There are many big talkers out there. Folks who have lots to say about situations they do not actually deal with themselves. The folks who criticize authors and book companies probably annoy me the most. They also fail to carefully analyze the book business and appreciate the role that we all play in creating what is pretty much a tragedy of the commons. No one denies that textbooks cost a lot. So does gas. So does beer. So does college tuition. The big talkers collect their speaker fees for telling the rest of us that the world is changing and digital media requires open access and free sharing of content. Lots of folks welcome this message. Perhaps it eases their conscience when violating copyright. Willingness to pay to hear this message makes it very likely the message will continue to be repeated. The message of entitlement creates a self-perpetuating cycle.
Siva Vaidhyanathan is working on a new book about Google. This is the type of book I cannot resist purchasing. Siva’s book (The Googlization of Everything) is written with the support of the Institute for the Future of the Book. This is an organization with clear intentions of changing the publishing industry. What I admire about this project is that it is consistent with the position of the Institute. It attempts to involve the “audience” in the writing process and the “drafts” are openly available. Take a look at The Googlization of the Everything. No big talkers and no implication of entitlement here – the author is supported by the organization with a position and the content and process is shared. As a reader, you can participate and you can avoid purchasing the book if so desired. However, it is important to understand the circumstances in play here.
BTW – my contribution.
