Steve Blank always justified it as saying "you want it to be on your shelf, with notes..." I think it's just a luddite reaction on Steve's part.

Apparently he hasn't done enough customer development.

Doubly ironic since I love to have reference books with me in Kindle format on my iPad - searchable, scannable (highlighted sections can be compressed together, and always with me). My paper books languish at home. With multiple offices and an apartment I don't, and I suspect this is relatively common, have "a" bookshelf.

I have Four Steps to the Epiphany and I hate its design (awkward size) and typography (the lines are too long!). It would look much better on my Kindle for sure.

I offered to do an eBook version for free (even though I would guess he could spare a dime or two) with LiberWriter. I suspect the problem is not time or money or access to competent people, but a desire to maintain the book as a print-only production, which is frustrating. Sure, perhaps it is better in print, but for some people, they're not going to get it if it's not an eBook.

Ironic, given that he preaches working hard to figure out what people want before creating something.