Final answer:
James Gleick is talking about the negative effects of digitizing books on the book-publishing industry.
Step-by-step explanation:
James Gleick is referring to the negative impact of the digitization of books on the book-publishing industry. With the availability of digital books, traditional book publishers are struggling to compete, as more readers are turning to e-books, online platforms, and self-publishing options. This has led to a decline in sales and revenue for traditional publishers, causing a gloomy outlook for the industry.
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