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Barnes & Noble reported today that Nook sales fell 34% in the last quarter (source). Since eBook sales now comprise roughly 23%* of the publishing market according to this article., this decline seems like bleak news for the retailer.
Where does this leave the Nook?
There is no clear answer. Rumors started that Microsoft, already an almost 18% owner, would purchase the Nook brand. But then several articles I pulled up announced that B&N was simply stepping aside to let Amazon and Apple duke it out.
It'll be interesting to see what happens in the coming months. I am a Kindle owner (first generation), and I have Kindle apps on my iPad and iPhone. Although I still love the feel of a paperback, I think eReaders are here to stay--as are eBooks.
In the spirit of competition and reader choice, I do not want to see Nook go away. So let's hope that whatever happens is what's best for writers and readers alike.
Please share your thoughts about this news. I'd particularly love to hear from some Nook users.
* This number does not clearly state how much indie published eBooks count in the total, or if they do at all.
My brain is still fogged up from my complete inability to avoid overcommitting. A combined issue with FOMO and FLSD (Fear of Letting Someone Down - love this contribution from Natalie Hartford to the FOMO discussion) caused me to overextend the last few weeks.
So today I offer some random thoughts, all I'm capable of until Saturday when I can purge several events from my brain.
* NY Times Article, "Barnes and Noble Won't Sell Books from Amazon Publishing." - I'm sure I'm missing something here, but I rarely (pretty much never) find small press and/or independently published books in the retail bookstores. At least from this article, I did not gather that B&N would not sell Amazon-published books at its online site.
I don't like censorship of any kind, for any reason. Let the readers decide what books they want to buy. But I must say this seems much ado about nothing. But, I've only read this article. Others' thoughts?
* Punxsutawney Phil - Really, we listen to a rodent for our weather. What's worse, I read somewhere that he's only 39% accurate. As another service to my lovely readers, I'm happy to flip a coin early every February. Heads, we have winter for six more weeks. Tails, it's almost springtime. I'll have a 50% chance my way.
* Oppression - I am SO excited about this book by Jessica Therrien! I met Jessica during Rachael Harrie's Writers' Platform-Building Campaign. The book will be released February 28, 2012 by Zova Books, and I will be participating in the Virtual Launch Party as well as reviewing it (I just received my E-ARC!).
For more information, please check out Jessica's blog, From Imagination to Publication.
* Writers' Platform Building Campaign - Since I mentioned it above, Rachael Harrie is hosting a mini-campaign (only one month long). The announcement will be featured on her blog on Monday, February 6. Please join us for some great flash fiction challenges and to meet some wonderful writers!
Any random thoughts you'd like to share with me?
