I think the ideal distribution platform for ebooks is something like Steam has for videogames: prices can be set by the publisher with suggestions from the vendor; prices are generally consistant with prices on other channels (except for those crazy sales); there's no push for exclusivity to any vendor or platform; DRM is effective but not painful; loading the same product on multiple devices is relatively straightforward; the model makes sense for big publishers and indie-publishers alike.
The Apple solution isn't perfect, but it's a lot closer to that Steam ideal than Amazon is. But of course, Apple shouldn't be colluding with publishers to fix a set price. I have no problem with the idea that the creator of the content sets a price, and the vendor agrees to sell for that price, taking an agreed-to commission. I think it could set some really exciting precedents that allow for small/indie publishers to adopt an ebook-only model that would allow them to compete more easily with big publishers.
|