Yes, But Can We Use Extreme Lack Of Forethought As A Legal Defence?
I am still catching up on news from around the internet. So I've only just gotten around to reading this article regarding Egmont's decision to publish children's books on the DS. (For your elucidation, they own the rights to Winnie the Pooh, Rupert Bear, and various other non-bear related children's classics.)
I don't necessarily think that this is a bad idea. But then, my attitude to the whole 'Oh Noes The Publishing Sky Is Faaaaaaaaalling!!!' is a sort of 'oh.' I'm very inclined, much as I am with Stephen Moffat and Matt Smith, to wait and see. However, if you ARE one of those people who are part of the handwringing masses and the best way you can currently think of to reassure yourselves is a vague 'there will always be a market for traditional books and magazines', do not, for the love of man, then explain that you are marketing your e-books to children because you want to 'encourage them to read'. Or to ensure you remain in touch with them. Because when you start doing that, you have already lost. (Or won. I'm not going to slam e-books wholesale, I'm mainly talking from the point of view of the e-book naysayers here.)
Because while it is true that I will always want a nice paperback in my hands, I grew up on them. If I'd grown up experiencing my literary conquests on a screen, I wouldn't give a toss about paper editions or the money you were making/losing on them.
In other words? You are erasing your own customer base. Think about that.
Or alternatively just watch this video.
I don't necessarily think that this is a bad idea. But then, my attitude to the whole 'Oh Noes The Publishing Sky Is Faaaaaaaaalling!!!' is a sort of 'oh.' I'm very inclined, much as I am with Stephen Moffat and Matt Smith, to wait and see. However, if you ARE one of those people who are part of the handwringing masses and the best way you can currently think of to reassure yourselves is a vague 'there will always be a market for traditional books and magazines', do not, for the love of man, then explain that you are marketing your e-books to children because you want to 'encourage them to read'. Or to ensure you remain in touch with them. Because when you start doing that, you have already lost. (Or won. I'm not going to slam e-books wholesale, I'm mainly talking from the point of view of the e-book naysayers here.)
Because while it is true that I will always want a nice paperback in my hands, I grew up on them. If I'd grown up experiencing my literary conquests on a screen, I wouldn't give a toss about paper editions or the money you were making/losing on them.
In other words? You are erasing your own customer base. Think about that.
Or alternatively just watch this video.
Click to view