MySpace and HarperCollins to launch environmental awareness book
I'd say we need to get in there. thing is... can I work the teenie systems required?
MySpace is teaming up with HarperCollins to publish a book on the environment for teenagers. "MySpace/Our Planet: Change Is Possible" will be the first branded book from the online social network.
The book will provide facts, tips and practical suggestions for teens looking to become active promoters of environmental causes. It will be released in March next year in the lead-up to Earth Day on April 22.
MySpace users can submit ideas for the book at www.myspace.com/ourplanet and those who make it in will be credited by their MySpace username and location. Topics will include travel, entertainment, health and money.
The OurPlanet community on MySpace has 130,000 members and is part of the MySpace Impact Channel, which helps connect users to politicians, non-profit and civic organisations.
Guardian - HarperCollins launches ebook imprint
Times - Pop in and print off that rare novel
2 comments:
Hi Peter,
I am wondering if MySpace and HarperCollins will take one step forward and print the copies on recycled paper, or balance them out. I believe that every book on environmental issues, especially green guides, should walk the talk and shouldn't have adverse environmental impacts.
Thanks,
Raz Godelnik
Eco-Libris
http://www.ecolibris.net
Fair Point.
I am pretty sure that an organisation such as HC will be more than sensitive to such an issue. They will probably have a CSR Director in Bali as we speak at a conference discussing the impact of logging on the supply of paper grade pulp from managed forest e'en as we speak! Suitably offset of course, so let’s no go any further down there!
It is actually a Prof's Poser I had been meaning to raise and, by golly, will do so now. If a lot of 'offsetting’ schemes involve planting trees then how does using wood form properly certified places weigh against recycled, which I understand may have its own enviROI- consequences?
Of course, like Junkk.com's very own Folda-Holda, they could go for an additional reuse option to make it extra 'green'.
Actually the issue of printing stock is one I would like to get a handle on, as it does seem high profile and presents various dilemmas.
I'd certainly like to feel (and see others also be so reassured) that reading on paper is not quite the awful thing it is portrayed. Staring at a screen 12hrs a day means I appreciate the notion of sitting in a chair reading a book, magazine or report (in that order). Especially with marker stickies or pen in hand.
There is also the small matter of revenue. I can see the possibility of a Junkk.com book in the future, and it being a decent way to turn all we have online for free into some kind of hard copy reference and entertainment, that can be used to plough some funds back our way.
Such dilemmas always rear up as I look at the stack of books I have been sent for review. Just finished Leo Hickman’s Final call and just starting on Richard Girling's Sea Change.
At least they are entertainment and the TV is not on as I digest them.
Less justified are the vast reports I get/see, but then again the quality of the reading experience often makes the paper option attractive. Would I really wade through a NESTA Research Report of 48pp if it were online (I think it was) as opposed to in a nice bound doco?
At least the online option exists, as it does in this case with MySpace. And that reaches out to an audience that I certainly cannot ignore.
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