I think you’re right in many ways-–the book pricing model is based on clunky mechanics that will probably change over the years as printing, distribution, and stocking are all altered.

Where I differ is with the assertion that print will definitely dwindle while e books will soar. Of course, Amazon wants us to think that–-they have the most vested of interests–and as for the consumer, the reader, well, who wants to be the last person to declare the Titanic unsinkable?

But I think the only way to really know what will happen is to let time tell.

Perhaps print readers will wind up in the minority, with bookstores a niche market[place]. Or perhaps not.

Anecdotally I know many people less in love with their e readers than your friend who turned out to be a convert to the technology. And others who are using them alongside print. Still more declaring a steadfast love of print, despite having Kindle 1, 2, and 22, or whatever they’re up to now. Anecdotal reasoning often doesn’t turn out to mirror reality–in either direction–however.

I’m glad that the e market is providing a lower barrier of entry, allowing many superb but overlooked works to enter the market. It’s also allowing a flood of lesser works to glut it. Technical glitches in the e devices and content filtering are problems that can be solved–but it may also be that traditional publishing offers something that an open market can’t quite reproduce (certainly Amanda Hocking thinks so, however misguided her reasoning may turn out to be).

Amazon is a giant and they are doing some things very, very well. I am the ultimate bookstore lover and supporter I think (Take Your Child to a Bookstore Day much? but I still use Amazon at times. Certainly I take part in their online threads–a terrific community of writers and readers.

My hope is that the best of both worlds will prosper. I think that’s always the ideal.