AS THE INTERNET tries to draw the book business into the sinkhole of cheap content, Scribner announced yesterday that the digital edition of E-pioneer Stephen King's Big Gulp-sized new novel "Under the Dome," would not be released until Dec. 24 - one month after the hardcover.

The E-books have already been similarly delayed for Sen. Edward Kennedy's "True Compass" and Sarah Palin's "Going Rogue" (it's a bi-partisan issue) as publishers try to prevent the less-expensive digital editions from cannibalizing sales of hardcovers, which, until recently, cost more.

"Given the current state of the marketplace and trends in digital book pricing, we believe that this is the most appropriate publishing sequence for this particular 1088 page work of fiction," said spokesman Adam Rothberg of Scribner parent, Simon & Schuster.

Hmmm . . . A publishing sequence.

Anyone in the newspaper business paying attention?

The book industry, however, has another major problem, as Wal-Mart has decided to wage a loss-leader price war to boost traffic on its Web site.

So at Walmart.com, Target.com and Amazon.com the hardcover for "Under the Dome" can be pre-ordered for $10 or less even though list price for the book is $35.

Yes, Wharton students, we lose money on every book but we make it up on volume.

Or maybe Wal-mart can put every bookstore out of business and crush the industry to the point that only big-names such as King, Kennedy and Palin get to write books and half of every Wal-mart book section is dedicated to Harry Potter, "Twilight" and the works of James Patterson.

Tattbits

* We know the economy is tough but

doesn't TV pay anymore?

TMZ.com reports that Sam Jones, who played Clark Kent's best friend on "Smallville," was arrested yesterday morning. DEA agents claim Jones was part of a conspiracy to deal more than 10,000 pills of oxycodone.

Wonder if he was in cahoots with the guy from "Big Brother" who was hauled in for the same reason?

According to court documents, the DEA claims that Jones was the "Hollywood connection" in an illegal oxycodone ring.

He's charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison.

* Bon Jovi will play the kickoff con-

cert next spring at the new $1.6 billion Meadowlands, N.J. stadium that will be home for the Giants and Jets.

The official announcement is expected today, but doesn't being mentioned in Tattle already make it official?

* Also in concert will be Chris

Brown.

Billboard.com said the Rihanna-punching R&B singer will be going on a 19-city, small-venue Fan Appreciation Tour which will end Dec. 13 in Philadelphia.

A portion of the proceeds from the tour will be donated to charity.

* The Hollywood Reporter says ABC

is developing a show for the delightful Judy Greer.

"I'm With Stupid," based on Elaine Szewczyk's novel, centers on a Manhattanite (Greer), who has a fling with a park ranger while on safari in South Africa. Soon after she returns home he arrives unannounced at her doorstep and she realizes he's a dolt.

* Carnie Wilson

has proved to be so popular as host of "The Newlywed Game" on the Game Show Network that the network is developing a nongame show for her.

"Carnie Wilson: Unstapled" is in production and set to debut in January on GSN.

"I've written two autobiographies and posed for Playboy. I think I've pretty much been out there," said Wilson. But, she added, "This is definitely the most exposed I've ever been."

* Lawyers for Roman Polanski

clashed yesterday over his legal plans.

Attorney Herve Temime said there has been "no change in strategy," telling the Associated Press that Polanski will "continue to fight extradition" to the United States for having sex in 1977 with a 13-year-old girl.

Earlier in the day, fellow Polanski attorney Georges Kiejman told Europe 1 radio that Polanski could voluntarily return to face justice in Los Angeles.

The lawyers were not as confused when it came to their hourly rates.

Daily News wire services contributed to this report.

E-mail gensleh@phillynews.com