Meaning: This quote is attributed to Thomas Perry, a musician, and it reflects on the efforts made to create a program for e-books in the context of low e-book sales. The quote suggests that despite the quality of the program, the lack of consumer interest in e-books hindered its potential success.

Thomas Perry's quote sheds light on the challenges faced by the e-book industry, particularly in its earlier stages. The reference to "putting together a program" implies a significant investment of time, resources, and expertise to develop a platform or system for e-books. It indicates a proactive approach to addressing the emerging market for digital books.

The phrase "would have made good e-books available" underscores the potential and quality of the e-books that were part of the program. It implies that the content and offerings within the e-book program were of high standard, suggesting that the creators had taken care to curate and produce valuable literary works.

The statement "had people been buying e-books in any real numbers" highlights the crucial factor of consumer behavior and demand. Despite the program's merits, its success ultimately depended on the willingness of people to purchase e-books. This reflects the reality of the market at the time, where e-books may not have been as widely adopted or popular as they are today.

The quote captures a sense of missed opportunity or unrealized potential. It speaks to the frustration of creating something of value only to find that the market conditions were not conducive to its success. This sentiment is relatable to individuals and industries alike, who invest time and effort into developing products or services, only to face challenges in finding a receptive audience.

In the context of the publishing industry, the quote resonates with the early stages of the e-book revolution. During this time, traditional publishers and authors were navigating the shift from print to digital formats, and there was uncertainty about the future of e-books. The quote reflects the optimism and efforts put forth by creators and industry professionals, juxtaposed with the lukewarm reception from consumers.

From a broader perspective, the quote also speaks to the dynamics of technological adoption and consumer behavior. It underscores the fact that even well-designed and high-quality products or programs may struggle to gain traction if they do not align with prevailing consumer preferences or habits. This is a common challenge in the ever-evolving landscape of digital technology and media consumption.

In conclusion, Thomas Perry's quote encapsulates the complexities and challenges of introducing e-books to a market that may not have been fully ready to embrace them. It serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and responding to consumer behavior, as well as the unpredictable nature of technological adoption. While the quote reflects a specific moment in the history of e-books, its themes remain relevant in discussions about innovation, market dynamics, and the relationship between creators and consumers.