Amazon, Smashwords, The Big Freebie Fight And Me.

Here's something I've just discovered.  We all know Amazon can and does discount Kindle ebooks to pricematch other retailers.  Even right on down to $0.00.  It happened to me with The Department and at first I was a bit 'Huh?  WTF, Amazon?' until it got listed as a freebie and downloads went through the roof.

So I thought well, here's a good idea; I'll just make my next ebook Run Ronny Run! free on Smashwords, let Amazon pricematch it and then the same thing will happen.  And did it?  Nup.  So, I emailed Amazon and asked why.  The first response was just a cut 'n paste of their policy which didn't really answer my question 'How can I get my book discounted to $0.00?'

So, I asked again.

Their response was:

"At this time, we'll not be able to guarantee you that if your books are offered for free on other websites/sales channels, Amazon.com will also offer it for $0. Please note that our decision to price match are based on various factors, which cannot be disclosed. Further, we realize that offering free books will certainly help promote your books, but at this time, as you might already be aware of, you'll not be able to select $0 price for your Kindle book."

Bugger.

So, what shall I do?  Well, since I'm not getting diddly for the freebies I'm putting out, I needn't worry about Smashwords taking their 6%.  Next ebook I put out (should be in a couple of weeks) will also be free, but it'll go through Smashwords and Amazon can go hang.  Eventually, Smashwords will list it on Amazon and it'll be free the way I want to be.