This a very thoughtful discussion of publishing, scientific publishing in particular, and disruptive technologies and why the incumbents fail. His basic premise is that the incumbents are at a local optimum and cannot move off it without seriously damaging their existing businesses. For (my) example, the NYT cannot move completely on line without antagonizing their print customers, liquidating print facilities, busting unions, and on an on, probably going bankrupt in the process.<p>As a bonus he offers several good suggestions for entrepreneurs in the scientific publishing business.<p>On a sad note, the post opens with a mention of the demise of Kongo Gumi founded in 578. It makes one feel that there should be a means of preserving historical companies jast as there are for historical landmarks, perhaps by repurposing them as museums.