Is there a Netflix-type service for the Kindle, Nook or other ebook devices, where for a monthly fee the subscriber can have any book or two checked out on the device? It would essentially be a fee-based ebook library.
If not, I can provide a sample size of one (me) that there may be a market for that.
One thing keeping me from buying a Kindle, or similar device, is that I don’t really want to buy all the books I read (thank you local library) and keep them. But, I can see myself paying a monthly fee to have an ebook or two checked out at a time.
Maybe this service already exists and I don’t know about it. Perhaps my local library will start the service soon. They do have a similar service for audiobooks that you can download onto your iPod devices, but the title selection is limited.
Below are a couple other reasons keeping me from buying an ebook device. Again, maybe there are existing solutions to these and I don’t know about it.
One concern is with book file formats. Will today’s ebook files work on tomorrow’s ebook devices? I’d hate to keep having to buy or convert my ebook library files every time a better ebook device came along.
I do buy books that I like and want to keep in my personal library. The reasons I buy books for my personal library are to have easy access to those books that I’d like to reference in the future and to be able to lend to others who are interested in reading my recommendations.
As far as I can tell, the ebook device would be great for reference. But, I’m not sure whether I would be able to lend my ebook files to friends. Is that possible?
Perhaps, the more limited versatility of ebooks, along with a cheaper distribution (printing, shipping, etc.) is reflected in the lower price of ebooks, and these are things I will have to give up to move into the ebook world. But, I’m sure there are creative people out there who can figure out how to retain more of the benefits of hard copy books, while still capturing a lower cost for a cheaper distribution method.
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