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@ Da_Jane:
Apparently, in the UK (& maybe US) ripping files from a CD *you own* onto a computer *you own* is illegal. So I don't think that publishers will be any more happy about you scanning your own book.
The biggest obstacle to e-content is the competing formats. By that, I mean paper vs. plastic. Netflix, & Pongo, & iTunes, & Comcastondemand all work because the data is digital, in every form of delivery. We still have...for lack of better terminology...analog books. They compete directly with the "digital" content of e-text. A company is loath to abandon a system that works if it need not. Publishers want to keep their high overhead. Do they really need it for e-text? I don't know. It would stand to reason that e-text is cheaper than physical books, so why the price discrepancy except to discourage people from using one rather than the other.
Some libraries (I saw it on C-Span's book channel) are trying to have Divx style content available for library patrons; an e-book or audio file that can be downloaded, then de-rezzes after a pre-set time. I, and it seems many others, are fine with that, provided we pay an adjusted fee.
Hmm... Should I Start a petition here regarding an adjustment of e-text pricing?
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