Quote:
Originally Posted by JD Gumby
It's not even about whether or not they are, or become, a monopoly - it's about whether they abuse their position as a monopoly to disadvantage customers and keep others out of the market (for example, jacking up prices for the customers (beyond reason - profit *is* allowed, after all), or forcing exclusivity or "most favored nation" agreements with their suppliers).
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Amazon has certainly forced exclusivity and MFN clauses on its suppliers. Based on that, its not inconceivable it could gouge consumers in the right circumstances.
That said, the price argument isn't the publisher's best.