[Reverend Bob]

Actually, Amazon sells all the bestsellers at hefty discounts. So does B&N. They can afford to do this because they buy in such large numbers that they get REALLY good discount rates (55%, minimum, on a book like this; regular bookstore "standard" is 40%). They also do this to pull in business, in the hope that the customer will buy something else -- or at least not buy something elsewhere.

A few years ago, Amazon started carrying books from my publisher. Being a small operation, he couldn't meet their discount schedule and wasn't going to risk a massive return situation down the road. They ended up taking a few books at 30% off -- And Immediately Listed Them At 35% Off On Their Website!!! Go figure. Now they only buy when they get an order. It does explain how Amazon managed to lose money for all those years though.

[Calpernia]

Ping of Pardons!

Sorry, I was wrong for saying Amazon was discounting to recoup losses. They may be...but I didn't realize it was standard policy so shortly after a release. I thought it was a few weeks. I stand corrected.

:)