Quote:
Originally Posted by Lemurion
In the current market you need to create at least three different versions (Epub, Kindle, Ereader) and possibly a fourth (PDF), with three different DRM schemes. That adds costs.
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But really, we are talking about software which converts file formats in minutes. It can be done on a $500 PC, most of us do it everyday.
There is some cost in having a person quality check the conversions, but that isn't much compared to the overhead in printing, storing and transporting thousands of print books. There are already distribution mechanisms for publishers as well, like Amazon and B&N, and soon iTunes which can handle storage and processing of media.
Also we should take note that with the decline in oil production (we are past peak oil), the price of printing and transporting print media will grow at a fast rate in coming years. It won't be cheap to transport tons of paper from the printer to the warehouse, to the airport, to another warehouse, to the shopfront. Some of these books fly thousands of miles to get to the bookshop. The transport cost of an ebook is about $0.000001
I think many ebook sales ARE additive (imo, no real evidence). Because with the advent of devices like the tablets, iPhones, small notebooks - general use electronic devices which also have the ability to read ebooks. People who would never carry a huge paper in their bag/backpack/pocket due to the weight now have an electronic reader on them at all times.