The Future of Publishing: I don't care

[elf]

Lots of articles on the internet about "the future of publishing." Some of them are well-written and fascinating; some have carefully considered bits of historical explanation; some are wild speculation; some are fearmongering propaganda. And there's several of those on all sides of the debates.

The more I read? (And I read a *lot*.) The less I care.

I am not, except in abstract, concerned about "the future of publishing." I am concerned about access to educational literature, entertainment text, reference works... but I'm no more worried about industry trends than the average person is worried about whether advances in the energy industries are going to change what kind of stove they have. Gas, electric, something else... the point is, I want to be able to cook on it. Avidly tracking green-vs-unsustainable energy systems doesn't really affect whether I'll be able to make a grilled cheese sandwich in another decade.

I looooove books and reading, so the future of publishing fascinates me--but I don't have to let it affect my life much. As Dean Wesley Smith said, books are not produce; they don't come with expiration dates.

( For starters, consider the time issues: )