Discussion of ebooks and digital publishing is everywhere, but why do I get the sense that no one has still addressed the real opportunity, particularly in light of the recent release of the iPad, which has already captured an estimated 22% of the ebook market.
In fact, I’ve heard and seen some interesting ebook discussion over the past few weeks. None may be more interesting than the 16-author panel discussion, called the Decline of the Written Empire, that took place at ConQuesT 41 in Kansas City over the Memorial Day weekend. The ebook site TeleRead offers a thoughtful summary. Plus, if you’d like to listen for yourself, I’ve provided the entire panel discussion.
If you’re interested in digital publishing, you also should check out an interview with Tracy Hickman in Episode 91 of Adventures in SciFi Publishing (AISFP), where he and Shaun discuss the fascinating throwback to serialized release with the Eventide novel (now in audio format, as well). In short, Tracy and wife Laura will release a novel in a weekly subscription format and, at the end, the reader will receive a limited-edition signed copy.
Then, Friday, June 11, author Gail Carriger started conducting an interesting poll and discussion (or access the permanent link — requires a LiveJournal account) on the reasons for ebook readership or lack thereof.
Regardless, this isn’t a topic exclusive to today’s gadget-carrying youth. Mashable summarized a study done by Yahoo on the demographics of iPad users. Generally, they found that iPad owners are more affluent and of surprising generational makeup — and it’s not kids using them. Print hasn’t died, it’s evolved. And, I believe, the iPad will usher the older generations into ebooks and digital consumption.
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