The “AI in Publishing” Hype Train needs to be derailed
The AI hype train is reaching predictably ridiculous extremes in a desperate attempt to force acceptance of its “inevitable” narrative, and it’s partly because credulous journalists who should absolutely know better by now happily platform the worst of this nonsense.
“Make progress among the willing.” The Good, Bad, and Ugly of #PIF24
It was an excellent reminder that the industry is so much bigger than Amazon and the Big 5, and if we prioritize making progress among the willing, we can disrupt the industry for the better — from within.
Is the Publishing Innovation Forum an event the industry really needs?
Unfortunately, DBW is long gone, and nothing’s really come along since to fill the gap. Is the Publishing Innovation Forum an event the industry needs right now? I think so.
Catch-22: Thoughts on “AI” in Marketing and Inevitability
One of the biggest reasons “AI” is gaining traction in marketing circles so quickly is most marketing is actually pretty bad already. Sorry, not sorry.
The pros and cons of Authors Equity (maybe)
The truth is, we don’t know any specifics about Authors Equity’s model beyond a press release, a few vague interviews, and a range of hot takes. Their website has very little information, and they don’t currently even meet several of IBPA’s minimal Hybrid Publisher Criteria.
On library ebook licenses, patron demand, and power dynamics
Meanwhile, libraries have generally proven reluctant to use their power to shape the demand curve and shift digital budgets away from expensive Big 5 bestsellers, even when it means sacrificing diversity and depth in their own digital collections.
Not-so-random pandemic thoughts on Author Platforms
It’s an unfortunate truth about books that it’s never simply been about being a good writer, but as literal thousands of new books are published every month, marketability is arguably more important — and harder to define — than it’s ever been.
One year later, the problem with social media is clear: PEBKAC
I don’t usually buy into “blame the user” for most problems, but our collective addiction to vanity metrics ruined everything, and even those who didn’t buy into them have suffered the consequences. The problem exists between keyboard and chair.
Five Things: November 30, 2023
“I’d pay good money to hear the whisper networks’ take on that.” Five things for November 30, 2023.
Five Things: August 17, 2023
“On KKR and publishing, book bans’ human cost, more World Cup, and becoming a Trekkie.” Five things for August 17, 2023.