Quote:
Originally Posted by wizwor
No. I mean that I need a book store no more than I need a sock store.
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Interesting view...
Basically you distinguish between "selling" you on the product, convincing you to buy it, and transacting the delivery.
What you're describing is the google books business model where indie bookstore web sites receive a commission to feed the google books fullfilment site for payment and delivery. And long-term customer support.
Hmm, I never saw much of a future for the indies in that model, since the bulk of money goes to Google and they (and Adobe) control the long-term customer relationship; re-downloads, authentication, etc.
Definitely treats ebook suppliers as commodity vendors that offer no added value beyond the transaction. Things could get interesting if that approach prevails.
The way I see it, with ebooks the long-term relationship between ebook supplier and the customer is where the money lies. Choosing a reading device/app is choosing a preferred supplier, which makes it a deeper commitment than a simple one-time transaction.
(Like buying/leasing a photo-copier for a business; you're committing to a specific supplier for consumables and service and support and *that* is where the real money lies.)
The reason Amazon offers up reviews, discussion forums, etc is precisely to make themselves the first (and last) stop in the shopping process for as many consumers as they can entice. So they can control the entire shopping experience and keep the customer satisfied in the monogamous relationship.
It's more of a "marriage" than a series of one-night stands.
