Quote:
Originally Posted by Soldim
I really consider this the determining factor; fixed book prices without doubt have disadvantages but it seems mom- and pop shops are able to remain in business at the cost of large corporations. That's something I personally can very well live with  |
Uh...The price fixing in France are imposing the government's will on consumer choice and holding back innovation in France. Those mom and pop stores are remaining in business at the expense of corporations, but also at the expense of consumers who would have gone elsewhere if given the choice; French consumers are effectively being (indirectly) taxed to support this business model.
I think most book readers loves the idea of bookstores, but given the choice most here have gone with ebooks over physical books. No doubt the price fixing laws in France are there to protect what they see as French culture, but I would remind them that it is dying cultures that are the ones that see the need to strenuously protect themselves.