Churn in the Book Space: Rational & Irrational Behavior Among Book Publishers
Two fiction publishers decide to delay release of their e-books, further marginalizing their books. Meanwhile, an STM book publisher gets it right.
How Many Books Dance on the Head of an e-Pin?
Can the model used in the Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records be extended to embrace e-works? Or should it be trimmed instead?
The e-Book Revolution — If At First You Don’t Succeed . . .
E-books are changing the world of publishing, but rather than creating something new, too much emphasis is being put on re-hashing failures of the past. The changing market doesn’t have to be a zero sum game, and the rise of new forms may not spell the death of the book as we know it.
What is “Library Bypass”?
Publishers are seeking new markets by finding ways to bypass libraries and selling directly to end-users. Do we need new approaches here?
O’Reilly Tools of Change, Frankfurt Edition
O’Reilly brings its Tools of Change meeting to Frankfurt, with mixed results. The keynotes were the most inspiring.
The Social Media Guru
A video sums up the strange new world of The Social Media Guru. Also, a follow-up on Chris Anderson’s “Free”.
Is 2010 the Year for the e-Book?
e-Books are becoming more competitive, with Sony striking distribution and retail deals. Authors and readers stand to benefit.
Is “Good Enough” Good Enough for You?
Over time, many markets become dominated by low quality, cheap, “good enough” products. How is this common evolutionary pathway playing out in the world of scholarly publishing?
New Technologies and the Need for Standards
It seems like a new e-reading device is announced every day. But each device has its own file format and its own unique interface. How can publishers be expected to develop products for such a fragmented market?
Learning from Books — Lessons for STM Publishers
Mass-market book publishing is being disrupted more quickly than anyone expected. What lessons can we learn?
Deleting Books — A New Kindle Dilemma
Amazon demonstrates its ability to remotely remove content from the devices, creating an Orwellian stir with its customers.
Amazon’s Fifth Stage
Amazon’s options and pattern of doing business suggests the STM publishers had better prepare for a dramatically more digital future.
O’Reilly to Amazon: Open the Kindle!
Part 1 of a 3-part series — Amazon’s proprietary e-book platform needs to open up in order to truly thrive.
Will Form Follow Function?
Will e-book readers lead to a new form of expression? Should they even bother trying to mimic the paper and ink format they’re replacing?
The Freedom of Not Owning Books
Thinking about the Kindle as an e-book reader rather than a wireless reader makes you miss some of the benefits of not owning books.