Letter from Eastern Europe: Some Reflections on the Evolution of Publishing
The growing economies in Eastern Europe are giving rise to a new set of publishing opportunities and also to increased competition on the global stage.
How Do You Solve a Problem Like Clay Shirky? Or, Silicon Valley Discovers Impact Factor
Boiling down the social Web to create a measure of influence? Not as easy as it looks.
What We Can Learn From Harry Potter
The Harry Potter series will now be available as e-books. Among the lessons for publishers is the desirability of direct-marketing.
Setting the Agenda: Key Issues for Scholarly Publishing
What are the key issues for scholarly publishing today? Setting the agenda for productive discussion.
Spam versus Targeting — Which Approach Will Define the Age of Abundance?
As spam defines one end of abundance, targeting enters to deflect the damage. Can they co-exist? Or will one become the defining trait of the age?
iOS: The Evolution of an Agile Business
Looking back, it’s clear Apple’s development of iOS and its device strategy has taken them down paths they didn’t expect — a true sign of agility.
The High Cost of Low Prices — Why Incrementalism Online Could Be Fatal
Incrementalism is a tempting path forward, both familiar and seemingly safe. But the squeeze is on.
The Rapture of Demand — Caring for Orphan Works Left Behind
The orphan works problem is not easily resolved, but it may not be such a big problem, as books mostly become orphans because there is little demand for them.
Contemplating Bitcoin — Is This a New Currency? Or a New Type of Scam?
A new form of cybercurrency is edging into the mainstream, but is it something we should embrace or repel?
What Patron-Driven Acquisition (PDA) Does and Doesn't Mean: An FAQ
Patron-driven acquisition — what does it mean? This FAQ deals with how PDA approaches books, journals, and libraries.
Report: The Internet Creates Jobs, Drives Growth, Improves Standards of Living
A new study reveals the power of the Internet in 13 key economies, and hints that we’re just at the beginning.
Is Piracy Really the F**king Answer?
A viral book sensation’s obvious story may not be as obvious as some think, harder to replicate, and indicative of a strong counter-trend.
If You're Not Growing, You're Shrinking — The Asymmetrical Expense of Playing Defense
Big and defensive organizations often end up overspending on treading water, even as their core customers ride other waves.
Stick to Your Ribs: Can the Creativity of Social Persuasion Cure "Corporate Asperger's Syndrome"?
This week, we revisit the power of persuasion, and wonder out loud if perhaps publishers suffer from traits that hold back engagement.
Algorithmic Pricing on Amazon — Is a Book About Flies Worth $23,698,655.93 (plus shipping)?
Algorithmic pricing on Amazon creates a book worth millions, and the problem seems to be repeating itself.