Quote:
Originally Posted by
Techboy 
I think the only thing slowing ibook store is that glaring 30% cut Apple is taking for basically hosting. It just doesn't sit well with publishers and writers. If Apple really want to compete in ebooks, they need to lower that rate.
You're correct in that the 30% cut is problematic. But here's the thing: an ePublisher that provides access to a eReader device they control (like the iPad/iBookstore, the nook or the Kindle) will need to demonstrate some sort of value added for that fee. AAPL was able to do this with the iPod and music easily, since there was no real competing hardward product. With eBooks, *anyone* can be a writer.
The publishing business, as we know it, is going (or perhaps already has gone) the way of buggy whip manufacturers.
For that 30%, an eBook store linked to devices need show that there is enhnaced sales for the sellers product. While it has been true for some time that anyone could be an author (pen and paper has been available for many, many centuries) the distribution of that globally has only been recently realized. Anyone can now type out a book, make a "Pottermore" store, and literally reach to all of humanity, all in a few hours. But hardly any of humanity will respond, since they is a lot competing for humanity's attention.
Thus, and eBook retailer, with an attractive store, easy access to hardware devices in many peoples hands, and perhaps some social media connections (book reviewers, critics, with reputations for being correct, insightful and helpful) can demand payment for their services.
What remains to be seen is if anyone can actually deploy such a model.
