Mike Shatzkin writes about family-controlled publishing companies which he describes as “well managed and bascially competent,” because they focus on longer term goals. Peter Wiley’s comment about why the company’s travel sites have done well should be stapled to the foreheads of publishers considering how to do well with e-books:
“Constant, controlled experimentation,” he said. “What worked for us was on the third try. We didn’t get it right the first two times.”
That same Rule of the Third Try has characterized the technology industry, as well. Microsoft, for example, famously did not succeed with Windows until Version 3.1. Lots of rough but rewarding road is ahead.
Shatzkin’ piece is well worth your time.