The first e-book reading machines costs several hundred and up, and big publishers gouged their well-off human readers with titles selling for $25 or so–as much as a hardback. Lately it would appear that the e-book industry has grown a little more sensible about book prices even if it still has a long way to go. Could the extended recession have something to do with it?
If so, the price-slashers are going in the right direction. Via LIS News, I notice that the beaten-down economy has sent library circulation skyrocketing in some cases, because people want affordable diversions.
A lesson for the many remaining price-gougers in e-bookdom?
Of course, one of the best ways to reel in readers in good and bad times would be the use of a Carnegie-style “free” library model, with provisions for fair compensation for writers and publishers. TeleRead, anyone?
