Quote:
Originally Posted by DMcCunney
They were cutting into hardcover best seller sales, which is why the publishers reacted.
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That's what the publishers say and is their reasoning for the high prices and possible delay on ebook releases, but is it really true? Ebooks are a niche market and I believe there are a lot more people out there who would rather have a tangible object than electrons. Additionally, there are people who will buy the ebook, the hardcover, and maybe even the paperback version of a book.
I seriously doubt they'd ever pay for a survey to prove or disprove their belief. And if consumers believe $10-$15 is a reasonable price to spend on an ebook, publishers could make more money since people waiting for the paperback to come out might decide to buy it now instead of waiting a year or more. If there are enough ebook sales from people who would not buy the hardcover for whatever reason, they'll end up ahead.