[sirmaru]

I read that article in the NY Times today about the Amazon / Hachette dispute. It appears that Amazon wants all books to end up as eBooks and do away with print books altogether. I notice in some cases the print books are not even being offered anymore at Amazon.

The NY Times article said that Hachette is a French publisher and another German publisher is being hit as well.

Frankly, that's just fine with me since I don't read any print books and have not done so for years. Plus, since I buy all my eBooks from Amazon, I'd like them to force publisher prices down.

My only concern is that after Amazon drives most of the publishers out of business, will they raise eBook prices for customers like me? That has happened in the past when even benevolent monopolies have gotten total control.

Of course the other danger is that Amazon may change their DRM procedures after obtaining monopoly control in order to block Caliber and Caliber look alike programs. Those buying at lower prices than Amazon or getting their eBooks free, may then be forced to buy them from Amazon. I doubt this would happen until the competing publishers are first driven down sharply.