In more
publishing news, Reuters ran an
article on Friday comparing book publishers—which are just now transitioning into the technical age—to record labels, which embarked upon those then-uncharted waters of online distribution about a decade ago. According to Reuters, this time lapse, in addition to the differences between books and music, should help publishers avoid some of the record industry's blunders.
The biggest threat to any online distribution plan is piracy, a reality that began hurting the music industry with the advent of Napster in 1999. Napster (duh) was the first of many services allowing users to illegal download music, and the trend continues today. But the music industry was unprepared to handle online piracy—the iTunes Music Store didn't launch until 2001, and by then a lot of us had gotten used to acquiring music illegally.
But legal publishing distributors have established themselves more quickly and smoothly than their music-industry counterparts. The newest development comes from Google, which revealed on Thursday plans for an upcoming e-book store for all web-browsing devices.
And besides, piracy may not be so toxic for the publishing industry. The effects of book piracy have not been widely researched, but one study found among a group of books that
legal sales peaked after the books were leaked onto the Internet, suggesting that pirated copies of the texts may be like free advertising for publishers.
This reminds me of what many people say about music and movie downloading: "If I like it, I'll totally buy a copy." In terms of the music industry, which continues to decline, it seems not enough downloaders have stayed true to their word, but books are a different story (ah, pun!). Some analysts have suggested that the longer time commitment required of books might make consumers more likely to pay for them.
Do you think the ten-year gap gives the publishing industry a useful advantage? How do you feel about piracy?
Comments (2)
I love books as my husband any one who knows me will tell you. In my reading room and my bedroom closet are over three hundred books altogether.
I'm dreading the day the Kindle takes over completely. It will take away the pleasure I feel in snuggling up in my bed, or on the couch or on the floor in my reading room with a good book. I like the feel of the paper when I turn the pages.
If I'm going to read a book, I don't want to stare at a screen!
@Cognizant_Wolf@xanga - I doubt e-books will ever completely eclipse regular books. I mean, hey, some people still listen to music on vinyl. And regular books will be even more enduring, since a lot of people are connected to how it feels to hold them, turn down the corners, etc.