Actually, I think you missed my point. I was talking about the historical reasons that publishers came into existence. At that point in time, it was (and still is) a huge expense to run a printing press and book bindery. Then, they took control over the distribution channel. These are huge costs- Lulu doesn't get your book into B&#38;N. I was speaking to a future where bookstores are as rare as record stores as one where those costs are not significant.<p>It is just a historical accident that the people that control the printing presses control the rest of the process.  It used to cost quite a bit. With on demand printing, there is little need for their services.