Bookshop.org launches Kindle alternative, sends e-book sales to local bookstores

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

HN Meta: Why This Post, Not the Earlier One?

  • Some wonder why a similar earlier submission “flopped.”
  • Others note timing, competing topics, and second-chance mechanics drive visibility more than content quality.

Business Model, Affiliates, and Bookstore Support

  • Bookshop.org pays independent bookstores ~30% on their own storefront sales and ~10% to general affiliates; remaining margin is shared.
  • Confusion and disagreement over how clearly mainstream coverage explained this, especially when affiliate vs. bookstore cuts overlap.
  • Some suggest routinely linking Bookshop instead of Amazon to boost exposure; others won’t bother as long as DRM is prevalent.

DRM, Licensing, and Device Compatibility

  • Many titles will be DRM-encumbered; FAQ confirms purchases are licenses, not true ownership, even for DRM-free files.
  • Users worry about long‑term access if Bookshop shuts down; policy promises continued access or refunds but no real guarantees.
  • Officially no Kindle support due to Amazon DRM; users discuss workarounds for DRM‑free epubs (Calibre, email-to-Kindle).
  • Only iOS/Android apps for now; no direct file download, so most e‑ink readers can’t use it unless they run Android and allow app installs.
  • Lack of a DRM‑free filter and e‑ink support is seen as a dealbreaker by many.

Reader Needs and Competing Ecosystems

  • Requests: deep discounts/sales, edition unification, robust typo reporting, better annotation/formatting, and gift card integrations.
  • Several already avoid Amazon by using ThriftBooks, Alibris, Biblio, etc., but note Amazon’s UX and reach are still strong.
  • Some highlight other models: Tolino in Central Europe, Hive in the UK, libro.fm and ebooks.com (with DRM indicators).

Value of Supporting Local Bookstores

  • Pro‑Bookshop camp: divert money from Amazon, keep indie stores alive, and preserve bookstores as social/cultural hubs.
  • Critics: for digital downloads, local stores add little; if Bookshop stops supporting them, it becomes just another retailer.
  • One explanation: Bookshop is effectively an Ingram-powered co-op for small stores that can’t build good e‑commerce, and has already sent tens of millions to indies.

Skepticism, Politics, and Trust

  • Some see the pitch as typical “tech for social change” that could later ratchet down commissions.
  • Counterarguments stress the founder’s track record, niche market, dependence on bookseller trust, and five years of sending online profits to stores.
  • A side debate surfaces over perceived political slant in indie bookstores and Bookshop’s public advocacy; others argue curation has always reflected staff values.

Geoblocking and Global Reach

  • Users outside the US report being blocked entirely, leading to frustration and downvotes when they complain.
  • This raises questions about how “alternative to Amazon” it can be if it remains US‑only or heavily geo‑restricted.

Self‑Publishing and Exclusivity

  • Several note many desired self‑published titles are Amazon‑exclusive (often via Kindle Unlimited), which limits Bookshop’s catalog relevance.
  • Others point out that producing and distributing epubs outside Amazon is technically easy; exclusivity is a choice driven by Amazon incentives, not necessity.