One of the Telerad editors just wrote to let me know that my
recent post on Teleread about the reader response to, among other things, the MacMillan issue, was the fourth most commented on article they've ever put up! A follow-up will be going up tomorrow addressing a few of the comments but I want to spread the word as widely as possible because I think that we have all aired our POV at this point, and the time has come to move beyond 'explaining' and into 'solving' and I really think authors and readers need to work together on this. Readers have tried for so long to get their voices heard, and it just isn't happening. We need the author's help, and they need our business, so why not join forces?
I think these are the main issues readers have identified:
- We need a business model that allows readers to buy books without restrictions due to the store they shop at or the country in which they live
- We need to move away from any DRM system that restricts the reader as to which device they can use and which features of that device they can access
- We need a shift in pricing so that authors can make a fair profit from new releases without gouging customers with higher-than-print ebook prices for decade-old books
- We need a commitment from publishers to ensure that ebook releases are free from copy-editing and conversion errors---and a mechanism for readers to submit problem books for correction
Authors have blogged---here and elsewhere---about WHY these problems exist. We know that already. And we know that readers are unhappy. So, no more explaining. Let's talk about SOLVING.
- Who actually has the power to solve some of these issues? What is the best way to contact them and what should we say to ensure they take us seriously?
- Are there any author groups or reader groups under whom we can band together and mobilize some sort of campaign? Which groups? How can we get that going? Whom should we contact in publishing to let them know we have done so and share our concerns?
- Petitions. Best way to organize? Who to send them to? What they should demand?
- Media attention. Will it help? From which venues? What would attract the most attention?
- Alternative campaigns. Several authors stated the 1-star reviews made ebook fans come off as nothing more than crackpots. What would be a better way?
- Facebook group. Good idea? Worth the time? What/how to use it to get our voices heard? Someone to moderate? (I am prohibited by my job in getting involved in Facebook groups or else I would volunteer)
- Sympathetic people. I bet Doctorow would get involved if we organized something large-scale. Anybody else in 'the biz' who is known to be sympathetic and who would help us with our efforts?
I love books, I love reading and am unwilling to go back to paper after experiencing ebooks. I do not have the space to store every ebook I want to buy, so a friendly ebook market is very important to me. I am willing to work---not on a full-time job level, but even so---on this. But I really feel that authors and readers need to work TOGETHER on this and the time has come to stop pontificating and start DOING.
Anyone with me? Post any suggestions for ACTION below!