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  Posted By: gjbloom @ 03/07/2008 10:27:13 PM

  I haven't read a book in years. Not since I discovered my public library allows downloading of audiobooks. Much better on the bus, especially with noise-suppressing earphones. And I continue to 'read' while I walk the extra-healthy three-quarters of a mile I've added to my commute. Funny thing is, I often can't recall whether a particular book is one I've read or listened to. So it must scratch the same itch.

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  Posted By: Kafka's Crow @ 03/02/2008 8:00:28 PM

  ...and don't forget the ereaders! The industry is surrounded from all sides. They can reject a Jane Austen novel without realising what they are rejecting, do they still deserve to control our reading? My iRex Iliad is more dangerous than anything, as far as the publishing 'industry' is concerned.

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  Posted By: Kafka's Crow @ 03/02/2008 7:55:19 PM

  The future is almost here. Bring on the brave new world, the revolution that would destroy the so-called culture industry and move the pimps out of the way. The artist comes face to face with is audience, the true art goes straight to the hearts of its recipients. The best will survive as there will be no marketing and hype to keep the rubbish afloat. You want to be a writer? Be good, be excellent, "write in blood" and then take your work to your readers, you will discover that "blood is spirit." Already some excellent writing is sold through artist's own websites, for 'nothing.' 'Shareware' books are already here, free books are already here. Radiohead gave their latest album for nothing! Cut out the middleman and even 'nothing' is good enough for most artists. Real readers will always pay for real good writing. For whom the bell tolls? It tolls for the 'culture industry.' The future is bright indeed but only for the real artists.