But I want it Now!

> I am assuming you may have considered this
> -- and for some reason dismissed this idea.
> I would be interested in hearing why you may
> not consider this a preferable delivery
> method. Is there a flaw?

Good thinking, as always Steve you are thoughtful and raise good questions.

I'll share my thoughts on this.

THIS CHRISTMAS.

Yes, I'm keeping an eye on audible.com and the major publishing houses' arrangements for bringing audio out in digital formats...

It is, for the next few months, the future.

As I've mentioned, the prices will be in the consumer range, where MP3 devices will be on Christmas lists. DVRs like the Olympus VN-180 or the Sony ICD-67 will sell for 100 bucks and people will start to buy these.

Interesting development for MS to license their software to Franklin for the eBookman, one of the best multi-media devices I've seen and still the first generation, if you will, of this technology.

THIS Christmas season will be the launch point for downloadable audio and e-books. I've talked about this TREND and have strongly suggested that people take notice of this.

The next year will be the shakedown, and we'll have some real data to look at.

In the meantime, there are still MILLIONS of people with cassette players, CD players. The Borders and Waldens, and major book sellers' shelves of audio programs has doubled in the last year alone.

My strategy is to service BOTH markets. But first the larger one that exists. Once the program is recorded, probably in digital, it can always be made available for downloads.

Steve, take a look at www.audible.com

The Diamond Reo 500 is selling for 99 bucks, good price point.

The programs, like Dennis Miller's featured "I RANT, THEREFORE I AM" is selling for 2.95

In Border's this is selling for 18 bucks.

At AMAZON this sells for 16.20

At this point in time, more cassettes/CDs will be sold than downloads.

It has to do with PROFITS, and timing. There will come a time when the costs of production will be so attractive that the 2.95 price could FOR THE AUTHOR make him/her as much royalty as the more expensive to produce audio cassette or CD.

But it's too soon.

I've not dismissed the market, but I have to crawl before I walk.

It is my intent, my GOAL, to have a monthly audio program. You may remember I tested such an idea a few years back. The TIMING was not right for it, because the costs of production were too high.

Next year, I could sit in front of the computer, and do a weekly heck a DAILY audio program if I wanted, and deliver it on demand at the same time.

It is an exciting time. I am neither ignoring nor dismissing the FUTURE, I am preparing and positioning myself to be a part of it.

Nice of you to stop in Steve, don't be a stranger, we're still setting up the store, and in a month it may not be anything like you see today.

But, Dien Rice is doing a great job here at sowpub and I think you will find it an interesting place to visit.

Regards,

Gordon Alexander