4 ms·

It is kind of amusing how similar this is to the network neutrality debate -- i.e. comcast's dispute with netflix affecting comcast/netflix customer content del

• valas 12y ago
  Except that there are a lot of alternatives to Amazon with low switching cost to consumers.
  • jtbigwoo 12y ago
    Unless you own a Kindle Paperwhite.
    • joshstrange 12y ago
      How do you figure that? Yes you might not have an ebook store built into your device but you are not locked into ONLY obtaining your ebooks from Amazon.
    • kemayo 12y ago
      You can keep on using your Kindle with other stores...
• graylights 12y ago
  Without an agreement amazon has no right to sell digital copies and certainly no obligation. Comcast made an obligation to deliver content when they agreed to provide internet service to their customers. The digital side of amazon story is not interesting in the slightest. The only real story is them leveraging their print marketplace to put pressure on a digital agreement. It's an abusive hardball tactic but one that large brick and mortar bookstores have done in past. This story shows that publishers are really obsolete. The production doesn't matter anymore with Print-On-Demand and Digital. The main services they offer are distribution and promotion. Many of the publishers have offloaded their distribution to amazon (and the like) and unless you're a big author the promotion is virtually non-existent. One could also argue they provide editing but now there are editors for hire to support indie writers.