I am an eternal optimist, but I have NO experience in private equity, and if I had to bet, you are probably right that the publishing world won't change because a private equity firm owns it. Sadly, if you're right - that means that the book world will continue on without the retail side of it evolving.

Interesting that you mentioned Barnes and noble. I am following James Daunt and watching what he's doing to bring B&N back. One of his initiatives is to allow them to look less corporate, more individual, and give the managers leeway to do their own displays and arrangements. I love that idea, but we'll have to keep watching to see if it works and how - if B&N does make a huge comeback - it affects indie bookstores.

Thank you so much for this insightful, kind response. I appreciate it very much and that you took the time to read. My best to you!