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The publishers are trying desperately to resist the publics move to digital books. I don't blame them. Obviously, they see the writing on the wall.
Why do people need publishers? Three reasons. First, they're the guys who print the book. Second, they are the gate keepers. There are a lot of people who would like to write a book, but just don't have the talent. Publishers help seperate the wheat from the chaff and introduce new good writers to the public. Third, publishers provide access to distribution through brick and mortar bookstores. There are also ancillary services such as editing, cover design, etc. but those are the three main reasons authors (and the public) have needed publishers.
Digital publishing changes all of that. You don't need somebody to print the book -- you can do it yourself. You don't need a gate keeper. The public becomes the gate keeper by rating books. You don't need brick and mortar stores for distribution. In short, as far as digital books are concerned, you don't need publishers.
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