During a Skype conversation with media
entrepreneur, Arthur Attwell, we discussed some of the projects he is currently
undertaking in South Africa. The conversation particularly focused on a print
on demand service which he has implemented in copy shops in some of the rural
areas across the country, where it is often difficult to access a required
text. The service is specifically useful for students who require all or part
of an academic publication. It is also beneficial to publishers as it expands
the readership for their books; to printers as it provides them with the
opportunity to print content from over 40 publishers and to the consumer as it
eliminates the cost of distribution which reduces the price of the book.
However, we did harbour some concerns as to the longevity of the business:
Arthur is concurrently working on another project which allows students to read
textbooks on their mobile phones. If the cost of broadband internet were to
become more affordable for the general population then physical books may
become less popular.
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