Books Escape EUDR Enforcement - Publishers Weekly

Imagine a world without paper books to read.

On his way home Panzer stopped at the Publishers Weekly site. There he found a post about the European Union Parliament..

 

According to Jim Milliot's post, the EU Parliament exempt books from the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

 

Panzer says, "You'll want to read the post to see what else is exempt."

 

Note: This is a short post. You won't need any snacks.

 

To read the post tootle over to EUDR Enforcement 

European Publishers Say the EU is Giving In to AI - Publishers Daily

I'm getting a headache from all the AI chaos.

Panzer found this news release at the Publishers Daily site.

 

According to the release, organizations representing millions of European creatives have complained to the European Commission about the European Union AI Act. The post includes a link to more information about the organizations complaints.

 

Panzer says, "You need to read the release and follow the link to get the full information about the complaints."

 

Note: This is a shortish post. Bring a cup of tea to drink while you read. If , plan to follow the link and read more information about the complaints you'll need to bring more to snack on.

 

To read the post tootle over to AI Act 

European Union Literary Prize: Winner and Special Mentions - Publishing Perspectives

I do a lot of traveling for you.

While tootling around in the Catosphere today Panzer stopped in at the Publishing Perspectives site. There our adventuresome kitty boy found a post about the European Union Prize for Literature winner.

 

According to Porter Anderson's post, this year's European Union Prize for Literature long list was open to one author from each of the forty countries in the European Union. The long list was then narrowed to thirteen. The winner and two special mentions were then announced from the short list.The post includes links to information on the Prize for Literature, how the winner and special mentions are chosen, and the short list.

 

Panzer says, "You'll need to read it all for yourself to understand it."

 

Note: This is a long post. Bring a cup of tea and a big muffin. If you plan to follow all the links, you'll need to decide what to bring to snack on.

 

To read the post tootle over to European Union Literary Prize 

In Brussels, a Call for Proper AI Act Implementation - Publishing Perspectives

You catch it at the beginning, not the end.

Panzer found a post about AI and the EU on the Publishing Perspectives site.

 

Porter Anderson's post covers the push by creatives to get the EU Commission to implement an AI act which is fair to both sides. The post includes links to other information about the parties involved in the presentation.

 

Panzer says, "If the horse already left the barn, it's too late to catch him."

 

Note: This is a longish post. Bring a cup of tea and a muffin to snack on.

 

To read the post tootle over to AI Act

UK, German, Italian Publishers on AI Policy Developments - Pulishing Perspectives

The EU is moving fast with this.

Today, Panzer made a trip to the Publishing Perspectives site. With just a little digging in the posts our intrepid kitty traveler found one about the Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act).

 

According to Porter Anderson's post, the European Union (EU) Coreper Committee voted on February 2 in favor of the "AI Act." The "AI Act" sets out the EU's digital regulations for AI in the member countries. The "AI Act" will next be voted on in Parliament. The post contains information and opinions about the "AI Act" from several EU member country publishers and individuals. Several links to other information are also included in the post.

Panzer says, "Let's see if the US has it's own "AI Act" soon."

Note: This is a very long post. Bring a cup of cocoa, a muffin, a brownie, and a chocolate chip cookie (biscuit) for your snack while you read.

To read the post tootle over to AI Policy

Reactions to 'Artificial Intelligence': Scribd Alters Its Terms - Publishing Perspectives

Today's trip into the Catosphere took Panzer to the Publishing Perspectives site. There he found a post about artificial intelligence (AI) and Scribd.

Wake me in the morning.

According to Porter Anderson's post, subscription service Scribd has made changes to their Terms. The company now explains Scribd has not and will not let any of the material on the platform be used to train AI without the company's permission. There are also quotes from the Association of American Publishers, information about the EU's new rules for AI and other information. The post includes several links to other sources.

Panzer says, "It will be interesting to see the EU's rules for AI."

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

To read the post tootle over to Scribd

Amazon Faces Fresh Clampdown With Germany and UK Security - Bloomberg

Today's trip into the Catosphere took Panzer to the Bloomberg site. With a little digging in the posts there our inquisitive kitty boy found one about Amazon.

 

Let's see what they do.

According to the post by Stephanie Bodoni and Katharine Gemmell, Amazon is now being scrutinized by Germany and the UK for signs of anti-competitive behavior. Germany's Federal Cartel Office and the UK's Competition and Markets Authority join the EU's European Commission in investigating Amazon.

 

Panzer says, "Hmm ... This should be interesting to watch what happens."

 

Note: This is a long-medium length post. Bring a cup of tea and two chocolate chip cookies (biscuits) for today's reading selection.

 

To read the post tootle over to Amazon and German Regulator

Publishers, Booksellers Cheer Europes Digital Markets Act - Publishing Perspectives

As Panzer was tootling around in the Catosphere, he decided to make a stop at the Publishing Perspectives site. With a little digging in the posts, he found one about the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA) and the Digital Services Act (DSA).

 

I don't understand.

According to Porter Anderson's post, the European Parliament has passed the Digital Markets Act and the Digital Services Act. Both Acts are against practices which European publishers and booksellers accuse Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Google, and Microsoft of doing. Both Acts go into effect in 2023.

 

Panzer says, "Hmm ... This little kitty doesn't understand how these Acts work. Does it mean, if your company does business in the EU, you have to give preferential treatment to EU publishers and booksellers to the detriment of outside the EU publishers and booksellers? I thought they didn't want the companies to give preferential treatment anymore."

 

Note: This is a very, very long post. Bring a huge cup of tea, two muffins and a jelly roll for today's reading.

 

To read the post tootle over to Europe's Digital Markets Actal

Publish KDP Paperbacks and Hardbacks in Sweden and Poland! - KDP Community

Today's trip into the Catosphere took Panzer to the KDP Community site. There he found a post that KDP authors' paperback and hardback books are now available for sale in Sweden and Poland.

 

Maybe I'll adjust the prices there.

According to the post, authors who chose Worldwide, UK or EU distribution have their books automatically made available in Amazon's Sweden and Poland markets. There are links in the post to make changes for your books distribution.

 

Panzer says, "Hmm ... Two new marketplaces."

 

Note: This is a short post. You don't need to bring anything for today's reading. If you want to follow the links in the post and make changes to you books, you decide what to bring to eat and drink.

 

To read the post tootle over to Publish in Sweden and Poland

Europe accuses Amazon of misusing third-party retail data, opens new 'Buy Box' investigation - GeekWire

 As Panzer was tootle around in the Catosphere today, he decided to make a stop at the GeekWire site. With a little digging in the posts our inquisitive kitty boy found one about Amazon and the company's European sales dealings.

 

According to the post by Todd Bishop, the EU's European Commission is investigating if Amazon gives itself or those who use its services an advantage with the company's 'Buy Box.' The Commission is also investigating Prime members' use of the 'Buy Box.' If the Commission determines Amazon is in the wrong, the company could be fined 10 percent of its global annual revenue. There are links to other information about the Commission's investigation included in the post.

 

 They decide if they get the money?

Panzer says, "Hmm ... This little kitty is confused. ... Mom is an Amazon Prime member and she buys stuff on Amazon. Since she pays Amazon to be a Prime member, Amazon gives her special prices and special deals. Sometimes what she orders is shipped from Amazon fulfillment centers and sometimes it's shipped directly from the seller's company.  What is Amazon doing wrong with Prime memberships?"

Note: This is a short medium post. Bring a cup of tea and a muffin for today's reading selection. If you plan to follow the included links, bring a thermos of cocoa, four muffins, four chocolate chip cookies (biscuits), and two brownies.

To read the post tootle over to Europe Commission vs Amazon

 

 

Authors in the Coronavirus Crisis: The European Writers' Council Report - Publishing Perspectives

As Panzer was taking his afternoon nap he shaken from his kitty bed by crying and shouting coming from the Catosphere. Our brave kitty boy hopped in the Panzermobile to discover the source of the trouble. Following all the noise took him to the Publishing Perspectives site. There he found a post about the plight of writers in the European Union (EU).

According to Porter Anderson's post, writers and translators in the the EU are suffering large uncompensated financial losses. The European Writers' Council just released a report about the financial situation of the 150,000 writers and translators the group represents.

I'm glad I have a second job as a cat.

The financial losses are due to several factors, including changed or cancelled book publication dates, postponed translations, cancelled prizes and grants, cancelled or moved online speaking engagements and other related writing activities from which writers and translators gain financial payments. Unlike other "businesses," freelance writers and translators are not receiving any type of government compensation to replace these losses. Several links to other writing and publishing information are included in the post as well as a link to download a pdf copy of the European Writers' Council's report.

Panzer says, "It's not any different here in the U.S."

Note: This is a long post. Bring a large cup of tea and two muffins for today's reading selection. If you plan to follow the links, bring a thermos of tea and seven muffins.

To read the post tootle over to authors and Coronavirus

Agatha Awards, Edgar Awards and EU Prize for Literature - Various

Today as Panzer was tootling around in the Catosphere the Panzermobile was suddenly buffeted from all sides by clapping and cheering. Our brave kitty pilot followed all the hullabaloo first to the Mystery Fanfare site, then to the Mystery Tribune site and finally to the Publishers Weekly site.

Each of these sites had announcements about the recent winners of literary prizes. They include the Agatha Awards, the Edgar Awards and European Prize for Literature.

I am so tired I can't keep my eyes open.

First, in addition to a list of the Agatha winners Mystery Fanfare includes a link to the presentation ceremony via Zoom. Second, in addition to the list of the Edgar winners Mystery Tribune includes a description of each winner's story plot. Third, in addition to the list of The European Prize for Literature winners Publishers Weekly explains how the prizes are awarded.

Panzer says. "This little kitty spent so much time traveling he needs a long nap."

Note: Because today's reading includes three sites and a Zoom ceremony, this is a triple humongous reading adventure. Bring a thermos of tea and a thermos of cocoa and five muffins and ten chocolate chip cookies.

To read the post about the Agathas tootle over to Agatha Award Winners
To read the post about the Edgars tootle over to MWA Edgar Winners
To read the post about the E.U. Prize tootle over to European Prize for Literature

Why the Second-Hand Ebook Market May Never Take Off - Fortune

Panzer was cleaning out the console next to the pilot's seat when he found a wadded up post. Flattening it out he discovered it was a post from the Fortune site about selling your "used" ebooks.

According to David Meyer's post on the Fortune site, the European Union's (EU) highest court has put the "second-hand" "used" ebook market out of business. In a ruling against former used ebook store now used ebook book club Tom Kabinet, the court ruled ebooks cannot be treated the same as hardback/paperback books and re-sold. Whether the ruling will apply to streaming material such as games and music wasn't addressed in the ruling, but will probably be in future cases.

If it's illegal there, I guess it's illegal here.

Panzer says, "Hmm ... I didn't even know there was a market for used ebooks."

Note: This is a long post. Bring a cup of hot cocoa, a muffin and two chocolate chip cookies for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to used ebooks

Looking for Answers to Copyright at IAF Panel - Publishers Weekly

Today, Panzer decided to make a quick trip to the Publishers Weekly site. With a little digging around in the posts our kitty boy found one about the International Authors Forum.

According to the post by John Maher, the International Authors Forum (IAF) held their annual meeting earlier this month. While the meeting entailed discussions of copyright in general, the new European Union (EU) Copyright Directive was a main discussion topic. The post covered the IAF's exploration of Article 17 and its implementation in each EU country. There was also discussion of how Brexit might impact the UK's response. The post includes links to other information sites and posts.

Now I can relax because it's not just me.

Panzer says, "This little kitty feels so much better to learn it's not just me that's confused by Article 17 of the EU Copyright Directive. Turns out a lot of humans are confused by it too."

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

To read the post tootle over to Copyright

European Union Copyright Directive Gets Final Green Light - Publishing Perspectives

Panzer was taking a well-deserved nap when he was shaken from his kitty bed by a hullabaloo of noise coming from the Catosphere. Jumping into the Panzermobile he followed the noise to the Publishing Perspectives site. There with no digging at all he found a post about the EU's copyright directive.

Post author Porter Anderson says the European Union (EU) Council has passed the Copyright Directive. The voting members were not in total agreement however. Nineteen of the EU member-states voted to pass the Directive, six voted against it and three abstained. Panzer told you about the EU Parliament vote on March 25 which passed the Directive and moved it on for the Council vote. There are links included in the post for more information concerning the Directive.

I have watch where I step from now on.

Panzer says, "With the new rules in place this little kitty will have to be very careful about publishing news from EU countries."

Note: This is a l-o-n-g post. Bring a thermos of tea and a half dozen frosted chocolate muffins.

To read the post tootle over to European Union copyright directive

To read Panzer's earlier post about the Copyright Directive tootle over to European Parliament

European Parliment Approves Controversial Copyright Overhaul - Publishers Weekly

Panzer was shaken from his nap by crying and wailing coming from the Catosphere. Hopping into the Panzermobile, our brave kitty boy followed all the howling to the Publishers Weekly site. There he found a post about the European Union's copyright overhaul.

According to Andrew Albanese, the European Parliament has approved the Directive on Copyright in the Digital Single Market. There will be another vote by the Council of the European Union, but it's a foregone conclusion it will be approved there as well. After that vote each member of the EU will be required to change their copyright laws to match the Directive.  There is a link to the Wikipedia listing of the Directive, plus other links with information about the Directive,

Sorry. I have to be careful.

Panzer says, "With the approval of this new copyright directive, there won't be as much reporting of the news from EU publishing sources. Although this little kitty summarizes what he reads, he doesn't want to get into any trouble with EU news publishers."

Note: This is a humongous post. Bring a thermos of tea and a dozen muffins for today's reading selection. If you plan to follow the links in the post, bring a gallon of tea and two dozen muffins, plus a sleeping bag for a nap in the middle of your reading.

To read the post tootle over to European Parliament

Interview: Jessica Sanger on Weighing the EU's Copyright Directive After Trilogue - Publishing Perspective

Today Panzer made a trip to the Publishing Perspectives site. There with no digging at all our traveling kitty pilot found a post about the European copyright directive.

According to Porter Anderson, the Council of the European Union voted on February 20 and approved the current version of the copyright directive. The directive will now move on to the European Parliament which will vote on the matter on February 26. Some of the major rules covered by the directive are explained in the post. There are also links to more information included in the first section. The second section of the post is an interview with Jessica Sanger in which she explains various portions of the directive.

Let's see what happens after Feb. 26.

Panzer says, "This little kitty is still confused about if he can have links to European posts after (if) the directive is passed."

Note: This is a long h-u-m-o-n-g-o-u-s post. Bring a gallon of cocoa and a dozen muffins for today's reading selection. If you plan to follow the links in the post, bring a half gallon of tea and three more muffins.

To read the post tootle over to EU's copyright directive

British and Irish Writers Condemn No-Deal Brexit - Publishers Weekly

Panzer was tootling around in the Catosphere when he heard crying and gnashing of teeth. Following all the noise took our brave kitty boy to the Publishers Weekly site. There he found a post about British and Irish writers and Brexit.

According to Neill Denny, British and Irish writers' organizations, The Society of Authors and The Irish Writers' Union, have sent a statement about negotiations for Brexit. The joint statement stresses an agreement about how publishing and books will be distributed between the two countries needs to be negotiated before Brexit is finalized between the UK and the EU. According to the groups if this isn't achieved the consequences will be disastrous for England and Ireland. Both would see consequences in the sale and trade of books between the two countries in the form of tariffs and border control problems.

This is a mess for everybody.

Panzer says, "There's a lot more to the exit negotiations than a pat on the head and a don't let the door hit your backside on the way out."

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 Brexit

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

EU orders Amazon to pay $295 million in Luxembourg back taxes - Robert-Jan Bartunek

Panzer is feeling a little better today, so he took a short trip into the Catosphere. Our sick little kitty boy made a quick stop at the Yahoo! Finance site. There he found a post from the Reuters news service about Amazon.

With antibiotics and pain pills I feel better.

According to the post by Robert-Jan Bartunek, the European Union (EU) is cracking down on what they consider special tax deals within certain member countries of which Luxembourg is one. Therefore, the EU has ordered Amazon to pay $295 million in back taxes to Luxembourg. Amazon contends the company already paid all of their required taxes to Luxembourg. Luxembourg also says the EU is wrong in their computations and judgement. There is a video at the top of the post about the European Union's tax assessments.

Panzer says, "This little kitty is confused. The EU gets to decide how much taxes a member country can charge and who they can charge?"

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

To read the post, tootle over to Amazon taxes