Comments on: Productivity Commission expected to recommend open market for books

By: Kat

Kat — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 11:43:00 +0000

Fair enough, Charlie. I think we'll have to agree to disagree. I think the current restrictions need to be amended, definitely, but I don't think the recommendations were based on reliable data and an impartial frame of reference. I also think that making authors more reliant on government funding is a good way of stifling innovation and is less likely to produce the kinds of books I want to read.

But ... I could be wrong!

By: Charlie

Charlie — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 10:35:51 +0000

I agree with the recommendations. I don’t believe that protecting the publishing industry is the best way to support Australian writers and readers. Protectionism stifles innovation and competition and leads to high prices and poor quality product for consumers. That may sound like right-wing, capitalist rhetoric but I believe it’s true. There are better ways to support Australian literary culture.

By: Sally

Sally — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:02:07 +0000

Great examination fo the issues – and the inadequacies of the Productivity Commissions review. I do hope both you cats are right and that the governemnet will no do anythign about the recommendations.
I am really maddened that the Coalition for Crappier Books has hoodwinked the public into thinking that books will be cheaper if PIRs are scrapped. Authors are being out as greedy for wanting to protect the industry. It’s okay for the Coalition to want to increase their mega-earnigns, but not okay for authors to proetct their meagre ones. Grrrr.

By: Cat

Cat — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 05:07:11 +0000

whoops, misspelt the last your – should be you’re

By: Cat

Cat — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 05:06:03 +0000

(teehee, we’re both cats… )
Well, it’s my hope that the government decides to shelf yet another review of parallel importation (there was one several years ago too) and I completely agree with you about the data gathering is missed opportunity – who knows, perhaps that’s the bit the government will do, i.e. get the ABS on the task (though doubtful given recent ABS job cuts). What I like about your summation of what’s occurred is that you’re objective, showing an intelligent reader’s perspective, not emotive like most of us have gotten, depending on which side of the divide your on

By: Kat

Kat — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 03:19:12 +0000

Thanks, Cat. I've been told that it's unlikely that the goverment will actual do anything. Still, I think it's a missed opportunity to recommend useful strategies to obtain more data on the book industry and point out where we can implement smaller but meaningful improvements.

By: Cat

Cat — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 02:15:23 +0000

Great summary of the key arguments and the debate. Wholeheartedly agree.