“Star Trek” Bashed as “Fun, Watchable”
“The Onion” continues to skewer many things scholarly publishers probably like, including President Obama and “Star Trek.” Join us for a few Friday laughs.
Twitter’s Business Model Emerges
Twitter’s initial business model won’t be about advertising, proving again how different distribution is these days, and how well Twitter might understand this.
Traditional Books Become the Minority
Books made the traditional way accounted for less than 50% of US book production in 2008. Has the sea change come?
A World of Digital Docents
Untangling the functions of curators and docents raises an interesting set of questions for STM publishers — about ownership, value, and the future.
The WSJ’s Payment Curbstop
The WSJ shows just how it’s missing the boat with its latest announcement about micropayments.
USPS = Spam in Meatspace
We often don’t think about the USPS as a vulnerable business entity, but a closer inspection shows that it’s another US business from a bygone era. Will its troubles push publishers to drop print?
Paying for Open Access Publication Charges
New report outlines guidelines for establishing central publication funds. Success of these funds may spell failure for libraries.
Open Access Voted Down at Maryland
Academic freedom cited as main counter-argument.
Amazon Acquires Stanza
Amazon acquires Stanza, solidifying its position as an e-book provider across platforms.
iNap@Work – Next Killer App or Killer Nap?
Small, cheap and democratic. Is the bazaar model of software production the next killer ap?
Kindle Failings Serve as Early Warning
Expensive, proprietary systems are no basis of a successful business strategy.
“New” AP Strategy Is Nothing New
The Associated Press tries yet another strategic shift, one that shows they’re late to the game, and playing the wrong game at that.
Online Audience Growing Fast
New data show how powerful the online channel is becoming, with audience and attention to spare. When will some major players wake up to this reality?
Is “Mine” Just a Stunt?
Is “Mine” an experiment in custom publishing? Or a cynical PR effort to support a last gasp of print advertising?
Google Wants Your Links, Not Your Content
The Google Books Settlement has publishers up in arms over copyright and content presentation. They need to wake up and smell the coffee. That’s not what Google’s after.