Great article today by David Gewirtz on ZDNet about the lessons Apple can learn from Amazon in the eBook market. David praises Amazonโs business model, in particular the opening of the Kindle eco-system to Macs, PCs, iPhones and other devices. Like me, David has a Kindle library but doesnโt own a Kindle: he reads the books on his iPhone. He suggests that a Kindle library is future-proof and, as I have mentioned many times, it doesnโt depend on just one device. He also praises Amazonโs open strategy where, in particular, even seconhand books are offered as an alternative when looking for a title.
When it comes to Apple and the iPad, he voices his concern that Apple will wish to control its market too closely, perhaps even deciding to ban certain books if the subject matter isnโt to its liking. He contrasts Appleโs secretive, controlling methods with Amazonโs more open and communicative persona. I had a good giggle over his reference to Kim Il Jobs……