Yes, I think you're absolutely right. What the publisher is doing, and Ariely agreeing with is known as Value Pricing: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Value-based

Yes, I think you're absolutely right. What the publisher is doing, and Ariely agreeing with is known as Value Pricing: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Value-based_pricing http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Value-based_pricing. It's a great way to make sure you optimize your short term profits. And yes, your customer feels ripped off by it as prices as well they should as you have just siphoned off their economic value. Bye bye customer relationship!