Culturebox: Kindlerotica

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technology Kindlerotica The strange but inevitable rise of e-reader pornography. By James Ledbetter Posted Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2010, at 1:32 PM ET As I write this, the most downloaded item for Amazon's Kindle is a novel by Jenna Bayley-Burke called Compromising Positions. Here is part of the plot description: "David Strong knows how to do a lot of things--run an international fitness company, finesse stock portfolios and stay out of emotional entanglements. That is, until he gets tangled up with Sophie Delfino and her Sensational Sex workout. He's supposed to help her demonstrate Kama Sutra positions for her couples-yoga class. ... And his co-instructor unexpectedly tests his control to the limit." If that nudge and wink aren't clear enough, this is attached: "Warning: This is one exercise program you won't need to consult your doctor before beginning--unless he's hot and available for house calls. The Kama Sutra isn't for the prudish or faint of heart, and neither is this story." You won't find Compromising Positions anywhere on the New York Times or USA Today best-seller list. So how did it become the No. 1 item on the Kindle, slightly outpacing Jonathan Franzen's Freedom? Price. To buy the paperback on Amazon costs $10.20, plus shipping and handling. The Kindle version? $0.00, which includes instant delivery. Christina Brashear, publisher of Samhain Books, explains that she usually makes one title in a series available as a freebie for two weeks, betting that some readers will pay for future titles. Based on the performance of August freebie Venus in Blue Jeans, it's reasonable to assume that some 35,000 people will download Compromising Positions during its freebie run. While few would dare try Samhain's giveaway tactic with a physical book, the tactic seems to be working digitally. To continue reading, click here. James Ledbetter covers business and finance for Slate. Join the Fray: our reader discussion forum What did you think of this article? POST A MESSAGE | READ MESSAGES Also In Slate The Most Interesting Paragraph in Bob Woodward's New Book Will The Social Network Earn More Than Zuckerberg Just Gave to Newark Schools? Don't Throw Out Your Old Shoes. Donate Them to This Charity Instead.	Advertisement
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