Free Advanced Copy of Book??

Hardrivejack

response received on Thursday 15th as follows;

Dear Mr ,

Thank you for taking the time to bring this matter to my attention. As the Creative Manager of this promotion I wanted to respond in person in order to clarify what is an unfortunate misunderstanding. I apologise for the delay in getting back to you but this has only just been brought to my attention. The facts are as follows:
The promotion was posted on 4th February 2008 and the response was extremely high. We mailed out the entire print run of advanced copies to those who responded the quickest (i.e. eighty copies) and, unfortunately, it was unavoidable that we would at some stage run out of free copies.
Whilst I understand your disappointment, I must point out that it was clear from the original site that the offer was only available whilst stocks lasted. Despite the best intentions and the most pragmatic planning, it is, frankly, impossible to anticipate the extent of actual interest in such a promotion. On the bright side, we are very glad to see such a high level of interest in Alex Chance, one of our top authors!
Further, all participants were given the chance to opt in to future correspondence in respect of future marketing and promotions, and they were all notified (please see attached) when we ran out of free copies.
Finally, as some of those who expressed an interest in obtaining a free copy of the book were unsuccessful, and in light of our desire to show our appreciation for the interest shown, we offered the book at a discounted rate as a goodwill gesture. Considering the free p&p, this is undoubtedly a highly competitive deal.
It is therefore clear from the above that there was absolutely no intention on our part to deceive or misrepresent the facts. The events were unavoidable and entirely expected in respect of such promotions, and our resulting offer of a discounted rate was entirely above board.
I hope this satisfactorily addresses your concerns and would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to set the record straight.
Kind regards

seashore321

Well at least they replied!

babble

I'd drop OFT etc a quick email because this just looks like a standard fob off letter. It is quite plainly a method to increase sales and get a mailing list - since when is 80 copies an advance print run? More like 500-1000 for most paperbacks.

As an aside it may be time to add a forum for blacklisting companies that advertise freebies just to get a mailing list.

strangeeons

Actually, for advance print runs -- the ones that normally go to reviewers (like me ) -- it does tend to be between 80-120. The next print run is, like you said, between 500 - 1200.

--Strange Eon

Hardrivejack

Didn't notice it yesterday but also attached was a copy of message they sent me in February. Must admit I never remembered getting it, mainly because the email I use is generally used for spam, compettitons, freebies etc. Normally i have 30 emails in inbox and another 120 in bulk folder each day so I tend to just glance through and delete. As I enter so many comp's, freebies and surveys I tend to get a few "you have not won / qualified" etc.

Copy of attachement below;

Sent: 11 February 2008 17:21
To: 'Hardrivejack2000
Subject: The Final Days by Alex Chance

Thank you for requesting a free proof copy of The Final Days.

Unfortunately, due to large demand, these are now out of stock.

The Final Days by Alex Chance will be published on 3 April 2008.

If you would like to pre-order a copy you can do so here:

http://www.rbooks.co.uk/search_results.aspx?search=final days&bic=

Thanks for your support,