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?
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.
Putting Society Publishing in Context
Society publishing is surrounded by rivalrous groups, which tend to undermine the societies’ activities. It’s time to renew the development of membership through exclusive products.
Developing the Infrastructure for Direct Marketing
In order for publishers to engage in direct marketing, they have to build new infrastructure. Simon & Schuster is hinting at new developments with its use of QR codes.
Open Access – What’s a Learned Society To Do?
Learned societies are likely to be significantly affected by OA mandates, yet many remain silent, and may be ill-informed. What is their path forward?
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.
The Beatles Yesterday and Today: An Allegory of the Role of Paid Content
An essay on the Beatles and their business model, which emphasized paid content, now called “toll-access” content. The question is how the Beatles would have been different if they had worked in an era where content was expected to be free.
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.
Citation Cartel Journals Denied 2011 Impact Factor
Fifty-one journals are suspended from the Journal Citation Report for “anomalous citation patterns.” Whether or not you agree with the impact factor, sanctions help maintain the integrity of the scientific publishing enterprise for everyone.
Presentations on PDA from the AAUP Conference, 2012
PDA as presented to the AAUP. Slides from Joe Esposito and Rick Anderson. Enjoy!
Publishers! What Are They Good For? Part Deux: The Debate
The participants in the recent SSP session debating the value of publishers reflect on the session, the audience interactions, and their talks. And, of course, the Romans.
"Strategic Dynamism" at the University of Virginia: Implications for Scholarly Communication?
The brouhaha at the University of Virginia raises key questions for everyone in the scholarly communications world — about whether we can exert control, or only respond to change.
What It Means to Be a Start-up: Is It a Model Publishers Should Embrace?
Is running a business without a start-up mentality dangerous in our fast-paced technological world? It’s all a matter of risk and reward.
Money Talks — How Audience Priorities and Publishing Incentives Can Lead to Unusual OA Behaviors
Two separate but coincidental stances toward money and OA show that when it comes to getting things done, there’s nothing quite as useful as the right incentive — even when it turns OA principles on their head.
The Challenged Association — Remaining Relevant Requires More Than Cosmetic Change
With the world changing radically, associations are struggling to attract and retain members, offer satisfying programs, remain financially efficient, and look into the future. A new book provides a lot of sound advice in very little space.