Today was newsletter day for Amazon’s Vine program, and I got a lot more choice than last month, when I had the option of choosing up to two items from a list of two items.  This time I had two books, eight DVDs and an electric toothbrush to choose from.

I had to pass on the books.  I’m still only halfway through last month’s doorstep-sized book by Wally Lamb so it is going to be a while before I am going to be in a position to review that.  I opted for a stand-up comedy DVD (Tim Vine) and a Chinese film – but I’m starting to regret passing up on the chance of  the Audrey Tatou film.

Some other people got expensive software, groovy-looking educational toys and a 120Gb USB hard drive, but I’m not complaining – in the last year I have got to read and enjoy a few books I might never have picked up otherwise and I have had CDs by Natty, Lykke Li and the Virgins to listen to as well as a few films that impressed me.

And now Amazon have reduced the threshold for their free delivery, which is mixed news really.  After choosing what you really wanted for £8.99 it can be fun looking through the bargain bin for a couple of three-quid CDs to get the order over £15.  I would be happier if they would just reduce the price of Keeps Us Off The Streets by Hello…  I can remember liking it when I was a young teenager, and wonder if I would still like it, but don’t want to fork out nine quid just to discover that I don’t and that maybe there was a good reason why glam rock disappeared.