Google Publishing Paperbacks
September 17, 2009
I read on the Digital Trends Web site a story titled “Google to Reincarnate Digital Books as Paperbacks.” You should read the full story. It provides the spin that most Google watchers expect. The idea is that Google will hook up with an on demand publishing outfit and generate softbounds (paperbacks) of public domain titles.
Sounds good. Seems to be semi-useful.
Based on my research for Google: The Digital Gutenberg, Google is taking another tentative step toward its Hollywood studio approach to information. You can get more detail in my new monograph, available as part of my Google trilogy or as a stand alone report.
I find it interesting that few in the publishing industry understand that Google can go directly to an author, cut a deal, publish, sell, and otherwise make use of * original * content. What will this do to the traditional publishing industry * if * – note the “if” – Google exercises this option? Disruption is too modest a term for the effect. I document the Google effect in my first Google study. Now the publishing industry can experience the thrill of its potential.
Stephen Arnold, September 17, 2009
Comments
-
- Subscribe to Beyond Search
Feature archive
News archive
-
