Quote:
Originally Posted by eschwartz
In other words, they will achieve a monopoly, but it isn't their fault. 
For the record: I am okay with that.  |
Quote:
Originally Posted by darryl
I am okay with it too. Any problems should be dealt with if or when erise.
|
I am okay with that as well.
It is more likely that Amazon reaches ebook retail monopoly before coming close in publishing. As of right now publishing requires both ebook and pbook to satisfy all readers. Amazon's low cost indie titles simply don't work as well with paper distribution - not without significant price increase. Access is important, and that is perfectly catered to by ebooks. It is fast and cheap distribution even in rural areas.
There may be room left for readers that still want to call themselves "elite", because they cling to traditional paper books. It is only circumstantial that the majority of higher educated people live in densely populated areas. Easy access to paper books will always be easier in bigger cities that can justify book stores with sufficient selection. Content matters too, but that should be independent from pbook vs ebook. Different target audiences need different books (content) to be satisfied. The ones that want to be elite simply look like a snob from the other side.