Mike Shatzkin of Idealog has long been arguing that commerce in books needs to go ‘vertical’—that readers will gather at sites where their interests are served. Publisher branding doesn’t matter as much as putting the right combination of books together for a one-stop shopping experience.
Tor Books has effective done just that with their new online store.
As a Twitter user, a common comment I hear from non-users, or those who have dabbled but can’t commit, is a variation along “what’s the point of hearing inane babble from strangers? if I want that, I’ll ride the TTC/hang out in coffee shops near loud talkers/stand at a street corner like an absent minded busker without a music maker”.
It’s a point that isn’t quick or easy to counter but given my general stubbornness and willingness to argue (cajun-style), it’s one that I’ve been pondering for quite some time.
O’Reilly Media is no stranger to reader collaboration. Their first open-source initiative, Rough Cuts allowed books-in-progress to be purchased, read and commented on while still in process of being written, thus enriching the work and creating a community of dedicated readers.
Open Feedback Publishing System (OFPS), the new O’Reilly experiment, takes things a step further…
BookNet Canada is a non-profit organization that develops technology, standards, and education to serve the Canadian book industry. Founded in 2002 to address systemic challenges in the industry, BookNet Canada supports publishing companies, booksellers, wholesalers, distributors, sales agents, industry associations, literary agents, media, and libraries across the country.
