For you, maybe, but that's awfully short sighted. It's an insanely cheap way to intice people to buy a Kindle device. I don't have a lot of time to read, but Kindle's are cheap compared to the price of books. I was considering getting a Kindle but chickened out because I don't read as often as I might like, but now, with a free book a month? I'm probably going to pick it up for Christmas.
I have to think this will convert potential buyers.
Edit: Disclosure, I just flew with only an algorithms book. It's fun to read on the way to the interview, not so much on the way back.
I think it is great. One free book a month. Say 13$ a pop at 12 months that is $156 a year in free books.
I only read a couple full books a year now. Pre-Internet I was consuming a couple dozen a year.
I already have Amazon Prime for their free tv/movie streaming library (which has more of what I like than Netflix had), plus free 2 night shipping (never mind the $3.99 for overnight shipping which is pretty amazing) I personally think Amazon Prime is the best deal out there right now for a one price multimedia consumption program, with the added bonus of free shipping.
I was on the fence about getting a kindle fire, I think this may be the nudge to get me to buy it.
The Kindle doesn't have to fall victim to that- it can be a tool to fight it.
I have found the instant availability of a vast library of titles, combined with the portability and excellent reading experience, has helped me get back into books.
I have to think this will convert potential buyers.
Edit: Disclosure, I just flew with only an algorithms book. It's fun to read on the way to the interview, not so much on the way back.