[DiapDealer]

The fact that traditional publishers are signing successful self-published authors (as well as successful traditionally published authors choosing to start self-publishing) is proof positive that there can be no blanket statements one way or the other.

The only real argument I'm aware of is whether or not there are any absolutes concerning the quality, dedication, success, or skill-level of authors choosing either path. And the answer is, quite simply, no. There are are no absolutes. There are two legitimate paths now. Both are producing successes and failures.

Both also have their trash and their treasure. The ratios of trash to treasure might differ, and have you leaning one direction personally; because as a reader, you have no interest in changing how you go about finding books you want to read—and that's fine. But that personal "leaning" has no bearing on the actual validity of choosing the non-traditional path. The attempt (by some) to completely marginalize the entire self-publishing industry in this day and age can be written off as one of three things: pettiness, dogma or ignorance. I think Sue Grafton might only be afflicted by the latter two. Which means there's still hope for her.