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Give how against in store POD the big 5 are, I really don't see anything like that happening anytime soon. But then again, it may reach a point where big stores like B&N become little mom and pops and all tree books become POD in order to cut costs and keep the pbook market alive and profitable. If anyone ends up doing it first, I see B&N doing it. Of course, IMHO, publishers in general would be fools NOT to go with the system. For one, it would give instant availability to their entire out of print catalog (well, those they can legally reprint and sell anyways) at nearly zero cost to themselves.
A well run POD bookstore system would actually be cost effective for bookstores, and for publishers. 1) publishers wouldn't need to print pbooks anymore, and 2) bookstores wouldn't need to carry any stock. They just setup a bunch of terminals and let people pick out which ones they want and purchase/print right there. For books which will sell a LOT of copies, such as with big authors, special small print runs could be done in the stores in advance of opening in order to meet demand without tying up all the machines for most of the day printing just one book. ^_^
But alas, the big five sure as heck won't go for it, even if it is the most awesome idea ever. It's likely going to require all the small houses going to this new system and whipping the pants off the big guys before they'll get a clue and change.
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