Google+ local service will help Indie Booksellers

This is a good example of the Internet benefiting the economies of local communities

More on the news here -

http://mashable.com/2012/05/30/google-plus-local/

I could see independent booksellers taking advantage of this tool. It could help even the most tucked away bookshop attract customers.

Well done to Google!

Nook Simple Glowlight ereader deserves success

If only the Nook ereaders were available in the UK!

http://www.latimes.com/business/technology/la-fi-tn-nook-simple-touch-glowlight-review-20120530,0,1294343.story

A good review of the Nook Simple Touch Glowlight ereader. A versatile method of reading that deserves to be successful.

Although I hanker after a good paper-based book I can definitely see the advantages of this technology. So come on guys (and girls) please start shipping them over this side of the pond...

Now is the time to 'get into Publishing'

There is a lot of gloom and doom in the world of book publishing. Paperbacks are probably on the way out, Some of the major publishing houses will probably close. Booksellers are feeling the pressure.

Amazon dominates the book selling world and is moving into publishing itself. I am not a big fan of this organisation but it provides opportunities as well as threats. I am also aware that alternative channels (such as www.hive.co.uk) using rival technologies allow Independents to 'catch breath.'

Ebooks are the reason this is all happening. KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) allows authors who would not necessarily be able to publish a way to reach a potential market. There have been a number of well documented successes for self published writers.

But I think there are other possibilities for writer, booksellers and other industry stakeholders.

Booksellers should combine (like hive.co.uk) and do deals on mass with the Internet technology providers. (how about having independent booksellers selling on an optimised Mobile App or ereader such as Nook). Writers should group together to support one another and help promote their work. Writing collectives are a good idea. Share the costs share the profit.

Self publishing does not have to be solitary. A new generation of publishing houses could rise up based on real communities of writers (physical and Internet based) This is the future. It is not a bad one.

Windows 8 features

Windows 8 details can be found here

http://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/tablets/windows-8-tablets-release-date-specs-and-prices-916134

I hope that Microsoft makes a success of this platform. I would like my ebooks to be read on Windows 8 as much as any other channel. With Redmond's alliance with Barnes and Noble the fate of Windows 8 is very much a concern of mine.

And I am a bit of a geek so I would love have a few more toys to play with...

Google's new approach is going to suceed

An absolutely excellent summary of the state of play between Google and its major competitors.

http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/341833/20120516/android-plan-google-mimic-microsoft-apple.htm

I do believe that if Android goes in this direction that Google will quickly catch up with IOS based devices and also give Microsoft a run for its money.

This is good for ebooks and publishing. if the there is an open, fully functional, OS available for multiple manufacturers its keeps the market 'honest'... prices will be lower and innovation will be strong.

Ereaders on Windows 8 or Android 4.0 / 5.0 will be good for authors who need to have multiple channels to sell their work. If the mobile 'pie' is bigger there will be more 'slices' available for content suppliers.

I have always admired Google and I do believe they have the most successful business model.

Good luck!