Book Publishers moving exclusively to the web!

Posted by A. Caleb Hartley on May 27th, 2008 filed in book, online

I read just recently that HarperCollins (a leading publisher of physical, paper books – yes they still exist!) will no longer mail paper catalogs of new books as of summer 2009. Once they stop doing so, they will only announce new new releases online!

Apparently the publisher was (is) sending out about 100,000 copies of its paper catalog each quarter, and HarperCollins has made a decision that doing so is now “economically and environmentally indefensible.”

Additionally, Penguin Group and Random House are also moving to online-only announcements in the future. No news on when just yet from these publishers.

Namaste,
A. Caleb Hartley

I love reading physical books. The web will never completely take the place of a book – at least not for me. But it’s good to see that even major printers are beginning to understand how to use the web to their – and the Earth’s – advantage. What do you think about this? Drop a (digital) note in the comments to tell us!

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3 Responses to “Book Publishers moving exclusively to the web!”

  1. Jill Says:
    May 28th, 2008 at 11:27 am

    I think it’s great! What a simple way to be environmentally responsible. That said, this decision does present an issue…

    With Raconteur Theatre, we decided to give people the option of receiving email or mail updates from us. I have been very surprised by how many people want physical mail coming to their homes. A large portion of those people are the older theatre-going generation. So here’s the question: do we alienate our elders even more in this age by eliminating the mediums they are accustomed to? How can we balance environmental responsibility with our social responsibility to older generations? Many older people don’t have computers (or use them only for email) and some can no longer drive. How might they purchase books?

    In just a few more generations, this will likely not be an issue for us anymore. But as it is, how can we find that balance?

  2. Joy Says:
    May 29th, 2008 at 1:34 am

    It’s great that publishers are beginning to do something for the environment (and at the same time their budgets). I love reading physical books as well. I tried reading a book on a unit before and it miss having to turn the page and have that new-book smell.

    I agree with Jill regarding the older generation. The only solution I can think of is to give them an option to continue with the catalog (maybe for a fee?).

  3. Jess Says:
    May 29th, 2008 at 6:14 am

    I am in two minds about the decision to move all announcements online. It is a fantastic move towards a cleaner greener environment but some people like the elderly rely on junk mail for stimulus.

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