If you downloaded Julia Dweck’s Kindle eBook Zombie Kids yesterday for free, then you will be excited to know that the book’s sequel Zombie Kids Go Green is now free today.
Zombie Kids Go Green
But, I do have a difficult announcement to make for my readers. I wrote a full explanation below, but here is the short scoop for those who don’t want to read all the details:
- Amazon changed their operating agreement today beginning on March 1st.
- My free eBook lists will be heavily penalized under the new agreement.
- Continuing the free eBook lists will jeopardize any income that I receive from Amazon.
- My blog will continue, and hopefully be even better. But, I won’t be blogging about free eBooks. I may still share an occasional great free book though via social media provided that the hits into Amazon don’t jeopardize my earnings.
Long version:
I know that many of you have been waiting patiently for me to finish my web design and start posting again frequently about free Kindle eBooks for kids. Today, however, I received an email from Amazon notifying me that Amazon has changed their Amazon affiliate program to penalize websites that send large amounts of traffic into Amazon to download free eBooks.
I disclose openly on my site and free eBook posts that I’m an Amazon affiliate. What that means is that my links into Amazon have an ID in it that allows Amazon to track the purchases that are made through my site. I receive a small commission for each purchase made at no cost to my readers.
I don’t make any money off of sales of free eBooks, but I do make a small amount of money from other purchases that my readers make while on Amazon. While this has never been a large amount of money, especially compared to the huge investment of time on my part, a major part of my blog’s business plan was that as I grew that the time spent would provide a comparable amount of income to support it.
I always thought this arrangement was perfect. I provided information at no cost to my readers while receiving payment from Amazon.
What I have been doing is completely ethical and was allowed by Amazon, but with the new changes Amazon has decided to penalize blogs like mine by disqualifying our entire earnings in a month if we sell too many free eBooks. In other words, if I continue to post free eBook lists even occasionally and still remain an Amazon affiliate any given list could jeopardize my entire month’s earnings.
I’m not sure I understand Amazon’s reasoning, since I’m still only making money off of actual purchases, and I believe that I drive them valuable traffic. But, the fact is, Amazon has the right to govern their affiliate program however best benefits their company, and they still have a very generous affiliate program. I’m still happy to be an Amazon affiliate, so I’ll have to play by their rules.
I know this whole Amazon affiliate issue probably is difficult to understand, but I hope that you will understand at least that this policy change is outside my control. Not only do I hate to disappoint my readers, but I’m also disappointed to see so much work built on one concept go to waste.
Future
I’m not sure exactly what No Twiddle Twaddle will look like once I re-brand. But, here’s the GOOD news!
- I still have an awesome new design soon to be revealed.
- I still have lots of ideas for new and original content.
- I still have loads of book recommendations for you.
So, what do you want to see in the future on No Twiddle Twaddle? Let me know, I’m listening!
~Bethany
That is a shame. You were sending them traffic. They should like that.
I admit it’s hard to understand how even free eBooks don’t still mutually benefit Amazon and it’s affiliates. I know that a lot of people are probably affected by this change, especially the indie authors that depend on free eBook promoting sites to help them promote their books. I wonder if there might be also more to Amazon’s decision, such as free eBook sales cutting into other eBook sales.
This is so unfortunate. I cannot figure out why amazon would do this!
I frequently would d/l free titles and then purchase another title that Amazon recommended. What a bummer Amazon.
Bethany, I love books and I love having a blog that reviews them and gives me reviews I can trust. So…anything that has anything to do with good children’s literature would be welcome.
I think Amazon’s new policy stinks! I’m sorry that your blog is affected because you do a wonderful job and service to readers! I am excited for your next iteration in whatever form that takes and I know that it will include children’s books! Maybe you should blog on eBooks regardless of free ones and list the free ones off Facebook/Pinterest/Twitter?
I think Amazon is shortsighted!
I’m a little bit surprised by Amazon because they usually are quite a cool company. So I don’t understand this new ‘rule’ because, as you and others have already stated, often people purchase other things while they are on Amazon and you have led them there. Why offer free eBooks if we are not supposed to buy them? I find that odd.
That being said, thanks for all your hard work. I only discovered your site a few months ago but have lots of great books on my son’s Kindle thanks to you. And also ones that I have purchased, btw!
That is quite disappointing. I am hopeful that what comes out of this will end up being better for you.
Oh no! I wonder why Amazon did this? I am always happy to come and guest post or be involved with your site if you are ever looking for content! If I found out more from the writing community as to why Amazon did this, I will pass it along!
Sorry to hear this Beth. I know you’ll still offer great content, but it’s disappointing that Amazon has made this change. Best wishes.
~Susan
I wonder why Amazon offers free e-books when they don’t want people to know bout them?
Regardless, I hope your bubbly enthusiasm for kidlit, play and creativity stays undiminished and continues to drive your lovely blog.
This is a true bummer as my kids look forward to seeing new books appear on their kindle and leads to great series that i have since bought. Will you willing to share how we can find these free ebooks for self so that we can still enjoy reading wit our children or to our children…… happy reading