3 ms·
So essentially, we have a system where a public entity (public libraries) is compensating authors for creating works that are popular. But going through a midd
by thayne 4y ago
So essentially, we have a system where a public entity (public libraries) is compensating authors for creating works that are popular. But going through a middle man (the publisher, and possibly one or more distributors) that takes a considerable cut.
In the digital age, why not cut out the middle man? Have a publicly funded e-library that pays authors directly based on how often their content is downloaded.
- jonp888 4y agoThe publisher will have signed an agreement with the author, and also spent plenty of money on editing, typesetting, marketing. You can't just arbitrarily decide that only one party "deserves" to make money from the book, and doing so would probably lead to a lawsuit.
- thayne 4y agook, so don't bypass publishers for existing works, but set it up in a way so that authors can publish books in this library themselves if they so desire (and pay for editing, marketing, etc. themselves).
- jrm4 4y agoSure, but that whole deal of "publisher signed an agreement with the author" only exists because publishers used to be necessary. They're not now. Yes, you shouldn't arbitrarily decide anything. You can today, however, meaningfully conclude that "publishers are kind of useless, how are they still in business when much of what they do isn't necessary?" You'll find the answer is probably old law. So, yes -- bring on the lawsuits. Let's see what happens.