Quote:
Originally Posted by Spiffy
You do realize there's a big loophole in this argument though?
If Astak's hallmark is being an "open" reader, than the only thing driving people to THEIR e-bookstore versus any others is customer loyalty. After all, their customers can buy their eBooks anywhere.
It's possible the extra revenue from the eBookstore may put them in a slightly better position than Pocketbook, Jetbook, Aluratek, etc., but even so its going to be a drop in the bucket compared to Amazon, B&N and even Sony. They may not wind up in the WORST position among the small eReader companies, but its still going to be a far weaker one than they've grown used to. With a margin that small it doesn't automatically mean they can't stay in business, but it DOES mean that the effects of any mis-step are amplified.
Not that even in a worst case Astak would necessarily go anywhere. They've sold other products before eBook readers, and no doubt will sell yet others after (like Mobile Internet Devices, for example). The question is more whether or not they find they are able to continue to carve out enough profit to keep producing single purpose eInk eBook readers, or whether they have to fold it into whatever LCD-based MID devices they start selling.
The good news for us is that not everything is dependent on one company, since several others worldwide sell the same hardware. So worst case, its not like updated firmware, batteries and other parts for the units we have will go away. The question is more about what the company will try to sell going forward.
|
Dear Spiffy and Hidari and Solicitous and more:
Yes, we do have other profit centers than just eBooks. But, almost everything is down right now so while we will fight on... this is a poor time for the controlling companies in eBook devices to rub everybody else out.
Yes, our hopes are on our eBook Store (
www.EZread.com). we are still looking and searching to bring new devices to market. The PLUS goes on sale next Friday night. It is incredibly light, brutally fast, and very strong. It also is selling AT OUR COST. We make nothing and it STILL is more expensive than I would like! We have about three new devices now we are appraising. You will see new devices from Astak... we just cannot focus on selling them anymore. They are NOT what drives us.
Yes, having an eBook Store is a worry too. You have to attract new business all the time. BUT... our devices have NOT been a draw to our store. I wish they were. I have pleaded with people to support us with this store... and it goes unheard. A few have been wonderful. But, even with the lower price you need a lot more.
We are changing our eBook Store 101%. It will still have the lowest prices (and it already does have this)... but we are redesigning with an interactive forum, a wish list, PayPal, Agency Model eBooks, tons of Independent Author eBooks, reviews, ,interviews with authors chit-chat, and a lot more. Then in about two months or so comes a blockbuster add-on to it.
So... we are finding where we can fight and putting our forces there!