Publishers object to DOJ proposal; it would punish them rather than Apple

[teh603]

Originally Posted by pwalker8

You guys do realize that the people who really get the shaft is the ebook consumer. The proposal basically allows the government to regulate the online media industry. If it goes through, we will see a lot less innovation and choice in these areas.

Translation: It allows the government to prevent innovation- crushing anti-competitive practices.

See, that's where laissez-faire capitalism has a history of failure. By rendering the government unable to protect the consumer and innovator, it creates several races to the bottom. Quality, customer service, corporate transparency, and ultimately the workers' standard of living all suffer.

And in case a certain guy jumps in, I'm not criticizing all of capitalism. Just one specific implementation.

[FizzyWater]

Originally Posted by Sydney's Mom

I thought the lack of competition inherent in the agency contract was key to the guilty finding. I didn't realize agency agreements were okay except in current form, which includes a MFN provision.

It was conspiring to do it all at the same time.

I hate Agency pricing, but if I remember correctly, the publishers who settled out of court could go back to Agency pricing after 2 years...and I believe we're half-way there.