Book Publisher Counters Google

Sometimes the threat of subverting copyright protection is enough to prompt the content holders into action. Publisher HarperCollins' announcement this week that it would create a searchable digital archive is likely a response to retain control of content that Google, Microsoft and Amazon have all shown interest in making searchable.

Just as a few years ago making music available digitally through services such as Napster preceded the music publishers forging relationships to create download services. They were generally slow in embracing the concept and lost out on considerable revenue opportunities that have since resurfaced via iTunes.

Similarly, Google et al are ahead of book publishers in seeing the revenue potential of making books searchable online, so one way or the other, it will start to happen soon. The trove of information available online is increasing every day, but it pales in comparison to the collective intelligence of the printed word.

Finding a chapter from a book that is on point with a search query would prompt many book sales. Impulse sales completed online could open up the slowly emerging market for e-books or enable chapter based sales. Does 99 cents a pop sound familiar?