Refuting Amazon's Simplistic Argument
In my opening remarks earlier this week at the NYPL, I tried to point out the challenge authors and publishers have in responding to Amazon's oft-repeated mantra: that Amazon is only acting in the interests of consumers. Since consumers have an interest in the low prices, Amazon is justified in taking whatever action in its power to reduce its cost of goods. Because it sounds so much like "mom and apple pie," it's a very difficult argument to refute, especially in as short a
Jefferson's Handwritten Copy of the Declaration of Independence
Last night, just prior to our panel discussion at the NY Public Library, the panelists were given an opportunity to view an original draft of the Declaration of Independence on display at the Library. The photo shows Tina Bennett (literary agent with William Morris Agency) and me pointing out some interesting features in the document's famous second paragraph. This was a very special version of the Declaration, one written in Thomas Jefferson's own hand, and reflecting his or
James Patterson's Gift to the World of Books
Last night at the NY Public Library I had the pleasure of meeting my co-panelist, the great James Patterson, or Jim as he prefers. The bestselling author has won high praise by announcing earlier this year that he will be donating $1 million to support independent book stores around the country. He spoke last night about the importance of books and the threat Amazon poses to the marketplace of ideas and the cultural health of our country. #jamespatterson #ebooks #amazon
Lively Panel at NY Public Library on Amazon's Threat to Books & Authors:
Here's the video of the 1 1/2 hour panel discussion, moderated earlier this evening by Tina Bennett (literary agent at William Morris) and featuring author James Patterson, Columbia Law Professor Tim Wu, me and others. #amazon #jamespatterson #timwu #ebooks
CNN's Quest Means Business
Richard Quest is perhaps the brighest and most interesting business reporters on television. So I was delighted to be his guest for this 3-minute segment this afternoon to discuss how Amazon is threatening to use its market power to destroy the value of copyrights in books. #cnn #richardquest #amazon #ebooks
