Amazon vs. Apple: Why writers drink, part four million

[rolanni]

Well, at least it's become clear that the War is between Amazon and Apple, for marketshare, and only peripherally about publishers, publishing, authors, or even books.

Author's careers? Just collateral damage.

I feel sooooo much better.

From the New York Times, we have:

Amazon Threatens Publishers as Apple Looms
By MOTOKO RICH and BRAD STONE
Published: March 17, 2010

Amazon.com has threatened to stop directly selling the books of some publishers online unless they agree to a detailed list of concessions regarding the sale of electronic books, according to two industry executives with direct knowledge of the discussions.

Read all about it.

Comments

[grassrose.livejournal.com]

I totally agree. I've gone out of my way to install alternatives to Apple software on my machine, because it's so grabby and intrusive. When the Apple site tried to force me to install iTunes just to buy a flipping GIFT card for a teen relative "blessed" with an iPod, I chose another gift. I'm not quite annoyed enough with Bill Gates to ditch Microsoft and go entirely over to the Penguin, but it's been close a time or two.

As for Amazon, I do buy some goods from them and their Marketplace. But as far as ebooks go, I've downloaded one freebie from them. All of my other ebooks, I've bought from Baen, Fictionwise and Book View Cafe.