A New Year's Eve Panzerism

Panzer on New Year's Eve and Kitty Zen:

This is an amazing point in time.
We are at that precise intersection of history and the future.

And ...

We can embrace it and create a wonderful tomorrow.

Sequential kitty napzzzzzz.*

Or ...

Some I suppose may want to sit back and watch.

Or ...

A few may be disposed to sleeping through it all until next year.



* From Cat Wisdom for humans

Happy New Year's Eve

Happy New Year's Eve

from

Panzer, Mom and What's His Name

A Holiday Panzerism

The dent? The big guy with the reindeer.*

Panzer on the Christmas holiday:

Do I think those look like my paw prints on the hood of the car?

Noooo ...

From here I'd say they're reindeer prints.


* From Cat Wisdom for human

Storyboard Lets You Turn a Video Clip Into a Comic - The Digital Reader

Only 3 Days Until New Year's Eve

Panzer was tootling around in the Catosphere today when he heard clapping and cheering ahead of the Panzermobile. Following all the noise took our inquisitive kitty pilot to The Digital Reader site. It didn't take any digging at all to find a post about the new app Storyboard.

According to The Digital Reader site owner Nate Hoffelder's post, Storyboard, one of Google's newest apps, allows users to use a video clip to produce a comic. Apparently, Storyboard doesn't put together a whole comic book for the user, instead just doing one page. Also, it only works on Android. There's a link in the post to another site with samples from three of Google's new apps including Storyboard.

Panzer says, "This little kitty would like it better if he could do a whole kitty comic."

Note: This is a short post. Bring half a cup of tea for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to Storyboard

Smashwords End of Year Sale Starts December 25

Today's trip into the Catosphere took Panzer to the Smashwords blog. Our very good kitty boy got a new Kindle PaperWhite for Christmas. He needs some new ebooks for it and found where to get them at the Smashwords blog.

I need a nap after all those books.

According to Mark Coker's blog post, Smashwords is having an end of the year sale. A large number of Smashwords authors are discounting their ebook prices from 25 percent to 100 percent (free) off. The sale runs from December 25 - January 1. At the Smashwords site on the left side there is a link to go to the ebooks included in the year end sale.

Panzer says, "Time to fill up my new ereader."

Note: The Smashwords site is h-u-g-e. Bring three thermos of tea, two dozen muffins and a sleeping bag for a nap during your search.

To visit the Smashwords' sale site, tootle over to Smashwords End of Year Sale

Playster raises price and limits collections for audiobook listening - The eBook Evangelist

Yesterday's dinner was s-o-o-o good.

Panzer is recuperating from yesterday's Christmas celebrations. Our tubby little kitty boy made a quick stop at the The eBook Evangelist site. With a little digging around he found a post about Playster's new pricing changes.

According to the post by Glinda Harrison, Playster has made changes to the pricing structure of their audio book subscription service. There are now two levels to the subscription platform. The original level is now called Basic and the new level is called Premium. The Basic level  price remains $14.95 but is now restricted to 40,000+ "selected" audio titles. The Premium level price is $29.95 and offers 100,000+ "newest" audio titles.

Panzer says, "This little kitty is hearing a lot of yowling and snarling from Playster users about these changes."

Note: This is a longish post. Bring a cup of tea and one muffin and two chocolate chip cookies (biscuits) for today's reading selection.

To read the post, tootle over to Playster

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to Everyone

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
From
Panzer, Mom and What's His Name

Christmas Magic ...

Only 1 Day Until Christmas

A Note For Santa

Google Play Books is Currently Offering a $5 Credit - The Digital Reader

Only 2 Days Until Christmas

Today, Panzer was cleaning out the Panzermobile. Behind his pilot's seat he found something wadded up on the floor. Smoothing it out our inquisitive good kitty discovered it was a post from The Digital Reader site about Google Play Books.

According to The Digital Reader site owner Nate Hoffelder, Google Play Books is offering a $5 credit for use in the store. It's advertised in the banner at the top of the page. Unfortunately, the coupon is only good for U.S. customers. It's a short term coupon and expires January 19 (2018) so you need to hurry to use it. The post includes a link to the site and the coupon.

Panzer says, "Remember: Always read all the instructions and the small print!"

Note: This is a short post. Bring a cup of tea for today's reading selection. If you plan to follow the included link to Google Play Books, bring a muffin too.

To read the post, tootle over to Google Play

The woman who gave America the Christmas tree - Washington Examiner

Only 2 Days Until Christmas

Panzer took a break from Mom's baking and went tootling around in the Catosphere. Our tired kitty boy stopped in at the Washington Examiner site. With a little digging he found a post about how the Christmas tree became a traditional part of the American Christmas.

According to J. Mark Powell we (Americans) owe the entire American Christmas tree tradition to one woman, one Queen and one Prince. Interesting reading.

Panzer says, "A kitty's work educating humans is never done."

Note: This is a medium length post. Bring a cup of cocoa and two Christmas cookies (biscuits) for today's reading selection. Enjoy the break from all your Christmas preparations.

To read the post tootle over to the Christmas tree

The Kindle Changed the Book Business, Can It Change Books - Wired

Only 3 Days Until Christmas

Panzer's trip into the Catosphere today was a quick one. Stopping in at the Wired site, our speedy kitty pilot found a post about Amazon and the Kindle.

The post by David Pierce follows the Amazon Kindle from its past, through the present and into the future. The post opens with a history of the Kindle's birth in 2007. It then moves on to E Ink technology. The post continues following Amazon, Kindle and the ereader experience into the future to show the possibilities for customers.

Panzer says, "Umm ... This little kitty didn't know Amazon would be looking at a Kindle he could pick up, roll up, let it go, and then chase it around the living room."

Note: This is a h-u-m-o-n-g-o-u-s post. Bring one and a half thermoses of hot cocoa and a dozen muffins and a sleeping bag for a nap in the middle for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to Amazon Kindle

Amazon is Beta-Testing a New Author Portal - The Digital Reader

Only 4 Days Until Christmas

Panzer's trip into the Catosphere today took him to the The Digital Reader site. There our traveling kitty pilot found a post about Amazon's new Author Portal.

According to the post by The Digital Reader site owner Nate Hoffelder, Amazon is beta-testing a replacement for Author Central called Amazon Author. The post contains an email Amazon sent to the authors they selected to beta-test the new portal. The email states the new platform makes updating an author bio much easier and faster.

Panzer says, "Hmm ... Guess it's time to update my kitty bio at Amazon."

Note: This is a short post. Bring half a cup of tea for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to Amazon Author

No Liability for Self-Publishing Platforms over Author's Use of Unauthorized Cover Photo - National Law Review

Only 5 Days Until Christmas

Today's trip into the Catosphere took Panzer to the National Law Review site. With a little digging around our adventuresome kitty boy found a post about self-publishing platforms liability with reference to indie author legal issues.

According to the post by Jeffery D. Neuburger, the Sixth Circuit court recently ruled in an appeal that self-publishing platforms (Amazon KDP, Smashwords, and Nook) are not responsible for the actions of indie authors who use the platforms to upload and distribute their material. The original case concerned an indie author who used a photograph without permission for the cover of his erotic ebook. The self-publishing platforms where the author uploaded the ebooks and used for distribution had claims filed against them by the owner of the photograph. The self-publishing platforms include in their sites' terms of service statements that the authors are representing that the material and cover they are publishing are their own work and they own all rights. There links to supporting information in the case included in the post.

Panzer says, "Umm ... This little kitty wants to know where the author found the photograph to steal it."

Note: This is a long-medium post. Bring half a thermos of tea and two muffins for today's reading selection. If you also plan to follow the links, bring a full thermos of tea and five muffins.

To read the post tootle over to self-publishing platforms

Indonesia likely to tax ebooks in 2018 - The New Publishing Standard

Only 6 Days Until Christmas

Panzer was sweeping out the Panzermobile when he discovered a rolled up post stuffed under the passenger seat. Smoothing it out our fastidious kitty boy discovered it was a post from The New Publishing Standard site about Indonesia imposing a tax on "imported" ebooks.

According to the post by Mark Williams, it appears that with the expiration of the World Trade Organization's (WTO) moratorium on charging taxes on imported intangibles that Indonesia will begin charging taxes on ebooks (and other intangibles). The Indonesian government will be the beneficiary of the new taxes. As Google Play and Kobo are the only ebook platforms serving Indonesia the new taxes will only impact their sales there.

Panzer says, "Hmm ... So, it's not just the U.S. using taxes to get their cut of the ebook pie."

Note: This is a long post. Bring half a thermos of tea and two muffins for today's reading selection.

To read the post, tootle over to ebook tax

A New Panzerism

Panzer on maintaining your dignity:

The main thing about being a proper cat is ...
always act like you know what you're doing.

Like ...

When you dive head first into the window ...
chasing the bird outside ...

Or ...

When you dive head first into the toilet bowl ...

Really ... I want to do that. *

chasing Mom's toothbrush.

Just stick your tail straight up in the air ...

and ...

saunter away like you meant to do it.



* from Cat Wisdom for humans

Luxembourg challenges EU order to recover tax from Amazon - Reuters

10 Days Until Christmas

Panzer has been a busy kitty today helping Mom put up the Christmas decorations, so his trip into the Catosphere was a quick one. Our speedy kitty boy hurried to the Reuters site. With a little digging he found a post about Amazon and Luxembourg.

According to the post composed by the Reuters staff, Luxembourg is appealing the European Union's recent order to them to collect 250 million euros from Amazon for back taxes. The European Commission asserts Luxembourg gave special tax treatment to Amazon, which Luxembourg denies. The appeal will be heard in the General Court in Luxembourg. The post states Luxembourg is already appealing an EU tax collection order case against another company.

Panzer says, "This little kitty doesn't understand how the European Union can come into a member country and tell that country who to collect taxes from and how much to collect in taxes. Does the EU get part or all of the tax money? Are members of the EU no longer sovereign countries?"

Note: This is a short post. Bring a cup of tea for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to Amazon Luxembourg tax

An Author's Guide to Sweet-Talking Amazon - The Digital Reader

11 Days Until Christmas

Today's trip into the Catosphere took Panzer to The Digital Reader site. With a little digging around our kitty boy found a post about Amazon.

The Digital Reader site owner Nate Hoffelder's post is about how ebook authors should approach Amazon when a problem arises. The post quotes extensively from former Amazon employee Greg Hullender. According to Mr. Hullender, since Amazon is a customer focused organization it's in an author's best interests to deal with their problem keeping that the focus of their request to the company. Also included in the post is a link to Amazon's Leadership Principles which begins with the customer focus statement and describes all the leadership qualities necessary to work for Amazon.

Panzer says, "Hmm ... Always put the customer first so you don't get put on Santa's naughty list."

Note: This is a short-medium post. Bring a cup of tea and one and a half muffins for today's reading selection. If you plan to follow the link to read Amazon's Leadership Principles, bring a half a thermos of tea and three muffins.

To read the post tootle over to Amazon

Storytel dots the 'i's with an Italy launch pending, having just opened in India - The New Publishing Standard

12 Days Until Christmas

Today's trip into the Catosphere took Panzer to The New Publishing Standard site. While our traveling kitty boy was digging around in the posts there his Santa hat slipped off, but he was able to find a post about Storytel and Amazon's Audible.

According to the post by Mark Williams, Sweden's audiobook producer and distributor Storytel has opened its platform in India. Storytel already has distribution in eight other countries, including Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russia, Spain, and Sweden. There are also two other country openings pending, one in the United Arab Emirates and one in Italy. Until now Storytel has strategically avoided opening its platform in countries where Amazon's Audible has already opened. With a pending opening in Italy, however, Storytel will be competing directly with Amazon when the Audible platform opens there in early 2018.

Panzer says, "Storytel is playing an interesting game of chess with Amazon. This little kitty can't wait to see what happens."

Note: This is a l-o-n-g post. Bring a cup of tea and three muffins for today's reading selection.

To read the post, tootle over to Storytel

A New Panzerism

Panzer on true confessions:

Sometimes Mom says, Panzer, you're a good boy."
The sickening truth is ... she's right.

No real cat would ever want to be a good boy ...
But ... I am so afflicted.

It seems that some time ago, on a bright and sunny Druid holiday, I stepped in a patch of good-kitty-ness.

And ...
got the stuff all over my beautiful black fur.

So ...
I tried to lick it off ...

And ...

Wow! That was good catnip. *

contaminated my insides.

It was there at that precise moment ...

That ...
I became a good boy ...

And have been tormented by it ever since.



* From Cat Wisdom for humans

Freight authors agast as former publisher sets up new imprint - The Guardian

17 Day Until Christmas

Panzer had barely made it into the Catosphere when the Panzermobile was struck by a sound torpedo of crying and screaming. Following the noise trail took our brave kitty pilot to The Guardian site. There he found a post about Scotland's Freight Books.

The post by Alison Flood documents the demise of Freight Books. According to the post, the partnership between Adrian Searle and Davindor Samrai was dissolved in April when Mr. Searle left the company. By September the company was in financial straits and unable to pay its creditors, including authors. The company is currently shutdown and in liquidation. It appears the authors will never be paid. While authors are dealing with the realization they won't receive their royalties, former partner Adrian Searle opened another publishing company the day after the liquidation was announced.

Panzer says, "Hmm ... It just doesn't make sense to this little kitty."

Note: This is a medium length post. Bring a cup of tea and a muffin for today's reading selection.

To read the post, tootle over to Freight authors

Amazon's Australian Debut Brings Excitement, Dread and Defiance - The New York Times

18 Days Until Christmas

Panzer was awoken from his afternoon nap by a cacophony of noises. Our sleepy kitty boy heard laughing and crying, clapping and gnashing of teeth. Stumbling to the Panzermobile, he headed into the Catosphere. Following all the noise took him to The New York Times site. There he found a post about Amazon's entrance into the Australian marketplace.

According to the post by Adam Baidawi, Amazon opened its online presence in Australia earlier this week with a small number of vendors and products. While the company's entry into the Australian marketplace turned out not to be the formidable juggernaut businesses feared, it's believed Amazon's vendors and their selections will increase over time. The company has a habit of making a small inroad into a marketplace and then exploding with lower prices and innumerable products. The post does say most Australians don't use the Internet to buy products.

Panzer says, "This little kitty thinks Australia will be a hard market for Amazon to break into."

Note: This is a long post. Bring a thermos of tea and two muffins for today's reading selection.

To read the post, tootle over to Amazon

Riggio Ups B&N Stake - Publishers Weekly

19 Day Until Christmas

Today's trip into the Catosphere took Panzer to the Publishers Weekly site. With just a little digging around there our kitty explorer found a post about the effects of Barnes and Noble's most recent sales report.

According to the post by Jim Milliot, Barnes and Noble founder Len Riggio increased his stock holdings in the company by 1 million shares. Mr. Riggio now owns 19.3 per cent of the company's stock. Last week Panzer told you about the impact of Barnes and Noble's quarterly sales slump on the company's stock price. The post also discusses Sandell Asset Management's proposed (and rejected) take over bid.

Panzer says, "Hmm ... This little kitty thinks when the stock price is low it's a perfect time for Mr. Riggio to buy more shares."

Note: This is a short post. Bring a cup of tea and half a muffin for today's reading selection.

To read today's post, tootle over to Barnes and Noble

To read the post about Barnes and Noble's quarterly sales slump, tootle over to Barnes and Noble's sales slump

Kindle Create App Out of Beta - The Digital Reader

20 Days Until Christmas

Panzer was tootling around in the Catosphere when the Panzermobile was buffeted by clapping and cheering. Following all the jocularity, took our brave kitty explorer to The Digital Reader site. There he discovered a post about Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing's (KDP) Kindle Create App.

According to the post by The Digital Reader site owner Nate Hoffelder, Amazon has announced the Kindle Creater App is out of beta testing and ready for Windows and MacOS users. Users can download the free software from KDP to their computers. The software edits (formats) .doc and .docx files to the proper formatting for uploading to KDP for ebook publishing. The software also has four layout templates for users' ebooks. The post includes a link to the download site.

Panzer says, "Hmm ... Making it easier to publish to KDP?"

Note: This is a short post. Bring a cup of tea and half a muffin to read today's reading selection. If you plan to follow the download link and read the Q and A section, bring a second cup of tea and a muffin.

To read the post, tootle over to Kindle Create app

A New Panzerism

You expected something different? *

Panzer on a canine's true value:

Let sleeping dogs lie ...

After all, they're dogs ...

That's all they're good for.



* From Cat Wisdom for humans

Barnes and Noble's Sales Slump and It's Impact

24 days until Christmas

Panzer was awoken from his morning nap today by crying and wailing. Hopping into the Panzermobile took him first to the Publishers Weekly site and then to the Forbes site. Both have posts about Barnes and Noble's second quarter sales.

At his first stop our kitty boy learned that according to the Publishers Weekly post by Jim Milliot, Barnes and Noble's second quarter revenue/sales figures were reported. Revenue/sales were down nearly 8 percent compared to the same time period last year. Barnes and Noble attributed the book sales slump to lower sales in coloring books and the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. There was also a decline in non-book sales like games and the Nook.

At his second stop he learned that according to the Forbes' post by Jonathan Ponciano, Barnes and Noble's second quarter sales slump also caused a 10 percent decline in their stock price as well. As the bookstore chain moves forward it does intend to place more emphasis on books and less on general merchandise.

Panzer says, "This little kitty thinks we need to help Barnes and Noble increase their holiday sales. ... Here's my plan ... Buy something from them. ... Hint: They do sell Cat Wisdom for humans ebooks and paperbacks."
 
Note: These combined posts are a long read. Bring a thermos of tea and a dozen muffins for today's reading selections.

To read the Publishers Weekly post, tootle over to Barnes and Noble sales

To read the Forbes post, tootle over to Barnes and Noble stock

Field Trip: Barnes & Noble at One Loudoun - The Digital Reader

Today's trip into the Catosphere took Panzer to The Digital Reader site. With a little digging our traveling kitty found a post about a new Barnes and Noble store.

Mmm. Tuna. Almost as good as turkey.

According to the post by site owner Nate Hoffelder, he made a visit to the new Barnes and Noble store in Ashburn, Virginia. The store boasts a 17,000 foot size. It contains a cafe/restaurant, a books section and a general merchandise section that includes a small Nook section. In the books section the tables can be moved to create space for an event.

Panzer says, "Inquiring kitties want to know if tuna sandwiches are on the restaurant menu?"

Note: This is a medium length post. Bring a cup of tea and a muffin for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to Barnes and Noble

Amazon Publishing Launches New imprint - Publishers Weekly

Panzer's trip into the Catosphere today took him to the Publishers Weekly site. With a little digging in the posts there our industrious kitty boy found a post about Amazon's newest publishing imprint.

According to the post by Jim Maher, Amazon has started a new publishing imprint. The Amazon Original Stories imprint will publish short stories, essays and reporting pieces. The material will be between 5,000 and 20,000 words, so "it can be read in a single sitting." The post lists the announced authors scheduled for publication in 2017 and 2018. However, the post doesn't list any submission guidelines or even if Amazon is open to submissions for the new imprint.

It's a simple question.

Panzer says, "This little kitty wants to know exactly what is Amazon's definition of reporting pieces?"

Note: This is a shortish-medium post. Bring a cup of tea and muffin for today's reading selection.

To read the post, tootle over to Amazon new imprint

A New Panzerism

Panzer on ownership:

Finders Keepers. It's yours. *

Why are you telling me there's a mouse in the kitchen?

You saw it first.

Seriously ...

It's okay. You can have it.



*From Cat Wisdom for humans

Freda ebook app now out for Android devices: Attn. public domain lovers - TeleRead

Mmm ... Good ... I love turkey day.

Today, Panzer waddled his way into the Panzermobile for his trip into the Catosphere. He's still recuperating from Thanksgiving turkey so his trip was a short one. Our hefty kitty pilot stopped in at the TeleRead site. Luckily there was no digging necessary to find a post about the new Freda app.

According to the post by David Rothman, the new Android version of the ebook reading app Freda is now available. While the heading on the post says public domain users will love the app, the post says it will work for "small publishers" too. The post includes instructions for using various features of the app. Android users can get it free in the Google Play store and there's a direct link in the post. Freda is made by Turnipsoft and they welcome suggestions for improvements and new features. The post also includes information on the paid app Moon+.

Panzer says, "My work here is done and this little kitty is ready for a nap."

Note: This is a long post. Bring half a thermos of cocoa and a muffin for today's reading selection.

To read the post, tootle over to Freda for Android

Happy Thanksgiving

From Panzer, Mom and What's His Name

Simon & Schuster's Vanity Press Launches NaNoWriMo Writing Contest to Exploit More Writers - The Digital Reader

Because Panzer is helping with the baking for Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, he made a very short trip into the Catosphere today. Our flour covered kitty made a quick stop at The Digital Reader site. With hardly any digging at all he found a post about Simon and Schuster and National Novel Writing Month.

Listen. This is bad, bad, bad.

According to the post by The Digital Reader site owner Nate Hoffelder, National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) participants (like Panzer and me) need to be particularly careful about a contest run by publisher Simon and Schuster. Archway Publishing (Simon and Schuster's vanity publishing subsidiary) is running a contest called Hot Books, Cold Nights Romance Novel Writing Contest for NaNoWriMo Winners. (You're a Winner if you write 50,000 words during the month.) According to The Digital Reader post, if you've never heard of Archway Publishing, they're an expensive high pressure sales pitch publishing company. This post should be required reading for every writer, not just NaNoWriMo participants.

Panzer says, "Why is NaNoWriMo having anything to do with this company?"

Note: This is a medium post. Bring a cup of hot cocoa and a chocolate chip cookie (biscuit) for today's reading selection.

To read the post, tootle over to Simon and Schuster

A New Panzerism

Panzer on moral concepts:

Mom said, "Bad kitty," when I scratched the furniture.

You know ... What's His Name always says she's pretty smart.

So I thought about what Mom said for a long time ...

in between my morning nap and my afternoon nap.

And ...

This is what I decided:

Sorry ... You're wrong again Mom.

There are two ways to look at it,

My way ...

And ...

The wrong way.



* From Cat Wisdom for humans

B&N Dismisses Takeover Proposal - Publishers Weekly

Today's trip into the Catosphere took Panzer to the Publishers Weekly site. There our traveling kitty boy found a post about Barnes and Noble.

Huh?

According to the post by Jim Milliot, Barnes and Noble announced Sandell Asset Management made an  offer to take Barnes and Noble private (buy?) for a reported $650 million.* Apparently, Sandell would start a new company, all the Barnes and Noble shareholders would be required to put their shares into the new company, and then Sandell would control the new company. Barnes and Noble stated in their announcement the company (and founder Len Riggio) had rejected the offer.

Panzer says, "Sandell wants to do what?"

Note: This is a short post. Bring half a cup of tea for today's reading selection.

To read the post, tootle over to Barnes and Noble

*Updated to correct amount offered.

Amazon Sellers Brood as States Come Calling for Taxes - The New York Times

Panzer was tootling around in the Catosphere when the Panzermobile was buffeted by booing and hissing. Following all the hubbub took our brave kitty to The New York Times site. With a little digging he found a post about Amazon and sales taxes.

I'll never understand humans.

The post by Nick Wingfield states Amazon will begin collecting sales taxes for its marketplace merchants who sell merchandise to Washington state residents. It seems the state legislature needed some more money, so they passed a law to collect more sales taxes and the impact is on Amazon's merchants big and small. According to the post, other states are preparing to follow suit.

Panzer says, "Hmm ... Inquiring kitties want to know what's going to happen next with this sales tax thingy? No more merchandise sales to Washington residents? Just curious."

Note: This is a h-u-m-o-n-g-o-u-s post. Bring two thermoses of tea and a dozen muffins for today's reading selection.

To read the post, tootle over to Amazon

Kindle's 10-Year Journey - The Telegraph

Today's trip into the Catosphere took Panzer to The Telegraph site. With a little digging by our inquisitive kitty, he found a post about the Kindle anniversary later this week.

The Telegraph post states the first Amazon Kindle was introduced to the reading public on November 19, 2007. The post covers the evolution of Amazon's ereader from the original Kindle in 2007 to the Kindle Oasis introduced on October 31, 2017. Also included in the post are the publishers and indie authors who began adding their books to the platform in the early days.

She has 121 ebooks on it.

Panzer says, "Umm ... You know ... All you have to do is replace the battery and those Kindles last forever. ... Mom still has a Kindle 2 she uses to read in bed at night."

Note: This is a medium post. Bring a cup of tea, a muffin and a chocolate chip cookie (biscuit) for today's reading selection.

To read the post, tootle over to Kindle

Pearson Closes DRM - Free eBookstore, Will Delete All eBooks From Customers' Account - The Digital Reader

Today, Panzer was tootling around in the Catosphere when he heard crying and wailing. Flowing all the noise took our brave kitty boy to The Digital Reader site. There he found a post about Pearson's ebookstore closing.

The post by The Digital Reader founder Nate Hoffelder states Pearson intends to close their MyPearsonStore.com DRM-free ebookstore on April 30, 2018, Customers need to download their ebook purchases before then as all customer accounts and purchases will be deleted on that date. There's a copy of Pearson's announcement included in The Digital Reader post.

One less online bookstore.

Panzer says, "Hmm ... Another online ebookstore closes their doors."

Note: This is a short post. Bring a cup of tea and half a muffin for today's reading selection.

To read the post, tootle over to Pearson eBookstore

A New Panzerism

Panzer on the essence of the ideal:

Mom says it's important to practice what you're good at to get better at it.

Okay ...

Perfection is my goal. *

Nap Practice at 1:00 p.m.

Nap Practice at 2:00 p.m.

Nap Practice at 3:00 p.m.

Nap Practice at ...




* From Cat Wisdom for humans

Veterans Day

Veterans Day

B&N Unveils New Apps and New Holiday Sales Strategy - Publishers Weekly

Already thinking about Christmas?

Panzer was out tootling around in the Catosphere when he heard holiday music. Our inquisitive kitty boy followed all the noise to the Publishers Weekly site. There he found a post about Barnes and Noble's plans for the holiday sales season.

According to the post by John Maher, Barnes and Noble has two new apps to make holiday shopping easier. The first is called Book Graph. When a customer chooses an online book to examine, the app gives them other similar books to consider. Included in the post is a link to the app. The second app is called SmartGift. After a customer purchases a gift they can send an email to the recipient. The recipient has the option to receive the gift or return it and pick another. There's also a holiday catalog/gift guide for the holiday season. Barnes and Noble also has a book drive for charity running until January 1, 2018. Customers can buy a book and donate it to the charity book drive.

Panzer says, "This little kitty thinks that second app is interesting. ... Mom can send an email to me that says 'I bought you a new cat sweater. If you don't like it you can exchange it for what you want.' ... Hmm ... Then I can exchange it for catnip. ... Sounds good to me."

Note: This is a long post. Bring a thermos of tea and three muffins for today's reading selection.

To read the post, tootle over to Barnes and Noble

Macmillan to Close Its Self-Publishing Unit, Pronoun - Publishers Weekly

Today, as soon as Panzer entered the Catosphere he discovered something was wrong. The Panzermobile was buffeted and knocked around by all the crying and shouting. Following the sounds of distress took our brave kitty boy to the Publishers Weekly site. There he found breaking news about self-publishing platform Pronoun's fate.

How humans hunt: Catch. Eat. Kill.

In a post by Calvin Reid Panzer learned Pronoun is being closed down. Pronoun is platform similar to Smashwords. Indie authors/publishers upload their material to Pronoun for distribution to retailers. As of now the Pronoun platform won't accept any new author/publisher accounts.  It will totally shut down all accounts and distributions on January 15, 2018. Macmillan bought Pronoun in May 2016. No announcement has been made by Macmillan about the shut down decision.

Panzer says, "Umm ... Nobody needs to make an announcement about anything. It's simple.  Buy your competition and then shut them down."

Note: This is a medium post. Bring a cup of tea and a muffin for today's reading selection. (If you're a Pronoun platform user, you'll probably want a box of tissues too.)

To read the post, tootle over to Pronoun closure

A New Panzerism

Panzer on persistence:

Greatness is never easy.
It requires focus, intense effort, and endurance.
 But after much struggle I have made it.
I am at the top of the world.
I am the greatest!

You can't make me!*

I am the King of all I survey!

What ... ?
What do you mean get off the curtains?

No!
Your King has spoken.


* From Cat Wisdom for Humans

As retail rivals retreat, Indigo Books plans five U.S. stores in next two years - Financial Post

Not your average book store?

Today Panzer's trip into the Catosphere took him to the Financial Post site. There with just a little digging he found a post about Canada's Indigo Books future plans.

According to the post at Financial Post by Hollie Shaw, Canada's Indigo Books and Music plans to open its first store in the United States. The store will be in the Mall in Short Hills, New Jersey. It doesn't appear Indigo Books will be in direct competition with Amazon or Barnes and Noble's bricks and mortar stores, because in addition to books Indigo also sells toys, baby items and other general merchandise.

Panzer says, "Umm ... This little kitty wants to know if they sell e-readers. ... And ... If they do, what kind?"

Note: This is a medium length post. Bring a cup of tea and two muffins for today's reading selection.

To read the post, tootle over to Indigo Books

First Look at the New Nook Glowlight 3 - The Digital Reader

Panzer was tootling around in the Catosphere when the Panzermobile was buffeted by clapping and cheering. Following all the hullabaloo took our adventuresome kitty to The Digital Reader site. There he found a post about the new Nook Glowlight 3.

According to The Digital Reader site owner Nate Hoffelder's post, Barnes and Noble's new Nook Glowlight 3 ereader is available now. The Glowlight 3 comes with a 6 inch screen and color changing front light. It also comes with a battery that lasts 50 days. The price is $119.00. The post includes several images of the ereader and a link to check out the specifics on it.

Now where did I put that Kindle?

Panzer says, "Hmm ... This little kitty thinks it looks like a lot like the old Kindle that used to be next to Mom's bed."

Note: All of the ereader images make this a longish post. Bring half a thermos of cocoa and three muffins for today's reading selection.

To read the post, tootle over to Nook Glowlight 3

Audible Launches Dedicated Romance Service - Publishers Weekly

It's only the first day and I'm so tired.

Today is the beginning of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), so Panzer got a late start into the Catosphere. Our sleepy little kitty boy made a quick trip to the Publishers Weekly site. There he found a post about Amazon's Audible.

According to the post by Shannon Maughan, Audible, Amazon's audio book arm, has added a new membership category called Audible Romance. A membership in Audible Romance is $14.95 per month. If, however, you already have a regular Audible membership, it's only an additional $6.95 per month to add the new service. Listeners will be able to choose their romance audio books based on a Steaminess Score. There are stages to the score starting with Sweet and getting hotter from there.

Panzer says, "Hmm ... Does Audible have an Audible Mystery category? ... And ... Do they have a Dead Villain Score?"

Note: This is a longish post. Bring half a thermos of cocoa and two muffins for today's reading selection.

To read the post, tootle over to Audible Romance

NaNoWriMo Is Big for Writers - and It Helps Publishers, Too - Publishers Weekly (PW)

Panzer was tootling around in the Catosphere enjoying his Halloween travels when he heard strange noises. Following them took our little kitty boy to the Publishers Weekly site. With no digging at all he found a post about National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo).

NaNoWriMo starts tomorrow.

According to the post by Jason Boog, November's National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is set to be the largest ever. It's projected 350,000 writers will participate in this year's NaNoWriMo. By the end of November participants must write a 50,000 word novel (or first draft). Those who finish their novels will receive a badge for their website or blog. The post includes interviews with previous NaNoWriMo finishers who've had their novels published. Also included are agents whose clients participate as a starter for their novels.

Panzer says, "I'm all ready. Are you?"

Note: This is a long post. Bring a thermos of tea and a dozen muffins for today's reading selection.

To read the post, tootle over to National Novel Writing Month

Happy Halloween!

Every Day Is Halloween for Me

A New Panzerism

Yuk!

Panzer on butterflies:

Mom likes butterflies and so do I.
She likes their bright colors and so do I.
She likes the way they flutter around and so do I.

But it sure seems something that pretty should taste better.

Happy National Black Cat Day!

October 27 Is National Black Cat Day

It's Not Easy Being An Adored National Idol

'What could I do? I was a monster': Meet Shelley, the AI horror writer that collaborates with humans to create hair-raising tales - DailyMail.com

Five days to Halloween.

Today, Panzer was tootling around in the Catosphere when he heard crying and moaning coming from ahead of the Panzermobile. Following all the noise took our brave kitty boy to the DailyMail.com site. There he found a post about an AI (Artificial Intelligence) horror writer named Shelley.

Don't worry. She's no Stephen King.

According to Cheyenne MacDonald's post, Shelley, the AI horror writer, is a product of the MIT Media Lab. Shelley was given a steady reading diet of horror stories. In this way she learned to write horror stories. Shelley now has her own Twitter account where she tweets a horror story each hour. Anyone with a Twitter account can follow her and collaborate on horror stories with her.

Panzer says, "Hmm ... The post includes what the MIT workers consider a mistake by Shelley in one of her stories.  But this little kitty knows humor when he reads it. Humans ... She did it on purpose to test you."

Note: This is a h-u-g-e post. Bring a thermos of tea and a dozen muffins for today's reading selection. Also, the DailyMail.com site has some ads you'll want to close as you read the post.

To read the post, tootle over to Shelley