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Originally Posted by DaleDe
They actually do, so far as eBooks are concerned. In many cases they sign exclusive deals with the publishers causing the publisher to delay selling any eBooks in any other outlet or format. I am not sure what Amazon has to give them in order to get the exclusive.
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From what I understand the quid pro quo for exclusivity is Amazon promoting the book at its website. Nothing more. Amazon is exploiting its 800 pounds and trying to become a 1200-pound behemoth.
Sadly, publishers aren't acting in their own best interests, being more concerned with quarterly return (profit) than long-term survival. Smart publishers will resist Amazon because once Amazon becomes the only game in town, it is Amazon that will dictate all terms, assuming there are any publishers left to dictate terms to. Don't lose sight of Amazon's attempts to become a vertical monopoly. Everything that a publisher does to help Amazon will ultimately hurt the publisher.
What will happen, for example, when Borders goes under, leaving only B&N and Amazon as powerhouses? Each will be in a better position to dictate terms to publishers. What will happen should B&N follow Borders to oblivion?
Currently, only Amazon has an ebook strategy so it is the only "1-stop" shop available. Borders' ebook strategy (pairing with Sony) is ludicrous because it is just throwing a brand at a problem, not providing a solution. But where is B&N in this scenario?
I think B&N could give Amazon a run for its money by (a) adopting ePub and (b) making ebooks available in ePub both online and in its stores. I would love to be able to walk into my local B&N with my Sony Reader in hand, browse the shelves, and when I found books I wanted, pick up for each a card that I take to the register. When I pay for the book(s) I have a choice -- I can have the store load the books for me on the spot or do it at my leisure. (Of course, once Sony gets wireless this would be even easier.)
The point is that to fight Amazon publishers and competitors need to be smart and flexible and not simply bury their heads in the sand as they currently are. Alas, I do not see that happening anytime soon.