6 ms·
> I find it highly implausible that Meta doesn't have the resources to obtain these legally. They could have reached out to a publisher and ask to purchase eboo
by Marsymars 2y ago
> I find it highly implausible that Meta doesn't have the resources to obtain these legally. They could have reached out to a publisher and ask to purchase ebooks in bulk - and if that publisher says no, tough shit
They could also simply buy controlling stakes in publishers. For scale comparison, Meta is spending upwards $30B per year on AI, and the recent sale of Simon & Schuster that didn't go through was for a mere $2.2B.
- michaelt 2y agoI don't think it would actually be that simple. Surely the author only licenses the copyright to the publisher for hardback, paperback and ebook, with an agreed-upon royalty rate? And if someone wants the rights for some other purpose, like translation or making a film or producing merchandise, they have to go to the author and negotiate additional rights? Meta giving a few billion to authors would probably mend a lot of hearts, though.