On 18-1-2011 17:03, Neeum Zawan wrote:
> andrel<byt### [at] gmailcom>  writes:
>
>>>> Making customers have to re-buy material because they lost access would
>>>> be very poor customer service indeed.
>>>
>>> Obviously they're not doing this on purpose,
>>
>> why would the publishing bussiness act different than the music bussiness?
>
> Because with ebooks, it's easier to self publish than it is for
> musicians to do so.

It is easier to write a book than to record a demo or album, but the 
publishing is just as easy.

>
> Most of the reason we needed publishers was as a means to get our books
> into stores.

Just as you need the record company to get your record played on a 
radiostation. If it isn't played in general it won't reach the shops. 
Perhaps with the exception of established bands, but there won't be a 
chance to get established.

> According to a lot of people, all the marketing they do
> rarely helps sales.

That might be different indeed for a five minute multiple play and a 2 
days attention span (mostly) single play item.

> What does help is the ability to get bookstores to
> put your book in an accessible place. This whole ebooks thing is
> changing that.

Yes, as it is changing the access to the public for startup bands.

> The other benefit of publishers is editing, etc.

In short I see hardly a difference. Besides my remark was on the 
financial side. Those that own rights do their best to sell their IP as 
many times as possible. If that means selling it to the same person 
multiple times makes no difference. I have not heard of a record company 
that released a best of album and then said to a customer: I see you 
have already paid your dues for the IP for 80% of it, so you get a 
discount. In contrast what they will do is create a 'best off' with 1 or 
two unreleased songs so the fans will buy it anyway even if they own the 
rest. With books that is more difficult, but I think they do the same 
with collections of short stories if they can.

In both cases the main problem is reaching potential listeners/readers. 
When that is really solved publishers and record companies cease to 
exist. Until then they will use every trick, possibly with the exception 
of blackmail and bribery, to stop that from happening.

The second problem is getting the author/musician paid.

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