John Scalzi, that talented science fiction writer and very smart man, wrote a brilliant article on his blog about ebooks that I think all people who love books should read. Check it out here:
Here is something he said that hit me in the solar plexus and made me want to blog about it. Commenting about the various players (including Amazon, major publishing, Apple, etc.) in the current ebook drama unfolding due to the Department of Justice's case against Apple and five major publishers, Mr. Scalzi wisely said, "Each of these companies are interested in making it appear that they are on your side, or at the very least, will wish to validate your choice to be on their side. Please be smarter than that. Recognize that they love you for your money."
Exactly.
There is a battle going on for readers' pocketbooks, pocketbooks that seem to be growing as more and more people are discovering how incredibly convenient, lightweight, and affordable ebooks are. All these players had no idea that there was so much money in ebooks and they want as much as they can get their hands on. And they will do whatever
it takes to get it, including pretending to be your buddy. As John Scalzi so wisely pointed out, entire departments in these corporations are devoted to perpetrating that myth of friendship and concern for your well-being.
it takes to get it, including pretending to be your buddy. As John Scalzi so wisely pointed out, entire departments in these corporations are devoted to perpetrating that myth of friendship and concern for your well-being.
My point? If you're inclined to believe what you hear on the news, grab a big ol' grain of salt. Because you'll need to take it with anything you hear from the media about ebooks. Honestly, John Scalzi said it all better and with much more savvy and experience behind his statements, so his article's a must-read.
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