A. F. Stewart, a writer and blogger in Nova Scotia, has started a petition aimed at getting Amazon to mend it’s ways regarding their attempt to force POD publishers to use their printer, BookSurge.
I’ve signed it knowing my signature may not mean much since it’s unclear what such an effort might mean. But it can’t hurt, and it felt good to take some action.
Thanks A.F.
Write well and often,

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I’m feeling conflicted about Amazon right now. I remember when the online bookstore was scrappy and innovative. In fact, one year they sent me a travel mug as a thanks, and another time they sent me something like 10 postage stamps.
We’re along way from when folks predicted founder Jeff Bezos would flat out fail. In those early ‘net days I waited each quarter hoping Amazon would come closer to making a profit so they wouldn’t disappear. I loved it when my first self-published book got listed on Amazon. And I’ve enjoyed small profits from the e-tailer ever since.
The now giant …read more

Over at Publishers Weekly, Jim Milliot reports that a major topic of conversation at the London Book Fair this month is Amazon’s continuing attempt to force POD publishers to use Amazon’s BookSurge if they want their books listed on the now gigantic online e-tailer. Jim makes a series of interesting points, including:

Although Barnes and Noble’s online service grew 10% in 2007 that still represents only 10% of Amazon’s total business.
Concerns over Amazon’s action might drive services like Google and/or MSN to start their own content delivery option.
The recognition that Amazon may be in a position, or at least getting …read more

I got this emailed response from the Washington State Attorney General’s office in response to my concern about Amazon’s change in policy regarding how they will handle books not printed by their own POD printer BookSurge:
Dear Ms. Wayman:
The Washington Attorney General’s Antitrust Division has received many complaints regarding the new “print on demand” or “POD” policy recently implemented by Amazon.com. We want to thank all of those who have brought this matter to our attention and who have provided information and insight into the questions. We appreciate the concerns that have been expressed.
We have reviewed each of …read more

If you asked me, I’d probably tell you I’m a flexible person… which would be true, except when it comes to my morning routine!
It actually started last night when I successfully trapped one of the three feral cats we have here with the goal of taking him to the vet for neutering. Poor kitty had no idea what was going on of course, but a towel thrown over the trap seemed to at least quiet him. Then I decided it was too cold to leave him in the car since he wasn’t moving around. (I’m in San Diego… he’s …read more