--- In rara-avis-l@yahoogroups.com, "New Pulp Press" <bassoffj@...> wrote:
>
> Hear, hear, Kerry! Too often industry tries to fight new technology (see the film industry with the advent of VHS, or the music industry with the advent of digital technology) instead of embracing it. Publishing is no different. We can fight POD/Kindle etc. all we want but it won't slow it down. The publishing industry has changed, no doubt. For some of us it is demoralizing. For others it is an opportunity.
>
Just to correct one point. The recording industry not only embraced digital technology but they largely invented it. As early as 1974, Denon was making digital recordings. It was entirely their own decision to do it that way. It was pointed early on that once the content is in digital form, it can be copied exactly and quickly, as well as distributed. The decision to join CD with computer (i.e., interoperability) was the nail on the coffin. When the Internet went commercial (was given away, let's not forget that), a second nail was driven in.
How long before somebody cracks the Kindle? I bet it has already happened. Lots of bright guys with lots to time to do it...
My point is that it wasn't just an "overwhelming wave" that the industry was unable to resist but something they did willingly. The record industry got to resell all their back catalogue as if it were new. There was a big pile of dough in that.
Best,
mrt
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