Quote:
Originally Posted by FizzyWater
I didn't read the original post's link because I don't subscribe to WSJ. So this may duplicate what was there.
I got an email today from our local library, and it says four publishers have recently changed their policies - Blackstone Audio, Hachette, Simon & Schuster and Macmillan (the last one is the one I remember seeing in this thread).
And they already have a crappy selection, compared to 2 other Cleveland-area libraries I am a member of.
I know it's easy to think that those who can't afford eBooks probably can't afford the gadgets to read them with, but I know of programs where every kid in school gets a tablet. And people may receive eBook readers or tablets as gifts from relatives who know they are avid readers.
I'm guessing we're going to have to wait to see if this makes the huge difference the publishers seem to think it will.
I pretty much stopped buying many eBooks after agency pricing went in and effectively doubled what I had previously paid for eBooks. I mostly wait until they go on sale for around $6 or less. Having eBooks in libraries made it easier to stick to my guns. I'll have to see if having to wait longer for any of my favorite authors will change my habits. That's even assuming those books are chosen - since it sounds like the higher costs may lead to fewer books purchased as well as fewer copies of those books.
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I strongly sympathize with the libraries, but...
- There's no law that says publishers have to sell to libraries or be nice to them.
- There's no law that days libraries have to buy from all publishers or put up with their every whim.
- Whining about unfair treatment and handwringing has never been a good negotiating tactic.
- There is no shortage of publishers out there and Overdrive has deals to distribute a lot more. Some are even library-friendly. Showing some spine and taking their business elsewhere might be more effective.
Deeds, not words.
$0.02