Matthew Gray is one provider of data on the growth of the Web so far. It would be reasonable to expect that novels would become available to many more people over the World Wide Web. Once the hardware and software is in place there is currently no cost to read some of the great literary classics. However, this accessibility is also a problem. Some charge systems are already in place but there are still no safety guarentees on any financial transactions made over the Web.
Credit transaction is still a security risk.
This should not be an issue for too much longer as more advanced systems will be set up. However, if entry onto a site needs to be paid for, this then limits accessibility for the general public. Hence the argument that the Web will make novels more accessible to people is destroyed. Once access is gained onto a site there is little to prevent a user from downloading a novel onto a floppy disc or printing it out and distributing it further. This is already appearing to be a significant problem.