Friday, August 31, 2012

Industry News and Inspirational Photos Friday

Some recent happenings in the publishing world:

Independent bookstores have struck a deal with the ABA to sell ebooks. They will offer the Kobo ereader, replacing Google books. There are currently 2000 ABA member stores, which means a big boon for the Kobo. Read the full article at Digital Book World.

A leader over the Seattle, WA libraries has suggested getting rid of the ‘crusty books’ since people don’t go to the library to look for books anymore. Yes, sounds controversial! Read the full article at Library Journal.

Britain’s largest department store, John Lewis, will be the first retailer outside of the US to sell Nooks. Read the full article at the Telegraph.

The Millions recently released a list of the ten most difficult and frustrating books to read. Included are books by Virginia Woolf and Jonathan Swift. To see all ten, visit Publishers Weekly.

And your Friday photo inspiration:

Yes, that is a giant slug. The ones we have in NC are barely an inch long, but the ones in Oregon mountains are much bigger, sometimes seven inches long. This guy was about five inches long. (My shoe size is a 10 for comparison.









21 comments:

Arlee Bird said...

Getting rid of books from libraries? Now that's a progressive idea. Why not just get rid of libraries? They're probably a tax drain and I'm sure our politicians could find more useful ways to spend money than on obsolete ideas like silly libraries.

randi lee said...

I work for an architectural firm and designing "media centers" to replace libraries is a huge design trend right now :-/ A lot of private schools are giving students tablets vs. having them check out and use actual books...

shelly said...

That moth is so vogue.

Why get rid of books? The cyber world doesn't always work right. I use my Kindle but prefer 'how to' books in paper.

Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly

http://www.shellysnovicewritings.blogspot.com/
http://secondhandshoesnovel.blogspot.com/

Bish Denham said...

Like that slug, awesome! But is that moth real? I looked through the list of the most difficult books, haven't read any of 'em... As for getting rid of books. Our local library just got a complete rebuild. They've eliminated a lot of books BUT they've gotten ereaders a person can check out and in that way can now offer more books.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Arlee, love the sarcasm.

Randi Lee, I've met kids who have tablets instead of books.

Shelly, and what about people who don't have ereaders? Guess they don't get to read.

Summer Ross said...

Slugs, yuck. That was huge. Love the stair picture. I might b able to come up with a short story on it. Thanks for sharing.

D.G. Hudson said...

I created a slug graveyard at one of my houses. They kept invading my gardens, so I gave them their just reward. No remorse and no quarter.

Black and white photos are always my favourite. I like the stair railing shot, too.

Jo said...

Yukky slug - and yes, Lee who needs libraries. Everybody has electronic media right?

What a tragedy it would be to get rid of libraries.

Arlee Bird said...

Yes, Jo, I'm always so on top of new technology. By the time I get an e-reader they will probably outdated and people will have moved on to something new.

I can't imagine libraries ever totally going away in a civilized society.

Lee

Johanna Garth said...

I still love my crusty books!

LD Masterson said...

Diane - thanks for some excellent links.

Lee - I fear if the libraries go, civilized society won't be far behind.

Unknown said...

Cool E-pub news and I love your slug. Also, that staircase is amazing.

Jemi Fraser said...

Yikes! Not sure I'd be happy with that slug in my back yard! :)

Carol Kilgore said...

Love the photo of the pink and yellow moth-y thing. Wouldn't like to see it for real.

The slug is nasty looking. Eewww.

Happy Slugless Weekend!

Michelle Wallace said...

Mr. Slug is quite big...
And give me my musty & crusty books any day!
Also, there are still lots of people who don't have access to e-readers...

Talli Roland said...

A big ewwww on the slug! Will be interesting to see if the Nook can compete with Kindle here in the UK. Kobo hasn't done very well.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I'm excited for the independents. I appreciate your news roundups.

Sherry Ellis said...

Libraries are getting rid of "crusty" books? Then why even take your children to the libary?

That is one disgusting slug!

Trisha said...

I must admit that I don't go to the library for books (though I do work in a library. ha), because I'd rather buy them for myself on Book Depository. But I should probably get into the local public library more. ;)

Anonymous said...

Hi, Diane! Thanks for the links. Haven't read any of the top ten most difficult/frustrating books, but may have to make that a mission in 2013.

I've never seen such a huge slug. Must be that living in the mountains agrees with them.

Jai Joshi said...

Those stairs are ominous! I immediately thought of someone falling down them and lying with a broken neck at the bottom. Morbid, I know.

Jai