Happy New Year!

Happy New Decade!

From Panzer, Mom and What's His Name

New Year's Eve

Happy New Year's Eve!

From Panzer, Mom and What's His Name

Publishers Brace for California Labor Law Changes - Publishers Weekly

Panzer was tootling around in the Catosphere when he heard shouting and crying outside the Panzermobile. Following all the noise, took our brave kitty boy to the Publishers Weekly site. There with a little digging in the posts he found one about a new labor law going into effect in California.

It's giving me a headache already.

According to the post by Jason Boog, California has a new labor law going into effect on January 1, 2020. The new law will re-classify many independent workers as employees. Included in the current independent workers categories are authors, editors and illustrators. If these workers are changed to employee status, publishers will be required to pay for unemployment coverage, minimum wages and other benefits. How to determine if an independent contractor will be re-classified and the new rules and exemptions appear to be confusing to some publishers.

Panzer says. "Hmm ... If publishers aren't very, very careful, this could turn into a big pile of kitty do-do for them."

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

To read the post tootle over to California labor law

A New Panzerism

Panzer on human narcissism:

I have joined Mom and What's His Name at backyard barbecues for the Fourth of July with neighbors, for coffee and tea on the deck for New Year's morning, and holiday season dinners with their families.

You can't change what is. *

One thing stands out to me at these gathers:

Mom is always the second most attractive creature there.

Too bad she has such an attractive cat overshadowing her.



* From Cat Wisdom for humans

Smashwords End of Year Sale

I'm still resting.

Smashwords' after Christmas Year End sale runs through January 1 (2020). There are thousands of books on sale including lots that are free.

Be sure to read all the instruction. The coupon codes for the books for the sale are included under the box where the price is listed. The instructions say to included the coupon code after you put the book in your cart and are ready to checkout.

Panzer has Cat Wisdom for humans on half-price for 99 cents for the sale.
You can buy your copy of Cat Wisdom here: Cat Wisdom for humans
 
You can shop the whole sale here: Smashwords End of the Year Sale
To see all the books in the sale click the box on the left side that says "Browse Books on Sale"

This is a great chance to fill up your ereader!

Equity Firm Agrees to Buy OverDrive - Publishers Weekly

That turkey sure was good.

After yesterday's big dinner Panzer was planning to spend today resting, but he was shaken awake by shouting coming from the Catosphere. Hopping in the Panzermobile, our brave kitty followed all the noise to the Publishers Weekly site. With no digging at all he found the post causing all the hullabaloo was about OverDrive's sale.

According to the post by Jim Milliot, it was announced on Christmas eve that OverDrive had been sold to equity firm KKR. OverDrive provides libraries with ebooks and audio books. This is the second sale of OverDrive in four years. Rakuten USA bought the company in 2015.

Panzer says, "Hmm ... Christmas Eve? Inquiring kitties want to know if they thought nobody would notice."

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 OverDrive sold

Merry Christmas

From Panzer, Mom and What's His Name

Happy Christmas Eve

(And a little catnip too because I've been such a good kitty this month)
From Panzer the Cat

A New 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 look like reindeer prints.



*From Cat Wisdom for humans

How To Wipe a Computer of All Your Personal Data - Popular Mechanics

Today, when Panzer was cleaning the console between the pilot's seat and the passenger seat, he found a wadded up post. Smoothing it out, our curious kitty boy discovered it was a post from the Popular Mechanics site about how to wipe a computer drive clean.

According to the post by Courtney Linder, doing a factory reset on your computer is probably all the average person needs to do to remove the data from their computer. The post includes instructions for how to do it on either a Mac or a PC. The post also includes instructions for how to destroy the hard drive if you think that's necessary.

Three days until Christmas.

Panzer says, "The post is long, but, if you plan on getting rid of your computer, it's worth reading and doing for your privacy.."

Note: This is a large post. Bring a thermos of cocoa and six muffins for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to wipe your computer

Pearson Sells Last 25% of PRH to Bertelsmann - Publishers Weekly

Four days until Christmas. Then watch out.

Today as Panzer was trying to see what was under the Christmas tree, What's His Name rudely pushed him out of the presents. Not wanting to get on Santa's naughty list our rule-abiding kitty got into the Panzermobile for a trip into the Catosphere. Tootling around, he decided to make a stop at the Publishers Weekly site. Taking his frustrations out on the posts pile there, he dug around until he found one on Pearson's sale of its shares in publisher Penguin Random House

According to Ed Nawotka's post, Pearson has sold its last shares in Penguin Random House (PRH) to Bertelsmann for $675 million. Pearson has owned 25 percent of PRH since 2017 when it previously sold 22 percent of its shares to Bertelsmann. Bartelsmann no owns 100 percent of PRH and all its publishing assets. The post contains links to other information about PRH and it's future publishing plans.

Panzer says, "Bertelsmann is becoming a worldwide publishing behemoth."

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 Bertelsmann

AAP: US Students Spending on College Materials Down 23 Percent in Fall Semester - Publishing Perspectives

With Mom cleaning the house for Christmas company, Panzer decided to clean the Panzermobile. While vacuuming the floor, he discovered a wadded up post under the pilot's seat. Smoothing it out our fastidious kitty discovered it was a post from the Publishing Perspectives site about college students textbook buying habits.

According to Porter Anderson's post at the Publishing Perspectives site, the Association of American Publishers (AAP) reports US college students are spending less on textbooks and course materials. Spending for the Fall 2019 semester is down 23 percent from last year. Although some students still buy new or used textbooks, others are renting their textbooks, or subscribing to digital textbooks (for an unlimited time or a limited time) and getting online homework answers. The last third of the post quotes extensively from college professor Tim Wu, who advocates for the use of textbooks from free sites.

Only five days until Christmas.

Panzer says, "Textbooks are so expensive how do publishers expect students to pay for them?"

Note: This is a h-u-g-e post. Bring a pitcher of tea and three muffins for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to US college students

New Round of Tarriffs Suspended - Publishers Weekly

Today Panzer decided to make a trip to the Publishers Weekly site. With a little digging in the posts our traveling kitty boy found one about the USA-China trade war.

According to the post by Jim Milliot, the USA and China have come to a "phase one" trade agreement that suspends the tariffs scheduled by the USA to go into effect on December 15 against China. Children's picture, coloring and drawing books were to be part of the suspended tariffs. The children's books were for USA publishers, but printed in China and the tariffs applied when they came into the USA.

7 days until Christmas, but whose counting?

Panzer says, "Charging tariffs on children's coloring books?"

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

To read the post tootle over to book tariffs

Latest CIPFA stats reveal library numbers still falling - The Bookseller

Panzer was taking his after lunch nap when he was thrown from his kitty bed by crying and shouting coming from the Catosphere. Hopping in the Panzermobile our brave kitty boy followed all the hullabaloo to The Bookseller site. Digging in the posts, he found one about the closing of libraries in the UK.

A post in The Bookseller by Mark Chandler says England, Wales and Scotland's libraries are having financial problems. According to the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) which released statics for the year ending March 2019, 35 libraries closed. Also included is the fact that since 2014 the number of library employees is down by 15.1 percent. As a result libraries are relying more on volunteers whose numbers are up by 24.3 percent. Libraries are also cutting services.

Only 8 days until Christmas.

Panzer says, "Hmm ... Why don't these humans support their libraries?"

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

To read the post tootle over to library spending

A New Panzerism

Panzer on history repeating itself:

Mom's got this high, high shelf in the kitchen.

I mean it's way up there.

Well ...

She keeps her wine glasses on this towel-like thingy up there.

Umm ...

I probably don't need to tell you any more ...

Except ...

You'd think she'd learn.*

I really, really hate all that crashing and yelling and screaming.

And ...

The weird thing is ...

The same thing happened last week.




* From Cat Wisdom for humans

 

Roku Tops Off Year of Entertainment With Unlocked Premium Content for Second Annual Stream-a-thon - Business Wire

While this doesn't have anything to do with writing or publishing and we don't have a Roku TV or Roku streaming player, Panzer still found this post very interesting.

According to a press release for Roku Inc. at the Business Wire site, Roku will be having the company's second annual free Stream-a-thon this month. The Stream-a-thon will begin December 26 and continue to January 1. Movies and shows from Cinemax, ShowTime and Starz will be available, as well as the first season of HBO's Game of Thrones. You do need to have a Roku TV or a Roku streaming player to access the Stream-a-thon. The press release contains a list of all the shows available.

Only 11 days until Christmas, Mom!

Panzer says, "We've seen Game of Thrones, but some of the other shows might be interesting."

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

To read the post tootle over to Roku Streaming

US Publishers and Alliance Back Congressional Letter on Copyright Restatement - Publishing Perspectives

I need some dark and a nap.

We're all still recuperating from the Christmas light decorating party day before yesterday. We told you it's a neighborhood contest. What's His Name likes a contest and gets into the Christmas light contest every year. We have lights on the gutters on the roof, around the windows, the door, the fence, the bushes in the front yard, and along the driveway. (Don't worry they're all LED lights.)

With all those lights outside shining in the windows, Panzer can't get any sleep, so he only took a short trip into the Catosphere this afternoon to the Publishing Perspectives site. With a little digging in the posts, our sleepy kitty found one about the copyright restatement project.

According to the post by Porter Anderson, the Association of American Publishers (AAP) has joined the Copyright Alliance (CA) protesting the American Law Institute's (ALI) copyright restatement project. The "restatement" would be a rewording (rewriting) of the federal copyright law. Currently released information shows the ALI seems to support big corporations' interests instead of the creators of the material. Since copyright is a federal law, some members of Congress sent a letter to the ALI posing questions concerning the ALI's intentions.

Panzer says,"Who gave these humans the power to do that?"

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

To read the post tootle over to Association of American Publishers

No News Today

We're taking the day off so What's His Name can put up the Christmas lights.
Every year it's a neighborhood contest.

Only 13 days until Christmas.

The effect of no-deal Brexit on independent publishers - The Boar

Panzer was tootling around in the Catosphere when the Panzermobile was shaken side to side by yelling and hissing coming from outside. Following all the hullabaloo took our traveling kitty boy to The Boar site. In case you didn't know, The Boar is the student newspaper of the University of Warwick. With a little digging in the posts there, Panzer found one about Brexit and independent publishers.

According to the post by Charlotte Anne Creamore, UK independent publishers are afraid an exit from the EU without a deal will force .many of them to close. These closures could leave as many as 70,000 workers in the publishing industry unemployed. There's also some uncertainty about whether authors will look for publishers outside the UK.

Panzer says, "Hmm ... This Brexit thingy gives this little kitty a headache."

Sometimes you just need to ignore things.

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

To read the post tootle over to Brexit

A New Panzerism

Panzer on return policies:

He won't do that again.*

Mom ...

What's His Name bought the cheap cat food again.

Can we take him back to the Husband Store and get a better one?




* From Cat Wisdom for humans

Amazon unveils musical keyboard that uses AI to compose surprisingly good original songs - Geek Wire

It's that time of the week again. The time when Panzer cleans the Panzermobile. Today our fastidious kitty found a post from the Geek Wire site. While it's not a post about publishing or writing, it is a post about Amazon.

AI will never replace cats.

According to the post by Todd Bishop, there is now an AI music composer keyboard called DeepComposer. It contains Rock, Pop, Jazz, Classical, and Build Your Own models. A human gives DeepComposer the beginning of a song and the AI finishes the composition and adds other instruments. There's a video included in the post that explains how DeepComposer works. The AI-Human composed music is near the end of the video.

Panzer says, "It seemed interesting 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 Amazon musical keyboard

Daunt Tweaks B&N for the Holidays - Publishers Weekly

As Panzer was tootling around in the Catosphere today he decided to make a stop at the Publishers Weekly site. With a little digging in the posts our inquisitive kitty boy found one about Barnes and Noble and new CEO James Daunt.

Only 20 days to Christmas.

According to the post by Jim Milliot, while CEO James Daunt has no plans for major changes at Barnes and Noble before the holiday sales season, he is making some small holiday changes right now. Stores will be making books more prominent by having tables of books right by the entrances. The company doesn't, however, have a big advertising budget planned for the holiday season this year. CEO Daunt does plan to start making store changes in 2020 to increase book sales throughout the year and next year's holiday season.

Panzer says, "Are you as excited as this little kitty about Christmas shopping?"

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

Introducing Smashwords Presales - Smashwords Blog

Today as Panzer was taking his afternoon nap, he was shaken from his kitty bed by yelling and cheering coming from the Catosphere. Following all the hubbub took our kitty boy to the Smashwords Blog. There with no digging at all he found a post about Smashwords new presales software feature.

That's interesting news.

According to the post, Smashwords has added a new feature for authors to offer their readers. Readers who purchase through the presales feature have immediate access to the ebook they just bought and this is before general purchasers have access to the ebook. This is also different than a pre-order which is a sale before the book is available to anyone. The post is divided into five sections covering how presales work, why authors should participate in the presales program, an explanation of the patent pending software, information about the licensing of the software to other retailers. and a short wrap up about the future.  By far the largest section is the one explaining the new patent pending software.

Panzer says, "MeWOW! This looks like a major step forward for Smashwords!"

Note: This is a h-u-m-o-n-g-o-u-s post. Bring a half gallon of tea and a half gallon of cocoa and six muffins and six sugar cookies (biscuits) for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to Smashwords presales

Amazon Opened a Bookstore in Nashville Just in Time for Thanksgiving - The Digital Reader

Today as Panzer was tootling around in the Catosphere, he heard clapping and cheering outside the Panzermobile. Following all the jocularity, took our adventuresome kitty to The Digital Reader site. With a little digging in the posts, he discovered one about Amazon's newest bookstore.

According to The Digital Reader site owner Nate Hoffelder, just before Thanksgiving Amazon opened the company's twenty first bricks and mortar store. This one is in Nashville Tennessee. Books available in the store have four or more stars with their book reviews and are bestsellers. Included in the post is a link to another post about the opening of the twentieth Amazon bricks and mortar store in Scottsdale Arizona.

Only 22 days until Christmas.

Panzer says, "This little kitty wants to know where the twenty-second bricks and mortar store will be ...  And ... Will it open before Christmas?"

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

To read the post tootle over to Amazon bookstore

A New Panzerism

Panzer on retribution:

There I was snoozing on a warm keyboard ...

When What's His Name told me to "Get Down."

Then ...

He pushed me off the desk!

I was shocked!

Push the cat? I don't think so.*

Shocked I tell you!

I wonder ...

If he'll be shocked ...

When he finds what I put in his running shoes.




* From Cat Wisdom for humans

AAP StatShot for September: Modest Gains in the US Market - Publishing Perspectives

Mom still has turkey from Thanksgiving.

Panzer was cleaning out the console between the pilot's seat and the passenger seat in the Panzermobile, when he found a wadded up post in the cup holder. Flattening it out our fastidious kitty discovered it was a post from the Publishing Perspectives site about US book sales for the month of September and the whole year.

According to Porter Anderson's post, the Association of American Publishers (AAP) has released their StatShot report. According to the report, overall the U.S. book sales for the year are up 4 percent over last year. The rest of the post is divided into three sections comparing September sales of 2019 to 2018. The sections are US Trade Publishing, US Trade in Terms of Format, and Overall Publisher Revenue. The sections cover audiobooks, ebooks, and trade books (adult, YA, children etc.).

Panzer says, "Hmm ... The numbers show sales are up for the year and for the month of September. Interesting."

Note: This is a long post. Bring a quart of warm cocoa and a three muffins for this reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to AAP StatShot

Happy Thanksgiving

From Panzer, Mom and What's His Name

B&N Seeks Knockout Blow in Litigation with Fired CEO - Publishers Weekly

Today Panzer decided to stop at the Publishers Weekly site. Digging in the posts, our inquisitive kitty discovered one about the old Barnes and Noble.

It just goes on and on and on.

According to Andrew Albanese, the Barnes and Noble court fight continues with former CEO Demos Parneros and his lawsuit against the company. Barnes and Noble's attorneys are filing in court for a summary judgment in the lawsuit. The company wants two of Mr. Parneros' three claims dismissed. The two claims are 1) defamation and 2) breach of covenant of good faith and fair dealing. Barnes and Noble's attorneys presented the court with a 33 page memorandum explaining why the two claims should be dismissed. There are several links in the post, including one to the memorandum.

Panzer says, "I've been telling you about this never-ending lawsuit story since it started."

Note: This is a long-medium length post. Bring a cup of cocoa and a muffin for today's reading. If you plan to follow the links included in the post, bring a quart of cocoa and a dozen muffins.

To read the post tootle over to Barnes and Noble litigation

To read Panzer's most recent previous post about the litigation, tootle over to Barnes and Noble's risky move

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 ...




*From Cat Wisdom for humans

B&N Cuts Freelance Writers from Its Teen and SFF Blogs - Publishers Weekly

Today, Panzer was tootling around in the Panzermobile in the Catosphere when he heard sighing and crying coming from outside. Following the noise, took our sympathetic kitty boy to the Publishers Weekly site. There he found a post about Barnes and Noble's change to the company's freelance writing team.

Your job is never safe.

According to the post by Judith Rosen, Barnes and Noble has made major changes to the company's freelance bloggers. These freelancers are the ones who wrote the Teen and Science Fiction and Fantasy (SFF) blogs. The post includes quotes from freelancer teams that were let go and one of these is quoted as saying all freelancers were let go. As freelancers they weren't considered employees and so could be let go at any time. According to at least one of the quotes, some of them had worked for Barnes and Noble for years.

Panzer says, "Whenever a company is taken over by new owners, people will be let go no matter how long you've worked there."

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 teen and sff blogs

Where Should I Buy My ISBNs? - Indies Unlimited

Today, Panzer decided to make a quick stop at the Indies Unlimited site. With a little digging in the posts, our inquisitive kitty found one about buying and owning ISBNs for your books, ebooks and audio books.

Now where is that ISBN hiding?

According to Melinda Clayton, where you buy your ISBNs (International Standard Book Number) is extremely important. Your book's ISBN identifies it in the Books in Print database. This is how libraries and bookstores can find your book. Bowker is the official seller of ISBNs in the United States. If you buy your book's ISBN directly from Bowker, you are listed in Books in Print as the publisher of your book.  If you get your book's ISBN from Amazon, then Amazon bought that ISBN from Bowker and Amazon is listed as the publisher of your book. There's also an illegal side to not buying your ISBN from Bowker (or Amazon) too. Turns out there are scammers online who advertise they sell ISBNs at discounted prices and the ISBNs are either not delivered or fake made-up numbers.The post includes a link to the Bowker site and one for authors outside the United States.

Panzer says, "Hmm ... You do need to worry about who owns that ISBN, because some bookstores won't carry books with ISBNs showing Amazon as your publisher."

Note: This is a medium length post. Bring a cup of cocoa and a muffin for today's reading selection. If you plan to follow the links in the post, bring a second cup of tea and another muffin.

To read the post tootle over to ISBNs

Scandal Engulfs Independent Publisher ChiZine Publications - Writer Beware

Today as Panzer was tootling around in the Catosphere, the Panzermobile was suddenly buffeted and shaken by yelling and screaming outside. Braving the chaos and following all the noise took our adventuresome kitty boy to the Writer Beware site. It took no digging at all to find the cause of all the hullabaloo was a post about Canadian indie publishing company ChiZine Publications. In case you didn't know, Writer Beware is a site which advises writers about scams and unscrupulous sites, agents, and publishers.

Watch where you step.

According to Victoria Strauss, ChiZine Publications has recently had numerous complaints filed against the company by writers. While it appeared the company had an excellent record working with authors, it has come to light according to the quoted authors, sites and blog posts this wasn't true. The post contains quotes from authors' blogs about not getting paid their royalties, statements from writers' organizations, and a statement from ChiZine. There are also links to several blog posts about the issues as well.

Panzer says, "This is definitely one big pile of pooh you don't want to step in."

Note: This is a humongous post. Bring a gallon of tea and a dozen muffins for today's reading selection. If you plan to follow the links, also bring a gallon of cocoa, a dozen muffins and a dozen chocolate chip cookies.

To read the post tootle over to scandal

A New Panzerism

Panzer on the Creator's creations:

The Creator only made a certain number of perfect creatures.

Ones ...

with fur ...

See ... No thumbs

with tails ...

with pointy ears ...

and the extraordinary ability to purr.

The rest he gave opposable thumbs.



*From Cat Wisdom for humans

B&N Launches Book of the Year Award - Publlishers Weekly

Panzer's trip into the Catosphere today took our illustrious kitty traveler to the Publishers Weekly site. There he found a post about the new Barnes and Noble Book of the Year Award.

Does it help book sales in the UK?

According to the post by Ed Nawotka, Barnes and Noble has announced the company will institute a new annual Book of the Year Award. The Barnes and Noble booksellers are who will pick the nominees and vote for a winner. Barnes and Noble CEO James Daunt is also part of the UK's Waterstones bookstores. Waterstones has had a Book of the Year Award since 2012. The shortlist of this year's nominees is included in the post. A link to information aboutt Waterstones Book of the Year Award is also included in the post.

Panzer says, "This tells this little kitty that if your book isn't sold through the Barnes and Noble stores, you won't be nominated."

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

To read the post tootle over to Barnes and Noble Book of the Year Award

Macmillan Can't Adapt to the Market, So It's Forcing Customers to Adopt to It - The Digital Reader

Today as Panzer was tootling around in the Catosphere he decided to make a stop at The Digital Reader site. With a little digging in the posts there he found one about the Macmillan embargo of libraries. Our studious kitty boy has been updating you on this issue every since it started. Under the Macmillan is only allowing libraries to purchase one copy of a newly published ebook until two months after its publication.

Where does he get his information?

In The Digital Reader site owner Nate Hoffelder's post, he explains why he believes Macmillan CEO John Sargent is making unsubstantiated claims about library patrons and their ebook use. CEO Sargent believes if library patrons can't get an ebook in a timely manner at the library, 8 percent of those patron will buy a hardcover copy of the book. According to Mr. Hoffelder's analysis, the publishing company appears to be functioning under a pre-ebook mentality. As he points out, Macmillan is trying to sell books to and through bookstores, instead of to book buyers. This is probably why Macmillan's sales are down and not to libraries or their patrons. There is a link included in the post to a press release issued earlier this month by the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies about CEO Sargent's appearance at a meeting with them.

Panzer says, "Hmm ... Mom and What's His Name must not be part of CEO Sargent's 8 percent. If they can't find the ebook they want through the library, they just look for another ebook by somebody else. "

Note: This is a short-medium length post. Bring a cup of cocoa and a chocolate muffin for today's reading selection. If you plan to read the second post, bring an extra cup of cocoa and another chocolate muffin.

To read the post tootle over to Macmillan

To read Panzer's previous post about Macmillan tootle over to Macmillan CEO

Amazon Reducing Orders to Publishers - Publishers Weekly

Today's trip into the Catosphere took Panzer to the Publishers Weekly site. With a little digging in the posts our adventuresome kitty found one about Amazon's inventory problems.

Never have only distributor.

According to Jim Milliot, Amazon is cutting back on the company's book orders from publishers. This is a step the company is taking in inventory reduction at its warehouses. By reducing the number of books in inventory the company will have more warehouse space available for other items in upcoming sales during the holiday season. Because of the possible loss of holiday book sales, some publishers are considering using BN.com, Walmart and other distribution outlets for their online book sales.

Panzer says, "Hmm ... Maybe ... Amazon needs bigger warehouses/distribution centers?"

Note: Your choice: This is either a long-short length or a short-medium length post. Either way, bring a cup of tea and a muffin for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to Amazon

Veterans Day

From Panzer, Mom and What's His Name

Once Upon a Crime: A Collaborative Story in Need of a Title - Criminal Element

Panzer was vacuuming the floor mats in the Panzermobile when he noticed a wadded up post under the passenger seat. Flattening it out, he discovered it was a post from the Criminal Element site.

I have a headache.

According to the post from Criminal Element HQ, Criminal Element and Minotaur Books are running a contest to name a short story. The short story was written in collaboration by a group of mystery/crime writers at this year's Bouchercon. Bouchercon is the annual mystery writers and fans convention. All you have to do to enter the contest is read the story (which is included in the post) and post your title in the Comments section. The winner will receive "a mega-bundle of books from all the participating authors" of the story.

Panzer says, "Be sure and read some of the titles others have already posted in the Comments section."

Note: Even with the story, this is a long-medium length post. Bring a cup of tea and one and a half muffins for today's reading.

To read the post and the story tootle over to Once Upon A Crime

Finding the Best Creative Writing Blogs On the Internet - Jerry Jenkins

I'm always looking for interesting stuff.

Today, when Panzer was cleaning out the glove box on the Panzermobile's dashboard, he discovered a post in there under his forgotten ereader. Flattening out the post, our fastidious kitty boy found it was from author Jerry Jenkins blog site.

Included in the post are Jerry Jenkins 13 favorite creative writing blogs. Each of the blogs listed is followed by a description of what the blog covers and includes a link to the blog site. Be advised, there are popup ads at the site.

Panzer says, "There are blog recommendations for both fiction and nonfiction writers."

If you're looking for some educational/entertaining reading for writers, tootle over to Creative Writing Blogs

As Boycotts Mount, Macmillan CEO Defends Library E-books Embargo - Publishers Weekly

Panzer had hardly entered the Catosphere when the Panzermobile was shaken by all the booing and yelling and hissing outside. It didn't take any effort to follow all the chaos and angst to the Publishers Weekly site. There our brave kitty pilot found a post about the latest news in the Macmillan library embargo. Panzer has been telling you about the embargo for several weeks now because our kitty boy is big supporter of libraries.

Just boycott all his books.

According to the post by Andrew Albanese, on November 4 Macmillan CEO John Sargent had a meeting with Chief Officers of State Library Agencies representatives after the library embargo went into effect. CEO Sargent told the assembled librarians the company will not stop the embargo. He continues to stand behind his claim libraries are responsible for the company's sales losses. The embargo prohibits libraries from purchasing more than one copy of Macmillan's ebooks until two months after the book's publication date. The number of libraries joining a boycott of Macmillan ebooks started by the King Country Library System in Washington state is growing and is said to be in the "dozens" of libraries now. It should be noted, however, that some of the libraries boycotting the ebooks are instead purchasing more hardcover editions. Instead of punishing Macmillan for the embargo, purchasing more hardcovers rewards the company. There are nine links to other information about the embargo included in the post.

Panzer says, "Hmm ... You can't buy our ebooks, but we'll sell you all the hardcover books you want to buy. That pile of stinky stuff just keeps getting higher."

Note: This is a h-u-m-o-n-g-o-u-s post. Bring a gallon of tea and a dozen muffins for today's reading selection. If you plan to follow all the links in the post, bring two gallons of tea, three dozen muffins and a dozen chocolate chip cookies (biscuits). You should also bring a portable cooking stove to make your dinner.

To read the post tootle over to Macmillan CEO

To read Panzer's post from two days ago, tootle over to Macmillan library embargo

B&N Pursues 'Risky' Move Against Fired CEO - Publishers Weekly

Today Panzer made a quick trip to the Publishers Weekly site. There with a little digging in the posts pile our fastidious kitty boy found one about the Demos Parneros lawsuit filed against Barnes and Noble.

What was discovered?

According to Andrew Albanese's post, Barnes and Noble attorneys are asking the judge in Demos Parneros' lawsuit against his former employer Barnes and Noble to issue a summary judgement on two of the three claims in the lawsuit. They are the defamation of character claim and the breach of good faith claim. The attorneys say that now the discovery process is over, the information shows there is no merit to these two claims. The judge advised the attorneys it would be a risky proposition to ask for a summary judgement, but the attorneys intend to go ahead with it. They have until November 22 to file their motion. The post contains several links to other posts containing information about the ongoing lawsuit as well as a link to the letter filed with the court advising about the summary judgement request.

Panzer says, "Hmm ... This little kitty doesn't think it bodes well when the judge tells you it's risky to do what you want to do."

Note: This is a long post. Bring a cup of tea and two muffins for today's reading. If you plan to follow all the links in the post, bring a gallon of tea and a dozen muffins. Oh, and you might want to bring a sleeping bag for a nap in the middle of your reading.

To read the post tootle over to Barnes and Noble

Macmillan Library Embargo Update - Various

This has been a tough day for Panzer. He had hardly settled into his little kitty bed, when he was shaken onto the floor by howling and yowling coming from the Catosphere. Jumping into the Panzermobile our traveling kitty boy followed all the hullabaloo to the Motherboard site first and then on to The Digital Reader site. Both sites take publisher Macmillan to task for the company's library embargo. Panzer has been telling you about this ongoing battle since it started.

According to Motherboard's Matthew Gault's post, Macmillan is using flawed logic and incorrect numbers to support its library embargo. Macmillan claims library readers are the cause of the company's book sale losses and, therefore, the embargo to not let libraries have copies of new ebooks until two months after publication is justified. The post points out libraries pay three or four times more for an ebook than a regular purchaser. Once the book has been checked out 52 times or "owned" by the library for two years, the library must buy another copy. The post contains extensive quotes from Overdrive's Steve Potash disputing Macmillan's claims.

The Digital Reader's Nate Hoffelder's post, addresses an increase in the number of libraries that will no longer purchase Macmillan ebooks.. The number of libraries and library systems has grown from one to four. More than one library is included in a library system. One of the participants, the King County Library System, has 50 libraries. The post contains links to other information about the libraries' efforts. There's also a link to a notice some libraries are using to tell patrons that Macmillan's new policy is why they can't get a book they want from the library.

I don't want to wash those shoes.

Panzer says, "This little kitty thinks Macmillan stepped in a big pile of stinky stuff."

Note: This will be a humongous read. Bring a gallon of tea and a dozen muffins for today's reading selections. If you plan to follow the links, bring another gallon of tea and another dozen muffins.

To read the post at Motherboard tootle over to Macmillan library embargo

To read the post at The Digital Reader tootle over to libraries boycotting Macmillan

A New Panzerism

Panzer on ways to save money:

I heard Mom and What's His Name talking.
Mom said they need to save money for Christmas.

What's His Name said my cat food is the really expensive kind ...

and ...

she should change my cat food to the really cheap stuff to save money.

Well ...

I could catch him some spiders.*

I know how What's His Name can save money.

I've heard bugs are a good source of protein.

Maybe ...

What's His Name needs to change his diet to save money.



*From Cat Wisdom for humans

 

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!
From Panzer, Mom and What's His Name

Macmillan CEO John Sargent: 'We're Not Trying to Harm Libraries' - Publishers Weekly

Panzer was just taking his afternoon nap, when, suddenly, he was shaken from his kitty bed by booing and hissing coming from the Catosphere. Hopping into the Panzermobile, he followed the caterwauling to the Publishers Weekly site. There our brave kitty boy found a post about publisher Macmillan's embargo on libraries. Panzer told you yesterday about the American Library Association's (ALA) letter to the House Judiciary Committee about Macmillan and other publishers.

According to the post by Andrew Albanese, Macmillan CEO John Sargent has released a letter to librarians and the American Library Association (ALA) about Macmillan's embargo of libraries. Starting November 1, Macmillan will only allow libraries to purchase one copy of their new ebooks until two months after the ebooks publication date. CEO Sargent's letter basically repeats the same argument he has been using to place the embargo. That people check out ebooks from the library instead of buying the physical book. He says this hurts Macmillan, so he won't change his decision. The post includes links to other Publishers Weekly posts about the embargo and a link to a copy of the letter. You will want to read the letter.

Who's on the House Judiciary Committee?

Panzer says, "So he doesn't want to 'Harm Libraries', he wants to 'Harm Library Patrons.' Those same library patrons he wants to buy his books. Makes this little kitty want to run right out and buy a Macmillan book."

Note: This is a long-medium length post. Bring a cup of tea and a muffin for today's reading selection. If you want to follow the links, bring another cup of tea and two muffin.

To read the post tootle over to Macmillan

To read yesterday's post about the House Judiciary Committee, tootle over to  Digital Antitrust

Libraries Take E-Book Lending Fight into Antitrust Territory - Copyright and Technology

Today, Panzer decided to make a stop at the Copyright and Technology site. With a little digging in the posts, our inquisitive, traveling kitty found one about the libraries' on-going fight with Macmillan and other ebook publishers. Panzer told you about the problems which brought about this dispute last week.

Bill Rosenblatt's post addresses the American Library Association's (ALA) problems with access to ebooks from the major publishers. Publisher Macmillan announced earlier this year it would start a two month embargo on libraries' access to new ebooks. Since Macmillan's announcement the ALA complained to the publisher, started a library patrons' petition and most recently sent a letter to the House Judiciary Committee. The Committee is investigating antitrust/anticompetition allegations against major corporations. In the letter to the House Judiciary Committee the ALA also presented the fact Amazon doesn't make its books available to libraries. In his post, Mr. Rosenblatt points out Amazon does allow Prime members to have access to, "check out," read ebooks and then "return" them. There are so many links included in this post, that this little kitty gave up counting them.

My head is starting to hurt.

Panzer says, "This fight is just getting more and more complicated."

Note: This is long, long post. Bring a cup of tea, a cup of hot cocoa, and three muffins for today's reading selection. If you plan to follow the links included in the post, bring a thermos of tea, a thermos of cocoa, and two dozen muffins.

To read the post tootle over to libraries e-book lending

To read Panzer previous post about the letter to the Judiciary Committee, tootle over to Congress

A New Panzerism

Panzer on human superstitions:

Mom says humans think black cats are bad luck.

Where did she get that idea?

Oh ...

Wait ...

There was that time I left that present in What's His Name's shoe ...

and ...

Mom's credit card and The Catnip of the Month Club ...

Cause and effect maybe?*

And ...

And ...

Hmm ...

Maybe she is right.



*From Cat Wisdom for humans

Bring Out the Daggers - The Rap Sheet

Panzer was tootling around in the Catosphere when he heard clapping and cheering outside. Following all the jocularity, took our intrepid kitty traveler to The Rap Sheet site. There he found a post about the British Crime Writers Association.

According to J. Kingston Pierce's post at The Rap Sheet, the British Crime Writers' Association has announced the 2019 Dagger winners. There are 11 CWA Awards: Gold Dagger, John Creasey, ALCS Gold Dagger for Non-fiction, Ian Fleming Steel Dagger, International Dagger, Sapere Book Historical Dagger, Short Story Dagger, Dagger in the Library, Debut Dagger, Best Crime and Mystery Publisher of the Year, and Diamond Dagger. The Dagger Awards are given out annually in the UK. The post lists all the winners and the also nominated for each award.

I'm known internationally. Right?

Panzer says, "Hmm ... I wonder how to get nominated for the International Dagger?"

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

To read the full post tootle over to CWA Daggers

Congress Looking into Anticompetitive Behavior in the Digital Library Market - Publishers Weekly

Today, Panzer made a trip to the Publishers Weekly site. There our speedy kitty boy found a post about the American Library Association and publisher Macmillan's embargo. Panzer has been telling you about Macmillan's two month embargo on new ebooks sales to libraries since it was announced.

Libraries can get my ebooks.

According to Andrew Albanese, the embargo has taken an unexpected turn. The American Library Association (ALA) has taken their digital book distribution problem with publisher Macmillan to the United States Congress. In a letter to an antitrust subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee, the ALA explained the detrimental effects to the library systems caused by Macmillan's actions. The ALA also says Amazon Publishing refuses to sell ebooks to libraries. There are several links to other posts about the ALA's ongoing dispute with Macmillan and with Amazon included in the post.

Panzer says, "This little kitty didn't know libraries were fighting with Amazon too."

Note: This is a huge post. Bring a thermos of tea and half a dozen muffins for today's reading selection. If you plan to follow all the links in the post, bring a gallon of tea and three dozen muffins, a sleeping bag for a nap, and a camp stove to cook your dinner on.

To read the post tootle over to digital library market

To read Panzer's previous post tootle over to public library system

Small Claims Copyright 'Case Act' Passes US House of Representatives - Publishing Perspectives

As Panzer was tootling around in the Catosphere today, he heard clapping and cheering outside the Panzermobile. Following all the hubbub took our brave kitty boy to the Publishing Perspectives site. There he found all the noise was about the new copyright act passed by the United States House of Representatives.

According to the post by Porter Anderson, the US House of Representatives has passed the Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement Act (CASE Act). The Act will now go to the US Senate for consideration. The CASE Act creates the Small Claims Board (CCB) which will hear copyright infringement claims. The CCB will be part of the US Copyright office. The post contains links to several other posts with information about the CASE Act and supporters of the Act.

Don't get too excited yet.

Panzer says,"Hmm ... This little kitty thinks the celebrating is a little early. The CASE Act still has to be voted on in the Senate and then signed into law. It's not a finished deal yet."

Note: This is a h-u-g-e post. Bring a gallon of tea and half a dozen muffins for your reading today. If you plan to follow all the links in the post, bring three more gallons of tea and six more dozen muffins, plus a sleeping bag for a nap in the middle.

To read the post tootle over to Copyright Case Act