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10 Ways to Make Money in a Free World
A free ebook by Nicholas Lovell, author of The Curve
Free is coming. We all know how artists and are at risk from filesharing; now digital manufacturing and 3D printing mean that no industry is immune. But the same technology that enables easy piracy also offers a huge opportunity: artists and businesses can share what they do at low cost, while building relationships with fans.
So how can you embrace free, while finding the superfans who will help you thrive? How can you make money in the Free world? Here are ten ideas to reshape your future. Welcome to the Curve.
Nicholas Lovell is an author and consultant who helps companies embrace the transformative power of the internet. His blog, GAMESbrief, is read by those seeking to learn how digital is transforming gaming - and how to apply that knowledge to other industries. His clients have included Atari, Firefly, nDreams and Square Enix (creators of Tomb Raider), as well as Channel 4 and IPC Media. He is a columnist for Gamasutra, a contributor to the Wall Street Journal, and his articles have appeared in TechCrunch andWired. He lives in London.
45 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
November 9, 2021
Insightful but very very very basic information is provided. It would have been better if the author had provided something new or maybe in depth knowledge with examples.
February 17, 2014
I'm kind of on the fence about this book. It wasn't really tips on how to make money like you might imagine, it was just ten different points on how to make money the one way. That one way is pretty much just about giving stuff away for free in order to get loyal customers that would purchase other items from you in the future.
Besides that, it seemed mostly just like an advertisement for his other book. That aspect of it was kind of annoying, I don't read books to have people try to sell stuff to me.
Anyway, it had an interesting concept, if you could get it for free, this is a quick read and you might as well if you have a business. If you are just someone looking to make money this probably isn't the book for you.
Besides that, it seemed mostly just like an advertisement for his other book. That aspect of it was kind of annoying, I don't read books to have people try to sell stuff to me.
Anyway, it had an interesting concept, if you could get it for free, this is a quick read and you might as well if you have a business. If you are just someone looking to make money this probably isn't the book for you.
February 18, 2023
A short overview of ideas on how to approach making money in the digital age.
August 3, 2018
I may have found this more useful if I had or was starting a business.
September 17, 2021
Gives a lot of insight on the transition to digital economics and products
I am a writer and have been looking for ways to try and earn more money. I stumbled upon this book not knowing that a lot of the content is aimed at muscians and artists. This did not stop me from reading and I learned more than I expected about things like digital pricing structures compared to physical products. As someone who has pushed the benefits of digital streaming networks over traditional cable/satellite in my work in recent years for consumers, I am interested in whether Mr. Lovell has any viewpoints on the subject. I personally think it would make a great book as there is certainly no shortage of streaming networks that are all using the direct to consumer model. He really hit the nail on the head with regard to the music industry and how it was forced to adapt to survive. As an Apple music subscriber, I'm glad it did because I can have access to just about any album I want at the click of a button. Highly recommend giving this book a read.
I am a writer and have been looking for ways to try and earn more money. I stumbled upon this book not knowing that a lot of the content is aimed at muscians and artists. This did not stop me from reading and I learned more than I expected about things like digital pricing structures compared to physical products. As someone who has pushed the benefits of digital streaming networks over traditional cable/satellite in my work in recent years for consumers, I am interested in whether Mr. Lovell has any viewpoints on the subject. I personally think it would make a great book as there is certainly no shortage of streaming networks that are all using the direct to consumer model. He really hit the nail on the head with regard to the music industry and how it was forced to adapt to survive. As an Apple music subscriber, I'm glad it did because I can have access to just about any album I want at the click of a button. Highly recommend giving this book a read.
November 16, 2018
A free book that motivates you to give away your creative product for free. The author presented ten opinions on why giving away your labor for free is the right thing to do in the digital era. He reveals some interesting details of people who have welcomed this strategy with open arms. The strategy is to convert freeloaders to die-hard fans. The strategy is not to sell a product, but to sell a lifestyle. To make consumer feel good about owning your product. The book reveals little, but gives enough ideas to implement in one's creative journey. It is a starter-cum-survival kit for the new age creator.
September 16, 2026
I decided to read it on the plane because it’s very short and has a clickbait-y title. I don’t remember any groundbreaking takeaways, but apparently that wasn’t really the point of the book anyway.
It mainly explains why if you have a product, it can make sense to give it away for free and why free users aren’t your enemies. The main idea I got from it was that the real money is in selling to the fans of a product. That got me thinking about a few ideas of my own, so I found it useful for that reason.
That said, I’m not sure I’ll actually read “the curve” after reading this free version, despite what the book advertises :)
It mainly explains why if you have a product, it can make sense to give it away for free and why free users aren’t your enemies. The main idea I got from it was that the real money is in selling to the fans of a product. That got me thinking about a few ideas of my own, so I found it useful for that reason.
That said, I’m not sure I’ll actually read “the curve” after reading this free version, despite what the book advertises :)
July 27, 2018
een soort groot artikel van 40 pagina's met tips over verkoopstrategie. hoe kan je gebruik maken van de digitale ontwikkeling en klanten aan je binden. er staan een paar leuke voorbeelden in en de schrijver heeft zeker een punt. Verder was er geregeld door het verhaal heen een promopraatje voor het boek de Curve, wat ik storend vond. Dit alles bij elkaar maakt dat ik niet super enthousiast ben, het was wel best.
August 19, 2021
A short and compact read. Only 45 pages. I got it for free in kindle version.
This book is recommended for someone who just started or currently in business and want to survive in today digital era. Inside, you will served with basic survival knowledge in business. Follow the tips by Mr Nicholas, you might boost your sale.
Glad I read this book because it give me solid fundamental before jumping into business industry.
This book is recommended for someone who just started or currently in business and want to survive in today digital era. Inside, you will served with basic survival knowledge in business. Follow the tips by Mr Nicholas, you might boost your sale.
Glad I read this book because it give me solid fundamental before jumping into business industry.
April 17, 2019
Free is not an absolute aspect and yet can make millions for you
Easy to read and yet succinct in content. The book explains the principles and sets down a good foundation to pursue this line of thinking. If one can understand the concept for free, it allows people to make an informed decision and explicitly respects the intellect of both parties between collaboration
Easy to read and yet succinct in content. The book explains the principles and sets down a good foundation to pursue this line of thinking. If one can understand the concept for free, it allows people to make an informed decision and explicitly respects the intellect of both parties between collaboration
June 28, 2018
This book does exactly what it should. It gives very good and practical tips and leaves you wanting more. So I am reading The Curve soon, which goes deeper into the stuff that is explained in this book.
September 18, 2018
Sounds great
I am not sure about getting a new idea out and getting ready for it to attract the attention of a certain audience without it blowing up in my face. I would have wasted a lot of time. It may work for some though.
I am not sure about getting a new idea out and getting ready for it to attract the attention of a certain audience without it blowing up in my face. I would have wasted a lot of time. It may work for some though.
December 24, 2018
The purpose of this book is to advertise another book. I thought it might be general ideas for making money in the free world, but it's just a man talking at you.
Irritating. Thank God I never paid a penny for this. I did lose 30 minutes of my life that I will never get back though.
Irritating. Thank God I never paid a penny for this. I did lose 30 minutes of my life that I will never get back though.
May 6, 2020
Very good ideas but still a user needs to know and understand a lot which makes few of them ideas difficult to apply, but overall good read. some practical, outside the box tips. Think book like this need constantly updating as things change all the time.
February 20, 2021
A fast read, easy to catch up the concepts.
If you're already starting/running your business this is not for you.
But for the beginner who's wandering around maybe it's good to pick up. It's not insight but still can get a few take-home messages.
It's one sit reading (30-40min).
If you're already starting/running your business this is not for you.
But for the beginner who's wandering around maybe it's good to pick up. It's not insight but still can get a few take-home messages.
It's one sit reading (30-40min).
October 12, 2018
Free is the next expensive thing
Insightful information about changing times and adaptive approach.
Properly placed ideas and words. Precise and up to mark. Appreciated good read
Insightful information about changing times and adaptive approach.
Properly placed ideas and words. Precise and up to mark. Appreciated good read
November 30, 2019
An interesting concept with some fascinating examples. It kept me thinking on the subject for several hours afterward.
March 30, 2020
It was more like an advertising book for "THE CURVE" but was also worth reading...
April 5, 2020
Ok ok one time read
December 7, 2020
A brief sneak peek into how the internet can be leveraged for reaching out to end users & scaling at the earliest. It is a preface to the 'Curve' which talks about this very much in depth.
October 11, 2021
Not as expected...
Not as expected...
Too vague argument, jumping from theme to theme to try to sell you the idea of buy their another book. Not recommend this one.
Not as expected...
Too vague argument, jumping from theme to theme to try to sell you the idea of buy their another book. Not recommend this one.
July 24, 2022
Free is coming! The author uses this book and his other book The Curve as an example for how to give something away for free in order to sell something else at a price. Pretty neat.
August 24, 2022
Quite a handy sample for 'The Curve' containing the basics for a newbie in a simple manner.
August 24, 2022
A short read that offered a few key ideas that I can take with me. That’s all I could really ask for in this day and age.
July 21, 2023
If you are looking to publish a book and can't find any good material then this book will surely help, it has covered all aspects of free market and superfans.
November 22, 2024
Insightful
January 12, 2025
It is a nice read, it somehow motivated me to start off something on my own, quit a 9-5. The books talks about making use of the free available resources to build a good business.
January 5, 2026
Disappointing 1st book completed for 2026.
November 14, 2013
If you don’t think you can possibly make money by giving away things for free then read this short book. In fact if you then go on to buy the author’s paid for book ‘The Curve’ you have seen his theories in action!
I think this book is a must read for anyone who is trying to set up an internet business. It shows how to create a following and to keep people buying your creations. Clearly if you want more detail then you would have to buy the book but this one gives you a taste of what is possible in the new world of e-commerce.
I think this book is a must read for anyone who is trying to set up an internet business. It shows how to create a following and to keep people buying your creations. Clearly if you want more detail then you would have to buy the book but this one gives you a taste of what is possible in the new world of e-commerce.
August 18, 2016
This book teaches you the idea of giving things away to make money
The author gave away free content to advertise for his other paid book 'the curve' and this book itself does provide some insights extracted from the other one and i enjoy reading it, to be honest you cantbe too demanding for a free stuff as when it does provide humble amount of knowledge, it's not a totally bullshit like other bait books, from my own knowledge i do pick out things to learn and double down on checking the legitimate of the rest, well done
The author gave away free content to advertise for his other paid book 'the curve' and this book itself does provide some insights extracted from the other one and i enjoy reading it, to be honest you cantbe too demanding for a free stuff as when it does provide humble amount of knowledge, it's not a totally bullshit like other bait books, from my own knowledge i do pick out things to learn and double down on checking the legitimate of the rest, well done
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews