I’ve been thinking about what my favorite gadgets and service have in common, and I think I’ve finally nailed it: instant gratification.

The Kindle and Kindle DX are really cool little devices. Among all the features they boasts, the most frequently cited are its small size, ability to hold a library of books, and the wonderful instant delivery of new reading material.

I think this is what Amazon and the competition really bank on with these devices. Sure, they’re great for reading (as they should be), but I think what makes them such a success is how owners make many more impulse buys than they normally would.

It’s kind of like the comparison between cash and credit cards. If you’re carrying a limited amount of cash, you’re far less likely to fork it over. Credit card purchases have a disconnected feel about them. Often times, credit card transactions don’t even require another person on the other end. Even the terminology is different: you use a credit card, but you spend cash.

I know the analogy is a little crude, but stay with me. With a device like the Kindle, you don’t even have to fetch your credit card. We are removed yet another step further from the notion that we’re spending money. That’s not to say it’s such a bad thing. Most of us are responsible with our money, especially if you’ve just dropped a few hundred on the device itself. It a great convenience, but I have to wonder about the true motives.

Another example of my “I want it now syndrome” is my latest fascination (or I should say, infatuation) with Netflix. I’ve been a member for years, but only recently have I really gotten into their Instant Queue.

Ever since I discovered that I could watch streaming movies with my Xbox 360, I’ve been hooked. Several times a week I’ll sit down with the family and find a movie or series that I can watch instantly. Want to watch a few episodes of the Office? No problem… three button presses and I’m there. The same can be said for countless other things.

In closing, I’d like to ask everyone what their favorite (or not) type of instant entertainment is. Just leave a comment below!

Amazon recently announced a new beta program, “Amazon Kindle Publishing for Blogs,” that allows blog owners to publish their blogs with the Kindle. Kindle users subscribe to the blogs for a monthly fee and blog owners can earn up to 30% of each subscription.

The Kindle subscriptions can cost up to $2 per month, which could earn the blog owner up to $0.60 per subscription each month. Once multiplied by the potential thousands of readers any particular blog may have, the monthly subscription income can add up very quickly. A blog with 5,000 subscriptions can earn up to $36,000 per year.

There is no upfront cost to the blog owners who wish to publish with the Kindle. All they must do is register with Kindle Publishing for Blogs and provide them with the info needed to receive a check.

For those of you who happen to own a popular blog, this program has the potential to instantly add an additional revenue stream. If you’re blog is small or just getting started, this is certainly a good incentive to do your best. You can read more about the program with the Kindle Publishing for Blogs Help section.

Kindle owners can subscribe to blogs now. If you’re still thinking about buying a kindle, there’s still time to pre-order a Kindle DX. If you can’t wait until summer or you’d rather rock the popular 6″ model, the Kindle 2 is available for immediate shipment.