It looks like the tide is starting to turn decisively against Amazon's $9.99 e-book publishing model -- first MacMillan
fought back and won, then HarperCollins dragged Bezos and Co.,
back to the negotiating table, and now Hachette is beating on the door. That's at least the word according to a leaked memo from Hachette Book Group CEO David Young, in which he says the "agency" pricing model favored by MacMillan -- and used by Apple new iBooks store -- is the way to go. Ultimately this all comes down to power and control, and we're getting the feeling the publishers have realized that they have to exert it in order to keep it -- and oddly enough, it seems like Apple and the iPad are the leverage they've been waiting for. Get ready for the shakeout.
P.S.- Charlie Stross has a
nice breakdown of the differences between the Amazon model and the agency model, if you're interested in the nitty-gritty.
posted February 5th 2010 1:01PM
This really frustrates me, as a Kindle 2 owner and a soon-to-be iPad owner. I do not, not, NOT want to read books on my iPad. I'm really scared that the masses are going to want to, though, without realizing the benefits of e-ink because they've never used a Kindle/Reader/Nook etc. I think that iBooks could be the worst thing ever for consumers, from a price standpoint and an eyesight standpoint.
Strange that we aren't hearing complaints about Amazon publishing ebooks in a proprietary format. Now there is a competing iBook store to offer choice to consumers. The publishers are taking the chance to renegotiate now that they have a choice,
Here is an example. Say you are going to spend $30.00 for
a couple of ebook's for a trip to the shore. Do you really want an ipad? NO! Sun blaring, sand, saltwater mist... you want a $10.00 paperback, you can through in your beach bag.. The point is, I just don't see the need for this device. Especially for the ipad price, and the NEW ebook prices. My $.02..
Everyone wondered if book piracy was gonna go up, I now think we have our answer.