Comment Re:Ugh. (Score 2, Insightful) 437
Exactly. I don't see how publishers are the bad guy here. Everyone seems to think that every form of intellectual property should be free or what they perceive as low-cost regardless of the costs to produce it. That's why the music industry shrank by 2/3 in the wake of the MP3 "revolution." What people don't see is all the amazing music that they could be enjoying but there's no one to sign the band, record and promote them so they languish in their hometown and you never know they exist.
If it's too expensive, don't buy it. Just like any other product. I could buy $150 balsamic vinegar, but I don't think it's worth it even though it is tasty.
As far as the textbook industry is concerned, I know a thing or two about it's inner workings and, let me tell you, there is a big difference between a free textbook and a $80-$130. There are a lot of people working behind the scenes to make sure that it's useful to you, well written, up-to-date and error-free.
If it's too expensive, don't buy it. Just like any other product. I could buy $150 balsamic vinegar, but I don't think it's worth it even though it is tasty.
As far as the textbook industry is concerned, I know a thing or two about it's inner workings and, let me tell you, there is a big difference between a free textbook and a $80-$130. There are a lot of people working behind the scenes to make sure that it's useful to you, well written, up-to-date and error-free.