Will new technologies like eBooks replace print books? Why or why not?

According to the textbook a limited market still exists for eBooks. A strong argument exists as to why the eBook market may be limited.

The idea of an eBook seems fantastic. It is lightweight and has several options to accommodate readers. Readers that are older or may have eye sight trouble can instantly increase text size. The books can be downloaded as oppose to making a trip to the library or bookstore and be disappointed if the book isn't available. Sounds fantastic.

The entire chapter in the Media/Impact text talks about the process of making a book.  Nearly every page discusses some aspect of profits or the money involved with publishing and books. That is why eBooks have yet to take off like other digitized media formats.

The music industry undoubtedly changed when MP3s became widely available. It's not often that individuals shop for physical CD music anymore. It's all about downloading. The same holds true for movie rentals and movies in general. Several companies and websites exist to send digital movies to computers and televisions everywhere. Those industries have been severely impacted by this change. Piracy has kept music industry giants battling it out in courtrooms with illegal downloaders. Movie Gallery and Hollywood Video rental stores went out of business and so did most Blockbuster Video stores. Without a doubt, profits are shrinking in the digital age for outdated delivery methods of media.

The text points out that the Google massive digital library projects to digitize thousands of books and make them available online has met with harsh criticism and even litigation. The publishers want to know why someone would pay for a book they can get for free, which is a valid argument. At that same time college bookstores are fighting the digital delivery of textbooks which would take a portion of the nice profit usually seen in the textbook and used textbook sales and rentals.

Books seem to be the last form of protected media from the digital age. It will eventually arrive, but not without a fight from the publishers.