Hey, Tom--

Online access to classics is a very good thing. I know, having used it myself.

However, copyright will extend long past the commercial shelf-life of all but the most venerable works. Some modern and contemporary works have the potential to become classics after a while, but they may not be stocked by publishers after their first or second printings because inventory is taxable. In the case of children's picture books, this is especially unfortunate, because the artwork is an integral part of the story and it's very expensive to print them. It's also difficult to reproduce them in a durable, less expensive softcover. The result: those types of things fly out of print while cheap and disposable Goosebumps stay in print forever. I'm always thrilled to see a good contemporary author for kids recognized by the Newbery, Horn Book, and other awards committees, and new artists recognized by the Caldecott committee, because I know that that means their books, at least, have a shot at staying in print for more than half an hour.

Writers and artists absolutely must have control over the distribution of their work -- it's their livelihood -- so unauthorized photocopying needs discouraging. Publishers must protect their firms from inventory carry-over that could result in crippling taxes, so backstocking is limited. Not every classic is recognized as such right away. Even Louisa May Alcott went out of print from time to time. I really think that the ebook is a viable alternative to inventories of physical books, and that after publishers' print runs deplete, the right of bestowal for the ebook to be distributed could revert to the author (and the artist, where pertinent). They wouldn't need a warehouse to keep the virtual books. If, through e-distribution, sufficient demand develops for another printing -- as there will always be bibliophiles who like to hold and touch and smell books, turn their pages, sit in laps with them, take them into trees, read them by candlelight -- the publishers would have a recognized market to justify a new imprint.

And this has absolutely nothing to do with the backpack issue, but there you go. :)

Regards--
Mary Anne