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<p>I agree with the insanity of textbook prices and ‘new editions’ that are not an improvement. But I disagree with your conspiracy theory.</p>
<p>I’ve been a prof for 20 years, at different school, centrally involved in my field, and not once heard of any ‘kickbacks’. In fact, your post would be the first I’ve even thought of the idea. Where is your evidence? Some other field? Why on earth wouldn’t it be first in the business school industry (my area)!? </p>
<p>I personally would love to use an old edition, they work just as well for intro courses. But if the publisher stops making it, I can’t order it! Sure I can ask the 200 kids (or could be 1600 since they all need the same book for the same course across sections), to scour for used copies, but they won’t be the same editions and the publisher mixes it up enough to make it a royal pain to ensure everyone is on the same page.</p>