[fjtorres]

Before the hyper-ventilation gets too loud, one more time:

All we know for certain is that money-grubbing multinationals are engaged in confidential contract negotiations and one side is apparently breaking NDA to engage in a whisper campaign of rumor and innuendo and to raise a mob and put public pressure on the other camp. The sort of thing usually requires spin and misrepresentation and lies of one sort or another.

The channels through which these "leaks" are coming all have vested interests in this "fight" and track records that are far from clean. Until somebody comes clean and speaks on the record, putting their name and legal liability on the line, take everything with a pound of salt. You are very likely being played.

Simply put, we do not actually know anything about what is really going on other than it is about the return of no-discount agency pricing for ebooks. That much we know for certain because the Hachette CEO said so last week.

Everything else so far is coming from "anonymous insiders" who are supposed to be saying nothing or face legal action for breaking NDA. Of course, they wouldn't be at any legal risk if the rumors are false...

There is both more and less going on in these attempts to stampede bystanders so I would suggest just taking a chill pill and wait and see what comes out from behind the closed doors before getting too riled up.