:: Future of Journalism

Why Amazon’s Kindle battle with IPG matters

paidContent :: Amazon’s decision to yank almost 5,000 Kindle titles from distributor Independent Publishing Group after IPG refused to give the retailer better terms may be a harbinger of things to come. Will Amazon try to grab distributors’ digital business for itself? Will battles over terms spread beyond IPG? Is this a sign that Amazon has it out for distributors?

[Don Linn, publishing consultant:] IPG and other distributors (and publishers) are just another intermediary in Amazon’s eyes and we know how they feel about intermediaries.

Continue to read the answers Laura Hazard Owen, paidcontent.org

The rise of insta-authors: 72 hrs to write, 15,000+ words, 36 hrs to build the e-book

FastCompany :: In the days before web publishing, upstart sports stars, even those with searing 10-game streaks like Jeremy Lin's, were viewed largely in hindsight, their legacies captured in book form only after the immediate excitement had passed. But the rapid ascent of Lin has inspired e-book authors trying top climb the Amazon ranks just as quickly. 

FastCompany: How long did the entire process take, between the time you came up with the idea to when the e-book was published?

[Alan Goldsher:] (From idea to publishing:) Hold onto your hats, kids: 72 hours to write a 15,000-plus-word manuscript, 36 hours for the fine folks at Vook to build the e-book, and then another 24 hours for them to arrange the distribution

Continue to read David Holmes, www.fastcompany.com

Amazon yanks 5,000 Kindle titles in fight over terms- IPG's response

paidContent :: Amazon has turned off the buy button on nearly 5,000 Kindle titles from distributor Independent Publishers Group after IPG refused to capitulate to Amazon’s demand for better terms. (paidContent published IPG’s full memo to publishers online.) The story was first reported by Publishers Marketplace and was confirmed by IPG President Mark Suchomel.

Continue to read Laura Hazard Owen, paidcontent.org

Scott Devitt, Morgan Stanley: Apple is killing Amazon

Business Insider :: Morgan Stanley analyst Scott Devitt says Amazon's poor results in the fourth quarter can be attributed directly to Apple's excellent results. He wrote in a note, "Apple’s strength in iPhone and iPad sales are negatively affecting Amazon.com by accelerating the company’s transition from physical to digital media sales (which has effects on sales, margins and ROIC) as well as impacting Electronics & General Merchandise (“EGM”) growth."

Continue to read Jay Yarow, www.businessinsider.com

Apple, Google, Facebook, and Amazon compete in India over mobile, social networks, e-commerce

FastCompany :: Google's getting into hardware to take on Apple. And Apple could be planning a smaller iPad, to edge out Amazon's Kindle Fire. Facebook filed a whopping big S-1 for an IPO this year, while Amazon pondered a retail store. It's clear the Great Tech War of 2012 is going strong, and India is one of the most desirable regions in the skirmish. Let's take a look at the latest developments.

Continue to read Nidhi Subbaraman, www.fastcompany.com

Hearst to link digital editions with Amazon

AdWeek :: Is it a magazine—or catalogue? Magazines have been increasingly blurring the line between editorial and commerce, lending their names to products and shopping sites. Now, computer tablets and e-readers are making it more tempting to bridge that gap. So far, efforts have largely been one-offs, with a few magazines like People and Wired letting readers tap on their digital editions to buy certain products through iTunes and Amazon. Now, Hearst Magazines is going all out, with plans in the coming weeks to start making many of its Kindle Fire editions shoppable by linking products to Amazon.

Continue to read Lucia Moses, www.adweek.com

"iKindle": 8-inch iPad being tested by Apple, claims Wall Street Journal

The Verge :: In spite of openly denouncing the idea of a smaller iPad some time ago, Apple looks to be in the process of testing out just such a device, according to anonymous officials at some of the company's Asian suppliers. A smaller (and presumably cheaper) iPad could be seen as a response to Amazon's successful launch of the 7-inch Kindle Fire.

Continue to read Vlad Savov, www.theverge.com

Amazon.com to launch Kindle in Japan

Nikkei | Reuters :: World's biggest online retailer Amazon.com Inc. will begin sales of its Kindle e-book readers in Japan, as early as April, for less than 20,000 yen ($260), The Nikkei said.

Continue to read www.reuters.com

Amazon hiring creative execs for original programming

GigaOM :: Add Amazon to the list of online video providers that could soon release some new original programming. The company is looking to hire creative executives to develop and produce original comedies and kids shows for online and traditional distribution.

Continue to read Ryan Lawler, gigaom.com

Job openings "People's Production Company" - www.amazon.com

The American Book Association joins Amazon boycott

The Next Web :: The American Booksellers Association ABA is the latest body to join the slew of retailers Stateside boycotting books from Amazon’s publishing division. The ABA is the USA’s national, not-for-profit trade association which exists to protect and promote the interests of its members: independently owned bookstores of all sizes, with storefront locations across the country.

Continue to read Paul Sawers, thenextweb.com