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Originally Posted by DMcCunney
The problem is, that statement is largely true. One of the pressures publishers are under is that many are units of larger outfits, with an expected contribution to the parent's revenue and profit. They are expected to make a 10% return on investment minimum. Good luck. Historically, publishing's returns have been maybe half that.
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Certainly not all mergers or acquisitions are successful, regardless of what the bankers tell you. This is a problem for the acquirers, and they are trying to make it a problem for the consumer.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DMcCunney
Value has nothing to do with cost. If the buyer buys a print edition of a PD work, it's worth it to them, or they wouldn't have bought it.
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That's what I've been trying to tell you. There is a price point at which there will be a happy price medium between sales and profit.
Push the price higher than that medium and sales and profits drop, and piracy increases.
Methinks ebooks are not worth as much as hard covers (and not even as much as mass market paperbacks), because of DRM and the current poor quality of presentation. And I think there are a lot like me out there.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DMcCunney
Hardcovers cost more to manufacture than paperbacks (and paperbacks exist to be a cheaper alternative). But in most cases, I think buyers buying hardcovers are paying the premium to read the book now instead of waiting for the PB edition. The fact that it's a hardcover is secondary.
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Not necessarily true for all. I personally buy hard covers because I much prefer reading a well-laid out book, which I can keep forever on my bookshelf. Again, I am not the only one -- just look at all the classics being re-released in hard cover.
The bottom line is, the technology has changed, and so the business model must change.
It doesn't matter how much publishers whine, they have to either adapt or perish.
I don't think publishing is dead, but some of today's large players will be. A few will adapt, and there will be a consolidation of the small epublishers in a few years.
That's how business has always worked, and I don't see it changing because you or a few publishers don't like it.