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it seems to me that publishers find ebooks both profitable and frightening. People can buy more books than before if storage is a significant factor, which it is to me.
People can acquire books easier than ever before from libraries in many places. This may help or hinder sales in the long term, no-one really knows at present. IMO things will chug along about the same, but I can't say I know this.
It may be a good time for the library system to try and find a better model of compensating authors/publishers. I don't see this as happening as it would require a massive effort and coordination between different library systems.
In BC, Canada, where we have a great provincial ebook library, some libraries are starting to splinter off already.
I have donated to the library in the past through book sales (given them some extra which is the only way I know how), and while not a donation, have paid quite a few fines.
I would actually welcome a donation link where I could pay by credit card online as one does fines. Maybe one exists and I have by seen it?
I would be even happier if I could specify where part (30%?) of my donation was spent, favorite authors, mystery fiction, books not already in catalog etc. Ebooks etc.
Libraries must be missing the fines that are not being paid because ebooks are automatically returned. I know in my case it is significant to me not to have to pay them due to forgetfulness or misplacing a book for a time.
Perhaps publishers are missing the purchases that would be made with the fines paid on lost material. Probably not significant to publishers, but may be.
Helen
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