The publishing industry has a chance to actually make the transition into the electronic commerce world a success. What has worked in the past isn't going to ma

The publishing industry has a chance to actually make the transition into the electronic commerce world a success. What has worked in the past isn't going to make the transition. One of the larger problems is the lack of a second sale. Many people, especially in non-fiction, looks to second sales as a way to add to their knowledge base. Without second sale there has to be a more effective method of engaging these people and it is price. Collusion among the publishers ensures that the logical price dropping for ebooks wouldn't happen as it should normally. Smashwords has done a ton to ensure ebooks have entered the market by mitigating the normal distributorship model. I can see where they are coming from in terms of author royalties, but other publishers will look to protect the old business models.