wrote the software all libraries in US use (Overdrive/Libby), it's pretty seamless. If I'm not mistaken, I think Kindle can't check out books in libraries outside of North America. At least that used to be the case. Dunno. Anyway. I'm right there with you. Library books all the way. And if I absolutely love a book, I buy the print version.

[@eriebeverly]

@@benjackson1077 I responded and then I think YT deleted me. I'm in the US and I can use Libby from my local library to checkout books to the Kindle.

[@iancran]

Interesting video, Ollie . I hope you are still looking at one day reading the Kindle copy of my book I sent you recently though🤞

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Yes absolutely! I have it on my Kobo

[@iancran]

I feel your pain - I have 660 titles in my Kindle TBA 🤦🏻

[@drwigglechin]

I've just done exactly this same thing recently lol. Feels good... also left amazon prime a year ago now and that was a great decision too

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Yeah I need to put the work in to figuring out how I break free of Prime as well

[@kyrilson71]

I’ve been gravitating towards my Kobo Libra H2O more lately for a lot of the reasons you cite. It is my favorite ereader of all the ones I have (I have a lot). I’ve been tempted to upgrade to the Colour, but not sure it’s justified as I read only books on it and I do comics on an IPad (bigger screen). I really enjoy curating my ebook collection in Calibre. It’s a book nerd thing I guess.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Yeah the colour on the kobo definitely feels like a gimmick (albeit a really nice one). I think that screen size would work okay for manga, but then that's usually B&W anyway

[@Paperbird76]

Food for thought.... My next e reader will probably something like a boox onyx

[@ChrissyM]

Kindle is handy for me as I don't have a PC to sit and convert ebooks. I just download them direct from the store. I don't use unlimited either, I just buy during those 99p deals. The kobo colour does look nice though.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Yeah Amazon do make it super easy and often cheap

[@anotherbibliophilereads]

I agree the KU might not be worth if I were to add up everything borrowed against what it would have cost. Removing DRM may be low risk. Unless there is a crack down. There are no excuses if you get caught.

[@rozreallyreads]

​@CosmicLab167 but is IS illegal in the uk?? idk where everyone is getting this impression that it's not, it's just not prosecuted because how would anyone know you're removing drm? it's not worth pursuing for personal use, that doesn't make it legal

[@harmon1103]

Personally, I have read the laws involved & concluded that stripping DRM from Kindle (or other) books is not illegal in the US, so long as you don’t redistribute the books to someone else. It’s redistributing that’s illegal. I also think that selling tools to strip DRM (as opposed to giving them away for free) is actually illegal, but judging from what I’ve seen on the internet, some companies have concluded otherwise.

[@rozreallyreads]

@CosmicLab167 what he said in the video is technically incorrect, i took intellectual property law during my law degree and it also features in my post grad. it's illegal.

[@harmon1103]

@@rozreallyreads I never took an IP class in law school (wish I had - I’ve since learned I enjoy it more than tax law, which is what I did before retiring), but my reading of the DMCA is that the act of removing DRM for personal use is not illegal, so long as you don’t make a copy & give or sell it to someone else. I wonder if you learned that the structure of the DMCA seems to have been deeply influenced by the Volstead Act? (For anyone reading this who is not a lawyer, that implemented Prohibition.) Years ago, I acquired a copy of Blakemore On Prohibition and reading it is what led me to that realization. Stripping DRM for personal use is analogous to making your own beer during Prohibition - perfectly legal for personal consumption, so long as you didn’t give it away, sell or transport it. And telling people how to do either one, and giving them the tools (*cough* Apprentice Alf) is not illegal, either. I have a friend who told me that his father used to give instructions on the radio on how to make beer during Prohibition!

[@bighardbooks770]

Ha! At first, I did misunderstand you. Whew! Cannot hardly wait till the publication . . .

[@BlueSkies7]

I admire you and other people who can pull themselves away from the Amazon ecosystem. I think because I get a lot of my books from KU it'll be a tad more difficult for me to leave cold turkey. However, I have been looking at the Kobo Libra Color and love it. I am sure I'll circle back around to this because I do want to pull myself away from them.

[@chrisconnors7418]

I had the free introductory kindle unlimited (twice now) and I cancelled it before payment started because I figured it would be like paying for library books rather than owning books. Plus, I realized I’d probably spend more money on the subscription than I’d spend on KU books I’d actually read.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Yeah I’ve had a few free trials in the past. When you can get it for nothing it’s a great service

[@jasdawn5]

I LOVE my Kobo Sage! I’ve had kindle and Boox and Kobo is my go-to.

[@nolongerhavetowork]

I’m thinking of the same mate. Hate not being able to download books on the go anymore. What would you suggest as a new/better alternative?

[@gsogymrat]

I live in the United States and I used to buy my e-readers and e-books from Nook, one reason being Barnes and Nobles have physical bookstores and also because I wanted to support competition. When it looked like Nook was going under, I switched to Kindle. Now I wonder if I should switch to Kobo. Transferring all my Kindle books to EPUB would be a lot of work.

[@ctunderman]

Its super easy and doesn't take long at all.

[@laurahicks5083]

I appreciate you having this conversation on the book internet. I have kindles, and honestly do think they’re the best for me. Nevertheless, Amazon is troubling as a company, and very much endorsed by much of the book internet. I don’t think there’s a “right” answer, but I do think it’s an important conversation for all of us to have.

[@Grace-Grace-]

Interesting, I legit have only started watching to see this transition. We don’t read the same kinda books but someone mentioned you got a boox awhile back so I watched your video on it and I’ve stuck around to see ur journey w readers. I think it’s pretty cool, and I also think you’ve been very fair in what you say. I ordered a kobo and I’m excited to have it but I’m going to keep my one kindle until I can get an android ereader like bigme, or boox so I can use both until I can just use one system to read everything. I researched both bigme and boox but didn’t find “the one” for me and for the prices was not willing to settle for less. The kobo colour seems exactly what I want minus not being able to do apps so for now I’m gong w that and keeping both but once I get an ereader w apps I’ll probably sell both.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Thank you! Really glad you’re enjoying the ereader videos. Bigme and Boox seem to release new devices pretty regularly so hopefully the right one for you will appear soon

[@c.j.colbert6656]

While I was listening to this I installed the kobo app on my iPad just to check out their store. This probably would not affect many people. However, I am an English speaker living in Germany. The Kobo app and website will only let me see books in German unless I connect to the US with a VPN. So even though there is a workaround this would be an annoying drawback. I don’t have that issue with Amazon.

[@BM-pg6sg]

I’m an English speaker in France, and I use the UK Kobo store - no VPN required. This is one of the advantages of Kobo over Amazon, they let you use whatever store you want - handy for finding books cheaper around the world.

[@c.j.colbert6656]

That’s good to know. If I get a kobo I’ll have to figure that out. It seemed like they were telling me I had to use the German store. I have a US account for my kindle and don’t think I can switch to another store as you mentioned.

[@reychelestrada1645]

Which do you like better, your Kobo or your Bigme? And why?

[@CriminOllyBlog]

For reading regular books, the Kobo (because it’s just great for that), for everything else, the Bigme (more versatility and that bigger screen is better for comics)

[@jrnyman0812]

Olly, I've watched both your videos, and I didnt think you were winging, thought you put yr point across very well...but you did make me smile cos I DO EXACTLY THE SAME regarding buying 99p books (which I have not read). Totally agree Kindle unlimited Ive tried, and I was spending more that I didnt need, lets face it sometimes its better to have that freedom of choice for yourself. Love the channel mate..... "Keep it going!"🥃

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Thank you! That 99p trap is so easy to fall into!

[@jrnyman0812]

Nice surprise to have a tuber reply, never had that before, so thank you👍 Olly.... Rly like your channel and content top man.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

@@jrnyman0812 thanks mate. I don’t manage to reply to all my comments but I try and do a few each day

[@jrnyman0812]

@@CriminOllyBlog ......... Nice to hear from you again Olly, May I take this opportunity to ask you a question please? I've started writing 2 books, done couple chapters on each, ones a military book, and ones a horror book regarding vampire's, but adult grown up real horror so to speak. Anyway My question is , how and would you recommend regarding getting self published or Amazon, any tips from avid reader, like you Olly Ijust love all things books. Kind Regards Neil.

[@LynnetteReads]

I know I could live without KU as I have done it for longer than I have had it but like you I am probably out of pocket. I am using a lot right now though to read from authors at a signing I am going to though I am considering if I need to keep it after that. I think what you are doing is very interesting to follow. I have unsubscribed from all the marketing emails though and I paid the extra money to have no ads on my lock screen. I also tend to not go back to the home screen so I don't see the 'based on your reading' lists that are there. I also made a resolution a couple of years ago to only buy books I NEED not want so that I making myself read the books I already own. The Calibre option scares me a little so for now I cannot see myself moving away from using the Kindle to a different ereader though its tempting to try now Kobo have a colour screen. I would be interested to hear about e-ink tablets that allow me to use all the ebook apps in one place I think that could encourage me away from Amazon as my sole ebook source. The only changes Amazon could make to keep me is release a colour version and also allow me to use ebooks from my library by allowing Borrowbox to be able to transfer on to my Kindle.

[@rudiphoto]

You can, of course, have the best of both worlds. Now that you are using Calibre, there is nothing stopping you from enjoying reading any of your e-books on your Kindle Scribe, even Kobo books. Don’t throw out the baby with the bath water! Feel free to enjoy your Kindle hardware with no strings attached. I know I do. 🙂

[@CriminOllyBlog]

That’s true!

[@greblaksnew]

I use a Boox Note 1 and love it. I think it's four or five years old now. My Kindle books stay on my Kindle app, and my other books go through the ereader software native to Boox. I find it far superior to the Kobo, which I've tested but never owned. As an indie author, I love and support indie authors, and we're always giving our ebooks away for free. I must have at least 75 free ebooks from this year alone. The best i can do is read and review for them. I feel the Amazon is far too powerful to care what we do, and I hope the U.S. government and other governments move in to break up the monopoly.

[@krisprepolec5616]

Have you tried to borrow any books from the library on your non-Amazon devices?

[@forenichtreader]

I'm glad I never got entangled in the Kindle ecosystem. When I first bought an ereader in 2011 I went for a Sony one because it could do library books (Kindle only does library books in the US). When that stopped working a few years later I replaced it with a Kobo because it was compatible with the same ebook files, and I've used Kobos ever since.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

My first e-reader was a Sony one too!

[@razz5558]

Good man! If we want to return to a sane western world, we must shake off the shackles of the subscription as a lifestyle. Anything that takes money away from a monster like Amazon is a victory. I salute you, mate.

[@awebofstories]

Just and FYI - If Amazon finds out that someone (in the US, at least) removed the DRM from a kindle book, they consider that a breach of contract and will take away all the licenses that the user has for Kindle Books. Which basically means that the user loses all their kindle books. I'm not sure how they know if someone does it, but I've heard several accounts of people who have lost their kindle libraries because of it.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

That's interesting!

[@thatspiritualhumane]

I gave up on my color Kindle tablet about 8 yrs back. Since then, I intend to buy a good old fashioned B&W Kindlevrsn. However, i do know all its pros & cons, & hence I intend to buy an iPad instead, & read using its Kindle app ! & I know all of KIndle's eye-saving gimmicks, afterall a digital device is a digital device, its not some magic tech to save our eyes. Also I read books < 45 min /day.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Whatever works for you is the right thing to do!

[@BookmarksandBookshelves]

I have never been a fan of single source e-readers, they feel too stifling. I have an old Google Asus tablet and a Boox Onyx that allow me to use Kindle, Nook, Google Play, Everand, Libby and Overdrive. I swip swap between both and love them. Android based e-readers will always be my preference.

[@bigaldoesbooktube1097]

Great comments. I really couldn’t agree more.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Cheers, Al

[@M-J]

Kindle will always have a special place on your bookish heart. 😂

[@Welther47]

Love my Kobo. These are platforms for selling first and foremost; but Kobo isn't as aggressive.

[@LisaMChris88]

I think if kobo comes out with a bigger color one I will switch. I love my kobo but I have both so I can read books only on Amazon and books only on kobo

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Moral of the Story: Just get a book

[@allgirlreview433]

Great for people who have that liberty. As someone who lived abroad before e-Readers my life was so diminished by lack of English language books. E-Readers really do have a place.

[@joshramirez7]

Amazon has you covered there as well!

[@onemoney2show]

I wish I didn’t read so much Kindle Unlimited

[@thatspiritualhumane]

Lesson to learn for all of us: Don't become part of a single ecosystem even though it makes our life simple ! Bcoz unknowingly, 10 yrs down the line, we would've spent like $3000 on those ecosystem's components !

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Very true!

[@keithhealing1115]

Kindle devices are excellent. The Oasis in particular is, for me, an almost perfect piece of ergonomic design. The Kindle UI is truly terrible. The "Home" screen is an advert. I hate the fact that almost everything you might need to access requires at least two taps. "Airplane mode" makes no sense on a device that only uses wifi (let alone the fact that you switch it on to switch it off). And when you do, it doesn't actually tell you that you have connected to a network until you get off the menu. I have also published through Amazon - and the vast majority I have sold have been physical books sold by me at events.

[@claudiameier666]

i use kindle and buy books but i keep my amazon fire tab let offline so they cant change them or take them awawy

[@RobotPorter]

I read a lot of comics via Kindle usually via a tablet, Fire or others. And I really enjoy reading comics via guided-view. Is there a way to save comics, and then read them with some other devices and software, using something like guided-view?

[@HeyPidge]

Thanks for this refreshing perspective on kindle and Amazon ecosystem. By the way, I looked for your books about the cat and Amazon website indicates it’s unavailable. Do you know where I can find a copy?

[@CriminOllyBlog]

It’s out of print at the moment but I will probably republish at some point. You can however read the first story here: www.patreon.com/posts/82960801?

[@HeyPidge]

@@CriminOllyBlog Thank you 😊 I’ll keep an eye out for a republishing announcement.

[@troytradup]

This certainly wouldn't help anyone get away from the Amazon eco-system ... but how in the world has Amazon not announced a color Kindle yet?

[@CriminOllyBlog]

I’m pretty sure they will ahead of the holiday season

[@heidifogelberg3544]

Oh, poor Olly! Somehow, "pathetic whinger" just sounds disproportionately cruel! For myself, I think there's something very ... human, and even relatable, about someone who can't resist a book selling at 99p. I'm sure that if I had ever acquired the habit of looking at the amazon interface with any regularity, I'd be just the same. Luckily for me, I pretty much pick it up and use it for a predetermined purpose - generally, reading a book. Sometimes watching a movie. When I shop, I shop by entering search terms and buying what I want if I can find it. My personal weak spot is the little banner they run on the pages of items you're looking at or have bought that provide a list of similar items you just might not be able to resist. That one, I have fallen victim to. Many, many times. Sigh.

[@paulathereadingtabby2185]

19:11 Am I the only person who just reads on their phone? I don't see the need to buy an extra device that I would have to keep track of and also charge. And to have multiple devices just goes against my purchasing habits. I'm a one and done kinda gal. Yes, I do use the Kindle app, but that's because it links directly to Libby and my public library. It's very rare for me to buy an ebook since the prices are absurd and I don't have the expendable income to constantly purchase deals. More power to you for following your instincts for where you want to spend your money. I just wish i had your money to spend! 😂

[@lucabastianello9830]

Eink screen and long latina battere mainly

[@DreamJeanne1111]

I like to be able to adjust the brightness and warmth of the page. Also, you can read the Kindle quite easily in direct sunlight, no glare. Better for bedtime, because there's no blue light. It really does look close to paper. I always buy the expensive Kindle cover that fits over the Kindle. Much more comfortable to hold than a phone for reading, in my opinion. Also, if you're not using your phone to read your phone battery lasts longer. I have over 500 books on my Kindle. I make sure I open them and download them, especially if I'm traveling. I'm not going to put all of that on my phone. That said, as long as you're reading, I say you go girl! I could not have survived my life without books.

[@paulathereadingtabby2185]

I can see your point about your battery life, especially at this very moment, since I'm typing in the dark because of a power outage due to storm damage in North Texas. 😆. I'm not really concerned about reading in the sun because I work nightshift, but I can see it would be a nice option if you were reading outside on your lunch break. My lunch break, alas, is at 2 a.m. I read a fair amount the old fashioned way with physical books, but I love the option of my phone not just because I can link to the Libby/Kindle app for e-books, but also use it to listen to audiobooks both from the library and Audible. I have a job that lets me put in earbuds for most of my shift. All the e-readers sort of feel like unitaskers. A tablet would be a better fit for me, but I can't lug that around at work like a phone. To each their own. It isn't Amazon, but it's evil twin Audible that has me enslaved. I confess to a two credits a month subscription. I let myself keep that when I started the Read What You Own Challenge. Physical and ebooks are only allowed to be purchased in April and October. I have some catching up to do with my bookshelves!

[@lucabastianello9830]

@@paulathereadingtabby2185 generally talking i totally agree, still the main feature other than battery you are forgrtting Is the eink screen. Still, i prefer eink tablet like book, and so on, with Google apps avalaible. Kindle Is too much limited to my usage

[@RovingReader]

Did you know Kobo price matches?!!

[@CriminOllyBlog]

I didn’t! That’s good to know

[@darcy501]

There is nothing wrong to admitting you cannot resist the offers, in fact we all find ourselves in that situation. None of us are immune to consumerism, pretending that someone I watch on youtube is immune to it is so confusing to me. Why would I want to watch someone who can function perfectly without struggles whatsoever? Yes one can always have more self restraint, but one doesn't. Things to improve, big deal. Admitting you aren't perfect isn't the flaw certain people think it is.

[@MasticinaAkicta]

Yeah Kobo devices are nice. They get you into your book and you are reading! I do have a Kindle, but as author I use that as TEST unit. To see how a book would look once published on such. I care about my readers after all. But it is not my favorite device. It is 90% Amazon trying to sell you crap and the left over is your ability to read.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Yeah there seems to be much less friction in the Kobo

[@suzannes8017]

I read Kindle books exclusively on my tablet, so I don't use separate devices at all. The new color version of Kobo is intriguing, and I would sign right up if I could use my tablet. So my question is this: Does Kobo offer the ability to use this new software and their books without yet another device, or are they primarily a device seller?

[@chrisamies2141]

I mostly use Kobo on my phone and my laptop. I do have a Kobo reader but don't use it that much.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

No, you can’t install other apps on it, although you can convert kindle books so you can read them on the Kobo. There are tablets that will run whatever app you want and that have e-ink screens like a kindle, like the Boox Palma or Bigme Inknote Color

[@BluStarGalaxy]

Have a kindle, have it on airplane mode, and side load the books. Self-control.

[@t0dd000]

Indie authors. Amazon definitely has a "make it easy" platform for that, but there are a lot of options out there for indie authors, and many of them are arguably better quality routes with wider reach. Amazon tries to lock in authors to their platform with various incentives and text buried in the fine print. Amazon is as adept at seducing writers as they are readers. But the writers often get the worst deal in that relationship. And KDP Unlimited? Do you know how authors are compensated? Per page read. There's an argument for and against that. But I know a number of authors who have cursed the day they published to that platform. Also, not easy to find on their website, but Amazon can't even print a hardback for your novel.

[@BM-pg6sg]

I think you mean CAN even print a hardback 😉

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Yeah when I first published it was per borrow. I think the per page read model encourages a certain kind of writing

[@t0dd000]

@@BM-pg6sg They do not have an acceptable hardback option for novels. I.e. They can only do case-laminate hardbacks. Fine for a textbook or children's book but not for novels, narrative non-fiction, etc.

[@emmaeynon7171]

I just tried booting up my Kobo mini and it won’t sync. Apparently it’s no longer supported, therefore its now useless and doomed to the drawer of obsolete gadgets 😢

[@CriminOllyBlog]

You should still be able to side load books onto it I think

[@BM-pg6sg]

You can update the firmware - there are instructions out there on how to do this. Did mine and it’s still going strong.

[@almightyvock]

Amazon is the best experience hence they are the biggest. Being their device, of course they are going to make a way for you to buy books. If you have a spending issue, that is your issue, not amazon. You could also use the kindle to read through libby, for example, all without spending anything.

[@JoshsBookishVoyage]

I think calling it just a matter of self control is a really naive perspective. Ironically, people who feel that way are probably more prime to being conditioned bc they think they can resist it.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Yeah I think it’s a complex thing and big companies have got very good at exploiting people’s psychological weaknesses

[@benpessoa4013]

Getting rid of your Kindle, to avoid its marketing visuals, is exercising self-control.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Very true

[@kelvinsmith6854]

Sorry for calling you a pathetic winger, it was a bit harsh, you seem a decent nice guy and I do get your point, so what ever you are comfortable with in the long run is your business, so good luck with your continued reading enjoyment.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

No worries! I’ve been called worse in the comments (in fact I quite deliberately no longer check the comments that KZbin hides because they contain offensive language!)

[@wendyvilla2904]

💚🖤

[@jameshjacksonjr]

what about APPLE BOOKS for you?

[@CriminOllyBlog]

They problem with that is I don’t think there’s a way to read them on an eink screen

[@jameshjacksonjr]

@@CriminOllyBlog iPad is where you read em matte screen protector and your good

[@YV-2000]

Isn't this the government task to not allow oligopoly?

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Well supposedly

[@nolongerhavetowork]

Even the title “Unlimited” is fake as the kindle books are not unlimited.

[@stephenmackintosh1156]

Just learn to remove DRM and you eliminate almost all the problems you're talking about. It's perfectly legal and easy to do.

[@DDB168]

I'm for anything that will give Jeff Bezos the s h 1 tees 🤭

[@CriminOllyBlog]

😂

[@paulabbott2813]

Read the short story 'Ur' by Stephen King from Bazaar of Bad Dreams. This would be the only reason l would ever by a Kindle...if only.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Ha ha that was a fun story