ASJA Responds to Amazon

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The American Society of Journalists and Authors sent this out to members recently; I saw it on a mailing list frequented by writers:

Dear fellow members --

In the last few days, Amazon has confirmed that as of April 1, it is requiring on-demand
authors and independent on-demand publishing houses to have their titles printed through
Amazon's own on-demand facilities, Booksurge  -- or they won't be sold on Amazon.  The big
red buy-it button will go away.

ASJA is investigating the situation and the possibility of joining any protest actions within
the industry.  We will keep you informed.  In the meantime, we suggest you read the material
on the links below and consider signing the two petitions, one of which asks the Washington
State Attorney General's office  to investigate this action in light of restraint-of-trade
laws.  (If you live in Washington state, please take particular note of this.)  The other
petition basically tells Amazon "We noticed. We don't like it."

You may circulate this e-mail to non-member friends; in fact, the ASJA Board urges you to do
so.

Sincerely, 
Salley Shannon, ASJA vice president and Advocacy Committee chairman

[Note: if you are interested in joining an ad-hoc committee on this situation, please write
me at VP@asja.org]

Wall Street Journal story:  http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120667525724970997.html

Writer's Weekly page -- information clearinghouse:
http://www.writersweekly.com/the_latest_from_angelahoycom/004597_03272008.html

Petition to stop Booksurge requirement: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/protectPOD/?e

Petition to the Washington State Attorney General:
http://www.amazontroopsurge.com/2008/04/write-government-about-amazons-illegal.html