I would like to thank Richard Charkin for agreeing to do this, as he has already been extremely helpful in providing me with some valuable insights and information on this topic. So there, thank you Mr. Charkin for being such a strong supporter for young and growing publishers.
Below is the questionnaire that I have sent to various industry experts, but as mentioned above, I want all the feedback I can possibly get. I don't know if anybody will actually take the time, but if they did, I would be extremely grateful.
Thanks in advance for anybody contributing comments or even taking the time to look at the questionnaire. Please realise that comments do not strictly have to be answers to the questions below, any opinions on this subject matter are welcome.
MM
Effects of the demise of the Net Book Agreement on the present and future publishing industry.
This questionnaire is aimed at enabling publishers (or indeed anybody involved in the book trade) to express their views on the effects that the demise of the NBA has had on the publishing industry.
All answers will be treated in strict confidence, and the anonymity (should this be desired) of respondents will be fully respected.
Please answer as thoroughly as you can. If you need more space, please feel free to take it, as I am keen to have as much information as possible.
1) Arguments for the demise of the Net Book Agreement as presented by the Director General of Fair Trading included (amongst others):*
1) “The Net Book Agreement restricts the ability of booksellers to expand the sale of books and compete with other products, to the detriment of consumers.”
2) “Consumers are likely to benefit from lower overall prices without the Net Book Agreement.”
3) The opportunities for extending the market for books to groups of people who in the past have not been regular purchasers is thus enhanced when retailers can determine their own process.”
1a. How far do you agree with the above points?
Fully agree [ ] Partly agree [ ] Disagree [ ]
1b. Are there other more important or more prominent reasons, which in your opinion, led to the demise of the NBA?
What are the advantages and disadvantages to the publishing industry, no longer being under resale price maintenance (having a free market)?
2a. Advantages
2b. Disadvantages
3) Do you believe that there have been any trends (positive/negative) since the collapse of the NBA, such as increased exports, higher book prices, fewer bookshops, etc.)?
3a. General trends
3b. Positive trends
3c. Negative trends
4a. Do you believe that the publishing industry needs to return to restricted market conditions, similar to the NBA, in order to protect independent publishers and retailers? Please give reasons for your answer.
4b. Could the removal of printed prices on books be the solution
5) Briefly, could you discuss how you envision the future for your company and what it plans to do to ensure it remains viable?
6) What role do you think supermarkets and online retailers played in the collapse of the NBA and in preventing the industry from reverting to restricted market conditions?
7) What if anything do you believe globalisation has played in leading to the demise of the NBA and creating a free competitive market?
Thank you for taking time in answering this questionnaire. Your contribution is greatly appreciated.
This questionnaire is aimed at enabling publishers (or indeed anybody involved in the book trade) to express their views on the effects that the demise of the NBA has had on the publishing industry.
All answers will be treated in strict confidence, and the anonymity (should this be desired) of respondents will be fully respected.
Please answer as thoroughly as you can. If you need more space, please feel free to take it, as I am keen to have as much information as possible.
1) Arguments for the demise of the Net Book Agreement as presented by the Director General of Fair Trading included (amongst others):*
1) “The Net Book Agreement restricts the ability of booksellers to expand the sale of books and compete with other products, to the detriment of consumers.”
2) “Consumers are likely to benefit from lower overall prices without the Net Book Agreement.”
3) The opportunities for extending the market for books to groups of people who in the past have not been regular purchasers is thus enhanced when retailers can determine their own process.”
1a. How far do you agree with the above points?
Fully agree [ ] Partly agree [ ] Disagree [ ]
1b. Are there other more important or more prominent reasons, which in your opinion, led to the demise of the NBA?
What are the advantages and disadvantages to the publishing industry, no longer being under resale price maintenance (having a free market)?
2a. Advantages
2b. Disadvantages
3) Do you believe that there have been any trends (positive/negative) since the collapse of the NBA, such as increased exports, higher book prices, fewer bookshops, etc.)?
3a. General trends
3b. Positive trends
3c. Negative trends
4a. Do you believe that the publishing industry needs to return to restricted market conditions, similar to the NBA, in order to protect independent publishers and retailers? Please give reasons for your answer.
4b. Could the removal of printed prices on books be the solution
5) Briefly, could you discuss how you envision the future for your company and what it plans to do to ensure it remains viable?
6) What role do you think supermarkets and online retailers played in the collapse of the NBA and in preventing the industry from reverting to restricted market conditions?
7) What if anything do you believe globalisation has played in leading to the demise of the NBA and creating a free competitive market?
Thank you for taking time in answering this questionnaire. Your contribution is greatly appreciated.
In re Net Book Agreement 1957 (No.4) 1995 Nos.3 and 4 (E. & W.) Restrictive Practices Court Ch D (RPC) Ferris J., Mr. B. Colgate and Mr. J. King 1997 Jan. 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31; March 13 (Sweet and Maxwell Law Report).
2 comments:
1a. How far do you agree with the above points?
Fully agree [ X] Partly agree [ ] Disagree [
I also fully agree with the idea that the end of the NBA has been beneficial to the trade. I would not pay £18 for a Ian McEwan novel nowadays at my local bookshop, but would gladly buy it for half price at the nearest Borders. It just works that way in the modern world. The indepedent shops need to develop their niche interests and find gaps in the market where conglomerates don't have a presence. Much the same as independent publishers have been succesful in publishing quality books that amount to large sales.
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