The current issues
- E-books currently do not add significant value to the reading experience.
- E-books do not currently have broad-based distribution, due to device exclusivity, channel exclusivity and legacy issues related to platforms, standards and development costs.
- Publishers are not retailers, and trying to figure out how to connect directly with the reader will prove difficult long term.
The future solutions:
- E-books should be immersive, 3-D, audio/video/print experiences.
- E-book reader software should be free, device neutral and will dramatically improve the reading experience with built in annotation tools, word-level bookmarking and cloud-based synching.
- Such e-book readers will be available for booksellers (yes, traditional retailers) to utilize and offer channel (even retailer) exclusive content that is easily updated by the publishers.
- Retailers will set prices on these products and compete based on the perceived value each retailer/channel can add by negotiating exclusive content with publishers.
These solutions are on the very near horizon with the new KNFB Reading Technology which Baker & Taylor is launching in December. I have seen this new reader, and I am telling you, it will change the e-book market forever! For more information, go here.
