Publishers Struggling in the Amazon
June 2, 2014
I have been watching the smoke from the artillery fire between Amazon and Hachette. I learned more about monopsony as an up and coming MBA buzzword than I wanted to know. (See “How Book Publishers Can Beat Amazon,” New York Times, page A 19, May 31, 2014 and maybe online at http://nyti.ms/1twSPv2). I also learned that Amazon is a bully. (See Amazon’s Bullying Tactics, same newspaper, same page, and same date and maybe online at http://nyti.ms/T1rxlA one hopes.) Then the June 2, 2014 International New York tossed in some personal anguish in “Alone in the Ring with Amazon” on page 17 and not available online as I write this.
Let me summarize the approach of these write ups: Bad Amazon. Good publishers.
It seems that the buggy whip makers are annoyed at the motor powered vehicle. Amazon needs to make a profit, so it is doing what every good MBA-type does. Amazon is trying to increase its margins.
Bad Amazon. Shame on you for wanting to serve your stakeholders.
Let me summarize one of my experiences with one “real” publisher. The outfit is IDC, founded by the now deceased Pat McGovern. IDC published four reports as their own in 2012. No big deal, right? Well, the research for the reports was completed by me. IDC put my name and the names of a couple of my researchers on the reports. But there was one little anomaly in this deal. IDC did not issue a contract and continued to sell the fruits of my labor for two years until my attorney managed to get IDC to remove the reports from its online store. When I pressed for money, the IDC outfit had an human resources person call me to manage this particular human resource. My attorney was able to get a letter from IDC that said, in effect, sign this and agree never to tell anyone that we violated your notion of proper conduct. I did not sign. IDC continues to sell my work under their brand via Amazon too. Yep, square dealing from a real publisher. Do I care? Sure. Does anyone else? Nah, why should they? Aren’t publishers the good buys of the information world. These outfits are, I thought, incapable of nicking, scamming, and double dealing. I keep sending invoices. Perhaps IDC will pay one day? Hope springs eternal?
Was my experience with IDC an isolated incident of a big “real” publishing company trampling on the individual author?
Probably not.
So, when I read about the bully Amazon, my reaction is, “Invade and do the scorched earth thing, Amazon.”
My hunch is that others who have been unpaid and underpaid for their work by “real” publishers may feel the same way. If the author cheerleaders for Hachette and other big publishers are happy with their deals, good for them. When the economics of online shrink those advances and royalty checks, my thought is, “Maybe self publishing is better option?”
For many individuals, “real” publishing may not the Mr. Clean bathroom chemical for every content need.
Stephen E Arnold, June 2, 2014
Data Journalism Handbook
June 2, 2014
In the fast moving world of technology, updated resources are especially important. The Data Journalism Handbook is a new one that is worth a second look. Available in a variety of languages, the handbook aims to be a primer for the emerging world of data journalism.
The overview states:
“The Data Journalism Handbook is a free, open source reference book for anyone interested in the emerging field of data journalism. It was born at a 48 hour workshop at MozFest 2011 in London. It subsequently spilled over into an international, collaborative effort involving dozens of data journalism’s leading advocates and best practitioners.”
Freely available online via a Creative Commons license, the handbook is an initiative of the European Journalism Centre. Download your free copy today to see if data journalism is a field in which you can participate.
Sponsored by ArnoldIT.com, developer of Augmentext
Emily Rae Aldridge, June 02, 2014
Microsoft Winds Up Being Cheaper
June 2, 2014
Maybe to the dismay of users, Microsoft winds up being cheaper long term than open source software. When it comes to total cost, Microsoft actually overcomes seemingly cheaper options once all investments in the system are considered. The topic is covered in a popular forum, SlashDot. Visit this thread to read more, “Microsoft Cheaper To Use Than Open Source Software, UK CIO Says.”
The discussion begins:
“Jos Creese, CIO of the Hampshire County Council, told Britain’s ‘Computing’ publication that part of the reason is that most staff are already familiar with Microsoft products and that Microsoft has been flexible and more helpful. ‘Microsoft has been flexible and helpful in the way we apply their products to improve the operation of our frontline services, and this helps to de-risk ongoing cost,’ he told the publication. ‘The point is that the true cost is in the total cost of ownership and exploitation, not just the license cost.’”
So while open source is enticing, it is possible that many organizations enter into open source implementations without considering the cost of customization, security, etc. and all the staffing time that goes with that. And while there may be good reasons to still go your own way with open source, it is best to do the research ahead of time and possibly consult with professionals who can look at the total cost of installation.
Sponsored by ArnoldIT.com, developer of Augmentext
Emily Rae Aldridge, June 02, 2014
-
- Subscribe to Beyond Search
Feature archive
News archive
-
