The sellers are competing with each other, but not with WotC. I don't think it is unreasonable for WotC to provide a digital download of their IP upon proof of purchase of a physical book (which, granted, would be quite difficult at this point although the late company Shelfie apparently had a method for doing it). This is often done with DVD or CD purchases, for example. Amazon MatchBook even currently does this with books, although its library is small.
Also, charging the same price for the digital version as the hardcover version is just silly.
I bought one of my books online. Amazon saves your purchase history. So if WotC were to allow a person to get the free download with proof of purchase of the physical copy, then it's cool.
I have had books from college that have codes for a digital copy of the book. This isn't something unheard of. I'm personally disappointed that they are neglecting the people who already have the physical copies of all of their books. This site has a lot of potential in becoming a valuable tool for any D&D player new or old. But sadly, this one situation is alienating a lot of players from actually exploring this site.
You can think about selling your physical books. They fetch a good price now, since 5e is the current edition, and you should be able to get the digital version for the recouped money. It's what I'm doing. I have my books everywhere in the world now, all my players can read them for free and they are fully errata-ed. I also save on shelf space and the books never break (my PHB pages are coming loose after 4 years of usage). Of course there is the risk of Curse closing down. But I'm betting that this can only happen after I've long finished playing 5e.
Old post, I know, but Amazon has both Autorip (which gives downloadable copies) for physical CDs that were purchased through Amazon, and Kindle Matchbook which gives you a free or super discounted Kindle copy of most physical books you've purchased through Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201362970 It's been a thing since at least 2013.
WOTC and Curse are two separate companies. Here’s an analogy: if you walk into a Barnes and Noble and buy a paperback, would you expect Amazon to give you a free copy of the same book on Kindle? It’s the same content, yes, but it’s in a different format, has different features, and it’s being sold by a different company.
Some people buy the paperback, some people buy the ebook, and some people buy both. Same thing here.
Yeah, digital and physical copies together are one thing. Getting a digital copy from an entirely separate company than the one you bought the physical item from is something else. The "Amazon and Barnes & Noble" part was the relevant bit of the analogy.
My point is that the PUBLISHER is the one who makes those deals. Wizards of the Coast could easily put in a redeemable code in each book.
For example, The Pokemon Company prints Pokemon trading cards. In each pack, a code allows you to redeem those cards on Pokemon Trading Card Game Online, which is run by Dire Wolf Digital, A DIFFERENT COMPANY! Shocking, I know.
I would like to offer a Thank You to everyone for expressing your opinions regarding physical and digital offerings. The feedback will certainly be reviewed and addressed accordingly.
As we depart this point in the thread's end, I would like to remind everyone that we are all compatriots of the world of Dungeons & Dragons. While passions may run fierce and the debates lengthy, we're all members of the same hobby. Lets remember the interest which brought us all here and links us on D&D Beyond. Treat your fellow player with respect, keep conversations civil and non-abusive, and lets all have an enjoyable time. Things continue to get better, one day at a time.
If you have any further concerns which you feel need to be addressed, you may contact the Moderatorsvia PM, or alternate parties below:
You can think about selling your physical books. They fetch a good price now, since 5e is the current edition, and you should be able to get the digital version for the recouped money. It's what I'm doing. I have my books everywhere in the world now, all my players can read them for free and they are fully errata-ed. I also save on shelf space and the books never break (my PHB pages are coming loose after 4 years of usage). Of course there is the risk of Curse closing down. But I'm betting that this can only happen after I've long finished playing 5e.
Old post, I know, but Amazon has both Autorip (which gives downloadable copies) for physical CDs that were purchased through Amazon, and Kindle Matchbook which gives you a free or super discounted Kindle copy of most physical books you've purchased through Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201362970 It's been a thing since at least 2013.
Yeah, digital and physical copies together are one thing. Getting a digital copy from an entirely separate company than the one you bought the physical item from is something else. The "Amazon and Barnes & Noble" part was the relevant bit of the analogy.
Dave
My point is that the PUBLISHER is the one who makes those deals. Wizards of the Coast could easily put in a redeemable code in each book.
For example, The Pokemon Company prints Pokemon trading cards. In each pack, a code allows you to redeem those cards on Pokemon Trading Card Game Online, which is run by Dire Wolf Digital, A DIFFERENT COMPANY! Shocking, I know.
The discussion on Physical vs Digital purchases is located here for review, which contains most arguments for and against:
https://www.dndbeyond.com/forums/d-d-beyond-general/general-discussion/6230-d-d-beyond-vs-physical-books-an-explanation
Please refrain from further discussion on the topic in this thread, as we wish to have that debate centralized to one location.
As for Publisher offerings, I would suggest contacting them if one wishes to report a grievance or suggestion to further develop their brand:
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