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Amazon Surrenders To Macmillan On eBook Pricing
CuteSteveJobs writes with a followup to news we discussed on Saturday of a disagreement between Amazon and Macmillan Publishers over ebook pricing: "Amazon has thrown in the towel and announced it will now sell books at Macmillan's increased prices; up to $14.99 from $9.99. Said Amazon in a statement: 'We will have to capitulate and accept Macmillan's terms because Macmillan has a monopoly over their own titles, and we will want to offer them to you even at prices we believe are needlessly high for e-books.' Macmillan has sensed Apple's iBooks opens the way for higher prices. Perhaps the question should be: do we even need publishers like Macmillian? Publishers have long managed to keep their old business model chugging along nicely despite the Internet; Academics are still forced to give up copyright (PDF) of their work in exchange for publication. Textbook publishers have a history of unethical practices like frequent edition changes, unjustifiable price increases and bribing teachers. For that matter, why do the RIAA's members still control the music business? Why do these dinosaur publishing businesses still manage to thrive despite the Internet?"
I have a new idea: Copyright is a lousy idea and we need to banish the notion of copyright completely. Patents need a kick in the head as well. I am probably the first person ever to say that. My opinions are so valuable.
Just say no. I don't.
You're not female, are you?
Ah, yes, the old "I saw it in a TV show, so it must be true" routine. In fairness, I have no idea how the system works, but citing a TV show as proof of fact is a little thin.
Tru dat.