A pricing scheme

[benlehman]

Nathan proposed this to me as a pricing scheme for Drifter's Escape. Sadly, I've already done a lot of selling of the books at the present price point, but it's worthwhile to think about for future endeavors.

The pricing scheme is as such:
Two paypal buttons. One $10 + SH, one $20 + SH. The $10 button is labeled "reduced rate for poor people." The $20 button is labeled "standard rate for middle class and wealthy people."

So, I'll ask you: What are your thoughts on this? Why? Would this excite you or turn you off? Which button would you pick and why?

Comments

[redcrosse.livejournal.com]

I think it's worth it even if it is offputting to some people (which it will be.) The fact that people feel guilty about how much money they have whenever it's mentioned, and feel as though it shouldn't be phrased in terms of justice, speaks to the degree of injustice we're willing to ignore. I think the idea is fundamentally sound, and the price points appropriate. I would, however, advise against labelling the middle-class rate as "standard," and would suggest a word other than "poor." (See Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse Five rant about "America hates its poor": it's all true.) Otherwise, get up in Mammon's grill, Ben.

[russiandude.livejournal.com]

I think this depends on the goal you have. If Ben's goal is to have your product reach as wide an audience as possible, then he should absolutely worry about labels being offputting to potential customers.

I also do not agree with your interpretation, if it applies to my comments, but that is a separate argument I can take offboard as not to clutter Ben's LJ.

[redcrosse.livejournal.com]

It applies to lots of people's comments, but more to my imagined reaction of my basic working model of the capitalist psyche. Don't feel specially singled out, for better or worse.

[benlehman.livejournal.com]

For what it's worth, totally on topic.