Chain Reaction

I have had my Nook since Barnes and Nobles first came out with the eReaders. I love my Nook. I love its portability and the fact that I can store tons of books on it. I love the fact it is lightweight and easy to read in all sorts of light. And I love the fact I can purchase and download a book on such an easy to read device at two o' clock in the morning (clever money-making ploy!). The only thing my reader can't top when it comes to reading is the fact that it takes me a second or less to open the pages of a paperback, but even technology has its limitations (for now).

Seeing as eReaders have become so popular, it shouldn't surprise me to see the prices of certain ebooks higher than their paperback counterparts. And yet that is what I saw when I went to Costco the other day. Browsing around, I found a book I thought was interesting. It was on sale for $5.99 but seeing as it was a bit bulky, I decided to look it up online. Imagine my surprise when I found it listed for $8.99. Nothing longer, nothing better, just the same old story.

It's simple economics really, supply and demand. As the demand for paperback (or hardback) books goes down, stores are being placed in a position to mark down their prices or be stuck with an oversupply. And yet there is something strange about paying less for something that logically seems to cost more to make.

This industry will continue to evolve and change, powered by a force of readers who will continue demanding from the industry itself: better books, more affordable books, more accessible material, etc. As readers and writers, it is important to realize how we drive the reactions within the industry. Will ebooks' prices rise, driving demand back to paperbooks? I highly doubt it but I can imagine many readers wouldn't be happy with the above example. What about you all? What changes do you notice or forsee in the industry? What about our reactions?

Enjoy this food for thought and happy writing this week!

Filed under: Business, Toni Kelly, Writer's Life, Writing Topics