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I still use blades i.e thin slivers of steel that you put into a razor - not disposable razors, shows my age I suppose , I like to see it as more environmentally friendly '
on the original topic - 'As an interested newcomer from what I understand I think your diagnosis seems correct which makes me quite sad. I always thought the mixed economy model most (western) countries favour (I am making a bit of a generalisation here) was supposed to prevent a company from monopolizing a market but in electronics we seem to be moving towards having a handful of large companies completely dominating the market. Which is great for the companies, less good for the consumer (especially as in your example with gilette, the price for razor blades is ASTRONOMICAL!)'
Capitalism favours oligopolies or monopolies as it encourages 'survival of the fittest' i.e those companies who can meet or create customer demand in a way that maximises profit for the company- its not about consumers its about shareholder value. True innovation will be rewarded (iPod , Kindle) but often those who start the new trend will die as they make all the mistakes for others to avoid (Irex, Atari, etc. etc.) . Where this leaves the ereader market is likely to be one dominated by a few players and a few hangers on - the only way to make a format or supplier succeed is to buy into their product and ensure others do !
As a matter of interest I just did a quick scan of those viewing and posting to various sections;
Kindle 12 views 4264 threads
Apple 16 views 1165 threads
Nook 21 views 865 threads
Sony 64 views 8310 threads
No other device has 10 or more views and only Bookeen has more than 1000 posts which reflects its long life as an ereader brand rather than current ctivity I guess.
Not very scientific i admit but given that those in these forums are likely to be the ones who probably research their purchases it does not offer much hope for 'independent' book readers other than the Sony, which is tied to bookstores in the UK.
Cheers CJB
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