Amazon did a victory dance of sorts today after the Justice Department filed its e-book pricing antitrust case against Apple and five book publishers — three of whom (Hachette, HarperCollins and Simon & Schuster) have agreed to a proposed settlement. The e-retailer called it “a big win for Kindle owners” adding that it looks forward “to being allowed to lower prices on more Kindle books.” Barnes & Noble, which sells the Nook e-reader, had no comment. If a court approves, then Justice’s settlement with the three publishers would require them to let retailers including Amazon and Barnes & Noble set their own prices for e-books. It also would wipe out their most-favored-nation deals with retailers including Apple — agreements that guarantee other retailers won’t undercut their e-book prices. “In recent years, we have seen the rapid growth – and the many benefits – of electronic books,” Attorney General Eric Holder said. ”E-books are transforming our daily lives, and improving how information and content is shared. For the growing number of Americans who want to take advantage of this new technology, the Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that e-books are as affordable as possible.” Apple, along with publishers Macmillan and Penguin, have decided to go to court to fight the charges. Acting Assistant Attorney General Sharis Pozen sayd the Justice Department “will pursue vigorously our claims against those companies to ensure that consumers get the full benefits of the competition they deserve.”


Maybe some of those outrageous e-book prices will come down. Some competition over pricing would a nice thing for the e-book market, especially for Apple.
Amazon’s parents didn’t teach them not to spike the ball when beating the underdogs.
Thank God! An E-Book shouldn’t cost as much as a hardcover, I’m sorry!
As an author, I am happy to sell my work at whatever price Amazon or anyone else suggests to me for the paperback or hardback version. I have no idea of printing, binding and shipping costs.
However, I do not agree that the price charged for the e-book should be the same. Production costs are almost nothing, simply an auto reply on payment set up.
Instead of $4.49 for both, I would suggest $1.49 for the e-book version.
I say “thank God” for two reasons:
1) An ebook should NOT cost the same as a physical book. Considering how fast these three companies gave in, it’s pretty clear they were well aware the whole thing was BS and they didn’t stand a chance in hell of beating the rap. This was the best way for them to salvage a bad situation, whereas Apple, Penguin, and Macmillan look like a bunch of crooks who aren’t ready for the party to end.
2) Apple has been getting carried away with their BS bully tactics lately, and it’s about time they were slapped down. Innovative products and services should be driving their profits, not price fixing schemes and their legal department.