[Sabardeyn]

I'm going to start by saying I have not read anything but the first page of messages. That said...

I think ebooks will, inevitably, become far more than simply digital text. Mostly because they represent an opportunity to sell commercial goods and services that is not adequately obnoxious and in-your-face as yet (ie, market saturation).

There will be some attempt, at first, to provide value added information. The kind of things that all of us are currently contributing to fandom sites and wikis. Some writing analysis of the author's works. Maybe an errata page for editing snafus that jar one out of immersion. Glossaries. Perhaps maps based on text for those books that might not include them. I'm sure there are many other possible embellishments and enhancements that we could all potentially agree are nice additions.

But sooner or later, the Madmen will realize that there is an untapped advertising opportunity. Perhaps while reading The Hobbit, where it says the Dwarves arrive and break into song ("That's what Bilbo Baggins Hates!") we'll get a pop-up offering us a $1.50 copy of the song from iTunes. Or replicas of Sting whenever Bilbo draws his sword. How about the Great Goblin Body Pillow - with detachable Head! Goblin-town? Why, there's an MMORPG for that! Join the ranks of the Goblin Army with this authentic replica of the goblins as seen in The Hobbit films! Collect all 371 masks and your name will be entered in the forthcoming remake of the great Peter Jackson films! Tax, title and registration are extra. All entries must be submitted before February 31st. Winners subject to verification by outside, independent accounting firms: Price Waterhouse and Hollywood Modeling. Physical impairments preferred; gorgeous people need not apply. All work to be completed without payment or recognition; winners agree to allow unlimited use of their voice, face, likeness and acting in advertising without recourse.

Oh, I'm sorry, just got distracted by some advertising... what was I saying again?

Ah, that's right, ebooks.

They're going to become the cross-indexed, cross-selling, electrostatically illuminated manuscripts of our time. And there is not a darned thing we can do about it.