For those of you who read SF: Editor/ Publisher Jim Baen in coma

The Baen Bar ^ | 6/16/2006 | Self

[papertyger]

The real question is, how much have you spent on Baen titles because of the "free" books they provide? Since you mention the CD, they got you with a hardback purchase :-) I agree that Jim Baen is a freaking genious, and a hell of a capitalist who understands all too well that his customers aren't thieves. Too bad noone in the record industry has his vision.

God be with Jim.

And to answer your question, a few hundred dollars, easily. Not too shabby a business model when you consider his materials cost is essentially zero.

I have about a hundred books in my elibrary.

[mike70]

A great SF editor. He has my blessings

[Salgak]

Likewise, and 75-odd Baen Hardcovers, and even more Baen Paperbacks.

Plus the Baen "stable" of authors stays well-involved with their readers. Between Baen's Bar, and emails, I've had long conversations with Eric Flint (who is my guess to take over the helm, if, God Forbid, Jim doesn't make it), David Drake, John Ringo, "Doc" Taylor, and Julie Cochrane. . .

Heck, Baen even helps flog the books of authors from NON-Baen Houses: S.M. Stirling for one. . .

And, between the new "Jim Baen's Universe" e-magazine, and the Advance Reader Copies of forthcoming books you can by from Webscriptions. . . he's found ways to make cash out of what otherwise would be free, and got people lining up to do so.

As was said. . . not trating your customers like theives pays off. If only the RIAA and MPAA would listen . . . .

[BlazingArizona]

Our thoughts are with him!

[zeugma]

And to answer your question, a few hundred dollars, easily. Not too shabby a business model when you consider his materials cost is essentially zero.

Yup. Not bad at all. Not to mention the brand loyalty his business model generates.  Given two books that I'd like to read, if one of them is by Baen, I would almost always go with it because I like the faith he has in his customers.

[SES1066]

To update those not having access to Baen's Bar, here is the not-so-good news as of yesterday (06/20/06) morning ...

Dear Friends of Jim Baen and Baen Books, At this time we regret we are unable to give you positive news regarding Jim's condition. As many of you know, last Monday Jim suffered a stroke. The doctors describe it as a massive bilateral stroke in the thalamus. Jim has not regained consciousness and his condition has become severe. He is resting comfortably now, and appears to be in no pain; however the doctors' prognosis is grave. We know that very many people care for Jim and have been hoping and praying for a positive outcome, but we wanted to share this information with you, as so many have asked and expressed great concern. Jessica Baen & Toni Weisskopf

I hope for a miracle but it don't look good...

[Anti-Bubba182]

Thanks for the update.

[McGavin999]

Anyone who welcomes prayers should surely receive them. Mine are on the way for both him and his family.

[magslinger]

Thanks for the ping.

I checked out your FReeppage and thought of a quote you might like. I searched it to make sure I got it right.

"You cannot free a slave; he has to do it himself. And you cannot enslave a free man; the most you can do is kill him." -- Robert A. Heinlein

[SES1066]

Thanks, you're right it does go well on the page. I'll add it when I get the chance (with appropriate credit). RAH was/is a mentor of mine and I easily go back to re-re-re-...read most of his work at the drop of a hat. Yeah, Venus isn't wet and there are no canal of Mars, but there are still the "Green Hills of Earth"! - Thanx.

[magslinger]

Yes, Heinlein's comments about his choice of service influenced mine. Something about if you buy the farm it's usually the whole farm and you have had a shower and a change of clothes, a hot meal and slept in a not uncomfortable bed in the last 24 hours. I will have to look it up and post it on my FReeppage.

[Constantine XIII]

prayer bump

[Billthedrill]

Prayers up! BTT.