Frankly Speaking: The Publisher-Retailer Tug-of-War
Over time, all of these technologies merged and became portable, enabling us to carry a bookstore in our pockets on mobile devices. This is one of the fundamental changes in the book world, and it has adversely affected traditional bookstores.
As the world of bookmaking changed, so did the world of bookselling. First, though, other bookselling outlets evolved—books could be acquired in pharmacies, convenience stores and other non-book retail locations. Now, just as the superstores killed off most of the independents, so the online bookstores are killing off the superstores. There was a gigantic B&N at Jack London Square in Oakland, Calif. I was there recently, and it is shuttered and silent.
- Places:
- Greenwich Village
Frank Romano is Professor Emeritus at RIT School of Media Sciences.