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In the end, I think writers, publishers, and Amazon alike will all lose in their efforts to profit from the sale of information. Information is moving closer a

• ebiester 12y ago
  That fine, so long as you've figured out a way to provide authors food, shelter, and health care via alternate means. Otherwise, we will see people less willing to put the work into making great literature. It isn't that the author is motivated by money as much as great work is all but impossible when fit between the gaps of everything else. Professional authors spend months of full time work to put out a book. Worse, we will still get works, but they won't be as well-edited, well-researched, and those take a toll on quality.
  • Suncho 12y ago
    Even today, only the superstar authors actually earn any decent money from their writing. You're absolutely right that we need to find a way to provide people food, shelter, and health care. It's true today and it will be true in the future. And it's true for everyone, not just superstar authors. Publishers will continue to have a role as curators of information, but they're going to have to change their business model. Instead of profiting through the sale and distribution of information, they'll have to earn money by selling their editing and curating services. Amazon will be fine. They'll always find products to sell. It just might not be books or movies or other forms of information. Edit: People already are less willing to put the work into creating great literature. Being a writer is not a reliable way to earn a living. Imagine how much creative potential we might unlock with something like a basic income.