The distinction between owners and readers

Wise words from the top

John Makinson, CEO of the Penguin Group (pictured), says it all:

“There is a growing distinction between the book reader and the book owner. The book reader just wants the experience of reading the book, and that person is a natural digital consumer: Instead of a disposable mass market book, they buy a digital book. The book owner wants to give, share and shelve books. They love the experience. As we add value to the physical product, particularly the trade paperback and hardcover, the consumer will pay a little more for the better experience."

- John Makinson, CEO of Penguin Group, in a Wall Street Journal q&a yesterday