POD Technology

In a recent discussion on one of the lists I read, there was debate about what qualifies a publisher to be recognized as 'legitimate' by some organizations. Every organization seems to have criteria that must be met.

One of the things that has kept some publisher from being recognized is the use of POD technology. In fact, most review sites will not consider reviewing POD titles. Others assert that stores don't carry POD titles because most aren't returnable.

It's blanket discrimination like this that makes it hard for technological advancement. I'm familiar with POD and some of the shortfalls. I'm also aware that places that use printers such as Lightning Source allow for returns and distribute through Ingram. I could go in a whole different direction with a rant here, but won't.

The main focus of my thoughts is a report on Galleycat, about changes to contracts with Simon & Schuster. Here's an excerpt:

S&S spokesman Adam Rothberg was surprised at the "overreaction" by the Authors Guild. "We believe that our contract appropriately addresses the improved technology, increased availability, and higher quality of print on demand books, and reflects the fact that print on demand titles may now be readily purchased by consumers at both online and brick and mortar stores. We are embracing print on demand technology as an unprecedented opportunity for authors and publishers to keep their books alive and available and selling in the marketplace in a way that may not have been previously possible for many authors, and are confident in the long term it that will be a benefit for all concerned." S&S further wanted the author and agent community "to know that, when necessary, we have always had good faith negotiations on the subject of reversions, and will continue to on a book-by-book basis."

Here's my first question: Will the newspapers that have policies against reviewing POD titles be subjective with future reviews of Simon & Schuster titles?

Here's my next question: Will we see more mainstream acceptance for POD?

I'm personally amused by the timing of this, because of some of the recent discussions. If you read the Galleycat article (and you really should) you'll know that this contract issue is a serious one. The rules concerning POD titles and reclaiming title need to be addressed before POD becomes even more common than it already is.