I think Amazon is not becoming a publisher, but is 'redefining' distribitor. This used to mean: deliverer of physical goods made by someone else, containing information. But in our digital age, Amazon has come to see it as "distributor of digital content". Someone makes the content, and Amazon delivers it digitally. That is the model of the Kindle, and I think that is the background for this move as well.
I can understand that, but it creates some monopoly issues, that's true.
But it is still possible to use for POD Amazon/BookSurg, and another party (LSI for example) as well. I do not believe Amazon wants exclusivity.
I think too the iliad is the best right know. That is: as a reader. But the Kindle has for it the (or so it seems) effortless way in which is it integrated in the network. However, being an european, I have never seen one, so I cannot comment on the qualities of the Kindle compared to the Iliad (or any other reader, for that matter).
I agree on Krugman. he used to be a very good writer on economics, but since the arrival of George W. Bush, all his columns in the NYT are about one thing: how terrible Bush "and his cronies" are. Boring.
I read his column, and I had some hope the (according to Krugman) underserving of the US with broadband wasn't one way or another the fault of Bush. But alas, no. Bush is guilty again.
BTW: I think the lower acceptance of broadband in the US, compared to Europe, has al ot to do with the lower cost for consumers of dial-up in the US (as was already pointed out).
mat
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I think Amazon is not becoming a publisher, but is 'redefining' distribitor. This used to mean: deliverer of physical goods made by someone else, containing information. But in our digital age, Amazon has come to see it as "distributor of digital content". Someone makes the content, and Amazon delivers it digitally. That is the model of the Kindle, and I think that is the background for this move as well. I can understand that, but it creates some monopoly issues, that's true. But it is still possible to use for POD Amazon/BookSurg, and another party (LSI for example) as well. I do not believe Amazon wants exclusivity.
I think too the iliad is the best right know. That is: as a reader. But the Kindle has for it the (or so it seems) effortless way in which is it integrated in the network. However, being an european, I have never seen one, so I cannot comment on the qualities of the Kindle compared to the Iliad (or any other reader, for that matter).
Still, I think the business model is brilliant.
mat1
I agree on Krugman. he used to be a very good writer on economics, but since the arrival of George W. Bush, all his columns in the NYT are about one thing: how terrible Bush "and his cronies" are. Boring. I read his column, and I had some hope the (according to Krugman) underserving of the US with broadband wasn't one way or another the fault of Bush. But alas, no. Bush is guilty again. BTW: I think the lower acceptance of broadband in the US, compared to Europe, has al ot to do with the lower cost for consumers of dial-up in the US (as was already pointed out). mat
Actually, germany steamrolled the french twice; in 1870-71, and of course in 1940.
mat1