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Agency is not going to save independent bookstores! Windowing Under the Dome did nothing to save independent bookstores! That ship has sailed. How many independent record stores do you see these days? What is in the place of your local Blockbuster? Itunes is even having a problem selling music - apparently streaming is more popular than buying.
Things are changing, very fast and very permanently. I used to carry an atlas in my car - now I use my navi. I used to have to browse the library - now I just check the NYT bestseller list, or look for what I saw on Mahr. I used to watch a movie review program - now I just look at the review and first 5 minutes on my DVR.
The publishers are trying to slow progress in book publishing and consumption. When navigation systems became common, did the mapmakers raise the price of maps? No, they figured out how to digitize them and continue to offer more features.
A lot of industries have taken it on the chin in the technological revolution. Stationary manufacturers - stationary is now a niche product. Notebooks. I used to carry a notebook in my car - now I can just type it in my phone. Phonebooks! 411! Instead of trying to stop technology, publishers should set up hardcovers as niche products. Some people will never make the switch to digital, and would be happy to pay more to get a "real book."
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