As with many things involving technology and the internet, one success story doesn't mean that business model works for everyone. I think that for big name authors the publishers will remain vital to their success, but for the far greater number of lesser authors the technology of ebooks and self publishing allows them to get their books out like they wouldn't have been able years ago.
Much like the retailers that feared the internet would lead to the downfall of their physical stores or the people who thought that email would lead to the end of snail mail, I think that it won't end the old ways of doing things but will significantly impact how the industry is run. The playing field has been leveled and the publishers are no longer the only means for an author to reach their audience. The publishers can either adapt to the new technology or watch their market share slowly shrink over the next decade.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2011-01-14 06:12 am (UTC)Much like the retailers that feared the internet would lead to the downfall of their physical stores or the people who thought that email would lead to the end of snail mail, I think that it won't end the old ways of doing things but will significantly impact how the industry is run. The playing field has been leveled and the publishers are no longer the only means for an author to reach their audience. The publishers can either adapt to the new technology or watch their market share slowly shrink over the next decade.