I would like to see a pricing tier, in much the same way that hardbacks typically signify a brand new release (but not always. A case in point: About 20 years ago, Saul Bellow [Nobel Prize in Literature] published as a First Edition a new work as a Trade paperback because he wanted to reach a wider audience at a better price point. He shook up the publishing world by making this decision); then, following the hardback, there would typically be a trade Paper followed, eventually followed by mass market paper. Sometimes, the trade and mass market might be released simultaneously. Again, much of this depends upon contract stipulations, in addition to market predictions. The pricing structure of these three items is from mostexpensive to least-expensive.
If ebook releases could follow that tiering structure, with prices going down as the title "ages," -- BUT somewhat lower than their paper counterparts as an incentive to invigorate the ebook industry, and also as an overall alternative second market to paper -- then I think all this would bode well for an industry that is just beginning to grow legs and in the process of wanting to mature as a new technology fuels diversification of this industry. Authors and publishers have a right to make a profit.
Further, I think we are the ones who are at the helm of a new industry that's about to take off due to the fact that we are early adoptors. I firmly feel that eInk technology will fuel not only the ebook industry but other industries that are only now being created.
Again, these are only my opinions. This topic is not about abortion, so I personally see no need for hateful remarks. I think most of us here welcome opinions, especially when opinions are thoughtful and considerate.
...and to close: Have I ever told you what my drill sergeant said to me: "[My last name], opinions are like ***holes. Everyone has one!"
Don