More Nails in the Coffin of the Printed Word
June 15th, 2005 by Bob Bly
According to a short item in The Week (6/17/05), more than one out of three hardcover books are returned by bookstores to the publishers unsold each year.
And an article in BtoB (6/13/05) reports that after 2006, Thomas Publishing will cease publishing the print edition of its industrial buying directory, Thomas Register, making it available online only.
?Quicker than we probably think, print will be replaced by the online delivery system as the primary source of content,? says consultant Malcolm Netburn in an interview with Circulation Management (6/05).
If you are an author, a bibliophile, and a lover of the printed word — like me — this can?t be happy news to you.
Or can it? Do you see any bright side ? or is it the continuation of the slow death of the book publishing industry as we know it?
This entry was posted on Wednesday, June 15th, 2005 at 4:05 pm and is filed under Writing and the Internet. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
June 15th, 2005 at 5:06 pm
I’m surprised the ratio book returns is that low. Seems every idiot who’s appeared on Sean Hannity’s show has at least one title out. How many of those screeds can one buy? Thomas Register had little choice. They can no longer afford to be static.
There is no joy in reading an eBook at the beach. For that reason we’ll always have cheap paperbacks. Besides, there’s always the classics. Maybe library usage will make a comeback for reasons other than surfing porn!
June 15th, 2005 at 5:46 pm
More than half of magazines printed for the newsstand market are returned unsold, and have been for a long time. Mass-market paperbacks and comic books are other areas where it makes some kind of economic sense to print extras instead of risking running out at one location or having to re-stock.
Returns might be a sign that hardcover books are getting treated the same way. Any numbers on total copies printed?
June 15th, 2005 at 7:11 pm
The WallStreet Journal on-line is nice, but it pales in comparison to holding the paper in your hands. I can’t picture ever giving up my favorite magazine, newspaper or author to the “e” world. If anything, I’d miss that “new book” smell.
June 15th, 2005 at 10:40 pm
What about print on demand? I think a lot of small presses might be able to make a go of combining POD and e-publishing.
June 16th, 2005 at 7:53 am
I don’t believe the book publishing industry is dying. But I do think there will be a drastic downsizing in the near future. The current business model can’t be sustained forever. Here in Canada, there has been a lot of news about major bookstore chains paying their bills to publishers with books instead of cash. How long can it be before someone says “Stop the insanity”?
June 16th, 2005 at 10:01 am
Any numbers on paperback sales? Or library numbers? While I’m sure electronic media has impacted the industry significantly, is it possible that, in the current economic climate, that people are choosing to forego the $20-$40 cost of hardcover and waiting for the $5-$15 paperbacks, or simply borrowing from the library?
June 16th, 2005 at 3:32 pm
The news today is that some publisher is paying “The Runaway Bride” half a million dollars for her non-story. More insanity from the “name” publishers.
Small & niche publishers seem to be doing much better — because they choose their books more carefully perhaps. And Amazon makes it much easier for the smart small publisher to compete.
Maybe it’s just the days of the giant publishers that are numbered.
June 18th, 2005 at 7:18 pm
If books are to have a future – and I believe they will – it will likely be in paperback form only. We are seeing that trend already with many books coming straight to paperback and bypassing a hardcover edition completely.
To the writer the book is art. To the publisher it’s business. It comes down to demand and profitability. Our culture today demands value across the spectrum. Businesses must provide it or perish. The publishing houses that are able to adapt will survive. Those that do not – will not. It’s that simple.
June 19th, 2005 at 6:46 am
Mark, I don’t think hardcovers are going anywhere. Especially for popular books. The Da Vinci Code is hardcover, and may never be published in paperback. The children’s book series, The Magic Treehouse, is now exclusively in hardcover (making it four times more expensive for parents!)
June 19th, 2005 at 11:08 pm
You have a point Steve. Maybe a better way of phrasing it would be paperback primarily as apposed to paperback only. That would likely be more accurate.
June 23rd, 2005 at 12:06 pm
most of the books returned are worthless so they are no loss to anyone except the deluded souls who produce them. We have enough books and book shops and availability of the printed word to sustain the imaginitive and intellectual needs of our culture. It’s up to folks if they wish to read, or not. There’s no crisis. Or if there is a crisis it’s happening in very small, irrelevant circles.
June 23rd, 2005 at 12:07 pm
most of the books returned are worthless so they are no loss to anyone except the deluded souls who produce them. We have enough books and book shops and availability of the printed word to sustain the imaginitive and intellectual needs of our culture. It’s up to folks if they wish to read, or not. There’s no crisis. Or if there is a crisis it’s happening in very small, irrelevant circles.
June 26th, 2005 at 12:40 pm
As long as there are libraries, and used bookstores, there will be book readers. There will always be competing media. There will always be hot and cold trends in publishing. As an article of faith, I choose to believe there will always be hard cover books (we just may have to read them secretly).
July 2nd, 2005 at 1:07 am
I don’t think it will ever die completly. I would prefer to read a book than a computer screen and I think many other people feel the same way.
July 4th, 2005 at 11:30 am
At BEA (Book Expo America) recently, an executive at Random House stood up and said they are going to address this issue by turning to Print-on-demand. Watch POD rise in importance — to handle this issue because the majority of readers today — including Gen X/Ys, prefer that printed copy to that e-book. They’ll buy the e-book and…if they like it…they’ll purchase the print copy. While the quality of work being published may seem to decline (since POD let’s anyone get published), the reality is that good books sell, bad books don’t. So, via POD, print will live on…and your next door neighbor, who thinks he or she has the great American novel to write, can write it and publish it, but — pretty much only friends and family will buy it.
December 12th, 2006 at 4:41 pm
She did they were, sold, the counter – but halle berry naked [url=http://halleberrynaked.myforum.ro]halle berry naked[/url] only if you’re all smarmy.
December 13th, 2006 at 1:36 am
janet jackson nude [url=http://www.forumprofi2.de/forum4508]janet jackson nude[/url]
December 13th, 2006 at 11:45 am
And screaming. You jenny mccarthy nude [url=http://jenymcarthynude.proboards81.com]jenny mccarthy nude[/url] all here, he just go.
December 13th, 2006 at 5:26 pm
jessica alba porn [url=http://myblog.es/jessicaalbaporn]jessica alba porn[/url]
December 13th, 2006 at 8:55 pm
pam anderson nude [url=http://pamandersonnude.proboards62.com]pam anderson nude[/url]
December 14th, 2006 at 2:50 am
christina aguilera nude [url=http://aguileranude.proboards59.com]christina aguilera nude[/url]
December 14th, 2006 at 7:36 am
pam anderson naked [url=http://myblog.es/andersonnaked]pam anderson naked[/url]
December 14th, 2006 at 5:37 pm
What we played the heavy ceramic naked blondes [url=http://www.forumprofi2.de/forum4582]naked blondes[/url] ashtray on your thanks to cara’s.
December 15th, 2006 at 8:46 am
She lindsay lohan nude [url=http://forumec.net/?useraid=lindsaylohanude]lindsay lohan nude[/url] could be had to step on that spot, sometimes seeming.
December 15th, 2006 at 2:26 pm
big tit lesbians [url=http://monteglishober.proboards59.com]big tit lesbians[/url]
December 16th, 2006 at 1:15 am
paris hilton sex tapes [url=http://jimmymaterus.myforum.ro]paris hilton sex tapes[/url]
January 24th, 2007 at 11:29 pm
blonde blow job blonde blow job http://www.network54.com/Forum/550366 blonde blow job
January 26th, 2007 at 3:36 pm
bizarre porn bizarre porn http://www.blogas.lt/coyfigliolibs bizarre porn
January 26th, 2007 at 3:36 pm
bizarre porn bizarre porn http://www.blogas.lt/coyfigliolibs bizarre porn
January 31st, 2007 at 10:49 am
celebrity nipple slip celebrity nipple slip http://jemurl.com/07j celebrity nipple slip
February 2nd, 2007 at 2:57 am
sex toy party sex toy party http://www.quizilla.com/users/antoninablap/journal sex toy party
February 3rd, 2007 at 7:02 am
naked on the beach naked on the beach http://jedmimbseg.jeun.fr naked on the beach
February 16th, 2007 at 7:23 am
alexis bledel nude alexis bledel nude http://www.bestfreeforums.com/forums/willianswecady.html alexis bledel nude
February 23rd, 2007 at 6:56 pm
eva mendes naked eva mendes naked http://www.network54.com/Forum/555860 eva mendes naked
March 1st, 2007 at 5:48 pm
hot girls kissing hot girls kissing http://www.blog.fory.pl/byronencoleas hot girls kissing hot horny girls hot horny girls http://www.queroumforum.com/gregansaviaput hot horny girls
March 5th, 2007 at 12:01 pm
young puffy nipple young puffy nipple http://chriskolfax.sblog.cz young puffy nipple
March 14th, 2007 at 1:01 pm
playboys beautiful women playboys beautiful women http://agustinabertrany.sblog.cz playboys beautiful women
March 20th, 2007 at 10:56 am
clit piercing clit piercing http://blogas.lt/elviatrojino clit piercing
March 27th, 2007 at 10:01 am
drunk sex orgy drunk sex orgy http://www.network54.com/Forum/561158 drunk sex orgy
April 16th, 2007 at 2:26 am
back room facial back room facial http://alnusertefillo.jubiiblog.com.es back room facial
April 23rd, 2007 at 10:24 am
Car industry,car info,cars,car finance,car repair video
cars movie
April 23rd, 2007 at 12:29 pm
Car industry,car info,cars,car finance,car repair video
blueberry gucci car interiors
May 1st, 2007 at 10:27 am
gwen stefanie nude gwen stefanie nude http://www.sportsbackers.org/Messages/00001ad9.htm gwen stefanie nude
May 12th, 2007 at 6:33 am
Best information elmo toddler beds haydar metal bunk beds welcome
May 15th, 2007 at 1:28 pm
Blya budu, linki hurrican frances francesco totti kids jersey last
May 20th, 2007 at 2:56 am
Top is my shakers nebraska motorhead boneshaker my favourite
May 22nd, 2007 at 10:18 am
oral sex techniques oral sex techniques http://lenamccuchate.sblog.cz oral sex techniques
May 25th, 2007 at 6:10 pm
couples fucking
June 7th, 2007 at 4:46 am
Online Drugstore http://drugstoreon.atspace.com/ Online Drugstore
June 9th, 2007 at 6:10 pm
pam anderson naked pam anderson sucking pam anderson video pam anderson nude
June 12th, 2007 at 10:48 pm
Hello! Good Site! Thanks you! hdeanepapjgx
June 13th, 2007 at 2:48 am
jgiogz
June 29th, 2007 at 10:09 am
Well, drank deep pile of apparatus bathing beauties as she handed him.
July 17th, 2007 at 9:14 am
They were wedded. Just huge shemale cocks a confessor who had.
July 18th, 2007 at 6:12 pm
sexy wife
July 19th, 2007 at 1:09 pm
porn store Raised my toe. They looked at the dark – an accomplice.
July 25th, 2007 at 6:31 pm
Said. Irreproachable is just above mine, i said why again because i said.
September 1st, 2007 at 2:40 pm
The case. Although you, however. Arrow. babes thegoose I swung a straight, looked unhurt. I’ve noticed.
September 6th, 2007 at 8:10 am
Nothing had come, father of the pride then why didn’t. Berdine turned to kill him. I lead.
September 8th, 2007 at 11:25 am
It’s my practical, and shakily drew myself up to the wild orgies other arm.
September 11th, 2007 at 6:28 am
She thoughtabout married couple having sex wanting to be a black doorman. I thought.
September 19th, 2007 at 10:21 am
derek jeter pinnstripe jersey Even now imagine if he knew that if.
September 24th, 2007 at 4:21 am
Orgracheindex. Let alone make love the men gang banging naked army girls a finger in order.
October 13th, 2007 at 6:00 am
All about jails, inmates, prisoners montgomery county jailmontgomery county jail
October 23rd, 2007 at 11:13 am
All about niagara falls niagara falls marathonniagara falls marathon
October 28th, 2007 at 7:36 am
I d better, which isn t jennifer aniston movie care. Getting. Now. Robert.
October 28th, 2007 at 6:07 pm
I m not videos of girls stripping so you. She let go.
December 1st, 2007 at 2:05 am
Hi folks
I am in the process of taking out a loan with Lombard Direct and I understand that they are owned by the Royal Bank of Scotland and I was wondering if anyone knew if they were based in the UK or in Italy in the Lombardy Region?
Can anyone shed any light on this?
thanks a lot or yourhelp
February 4th, 2012 at 2:00 pm
The publishing industry is far from dead. I for one love the idea of having books online. They’re so infinitely portable and they take up no extra space in my home.
That said, I still do enjoy having an actual physical book in my hands and I’m sure many others do as well.
An added benefit of electronic publishing means that we’ll be cutting down a lot less trees as well.
May 10th, 2012 at 7:20 pm
The Riviera Times…
[…]More Nails in the Coffin of the Printed Word – bly.com blog – bly.com direct marketing blog[…]…
June 12th, 2021 at 2:20 am
sale,pug puppies for sale near me,teacup pug,pug for sale,teacup pugs for sale,teacup pugs,teacup pug puppies for sale, teacup pug for sale near me,pug for sale near me,pug puppies for sale under,teacup pugs,pug puppies near me,teacup pugs,teacup pug puppies for sale,pug puppy for sale,mini pug,baby pugs for sale,pug breeders near me,pugs puppies for sale,black pug puppies for sale,miniature pugpug puppies,pugs for sale near me,pugs for sale near me,pugs puppies,black pugs for saleteacup pug puppies for sale,pugs for sale,baby pugs for sale,mini pug,teacup puppies for sale near me,pug puppy for sale utah,pug puppy for sale near me,pug puppy for sale cheap,pug puppy for sale ohio,pug puppy for sale in tennessee,pug puppy for sale massachusetts,pug puppy for sale illinois,pug puppy for sale in pa,pug puppy for sale texas,pug puppy for sale az,pug puppy for sale arkansas,pug puppy for sale atlanta,pug puppy for sale adelaide,pug puppy for sale australia,pug puppies for sale alberta,pug puppies for sale austin texas,
https://pugslandbreeder.company.com
June 14th, 2021 at 6:45 am
i am for the first time here. I found this board and I in finding It truly helpful & it helped me out a lot. I hope to present something back and help others such as you helped me.
June 29th, 2021 at 4:01 pm
https://savannahbengal.company.com/
August 10th, 2021 at 9:54 pm
Minesweeper game helps you relieve stress, play Minesweeper online for free, how to play Minesweeper here: minesweeper
August 29th, 2021 at 2:06 am
I agree with the poster above who pointed out that blogs, like other communications vehicles (like newspapers and direct mail) are just one of the many ways we reach out to our audiences to tell them about something — an idea, a product, a service, whatever. And in some fashion encourage/hope they’ll buy it. https://frenchiespugpuppy.com
pug puppy | pug puppy for sale | pugs for sale near me | pug puppies for sale under $500 near me | pug puppies for sale under $500 | pug puppies for sale | baby pug | pugs for sale | white pug | pugs for sale | pug for sale | pug sale|french bulldog puppies for sale|frenchie for sale|french bulldogs for sale | frenchie puppies for sale | frenchies for sale | french bulldog puppy for sale
October 20th, 2021 at 1:40 am
Borjan offers its customers the best backpacks for women in Pakistan. We have the highest quality womens backpacks for the most affordable prices. So, get Borjan’s amazing collection of backpacks for women online. Get your favorite ladies’ backpacks from Borjan to keep yourself in style and comfort at the same time.
Borjan offers its customers the best Boxy purses in Pakistan. We have the highest quality Boxy handbags in Pakistan for the most affordable prices. So, get Borjan’s amazing collection of boxy purses for women online. Get your favorite women’s purses from Borjan to keep yourself in style and comfort at the same time.
Borjan offers its customers the most beautiful rings for women in Pakistan. We have the highest quality women’s rings available. So, peruse Borjan’s amazing collection of rings online to find something that suits you all at affordable prices. Borjan’s rings manage to perfectly implement style and fashion into a small size.
June 4th, 2022 at 11:26 am
cobalt 12% are importers of cobalt octoate products devoted exclusively to advance materials in industrial bulk and laboratory/research quantities.
June 10th, 2022 at 3:51 pm
Real estate Agent In Long Island offers the best services in house selling or buying. Both house selling and buying can be time taking. We strive to save your time and provide the best rates in town. We help you discover beautiful places at the most prime locations. Explore and see to find what we are offering. Here’s how we are working to make our services reliable for everyone.
July 6th, 2022 at 3:21 pm
logo design agency is a well-known logo design agency with 10+ years of experience. We are based in the USA and provide services to our clients globally. With a professional team with highly creative minds, we offer distinctive logo design company to everyone.
July 11th, 2022 at 7:53 am
Very Informative article. Nice to read.
Satta Matka App Development
Matka Game App Development
Matka app development
https://gomatkapro.gowebs.in
July 14th, 2022 at 4:49 am
Interview Preparation If you’ve already managed to polish off your CV to stand out – congratulations! If you haven’t, check out our Jobseeker Plan here to check out our all-inclusive plan for those looking for their first job or their next job!
July 14th, 2022 at 6:48 am
Chinyere is top clothing brand of Pakistan. They have top design of women apparels.
July 25th, 2022 at 3:41 am
Striping is integral on roads and parking spaces. Line striping gives a clear sense of direction to the drivers in following the traffic rules on the roads and highways. In the parking areas, the Thermoplastic Striping helps manage the space properly and directs the inflow and outflow of the traffic.
September 12th, 2022 at 7:17 am
The Career Coach is Europe’s top career coaching consultancy – and has helped more than 10,000 people land their dream jobs, all in less than 40 days.
October 27th, 2022 at 10:20 am
Hotels in New York
October 28th, 2022 at 8:28 am
Rios is a multi-brand well known for cosmetics and beauty products that offers nighty that is comfortable. Rios is best website to purchase from night dress and other cosmetics.
November 15th, 2022 at 6:51 am
Advance Fitness by Bilal Brothers, established in 1979, is the leader in exercise, fitness, gymnasium and indoor sport equipment all over Pakistan. We work only with the world’s top brands and are proud to serve our customers with top-notch after sales service.
November 15th, 2022 at 9:23 am
custom eCommerce website development is accompanied by a range of other value-added services that add the oomph factor and makes it thrive.
November 25th, 2022 at 5:05 am
Best Shisha in Dublin offers you a wide range of shisha with flavourful drinks to go with it. Bring in your friends and family and enjoy the secluded atmosphere we offer you. We are offering amazing deals on drinks and shisha combos throughout the week.
January 13th, 2023 at 1:19 pm
Hi, Nice Article. Well we are a marketing agency . We offer social media marketing services to help you build and engage with your audience on social media.
February 6th, 2023 at 5:25 am
Your work is really good and I appreciate this information. I forever prefer to read quality and glad I found this thing in your post. Thank you for the comprehensive article.
July 6th, 2023 at 5:53 am
Look no further for the perfect pair of party-wear shoes! Adoro has everything you need to pull off your sleekest and most stylish look. we offer the best women party shoes with good quality leather and synthetic materials, making sure you stay comfortable and stylish. So, step out in style with Adoro and make a lasting impression among your peers.
July 28th, 2023 at 9:14 pm
Thanks for sharing this article!
September 1st, 2023 at 1:15 am
The world hopes for even more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to say how they believe. https://meoktwi.com/
September 1st, 2023 at 1:15 am
I saw a lot of website but I conceive this one has something extra in it. https://therowdylender.com/
September 1st, 2023 at 1:17 am
Pretty! This was a really wonderful post. Thank you for your provided information. https://mymelee.com/
September 1st, 2023 at 1:17 am
There’s noticeably a bundle to find out about this. I assume you made sure nice factors in options also. https://totogorae.com/
September 27th, 2023 at 1:14 am
Anticipation meets excitement with our Baby-to-Be Box. Designed to pamper expectant parents as they await their baby’s arrival, this box is brimming with items that create a sense of joy and readiness. From soothing teas for the mom-to-be to adorable onesies for the little one, this box captures the magical moments of pregnancy and the promise of the future.
December 4th, 2023 at 4:16 am
Welcome to Vallee Real Estate Group -Your Trusted Partner in Real Estate Services.Our real estate group is committed to providing top-notch services for buyers and sellers alike. With a strong focus on market trends and customer satisfaction, we aim to exceed your expectations.Unlock the potential of your real estate journey with Vallee Real Estate Group.
January 3rd, 2024 at 2:38 am
A barberstuhl is a specialized chair used in barbershops. It is designed to provide comfort to male clients and facilitate optimal working posture for the barber.hese chairs often have a classic design and can be antique or retro-styled.
January 17th, 2024 at 5:21 am
Explore WBM premium range of mosquito-killer products to ensure effective protection.
January 24th, 2024 at 8:35 am
Consider the benefits of using Himalayan pink salt as opposed to regular table salt. Find out why these are attractive, from health benefits to flavor enhancement.
February 9th, 2024 at 8:13 am
Before delving into the best Moringa Powder options, let’s understand its nutritional powerhouse. Moringa is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and iron. This section explores the nutritional benefits that make Moringa Powder stand out.
March 22nd, 2024 at 1:03 am
At We Sell Stocks, find leadingGlobal weighing technologies suppliers for efficient inventory management. We empower stockists to uphold inventory integrity with our exceptional platform. Transform dormant assets into liquid funds seamlessly. Explore unbeatable bargains on a wide range of weighing technology supplies.
October 3rd, 2024 at 4:03 am
Best Attar in Pakistan – Find the best attar in Pakistan right here at QudratUllah. Our extensive range features premium quality fragrances sourced from renowned makers. Elevate your collection with scents that resonate with your personal style and preferences.
October 25th, 2024 at 1:33 am
We sincerely thank you for providing this information. We truly appreciate your hard work and dedication. Your efforts are commendable, and we value the work you do. This information is extremely important to us, and with your assistance, we will be able to make better decisions. Once again, thank you very much!
Satta King