Lessons from University Presses — Economics, Spin, Misfits, and Mission
The University of Missouri saga has many lessons for publishers of all types. But perhaps the harshest lesson is that we’re in a tough business.
A Proposed List — 60 Things Journal Publishers Do
An attempt to list a bunch of things journal publishers do. It’s not perfect, but it’s better than nothing.
Echoes of England — European Commission Backs Open Access by 2014 in Statement
The EU follows in lockstep with the UK, with a statement instead of a mandate. Are the gloves about to come off?
The FDA Spies On Its Own Scientists — Cloaks and Daggers Emerge When Scientists and Authorities Clash
A lurid story of intramural hijinks at the FDA shows how far from mission an organization can drift when it gets its priorities wrong.
Predictable Problems — The UK's Move to Open Access
The RCUK announces its OA plans, including a six-month embargo. Now, speculation snaps into reality, and we will see if a number of lurking unintended consequences come to pass.
Economic Stocks and Flows — A Lecture Using a Phillips MONIAC Economic Analog
A fluidic computer designed to model a national economy holds lessons for doing things directly and physically. Sometimes, you have to get your hands wet.
Working and Living Inside the Game — Source Filmmaker and E-books Make Us Part of the Action
Creative people are using our inputs — and letting us do the same — to drive more creativity.
Stray Thoughts from Vacation — The Ego Epidemic, the Myth of Shareholder Value, and Giving Up Too Easily
Stray thoughts from vacationland. You may see these again.
Ask the Chefs: "What's the Strangest Place You've Been for Your Job?"
This month, with vacations on the docket, it seemed a good time to ask a question bound to get the mind thinking of faraway or unfamiliar places. And since scholarly publishing is a worldwide endeavor — all the more so […]
Welcome Our Newest Chef, Alice Meadows
I’m pleased to welcome our newest Chef, Alice Meadows of Wiley. Alice heads up Wiley’s society relations team, supporting more than 800 scholarly and STM organizations for which Wiley publishes. She has a marketing background, and founded a small business […]
Siri vs. Jelly Bean — The Voice Recognition Era Gets Competitive
Siri now has competition, and we all benefit.
The Inner Life of a Cell — An Amazing Animated Movie That Will Make You Appreciate Biology Much More
We take our bodies for granted, even when we ask more of them than usual. This video takes us behind the cellular scenes, revealing the microscopic workers making it all possible.
The McDonald's Beautification Project — Same Ingredients, Styled for Clarity
An interesting video showing one reason why it makes sense for food in an ad to look different from food you’re served.
Fast and Faster — F1 Cars Getting Faster, Blow Fast Regular Cars Away
Amateurs hope they can emulate the professionals they admire. In a set of videos of F1 racing courses, it’s clear that amateurs can’t compete with professional drivers.
A Glass Act — Harry Potter Theme Played on Wine Glasses
A short video demonstrating how a friction idiophone works magic!