The Value of Publishing in a Knowledge-Based Society

Tom Allen, president and CEO of Association of American Publishers (AAP), met with WBP members on Thursday, October 29. Allen addressed concerns about digital publishing, piracy, and, of course, the Google settlement. Allen commented that publishing models have typically been viewed as "mature" and established, but the digital revolution is changing business models, bringing with it advantages and risks."There's no sense in fighting the future and fighting where the public wants to go," Allen said. 

While Allen expressed his confidence that the shift will produce "breakthrough content with new forms of technology," Allen also recognized two major problems that have arisen owing to the digital shift: the introduction of the open-access movement and a significant jump in piracy of copyrighted material. 

He explained that many people believe that "if it comes over the Internet, it should be free."  He acknowledged that the open-access movement is "based in some good sense. But if the goal is to educate, you don't want material to be transmitted through wikis -- you need the best quality available." Although the push toward open access cannot be ignored, he said, publishers still occupy key positions as the gatekeepers of trusted information that has been fact-checked and peer-reviewed.

Allen also spoke about the threat of literary piracy and the AAP's actions to limit it.  As more books move from ink-on-paper print runs to digital formats, piracy has abounded.  Allen highlighted the actions of Chinese government officials in defending copyright laws; as China moves toward the creation of publishing companies that would rival those in the United States, it has become more cognizant of the value of protecting intellectual and knowledge-based content.

The discussion then turned to the issue on every publisher's mind: the Google settlement. While Mr. Allen skirted particular details that are still under negotiation, he was able to answer several questions. When asked why the Department of Justice waited so long to question a settlement that was years in the making, Allen hypothesized that the current administration is more focused than the last on antitrust litigation. He added that the agreement is unusual because the heart of it consists of reparations going forward. The settlement is under particular scrutiny because it has created a new remuneration system for publishers in the digital age.

For those concerned about Google becoming too large, however, Allen cautions that we should look to those who have filed the loudest complaints to the settlement: "It seems like what is really going on is a massive struggle between Google, Amazon, and Microsoft."  As the number of independent booksellers shrinks, Barnes & Noble, Borders, and Amazon remain -- and Amazon holds 85% of the world's backlist.

The definition of "book" is changing. According to Allen, AAP, as an advocacy organization, protects copyright and intellectual content while supporting effective education tools.  Allen underscored the importance of quality student education and enhanced communication about the roles of publishers in society. "What we're doing is fundamental," Allen said, elaborating that "the role of reading, writing, communication, and learning is central to our development as humans."  Publishers play an important part in this development, and in a knowledge-based society and economy, it is crucial that we make a public case about the value of publishing itself.