And Stanza allows user 'generated' content
An advantage in using Stanza is that you can transfer user 'generated' content onto your iPhone. 'Obtain' plain text, rtf, html etc and it's a cynch to transfer it into Stanza. So content that comes from a variety of sources can be used not just the overpriced eBooks that the eSellers make available. I have read many books on pdas and phones over the years, and would be quite happy to purchase eBooks if they didn't cost more than their physical counterparts !
How can sellers justify charging more for an electronic form of something that can be purchased in physical form for less ? I can buy a CD from the supermarket for less than the mp3/aac download. I then have a better quality, permanent copy that can be imported into iTunes anyway. I don't lose by buying the physical form. Oh and I can lend the CD to my friends. (What they do with it is there concern ...)
Granted that when you buy a paper book you cannot transfer it onto your iPhone/kindle, but why should you have to pay more for something which costs the retailer nothing in reproduction, distribution or sales ?
I don't get it. I know there is the convenience of an immediate download for both music and books, but the record labels and publishers complaining of declining sales should examine the value they are providing their eCustomers if they want to fight the 'battle' against piracy.