Counterpoint: The Power of Simplification — Why the Digital Age Means the End of Top-Heavy Bureaucracies
In which I argue that Shirky’s point is more about bureaucracies, cultures, and new approaches.
Wikipedia + POD = A Flooded Amazon: The Endless Spigot at Alpha- and Betascript Publishing
Another German publisher tries to profit off printed Wikipedia entries, this time by flooding Amazon with POD compilations.
The Scholarly iPad — First Impressions, Relevance for Publishers
The iPad is a superb design realization of the tablet computer. But that still leaves the question: “What is it?”
Rules of Thumb for Social Media in Science
As science publishers, we hear a lot about the potential for new technologies. Often this comes in the form of a pitch from someone looking to sell you on either the technology they’re offering or on their expertise. In trying to see through the salesmanship, it’s important to have some general rules of thumb for approaching the integration of social media as tools for the research science community.
Printing’s Alive! A Celebratory Video on the Eve of the iPad
Print is alive, but demoted. This video argues the point in a lively and entertaining way.
Elsevier Launches “Big Deal” Bake Sale Service, Other Commercial Publishers Scramble
Elsevier creates a new way to pay, and other commercial publishers are forced to reveal their plans. Will the little guys be left out again?
Finally! An Open Access Publishing App for the iPhone
At 99 cents, this may be the real “killer app” for open access publishing.
OK, Print Isn’t Dying — But It’s Definitely Not the Boss
The editor of “Vanity Fair” claims print isn’t dying. But the death metaphor obscures the reality — print isn’t as important as it once was.
The Next E-book Device Is Already Here
The next new e-book reading device is already here. (You may already own one.)
The True Victims of the Fall of Newspapers? Our Nation’s Loons
Who will really suffer if newspapers fail? The Onion has the inside story.
The Green Battle: Microsoft and Google Fight for Our Energy Data
Google and Microsoft are unearthing energy consumption data under the guise of environmentalism and turning it into new businesses. It may be “green,” but certainly it’s a different kind of green they’re after.
“The Big Short” Gets Singed by Inflamed e-Book Passions
When customers get angry, they’ll resort to all sorts of tricks to be heard. Is it wise for a publisher to take a hard line over the inevitable?
From Me to You: Selling Books on a Direct Basis
As more books are sold in electronic form, they will increasingly be marketed on a direct-to-consumer basis.
Shoveling from Two Piles: How Will Publishers Solve the Conundrum of the iPad?
Publishers can now shovel from two sources: print and online. Will they shovel again when migrating to the tablet? Or will they think anew?
The Dread Periodicals Postage Increase — Another Step Toward Oblivion for Top-Tier Print?
The USPS is squealing about financial difficulties, but is it because there’s just too much pork in the system? And what will it mean for publishers who cater to high-end information users?