|
The biggest problem is artificial restriction by content providers. The second is the price of portable reading devices.
Probably the single most crippling artificial restriction is DRM. Thanks to DRM and DRM policies there is no single portable device that can read all formats, and no single piece of software which can read them all either. No portable device can read all DRM formats, and both SONY and Mobipocket require DRM exclusivity as does the Kindle. The only devices which can support multiple DRM formats are general purpose devices such as computers and PDAs, NOT dedicated readers.
This is a major problem and entirely artificial. We need the ability to read multiple formats on one device with one interface. It's like having to put on a different pair of polarized glasses to read a Tor book than an Ace book.
Price is also a problem. Many publishers price eBooks at or above hardcover street prices and most consumers value them at or below paperback prices. One of the largest factors spurring piracy is a perceived disconnect between price and value. Many new releases are priced well above their perceived value.
As has been said before, reader prices are also too high for many consumers. Yes they are selling them as fast as they can make them; but more people can afford $100 than $300-400. Once the price drops they will become more common and we should see more of them around.
Hope this helps.
|