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Digital publication is going to kill the B&M industry, at least as it exists now, anyway. The purpose served by the publishers, for the author, was to invest i

Digital publication is going to kill the B&M industry, at least as it exists now, anyway. The purpose served by the publishers, for the author, was to invest in a young, talented author's career. Publishing houses knew that they were losing money, but the purpose of doing so was to build a relationship so that, once the author had built a reputation and was a money-winner, the investment would pay off. Now, advances are at McDonalds rates and publicity budgets are nonexistent. The only thing they have to offer is distribution, and that can be handled electronically.

njharman 17y ago
I disagree the B&M's provide services that people like. Browsing, reading, social space. Been to an Barns & Noble lately, very much like Starbucks. In that they are selling a lifestyle and environment more than they are selling coffee. When books are distributed and produced digitally they will get POD and service the niche that still wants paper. Publishers and distributors, they are Dodo's. They cost more and aren't as good as digital distribution/production.
- potatolicious 17y ago
  > Been to an Barns & Noble lately, very much like Starbucks. Question: why can't Starbucks replace them then? It's a serious question - why can't Starbucks' have a e-book kiosk, where you can browse and buy books for your Kindle/Sony Reader/Nook/etc? Seems like that would include the best of both worlds - the environment to socialize and read, and the efficiency of digital distribution.
  - ryanwaggoner 17y ago
    Why on earth would I want an "e-book kiosk" when I can browse and instantly purchase books on my laptop, my phone, and my Kindle. Effectively, the Kindle makes everywhere a bookstore.
- pwnstigator 17y ago
  I was talking about B&M publishers, not bookstores. Bookstores will find a way to adapt, especially because the major publishing houses aren't going to die; they're going to be like IBM and Microsoft-- too big and important to disappear, but less important.

njharman 17y ago

I disagree the B&M's provide services that people like. Browsing, reading, social space. Been to an Barns & Noble lately, very much like Starbucks. In that they are selling a lifestyle and environment more than they are selling coffee. When books are distributed and produced digitally they will get POD and service the niche that still wants paper. Publishers and distributors, they are Dodo's. They cost more and aren't as good as digital distribution/production.

potatolicious 17y ago
> Been to an Barns & Noble lately, very much like Starbucks. Question: why can't Starbucks replace them then? It's a serious question - why can't Starbucks' have a e-book kiosk, where you can browse and buy books for your Kindle/Sony Reader/Nook/etc? Seems like that would include the best of both worlds - the environment to socialize and read, and the efficiency of digital distribution.
- ryanwaggoner 17y ago
  Why on earth would I want an "e-book kiosk" when I can browse and instantly purchase books on my laptop, my phone, and my Kindle. Effectively, the Kindle makes everywhere a bookstore.
pwnstigator 17y ago
I was talking about B&M publishers, not bookstores. Bookstores will find a way to adapt, especially because the major publishing houses aren't going to die; they're going to be like IBM and Microsoft-- too big and important to disappear, but less important.