The Closure of Okada Books

After ten short years the digital publishing platform Okada Books is shutting down. The platform was founded in 2013 by Okechukwu Ofili and showed substantial success, offering numerous readers access to free online books, and giving many African authors the opportunity to publish. However, it is facing insurmountable struggles and cannot continue to operate, many citing a low reading culture and economic downturn as the reason for the failure.

READING CULTURE

In November of 2021, Itai Makone published an article discussing the breakdown of what the reading culture is like in Africa. ”In South Africa, for instance, a study showed that 78% of primary school grade 4 pupils cannot read for comprehension in any language,” she said. If the book is not of an academic nature, it is less relevant to a population that will always prioritize bread and butter needs first. This is completely understandable but also delivers the exact reason that advancements in the digital publishing world are doomed to failure. If a culture does not embrace the positive ramifications of literature diversity, then there is no way of guaranteeing the flourishment of such platforms as Okada Books.

She also goes on to point out that the digital environment presents a potentially positive opportunity but the prospect of leisure reading falls to the bottom in favor of other easier digital entertainment. Very few consumers will devote the time, money, or resources to reading for leisure if they can barely read. And access to videos, music, and games is far more gratifying. To a culture that relies heavily on making practical decisions, reading seems like a luxury. They reject the advancement because “There are costs associated with digitalization; these are subscribing and buying online books, purchasing mobile data and internet connectivity challenges.”

ECONOMIC DOWNTURN

In the statement posted on social media the founder of Okada Books reassures his consumers, “We explored various avenues to keep our virtual bookshelves alive.” Unfortunately, they were unable to find a way to continue to offer the digital publishing services that gave many African authors their start into the world of literature.

Just as the rest of the world is suffering from a roller coaster of economic struggles, the African country faces not only a precarious position with regards to finance, but they are still working diligently to advance their selves and develop the areas that are much more rural. According to The World Bank in Africa, “Rising conflict and violence across the region exerts a dampening effect on economic activity, with climate shocks poised to exacerbate this fragility. About 462 million people in the region are still living in extreme poverty in 2023.”

Stretching of financial resources will always have a tremendous impact upon products that could be labeled as leisure or even non-essential. That way of operating will almost always guarantee that services like the ones Okada Books offers will never be fulfilled by alternative means, like government grants or incentives. To make a complex matter simple, books are not as important as lives.

ALTERNATIVE PERSPECTIVE

From the perspective of readers from countries that rely heavily on digitally published texts for information and pleasure, the concept of a digital publishing platform closing down as if it were a brick-and-mortar store is a hard thing to imagine. For as long as the internet has been around, it is fairly common for people to caution others to be mindful about what they put on the internet because it is forever. Clearly, that is not always the case since that is exactly what is not happening for Okada Books.

It is a harsh reminder that something as simple as accessibility to books is not the reality of so many other places. They have not reached a point in development where they can offer easy access to internet, they do not have the capability to ensure text is readily available, and lack of funding will still impact companies that have little overhead costs to consider.

Many would argue that if the company just considered basing itself out of another country, then it would have been able to flourish. But nothing is as simple as it seems. In the case of Okada Books, they were trying to offer individuals a place to grow past the expectations of an underdeveloped country and encourage growth in their reading culture. The core purpose of the sight would not have been achieved if they compromised on where they chose to represent.

THE END BUT NOT THE ENDING

The closure of Okada Books is a significant event that will largely impact the Nigerian population of Africa, but their mission is not lost on the individuals who recognize how reading and writing will improve lives. Access to text through digital publishing platforms will remain a model that others will demand and even fight for as they grow and evolve. Countries like Africa will face challenges that other countries will never understand but that does not mean that they are not striving to do better.

How Much Do You Pay for Textbooks?

The Education Data Initiative—an organization of researchers dedicated to collecting data and statistics about the US education system—stated that the typical college student spends an average of $105.37 per textbook. The undergraduates spend up to $600 per year on class materials. If you’re a postsecondary student, you could expect to spend twice that amount. The Education Data Initiative also has some other eye-opening statistics on the cost of student’s textbooks:

Between 1977 and 2015, the cost of textbooks increased 1,041%
Textbook prices are rising roughly 3 times the rate of inflation
25% of students reported they worked extra hours to pay for their books and materials
66% of college students skipped buying or renting course materials because they were too expensive
11% skipped meals in order to afford books and course materials
90% of professors say textbooks and course materials cost their students too much

Student spending on textbooks and course materials has declined as much as 48% over the last ten years. While some students may take advantage of scholarships or other financial aid programs to help cover the cost of books, others turn to digital publishing, such as eBooks or open-source websites, to help mitigate the expense. Inside Higher Education performed a survey of 2,400 undergraduate students in April of 2023. This research organization provides sources of data, analyses, and information on higher education in the United States. Of those surveyed, 59% claimed to use free sources. Open-source libraries like Open Library and Project Gutenberg offer students free access to millions of digital book titles, including textbooks. However, around 11% of the students surveyed admitted to using digitally pirated sources.

The current global market for digital publishing of textbooks represents $15.74 billion in revenue for 2023 and the market is expected to increase by 17% to $29.56 billion by 2027. With such a large profit margin, publishers could face a hefty loss in revenue if more students turn to pirating their titles.

In response to the risk of more students turning to piracy, four of the top ten major textbook publishers have taken legal action. Pearson, McGraw Hill, Cenage, and MacMillan Learning are joining together to bring a lawsuit against one of the most prolific publishers of pirated titles—Library Genesis—for copywrite infringement. The lawsuit claims that over 20,000 titles have been illegally uploaded by the “shadow library.” LibGen is one of the most popular sources for college students to find free versions of textbooks, journals, and articles with over six million titles in their index. The representative for the publishers in the lawsuit, Matt Oppenheim stated, “LibGen’s massive infringement completely undermines the incentive for creation and the rights of authors, who earn no royalties for the millions of books LibGen illegally distributes,” and called the LibGen website a “thieves’ den of stolen books.”

While the official lawsuit, Cenage Learning Inc v Library Genesis, makes a solid case against LibGen, the suit also acknowledges that shutting down the site will present with some tough challenges. Pirate sites are notorious for reappearing after a legal battle has shut them down. They purchase new domains and use proxies and mirrors to curtail legal tracking. The creators go through extensive efforts to hide their identities and IP addresses to avoid detection, making legal action evasive. Other pirate host sites have been successfully sued in the past, and LibGen has also faced previous legal troubles. Sued by publisher Elsevier in 2017, a judge ruled in favor of the publishing company, awarding a $15 million payout and demanding that LibGen turn over their domain. However, representatives from the pirate site never appeared in court, and LibGen opened a new domain and is still operational.

The cost of higher education is continuing to rise, and students are in growing need to cut costs where they can. Illegal sources for book titles are not condoned, and students have other means available to help ease the cost of textbooks. Scholarship programs, financial aid, and grants are some of the resources students can use for help. However, as long as the need exists, pirate sites will continue to pop up and fill the gap between students and publisher prices.

Unlocking Value: The Rise of Tiered Micro-Subscription Models in the Digital Content Landscape

Many platforms are moving away from the well-known traditional paywalls to smaller, more affordable subscription options, after analyzing the impact on revenue streams, reader loyalty, and the overall sustainability of digital publications. One emerging trend on the horizon is the adoption of tiered micro-subscription models which would provide users with diverse options for accessing digital content while simultaneously adding considerable value.

Understanding Tiered Pricing Models:
Tiered pricing models are a strategic approach to subscription services, where offerings are segmented into different tiers or levels, each accompanied by distinct features and benefits. Baremetrics quite plainly explains tiered pricing as, “a SaaS pricing model in which cost is based on the tier of service chosen by your customer. The cost of each tier (think: a plan and package) is incremental, determined by factors such as features and usage limits included in any given plan.”

The concept contrasts with traditional one-size-fits-all subscription models, allowing publishers to cater to a broader audience with varying preferences and budget considerations. Tiered pricing also offers publishers the ability to upsell different service levels for added revenue.

As highlighted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce , this approach enables businesses to offer customers choices that align with their specific needs and willingness to pay. The tiered structure typically consists of basic, standard, and premium levels, with each tier providing an escalating set of features and/ services.

A Digital Publishing Platform’s Tiered Micro-Subscription Models in Motion:
To illustrate the concept in practice, let’s consider a digital publishing platform that adopts tiered micro-subscription models. The basic tier might grant users access to a limited set of articles, serving as an entry point for those seeking essential content. As users progress to higher tiers, they unlock additional benefits, creating a more personalized and engaging experience.

Premium tiers could include features such as ad-free reading, early access to content, exclusive interviews with industry experts, and interactive multimedia elements. These added values not only enhance the user experience but also incentivize subscribers to opt for higher tiers, contributing to increased revenue for the publisher.

One real-time instance of this is the well-known AdWeek. In an article titled, “How HBR Becomes More Valuable in Time of Economic Distress” Mr. Mark Stenberg provides an engaging summary of Harvard Business Review and their tiered subscription offering. However, there is no way to have access to the full article without first selecting one of the three subscription plans as follows:
“Monthly Digital: $20.00 Billed Every 4 Weeks
Annual Digital: $17.00 Per Month /$199.00 Annually (Save More)
Annual Digital and Print: $21.00 Per Month/ $249.00 Annually”

Insights from NetSuite’s Article on Subscription-Based Pricing Models:
Netsuite further emphasizes the importance of understanding customer preferences and behaviors in designing subscription models. Netsuite suggests that incorporating tiered pricing aligns with the diverse expectations of consumers, allowing publishers to tailor offerings and increase customer satisfaction. Furthermore, the article highlights the potential for upselling and cross-selling opportunities within a tiered model. Publishers can strategically position their premium tiers as providing exceptional value, enticing users to upgrade their subscriptions for a more enriched content experience.

Putting It All Together:
The adoption of tiered micro-subscription models represents a forward-thinking strategy for digital content publishers to adapt to the evolving landscape. By offering diverse tiers with added value, publishers can attract a wider audience, cater to individual preferences, and foster stronger customer loyalty. As we move forward in the digital age, the tiered pricing model is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of subscription-based services, delivering value and customization to consumers while ensuring sustainable revenue streams for publishers.

The Partnership of StreetLib and Bowker: Publication in One Place

In a press release from StreetLib announcing the collaboration, Bowker General Manager Beat Barblan stated, “We’re excited to team with StreetLib and make their global distribution platform available through Bowker.” Being the only official ISBN (International Standard Book Number) agency for the U.S. and its territories, Bowker is where a U.S. author has to go if she needs to purchase ISBNs.

Why You Might Want an ISBN

Technically, e-books do not require ISBNs, but any author determines if she needs one or not by how she wants to structure her career and how she wants to publish her book. Some individual vendors do not require ISBNs, and some third-party aggregators offer free ISBNs, but there are some downsides to consider The publisher is the owner of the ISBN, meaning a free ISBN from Draft2Digital will not transfer to another aggregator, forcing you to get a new ISBN if you want to switch to another company like IngramSpark. This could result in multiple book listings on a single vendor, putting you in the position of competing against yourself and losing reviews of your book.

If you want to publish on a global scale, it will be important to have an ISBN because some countries don’t allow the publication of a book that does not have one, or they charge higher taxes on books without ISBNs. An ISBN is also necessary to ensure your book is in the Books In Print database. Publishers, retailers, and libraries use this database to find your book. Your book doesn’t sell if no one can find it. If you also plan to publish different editions of your book, then investing in ISBNs is a good decision.

When an author in the U.S. determines she needs ISBNs, she must visit the Bowker website. This is where the partnership really proves its value. “With the addition of StreetLib, Bowker Identifier Services becomes a one-stop solution that publishers can use to obtain virtually all the products and services required to get a book published, discovered, and sold,” says the Library Technology Guide. Authors will no longer have to go elsewhere to publish and distribute their books.

Along with its global reach, StreetLib offers comprehensive analytics, a commission-based payment system, and a simplified process for uploading either a single book or multiple books to its platform. Sovan Mandal, a senior writer at Good Ereader, says, “By combining Bowker’s established presence in author services with StreetLib’s innovative global distribution platform, the collaboration is poised to redefine the landscape of independent publishing.”

The Importance of Analytics

Technopedia defines analytics as “the scientific process of discovering and communicating the meaningful patterns which can be found in data.” Analytics is an essential tool for an independent author, and by having partners with retailers and subscription services, StreetLib offers a complete picture of the interest in a book instead of just looking at retail sales. All of the information is in one place on a robust dashboard that explains the various analytics, which can be filtered by vendor, genre, and even language. Having everything in one place simplifies the process of using analytics to direct your career.

StreetLib also estimates daily sales, and this information provides authors more control over the best pricing schemes for their book and shows the success of any promotional campaign they might run. All of these real-time numbers give authors more control over their careers in a comprehensive format that doesn’t require the time it takes to compile the numbers from multiple vendors.

Why Choose StreetLib?

If you’ve already set up your book with a third-party aggregator like Draft2Digital or IngramSpark, switching to StreetLib just because they’ve partnered with Bowker might be unnecessary. An author must make this decision for herself after looking at all the available information about the different platforms.

Unlike other aggregators, StreetLib offers the ability to upload multiple books simultaneously. They also have access to over fifty distribution partners, including Scribd subscription services and Overdrive library access, compared to Draft2Digital, which only has fourteen partners. StreetLib simplifies the uploading of e-books by offering a “concierge” service to set up and upload your book. They also offer book formatting with an online editor that is free up to 5 MB.

E-books are very profitable for independent publishers, with a market share of over 16 billion USD in 2023, that is expected to continue rising. Because they have been in the business of distributing e-books since 2006, StreetLib comes with plenty of experience to back up what they say they are capable of doing. Their global reach makes them particularly appealing to independent authors and publishers. Some recent findings for World Book Day show the popularity of various genres worldwide. StreetLib’s access to over 250 global e-book outlets, including retailers, subscription services, and libraries, increases the likelihood that your book will find its ideal reader.

Like other third-party aggregators, StreetLib has no setup fees, and their commission rate of 10% for e-books and 20% for audiobooks is on par with other companies. Since their specialty is e-books and audiobooks, their only offering for physical books is Print On Demand, which is something to consider if you want to offer more than e-books at different vendors.

Through this partnership with StreetLib, Bowker has captured a ready-made market by ensuring that any author who comes to them for ISBNs doesn’t need to click away from their website because all she needs is now in a single place.

A Writer’s Beginning: Wattpad

Many young girls can relate to staying up late reading fanfiction on Wattpad. The stories ranged from boy bands to television shows or even original ideas. Countless account holders on this app were dedicated to the weekly upload schedule and never-ending stories, but what about the writers? Whatever happened to the more gifted of our middle school storytellers?

This article will explain where these authors are now and the success they found by beginning their careers on Wattpad. Silly stories written for fun have turned these writers into New York Times best-selling authors. There are so many benefits and opportunities for accomplishment with any starting point in the publishing world, even digital publishing through Wattpad. Here you will find how Wattpad promoted their careers.

What is Wattpad?

Wattpad is a reading service created by Allen Lau and Ivan Yuen in November 2006. It was launched to create a platform for young writers and readers alike to share their works of art with the world. According to Publishers Weekly, Wattpad hosts 45 million consumers monthly. Creators can post their own stories or reimagine popular television shows or movies in their own image. It wasn’t long before Wattpad had taken over the digital publishing space for young viewers.

How does Wattpad help young writers?

Since 2006, Wattpad has grown tremendously in the publishing space. Authors are now being paid commissions for their work on the app. TechCrunch.com explains that the platform has started a program that can pay writers 25,000 dollars for their work. Wattpad finally paying their creators is huge for aspiring authors. This commissioned payment could help them publish their works through companies and get their names out there more than ever before.

The new Creator Program isn’t the only way Wattpad allows its writers to make a steady income. Wattpad is now offering its creators payment through paid stories, brand partnerships, and potential book and movie deals. For an aspiring writer, this allows them to begin making their dreams come true. These writers will be able to reap the rewards for their hard work and dedication. It is certainly a great beginning stage for a student who needs feedback and practice.

Does it actually help authors get discovered?

So many of today’s best-selling authors started out of Wattpad. Anna Todd is one of the more notable authors who has risen from Wattpad fanfiction. She has been offered movie deals for her series After and has recently become a writing sensation across the globe. This movie brought in a box office of 69.5 million dollars. Mrs. Todd isn’t the only author to find success from Wattpad. Beth Reekles is the author of the New York Times bestseller “The Kissing Booth”. On Wattpad alone, Reekles’ story grossed 19 million readers.

The proof of Wattpad’s intention to bring success is found within these aspiring authors. Wattpad has helped people who didn’t even know they could be authors become some of the best. The success stories of Todd and Reekles are some of the more notable but far from all of them. Wattpad has shown that anyone can be a writer with the right support and talent.

How do I become a Wattpad author?

It sounds very simple but download the app. It takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there, but through practice and constructive criticism, anything is possible. For an author to be successful on Wattpad, they must have a relatively normal upload schedule and show consistency. Wattpad themselves advises writers to brush up on their writing and grammar skills to attract readers. Consumers are looking for something familiar from a writer but not predictable. Being a writer on any platform can be a struggle. Like any other publishing medium, an author needs to work hard and plan ahead.

Wattpad might be seen as a light-hearted writing forum for children. Over the past decade, it has built from that. Writers are getting movie and book publication deals. Those kids who wrote fanfiction are now multimillionaires following their dreams. Wattpad might not be where many saw themselves starting, but every author has to start somewhere.

The Fine Print in Terms and Conditions

Self-publishing through platforms like Kindle Direct Publishing has become a game changer for many authors, specifically for up-and-coming writers. They do not require the submitters to undergo extensive manuscript altercations, there are no negotiations with distributors, and the individualized creativity remains up to the discretion of the writer. However, the many positives can be diminished greatly if authors fail to understand the Terms and Conditions used by KDP.

What is Terms and Conditions?

The Terms and Conditions is a contract that authors must agree to in order to use the services offered. For Kindle Direct Publishing they outline many specifications that an author must adhere to in order to use the platform to publish their books digitally and make them available to Amazon users. There are agreements amendments, term and termination, account eligibility and registration, book distribution rights, ownership and control of Amazon properties and customer data/feedback, confidentiality, limitation of liability, force majeure, and general legal provisions. As of November 8, 2023, this contract was updated and revisions were made to many sections.

Where does it go wrong?

Reviewing a document such as the Terms and Conditions can be overwhelming and tedious, and there are many occasions where individuals are so enamored with the ideal of a service that they fail to take the time to look at the fine print before they blindly sign a binging agreement. Pair this with the platforms expressed right to alter the terms and conditions at any given time and the potential for a catastrophic partnership is made. “The Program will change over time and the terms of this Agreement will need to change over time as well. We reserve the right to change the terms of this Agreement.” (1) An article by The New York Times explores this exact problem, one interviewee states, “Nobody reads the terms of service, but these companies reserve the right to go in there and change things around,” said Jason Schultz, the director of New York University’s Technology Law and Policy Clinic and a co-author of The End of Ownership.

The Fine Print

In the Kindle Direct Publishing’s Terms and Conditions there is a very specific clause that they have worked into their wording that essentially gives them the right to alter a published piece if they believe that it does not adhere to their guidelines. “We are entitled to remove or modify the metadata and product description, information or images you make available for your Books and we may also remove all or any part of your Book’s cover art.” (2) This seems like a straightforward stipulation but what throws a kink in the process is the reference they make prior to this statement where it says that the content requirements are listed in a separate document called the Program Policies. An author is now having to read a document after a document to ensure that the content is complying with the company’s standards.

Trending Transitions

With the right to change firmly legalized in these contracts, publishers are entitled to follow the trends and revise the content to reflect societies stipulations on what is considered acceptable. A wildly popular series, Goosebumps, is a prime example of how the companies are flexing their power. “Owners of Stine’s “Goosebumps” books lost mentions of schoolgirls’ “crushes” on a headmaster and a description of an overweight character with “at least six chins.” (3) Due to society finding issue with young girls finding older men attractive and how a character was described as being big, they felt compelled to remove the content. This was not an issue when books were only available through print, nor was it an issue when digital publishing was introduced. This became a topic of contention due to the modern social turmoil.

Is it worth it?

Kindle Direct Publishing is not the only company that authors can use to publish their books digitally, but it is one of the most popular, ensuring a good amount of traffic for authors. However, these authors need to be mindful that by using their programs there are cons that can overpower the pros. Most especially the rights that the company has to alter the product after the contract has been signed. Many chose to use the user-friendly option because they believe that they are not required to jump through hoops and can maintain their creative integrity, but this is not always the case. They run the risk of having their work altered without the collaboration that they would experience by using a printing option. If digital publishing is the route that feels the best, authors need to take the time to review the Terms and Conditions extensively, as well as the accompanying documentation mentioned in the terms.

“Navigating the New Frontier: Blockchain in Digital Publishing”

Blockchain, the driving force behind cryptocurrencies, is making significant waves in the intricate realm of Digital Publishing. This exploration delves into the applications of Blockchain, unveiling its potential to reshape the industry by addressing pervasive issues like copyright infringement, royalty distribution and piracy prevention.

What is Blockchain?

According to Tech Target, “Blockchain is a record-keeping technology designed to make it impossible to hack the system or forge the data stored on the Blockchain, thereby making it secure and immutable. It’s a type of distributed ledger technology (DLT), a digital record-keeping system for recording transactions and related data in multiple places at the same time.”

How Does Blockchain Fit in Digital Publishing?

Investopedia explains the results of a study conducted by the Global Innovation Policy Center for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce revealing the annual global online piracy costs the U.S. economy a minimum of $29.2 billion and $71 billion in lost revenue.

Blockchain technology addresses these pervasive issues common to the Digital Publishing sphere like copyright infringement and piracy prevention, through its fundamental characteristics of transparency, immutability, and decentralized consensus. This is accomplished through a process described by the UOC and explained as, “Each block is linked cryptographically with the previous one after the distributed validation, in which the rest of the network users participate, thereby circumventing costly intermediaries. The addition of new blocks usually makes it impossible to modify or delete the older ones, thus preventing manipulation.”

Blockchain also provides the transparent and tamper-resistant ledger that records every transaction related to a piece of content. Copyright information can be securely stored on the Blockchain, providing an immutable record of ownership. This helps in preventing unauthorized use or distribution of digital content, as the ownership and usage rights are verifiable and traceable.

Blockai and Ujo Music are among some companies that use Blockchain technology to register and protect copyrights today. More specifically as explained by glair. ai, “Blockai, a Blockchain-based service for writers and artists, employs time stamps to record the development of new works. Each user has a profile that controls access to certain information and manages their certificates. Once the works are uploaded, they may be traced, copyright infringements can be automatically recognized, and the owner can be notified of unauthorized access.”

Piracy prevention is bolstered by Blockchain’s ability to create a decentralized and secure distribution network. By utilizing smart contracts, content creators can establish predefined rules for access and usage, ensuring that only authorized users can access the content. This reduces the risk of piracy and unauthorized distribution.

Royalty distribution, a historically complex and opaque process, benefits from Blockchain’s transparent and automated nature. Smart contracts on the Blockchain can be programmed to automatically execute royalty payments when certain conditions are met, such as the sale or use of a piece of content. This eliminates intermediaries, reduces the risk of errors, and ensures that creators receive fair compensation for their work.

As Rolling Stone explains, “Renowned for its decentralized and secure database capabilities, Blockchain technology can facilitate the tracking and distribution of royalties with unparalleled transparency and accountability. By creating an immutable record of transactions, Blockchain could ensure that artists receive fair compensation for their work while mitigating disputes and eliminating intermediaries.”

Final Thoughts In case studies across the digital publishing landscape, successful Blockchain implementations have demonstrated increased efficiency, reduced disputes, and improved trust among stakeholders. As the technology matures and these challenges are addressed, Blockchain holds the potential to revolutionize the way digital content is managed, protected, and monetized. Blockchain stands as a powerful solution to the persistent challenges of copyright infringement and piracy prevention in the digital publishing industry.

The Uncensored Library: Liberated Journalism in Minecraft

On March 12, 2020, an operation created to circumvent digital censorship of journalism was launched in the form of a project unlike any other. The medium of this project, called the “Uncensored Library,” is anything but standard digital publishing- it is a Minecraft server. According to an article by CNN, the Uncensored Library was created by the organizations Reporters Without Borders, Blockworks, DDB Germany and MediaMonks. The server features publications from journalists whose work has been banned in many different countries, with the goal of expanding to provide access to many more restricted nations.

The Server

The Uncensored Library server was designed to be a virtual library space. Within the coding of the game there exists books that one can label and write in. The creators of the server use this feature to copy the text of the censored articles they wanted to include into these digital books. An article by Cian Maher featured in The Verge refers to the server as a “virtual hub,” and as such it functions as a portal to the books of censored journalism themselves. Anyone with access to the game is able to access the articles. To read the writings within the Uncensored Library, one must log into the Minecraft online game and use the server listing to join the online server. From there, the player will be able to find the specific article they wish to read in its respective book.

The Mission

Minecraft is an ideal platform for providing access to censored literature because of the fact that the typical censorship involved in publishing in a traditional news journal is not a problem in the video game. The Uncensored Library platforms these highly controversial publications because they are unpopular to oppressive governments, and seeks to protect access to articles that critique corrupt institutions. The slogan on the homepage of their website is the hashtag #TruthFindsAWay, with the implication that the server itself is one such “way.” Through the execution of this mission statement, the Library has created a space that expands digital publishing in a new and exciting way. Following the precedent set by this server, it is possible that video games will continue to innovate the world of online journalism.

The Journalists

The most prominent journalists featured in the Uncensored Library are listed below. These brave men and women risk their lives to write what they do and, in several cases, gave their lives.

Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi Arabian journalist. He was the head manager and editor of Al-Arab News Channel, as well as the editor of the Saudi newspaper Al Watan. He was killed inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018 when returning to the country for documents necessary for his marriage.
Yulia Berezovskaia, a Russian journalist. She is editor in chief of the online news source grani.ru, an online publication dedicated to uncensored critique of the Russian government.
Nguyen Van Dai, a Vietnamese human rights lawyer. He is the co-founder of the Vietnam Human Rights Committee and a pro-democracy activist who has been arrested many times for his work and ultimately exiled to Germany.
Javier Valdez, a Mexican independent journalist. He was the founder of the newspaper Riodoce, a weekly dedicated to crime and corruption in Sinaloa. He was killed on May 23, 2017, for his work.

The Publications

The content published in the Uncensored Library server is illegal in Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Egypt, Russia, Vietnam, Belarus, Brazil, and Eritrea. There is also a “room” dedicated to transcribed content for Iran from Iran International, a US-based news TV channel that is banned in the country. Along with the works of the journalists listed above, the server also features digital publications from Mada Masr. This news site is an Egyptian, liberal, online publication created in 2013. It is officially banned in Egypt, but its articles are available to access through the Library server. All of the journalistic works in the Uncensored Library are published there with the goal of being informative and providing readers with the material to come to educated opinions on global news.

The End

The Uncensored Library is a project inspired by the bravery of journalists and online publications around the world. There is always the possibility that, like the articles it hosts, the Minecraft server will be censored by the oppressive governments whose bans it seeks to circumvent. This would be unfortunate, but the creation of the server itself also comes with a spirit of freedom that transcends its medium. The goals of the Uncensored Library are attached to sentiments of independence from oppression and the right to free speech, both of which are concepts that cannot be quelled by any amount of bans or censorship. Journalists, human rights advocates, and people just like those who created the unique Minecraft server will always exist and carry with them an optimism of a future of prevailing truth.

Social Media Trends and the Effect on E-book Sales

E-book sales fell 6.5% throughout 2022, correlating with a rise in the popularity of social media trends involving physical books. YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok all have their own versions of these trends with one thing in common. Physical copies are necessary to achieve them effectively. The CEO of Barnes & Noble, James Daunt, says the “effect on book sales is unprecedented and is helping the retailer gain momentum across demographics.” These trends are bringing younger people into the stores who are enthusiastic about books and reading.

YouTube

YouTube has two corners of the book world: Booktube and Authortube. Booktube focuses on reviewing and promoting books, highlighting the newest and most popular books, while authortube is the corner of You Tube for aspiring authors.

Booktubers take their viewers along on book-buying trips and show off towering stacks of books for neverending TBR (To Be Read) lists. These booktubers encourage their viewers to comment by asking them what books they have purchased and what they are reading to increase engagement. Many booktubers also run their own book clubs and reading challenges, enticing viewers to watch their videos and participate in read-alongs. The thumbnails of the videos are just as crucial to these trends. A stack of physical books makes for a much more dynamic picture than the screen of an e-book reader.

The other corner of YouTube’s influence on book sales is Authortube. Aspiring authors document their triumphs and struggles with writing and self-publishing books. While many of them do publish e-books, the real trend is capitalizing on the audience invested in their journey to leverage sales of physical books

Many authortubers offer special editions and signed copies from personal websites. Viewers purchase these physical copies to gain a tangible connection to the author they have invested time in watching. A majority of their viewers are aspiring authors themselves and holding a physical copy in their hand is proof of success. It is proof the goal of publication is possible. These YouTube stars have contributed to a 70% rise in sales of physical books over two years. The influence of sales by Authortubers is significant when looking at the drop in e-book sales in the same time frame.

Instagram

A Guardian article calls Bookstagram “a celebration of the aesthetics of books, where books are the supermodels.” The Bookstagram hashtag, as of this article, has over 97 million posts. The most common posts are of a style termed “flat lays,” where an Instagram user “poses” a book with other everyday objects or a themed background to create an aesthetic feeling around the book instead of talking about the book’s content. The trend of “shelfies,” which feature aesthetically styled bookcases, is still a go-to of Bookstagrammers. The trend is constantly reinvented, with shelves organized by spines in rainbow order or showing off curated matching collections, like the Penguin Clothbound Classics, to create the perfectly photographed bookshelf.

TikTok

BookTok, the book side of TikTok, takes the aesthetics of Instagram up a notch, where everything you see is curated by what you like and interact with. Erin Hunzinker, a TikTok influencer, sees it as people creating an identity for themselves, saying, “Lots of people read on their phones or Kindles on the train, and those people are reading just for the sake of reading. But the people that are reading a physical book with a cover on it, they’re making a choice to read that one in public.” Books on TikTok are often an extension of personal style and aesthetics. The aesthetics are the selling point for a generation concerned with identity and setting themselves apart from the crowd. BookTok’s most prominent user demographic is Gen Z.

Gen Z (11-26-year-olds) are avid readers, and the statistics prove they vastly prefer print books, with nearly 90% of sales for that demographic in 2022 being physical copies. They love the smell of books, curating their collections with special editions, and participating in the growing trend of tabbing and annotating particularly loved books, which is possible on e-readers, but going back to aesthetics just looks better on a print book. BookTok is also where most of this demographic is getting its recommendations. The Booktok hashtag has over 90 billion views and is growing, proving it is an ever viable source of new content.

Bookstores and Publishers

Book titles popular on social media sell up to 40% more copies than other titles. Publishers and bookstores would be remiss in not leveraging the selling power of social media. Bookstores have responded to this surge by creating dedicated spaces on their shelves to specific social media platforms.

Publishers have also noticed and started creating book merch carefully curated to appeal to influencer’s platforms. These PR packages help create pre-launch buzz around a book in a way that book reviews used to. Publishers also incentivize readers to pre-order physical copies of new books to receive exclusive goodies, such as art prints or pins. None of these trends by themselves would precipitate a drop in e-book sales, but added together, their influence can not be ignored.

Positives and Negatives of Illegal Downloading

We all have heard the same downfalls about illegal downloading but, has anyone researched how it could be beneficial in some cases? According to The Perspective embracing illegal downloading could be better than fighting against it. Some benefits of illegal downloading are helping artists, investments and everyone having access. As we all know social media is everything in this modern world. Illegal or not artists exposure is positive thing. With the help of illegal downloading some artists gain popularity and their career takes off. The data collected from illegal downloading plays a huge part in investments. The data shows what is popular and worthwhile. This is now considered a marketing strategy. Illegal downloading gives the opportunity for everyone to enjoy books or music. We all know that both of those things can have major impact in lives. The Perspective also states the drawbacks to the beneficial aspects listed above. Illegal downloading hurts publishing. Most eBooks are downloaded without payment which takes away money from publishers and authors. Illegal downloading sites are very popular which is making the publishing industry come up with new ideas to stop the downloading. The Perspective explains there is no excuse for illegal downloading. There are several cheap and legal ways to access media without illegal downloading. For example, Kindle books from Amazon are cheap and you only must buy a kindle device once. At the end of the day illegal downloading is against the law and that’s a fact. We have rules and regulations that society agrees to follow. Breaking these rules such as copyright by downloading illegally is stealing. In 2020, websites with illegal downloads have about 12.5 billion visits from the US which is the highest number in the world. Illegal downloading is clearly still a huge issue and the law states that it is wrong to access media without paying. Overall, this article states illegal downloading from the positives and negatives. I honestly see things from both sides. I know that it is illegal and there is media with low cost but, some families or people do not have the means to pay even ten dollars. Are we supposed to tell those people they cannot read because they do not come from a financially stable family? I don’t think so. I also understand that authors and publishing houses are losing money and I know this is how they make their money. This is how they provide for their family. I do believe that society needs to come up with an idea of how we can find a happy medium in this situation. I do not like that illegal downloading will ever stop it goes far beyond just downloading books. Illegal downloading has always been around, but it didn’t become a big issue until money started getting involved. On the one hand, getting free access encourages more people to enjoy creative works who may not be able to afford them otherwise. This wider distribution could lead to downstream benefits for creators too in the form of greater exposure, popularity, concert and merchandise sales etc. However, the key ethical question is whether enjoying copyrighted material without fairly compensating the creators aligns with principles of equity and justice. Just because digitally replicating content has negligible cost, does that make it acceptable to do so without permission or payment? There are no easy answers here, and reasonable people can disagree in their perspectives. Some see the right to unpaid access as a moral imperative for spreading information freely. Others see denying income from works as exploitation of creative talents who deserve to profit from their efforts. In reality, both creators and consumers likely need to compromise to find reasonable middle ground in the market. As copying gets easier, creators and publishers should lower prices to what average consumers can afford. At the same time, users should respect laws and ethical norms enough to pay a fair price for quality content whenever they are able to, while seeking free alternatives only when truly unable to pay. There are no easy answers here, and reasonable people can disagree in their perspectives. Some see the right to unpaid access as a moral imperative for spreading information freely. Others see denying income from works as exploitation of creative talents who deserve to profit from their efforts. In reality, both creators and consumers likely need to compromise to find reasonable middle ground in the market. As copying gets easier, creators and publishers should lower prices to what average consumers can afford. At the same time, users should respect laws and ethical norms enough to pay a fair price for quality content whenever they are able to, while seeking free alternatives only when truly unable to pay.