Will there? Unfortunately, it seems far-fetched. As the article points out (and it is common sense), used eBooks and used anything digital are the same as the new one. eBook covers do not get damaged. There are no dog-eared pages. No ripped out pages and no notes in the margins (though one can create notes on the Kindle and probably other eReaders, so maybe the theoretical next owner would inherit those notes as well). The only real difference between a used and new eBook is that someone bought the same exact copy before you did. 

But why bother buying a (theoretical) used eBook when you can by a new one? Well, if this practice was in place, I think it would be safe to expect a used eBook to be cheaper than a new one. This is where the big issue comes in. Publishing houses do not like that. They would lose money. Plus, there is also a copyright issue. Now, I do not think used eBooks would put publishers out of business (just like I do not think eBooks in general will make the analog book obsolete), but I believe that any loss of money is upsetting to them as it probably would be to any business. Think about selling used materials. It happens a lot between two parties. None of those parties would be the publisher, which is the key. I have no problem with a publisher (and subsequently, the author) getting a cut from the sales of used eBooks because they are like new. It is just that no solution had been thought of that allows that and satisfies all parties. 

That is all interesting, but how would used eBooks benefit readers? Well, if you bought a book for your eReader and ended up not enjoying it, you can sell it, get it off of your eReader, and use the money towards another used (or new) eBook. 

I think that would be great. I cannot tell you how many eBooks I have bought for my Kindle that I have never read. In all likelihood, whenever I get to these books, I will like them or love them because I know my tastes. But there could always be a fluke. There could be that one that I end up hating or feeling indifferent about. If I feel that way, I will never read it again. Wouldn’t it be nice if I could sell it to someone who would enjoy it and make some space on my Kindle?

What are your thoughts?