Huh. Depending on what happens with DRM on library ebooks, that could actually be a viable business model. (Of course, I fervently hope that the libraries get their way... but if they don't, it's conceivable that the ebook publishers would be willing to give more liberal conditions to a Netflix type company that charged nominal fees.)
I'd love to see it happen, but the publishers are clearly too busy flailing about copyright issues right now - I suspect the whole HarperCollins thing is just the first in what will probably be a long line of poor decisions.
I'm betting that eventually we'll get to the Netflix-like model as device prices drop, ebooks become more popular, and piracy explodes - companies would clearly prefer renting their books over dropping prices to cheaper rates - but it's probably going to take 3-5 years for them to calm down enough to see that route out of their troubles. Till then, my wallet will be over there in the corner, crying quietly. :)
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I'm betting that eventually we'll get to the Netflix-like model as device prices drop, ebooks become more popular, and piracy explodes - companies would clearly prefer renting their books over dropping prices to cheaper rates - but it's probably going to take 3-5 years for them to calm down enough to see that route out of their troubles. Till then, my wallet will be over there in the corner, crying quietly. :)
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