Just as a bookseller who regards a library as the enemy, because people can go there and read — for free! — what he sells, is missing that the library is creating a pool of people who like and take pleasure in books, will be his customer base, and are out there spreading the word about authors and books they like to other people, some of whom will simply go out and buy it.
If you have the time, I suggest reading his full reply to the letter – he’s got some pretty insightful thoughts on the process of building a customer base with “free” content.
The music industry could stand to learn a thing or two from this affair.
Read Neil Gaiman on giving away free content [neilgaiman.com]
Read American Gods online [harpercollins.com]
