Crazy? Or Smart Business Sense?

Posted by Lorren on July 15, 2010

Today, I updated my web site on Glenn Beck’s Most Recommended Books. It’s my most profitable web page, and I wish I had a dozen more like it (at least). I included an Amazon link to the book on the web site, along with a link to where people could download the book for free.

Is it bad business sense to drive away business? Perhaps. I don’t think so though. For one thing, it’s the right thing to do. If you’re paying for something that you can get for free, and you later find out that the book is free, would you feel good about going back to that web site? Maybe, maybe not.

Secondly, having an actual copy of a book is different than reading it on a computer screen (although maybe it’s different with the Kindle). I have bought books before that are in the public domain, just because it’s easier to thumb through and read. So people might decide to buy it after all.

Glenn Beck talked today about a time when people could be relied upon, and a handshake meant that you were going to do it. When people were honest. If we are going to make America that way again, we need to start with ourselves.

I make plenty of mistakes. I’ve been in the position where I couldn’t pay the car payment on time or paid late on the rent. We all are going to make mistakes and break our word from time to time. We should, however, try our best.