Re: UKNM: Three cheers Amazon UK

[Nick Sweeney]

> It is technically illegal for a UK retailer to sell US editions of

> books that have a UK edition in print, so any retailer operating in

> this country would be obligated to sell UK editions, regardless of any

> cost saving.


Actually illegal (copyright legislation, I'd assume)? Or just against

publishing regulations?


In which case (having just ordered a US edition -- "cheap price, fast

delivery"), Amazon UK are either operating in ignorance, or are doing the

same thing to UK publishers that the publishers did to the Net Book

Agreement. Which I don't think is that bad a thing.


> Whether this practice is of earth-shattering consequence is hard to

> tell, as it would seem that many big publishers are part of a global

> operation (e.g. HarperCollins are part of Murdoch's empire) so in the

> big scheme of things a sale is a sale.


Since the big publishers were happy to break the NBA, I can't see them

complaining, since reduced prices generate higher sales. It's an

interesting policy, if it is deliberate. Because it might be the first

heave towards realigning the prices of books and CDs with American levels.


Nick