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To: Chuzzlewit who wrote (81455)	11/20/1998 6:43:00 AM
From: JRI	Respond to of 176387

OT <The problem I see from companies like Amazon and others is the fact that the identical product can be acquired from other companies> I don't know about this, Chuzz...I think the reason why you are getting a virtual duopoly (or an oligopoly) in books is that the big boys (B & N, Borders, and Amazon) can crush the little guys in volume (buys from publishers), and, as a result offer better pricing... Not an uncommon occurence (in history) in many industries, no? Because of their "superstore" concept, I'm sure you are aware that they are ALSO killing the little guys on selection too....my local "little guy" replaced most of their magazine racks with 6 computers (not Dell!), charging for on-line surfing, word processing, etc...by the minute...is sad, but is the only way most of the little guys are going to survive... The whole thing reminds me a little of Wal-Mart vs. retailers over the years....As you are probably aware, (whatever the name is for) the Association of the (little guy) Booksellers are lobbying hard for federal protection here... Ultimately, I think Amazon has a chance here if two things occur (1) They continue to aggressively expand into other forms of E-commerce (like they have with CD's, and videos) making it a "one-stop shopping experience" for the consumer, and, probably more importantly (2) they focus on creating a great customer shopping experience..using technology to accomplish this (Two examples are how they list all pertinent reviews, and also steer you towards books that others (with a similiar profile as you) have recommended)....Great value added here... Note: I don't own the stock, but Amazon's management seems to have as good a clue as any about where E-commerce is going....It is amazing how passive Bertlesmann, B&N, and Borders initially reacted to these guys...