Here are the details of what you get for a $79 annual charge:
"Enjoy the convenience of 1-Click ordering with free two-day shipping on eligible purchases or overnight shipping for only $3.99 per item to addresses in the continental United States. Items in multiple-item orders are shipped as soon as they're available—at no extra charge. And you can invite family members living in your household to share the benefits. As an Amazon Prime member, you won't have to think about shipping charges when you order."

http://www.amazon.com/gp/subs/primec...340630-6333612

So, who's signing up? Is it worth it for primarily DVD purchases?

No way....I receive my orders as it is within 2-3 days. My dvd orders ship from Kentucky...does not take that long for them to reach Cincinnati, Ohio.

$79.99 for what??? Free shipping which is already fast enough for me via the standard free shipping option. Are there really customers who do not receive their orders in a timely manner?

bn.com often gives 2 or 3 day ups service for free. With the aaa or discover discount or when they have coupons, they are very competive with the prices at amazon.

This is a harbinger of things to come. Amazon is hurting. Revenues were down this quarter unexpectantly. So to make up they cut the discount STL. this must have been significant. I guess this is another method for pushing revenues up in the short term. That is, only if enough people bite. I don't think this is going to work. They are trying to buy loyalty with this prepaid unlimited shipping. It's too easy to shop for the best overall price with a few mouse clicks. There is not much loyalty when you're talking about e-shoppers. Price is the driving factor for most and Amazon no longer is attractive on that front.

Without STL they're going to lose alot of customers.

Officially, 2 days too late ... exact same info along with lengthy discussion in this previous thread:

http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...=407953&page=1