Lately I've been coming across quite a few patterns I'm interested in that are only available in pdf (email attachment) form. They're still $8.50-$10.00 which is what you'd pay for a printed pattern from your LQS. For some reason it seems to me a pattern ought to be a little cheaper if you're just getting an email attachment and having to print it out yourself, using your own paper, ink, time, etc.

Anyone else thinking the same, or am I out in left field with that thought? :)

I absolutely agree!

I agree that I think they should be a bit cheaper, but I do like that I can get them immediately and not pay any shipping...

It does seem strange, but it seems to be that way everywhere.

While I agree, I've heard it justified through convenience. You're paying for the convenience of buying it from your own home and being able to use it immediately.

To be honest I would't buy it that way. Especially if I have to do all the work of printing it out.

I agree - you're also paying for your ink & paper

I agree that they should be cheaper. I follow a blog whose owner started selling her patterns in pdf form. The only thing is, they cost the exact same price as the paper ones (minus the shipping which I think is a dollar or two). I don't get it.

Or maybe the seller could appreciate the convenience of not needing to make a trip to the post office, use his/her gas, and purchase an envelope and stamp. (playing devil's advocate :D )

I agree with you too. If we write to them and express how much we like their patterns, but the price is not right, and do this often enough, it might help them decide they don't need quite that much for the patterns.
I write email notes everwhere to everyone all the time!