Quote:
Originally Posted by Harmon
I don't understand how this works. Why would Amazon want the Kindle to buy books from Fictionwise, a division of Barnes & Noble?
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First, because it puts the squeeze on Barnes & Noble's future ebook. Unless Barnes & Noble changes the format and/or the DRM scheme, the future Barnes & Noble device will have to compete with the Kindle in their own store (meaning that it would be harder to offer exclusive content for their device). If the Barnes & Noble device fails, Amazon is left in a stronger position.
As long as you buy a Kindle, Amazon can push their own wares to the forefront of the device. If you decide that Fictionwise has better books, and the Kindle doesn't support Fictionwise, then Amazon not only can't sell you the books, but they can't sell the Kindle. As long as they can at least sell you the Kindle, they've got a shot at selling you the books.
It's essentially the same as one store honoring another's coupons or gift certificates. They might not get the
full benefit, but at least they get
something out of it.