On 2005-06-28, Bill Silvert wrote:
> Springer seems to be really bad at making its books available. I wrote part
> of a book that appeared early this year, several months late, but it is not
> being promoted at all. I went to a large meeting (over 2000) dealing with
> the book topic and although Springer had a display stand, the book wasn't
> there. The rep didn't even know about it - when I showed her the book info
> she was appalled and very apologetic, but apologies don't sell books.
Bill,
This is drifting off-topic, but others may be interested, too.
Springer printed up 200 fliers about my book (offering a 20% discount) for
me to provide at the annual meeting of the International Association for
Impact Assessment in Bahston. Otherwise, they do not actively promote any
specific book. I assumed that to be the case and undertook the marketing
myself.
Last year Springer purchased Kluwer Academic Publishers (and one or two
others). Prior to that, Springer-Verlag was purchased by Bertelsmann (not
sure of the spelling) and their name changed to Spriger Science+Business
Media. As the merger and acquisition frenzy continues, those of us outside
the system see worse and worse service and companies that have grown too
large for efficient management. Trying to merge corporate cultures has too
often resulted in failure, so some resentful employees poke wrenches in the
corporate wheel spokes and no one knows what anyone else is doing.
My guiding advice to folks who think all this is a Good Thing is that while
all progress involves change, not all change involves progress.
Rich
--
Dr. Richard B. Shepard, President
Applied Ecosystem Services, Inc. (TM)
Voice: 503-667-4517 Fax: 503-667-8863
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