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Important Items

Florida Rep. introduced a bill to ban the teaching of “inclusion” in Florida schools

House Bill 999, introduced by Republican Rep. Alex Andrade on Feb. 21, is a sweeping and astoundingly bad bill that would dictate university curricula, ban any funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at Florida institutions, take the hiring of faculty out of faculty hands, and give governing boards the power to review the tenure status of college faculty anytime they please. It would remove majors or minors in subjects like critical race theory and gender studies. The bill also calls for the rewriting of university mission statements.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaeltnietzel/2023/02/25/new-bill-latest-assault-in-floridas-war-on-higher-education/?sh=34c6aa976583

As February Closes, the Number of Passed Anti-LGBTQ+ Bills Grows

As February closes, the onslaught of anti-trans bills that flooded houses as legislative sessions opened has begun to gain purchase and continues to proliferate. It’s been a very, very tough month, and it feels surreal that it was only a year ago that Texas attorney general Ken Paxton kicked off the wave of attacks on trans youth in Texas. That said, there is one thing that needs to be addressed outright. Tennessee SB003 is now the first drag ban to actually be passed, late on Thursday, and will almost certainly be signed into law by Governor Bill Lee, given that he has signed previous anti-trans legislation. The implications of this bill are nightmarish, as it construes simply existing as a trans person as a drag performance, and could construe just being trans and a teacher as an offense. The most immediate action item you can take, as some organizations have, is to call upon him to veto SB003 (see here). Even if he doesn’t do it, making there be a record that it was opposed matters.

https://www.them.us/story/february-anti-lgbtq-legislation-this-week

Anti-Trans Legislative Digest

Anti-trans bills are proliferating throughout the United States – 367 in total – making it daunting to keep track of them all.

https://erininthemorn.substack.com/p/anti-trans-legislative-digest-a-rundown

World’s Largest Four-Day Work Week Trial Finds Few Are Going Back

And about one in six employees in the study said no amount of money would convince them to return to five days a week.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-02-21/four-day-work-week-uk-study-finds-majority-of-employers-shifting

Innovation

Apple Makes Major Progress on No-Prick Blood Glucose Tracking for Its Watch

MT @TrungTPhan Apple’s “no-prick” blood-glucose monitoring moonshot was started by Steve Jobs. “Hundreds of millions” have been invested into the project and it came out of Apple’s moonshot group: Exploratory Design Group. The secretive project was run under a fake startup called “Avolonte.” The device is currently size of an iPhone (worn in bicep). Plan is to shrink the tech into the Watch and here’s how it works.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-02-22/apple-watch-blood-glucose-monitor-could-revolutionize-diabetes-care-aapl#xj4y7vzkg

TikTok’s parent ByteDance is developing a new ‘AI-based’ learning platform called GeniusJoy that it will test overseas

https://www.businessinsider.com/tiktoks-parent-bytedance-developing-ai-learning-app-geniusjoy-2023-2

Technology

ChatGPT launches boom in AI-written e-books on Amazon

There were over 200 e-books in Amazon’s Kindle store as of mid-February listing ChatGPT as an author or co-author, and the number is rising daily. But due to the nature of ChatGPT and many authors’ failure to disclose they have used it, it is nearly impossible to get a full accounting of how many e-books may be written by AI. Now ChatGPT appears ready to upend the book industry as would-be novelists and self-help gurus looking to make a quick buck are turning to the software to help create bot-made e-books and publish them through Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing arm. On YouTube, TikTok and Reddit hundreds of tutorials have spring up, demonstrating how to make a book in just a few hours. #AI

https://www.reuters.com/technology/chatgpt-launches-boom-ai-written-e-books-amazon-2023-02-21/

Science fiction publishers are being flooded with AI-generated stories

HT @ThadMcIlroy Across the 17-year history of Clarkesworld, a renowned literary magazine of science fiction and fantasy, authors have speculated about how evolving, futuristic technology will impact our world. Now, editor and publisher Neil Clarke is living through a debacle that could very well be a sci-fi story in its own right: His magazine in being uncontrollably inundated by short-story submissions created with AI tools. Clarkesworld has a reputation for always being open to story submissions, but for the first time, submission volume got so out of hand that Clarke made what he calls a “spur-of-the-moment decision” to close the submission portal. #AI

https://techcrunch.com/2023/02/21/clarkesworld-ai-generated-submissions/

ChatGPT get-rich-quick schemes are coming for magazines, Amazon, and YouTube

RT @NiemanLab “They cut, they paste, they send. These are not good. These are not even remotely good.”

https://www.semafor.com/article/02/24/2023/chatgpt-get-rich-quick-schemes-are-coming-for-magazines-amazon-and-youtube

How will ChatGPT change freelancing? 5 publishers weigh in

“If I found out a freelancer was using ChatGPT, why would I pay that freelancer? Because I could just use ChatGPT myself,” said David Ewalt, editor-in-chief of G/O Media’s tech site Gizmodo. “If you were doing that, that’s not what I’m paying you for.” #AI

https://digiday.com/media/how-will-chatgpt-change-freelancing-5-publishers-weigh-in/

Advanced guide to ChatGPT for publishers, starting from the very beginning

ChatGPT requires you to be specific with your prompt writing, similar to giving the proper brief to a junior assistant. Here are some potential use cases for publishers: You can generate different versions of the same text for headlines, social posts, and meta-descriptions; You can ask it to make a mental map or summary of a topic to ensure you’re not missing something; you could perform sentiment analysis. #AI

https://whatsnewinpublishing.com/advanced-guide-to-chatgpt-for-publishers-starting-from-the-very-beginning/

Microsoft’s Bing plans AI ads in early pitch to advertisers

The new Bing, which has a waitlist of millions of people for access, is a potentially lucrative opportunity for Microsoft. The company said that every percentage point of market share it gains in the search advertising market could bring in another $2 billion of ad revenue. While Omnicom, told clients that search ads could generate lower revenue in the short term if the chatbots take up the top of search pages without including any ads, Bing’s ads may appear at the top, integrated into the Bing chatbot results, or in a pop-up. #AI #Bing

https://www.reuters.com/technology/microsofts-bing-plans-ai-ads-early-pitch-advertisers-2023-02-17/

Bing limits chat sessions as OpenAI founder says AI tools are ‘somewhat broken’

Following multiple reports of its chatbot getting confused, Microsoft caps how many questions users can ask per session and day. #AI #Bing

https://searchengineland.com/bing-limits-chat-sessions-openai-tools-somewhat-broken-393368

Generative AI is a legal minefield

The courts will have to sort out knotty problems like whether AI companies had rights to use the data that trained their systems, whether the output of generative engines can be copyrighted, and who is responsible if an AI engine spits out defamatory or dangerous information. #AI #copyright

https://www.axios.com/2023/02/24/chatgpt-generative-ai-legal-minefield

Spotify launches ‘DJ,’ a new feature offering personalized music with AI-powered commentary

Spotify introduced a new AI feature called “DJ” to better personalize the music listening experience for its users. Similar to a radio DJ, Spotify’s DJ feature will deliver a curated selection of music alongside AI-powered spoken commentary about the tracks and artists you like, using what Spotify says is a “stunningly realistic voice.” The idea is for Spotify to get to know users so well that the DJ can choose what to play for you when you hit the button. Or, as Spotify says, it’s putting an “AI DJ in your pocket.” More broadly, the feature has the potential to turn Spotify into a lean-back, passive experience for those times users don’t feel like dictating to Spotify what to stream next or fumbling around with its interface to find a playlist they like.

https://techcrunch.com/2023/02/22/spotify-launches-dj-a-new-personalized-music-lineup-that-includes-ai-powered-commentary/

Futuri unveils radio technology that could replace DJs

RT @MatthewKeysLive Radio GPT sounds like a real DJ and has the ability to scour Facebook, Twitter and websites for local news and information. But the company behind it, Futuri, hasn’t addressed how it will keep fake news found on social media from going on air.

https://thedesk.net/2023/02/radiogpt-radio-gpt-futuri-new-product-djs/

TikTokers have taken up “deinfluencing.”

ICYMI “Deinfluencing” is the newest buzzword and trend that aims to disrupt the influencer economy. Creators in the beauty and lifestyle space are now gleefully gaining views by talking down cult-favorite products. While well-intentioned, it’s a deceptive rebellion. And it may pose knottier problems for creators long-term. #TikTok #deinfluencing

https://www.insider.com/deinfluencing-is-the-anti-influencer-trend-rich-with-paradoxes-2023-1

Meta Launching $12-Per-Month Verification Service—Following Twitter’s Lead

The program costs $11.99 a month for web use and $14.99 a month for use on iOS products. Meta Verified allows users to verify their accounts “with a government ID” and earn a blue badge, which the company currently gives out to well-known individuals for free, and the subscription service will give them extra protection against impersonation accounts and direct access to customer support.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/marisadellatto/2023/02/19/meta-launching-12-per-month-verification-service-following-twitters-lead/

The money-saving deals Apple and Google are hiding from you

Audible is $1 a month cheaper on the web than in the app. Twitter Blue is $3 a month cheaper on the web. How do you buy a Spotify or Netflix subscription in the iPhone app? (You can’t.) https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/02/24/apps-subscription-costs/

By next year, Amazon’s ad side-hustle may have outgrown the entire publishing medium

Publishing media (both print and digital) is forecast to see ad spend decline 7.7% year-on-year in 2023, according to WARC Media data. Amazon alone earned $37.7bn from advertising services in 2022, up 20.8% year-on-year; for context, the entire global publishing ad market will be worth $47.2bn in 2023.

On current trajectory, within a year or two, Amazon’s advertising revenue – which ultimately remains a side-hustle from its main business of e-commerce, remember – may be larger than the entire global publishing sector.

https://www.warc.com/newsandopinion/opinion/by-next-year-amazons-ad-side-hustle-may-have-outgrown-the-entire-publishing-medium/6096

Publishing & Media

Underpaid and Overworked: A Look at Salaries and Benefits in Publishing

On paper, the publishing industry seems glamorous. Salaries in New York City–based publishers aren’t enough for entry-level professionals, which some of the editors in the 2022 “Great Publishing Resignation” exposed. Most of publishing is based in New York City, which is one of the most expensive cities in the country to live in.

https://bookriot.com/salaries-and-benefits-in-publishing/

Children’s Rights Roundup: ‘Buy Ukrainian Book Rights’

The Federation of European Publishers in Brussels marked the anniversary of Putin’s unprovoked and savage invasion of Ukraine with a statement of support for the Voices of Children Foundation, which has published a book, War Through the Voices of Children. Proceeds of all sales go to special programs in psychological and emotional support for kids.

The International Publishers Association and the federation are amplifying a call from the Ukrainian Publishers and Booksellers Association for the world book publishing community to support Ukraine through four key efforts. The industry is encouraged to:

Buy rights to Ukrainian books
Make Ukrainian books available on bookstore shelves around the world
Direct charitable support to Ukrainian libraries to rebuild their collections and buy books
Provide financial support for those who have lost loved ones, property and more

https://publishingperspectives.com/2023/02/rights-roundup-buy-ukrainian-rights/

4 key takeaways about BookTok’s effect on the industry

ICYMI HT @BoSacks #BookTok had 110 billion views as of February 17th.

https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Here-are-4-key-takeaways-about-BookTok-s-effect-on-the-publishing-industry-.html

The Zurich Book Fair Turned Popular GIFs into Antique Engravings

RT @adage Trying to attract a younger audience to an antiquarian book fair might sound like an uphill task, but the Zurich Book Fair came up with a way to bring younger visitors into contact with antiquarian artworks.

https://adage.com/creativity/work/zurich-book-fair-turned-popular-gifs-antique-engravings/2474741

Penguin to publish ‘classic’ Roald Dahl books after backlash

Publisher Penguin Random House announced Friday it will publish “classic” unexpurgated versions of Roald Dahl’s children’s novels after it received criticism for cuts and rewrites that were intended to make the books suitable for modern readers. Along with the new editions, the company said 17 of Dahl’s books would be published in their original form later this year as “The Roald Dahl Classic Collection” so “readers will be free to choose which version of Dahl’s stories they prefer.”

https://apnews.com/article/books-and-literature-childrens-entertainment-roald-dahl-business-9770a7a3a2cb50cb1d53ca82d4b26070

Why Are Audiobooks So Popular?

MT @nybookforum According to @annemitchmcc in a piece recently commissioned by New York Book Forum, audiobooks are the fastest-growing format in book publishing.

https://newyorkbookforum.org/blog/why-are-audiobooks-so-popular/

Saskatoon vending machine distributes Indigenous books

HT @LauraB7 Prince Albert is now home to a unique vending machine. Instead of chips, it dispenses books written by Indigenous authors — free of charge. The machine is operated by the Prince Albert Indian and Métis Friendship Centre and is located at the Bernice Sayese Centre. Anne Stene, program director with the Friendship Centre, said readers are encouraged to keep the books. “We don’t want the books back, we want them to stay in the home, and say the child is done with a book, they can give it to a friend.” The machine is part of an initiative by an Ontario-based organization called Start2Finish, with a goal of bringing cultural awareness to communities.

https://saskatoon.ctvnews.ca/sask-vending-machine-distributes-indigenous-books-1.6276684

Calling all bibliophiles – here’s why you should visit your local (and not-so-local) indy bookshops

RT @bookstothesky ´Books are weapons of empathy… they do war against dehumanisation.´ Fabulous booky rant from Robin Ince. Use your local bookshop or lose it.

https://metro.co.uk/2023/02/16/robin-ince-on-why-we-should-all-visit-as-many-indy-bookshops-as-we-can-18287001/

A Reading List About the Neuroscience of Reading

HT @inkbitspixels Seven stories exploring the surprising neuroscience behind the mutability of language and the reading brain.

https://longreads.com/2023/02/23/neuroscience-of-reading-melanie-hamon/

Forecast for printing paper supply chain

HT @BISG “The supply chain for producing printing paper is still tight, but there are signs that it is beginning to loosen up and should be much improved in 2023.”

https://www.piworld.com/article/2023-will-paper-chase-persist/

UK magazine digital edition circulation up by 22%

Digital consumer magazines saw a circulation increase of 22% in 2022, according to new ABC data. The combined average circulation of titles reporting digital data separately to ABC increased from 2.5 million in 2021 to 3.1 million in 2022.

https://pressgazette.co.uk/media-audience-and-business-data/media_metrics/digital-magazine-circulations-2022-abc/

Resources & Opportunities

A Moment with Misty Copeland: The Power of Mentorship

As our largest fundraising event of the year, this will be a meaningful event in many ways. Please consider joining us to hear trailblazer Misty Copeland speak about who helped guide her career and how she’s now paying that forward – mentoring, a topic near and dear to many of our hearts. Catch up with others at this in-person event. And help support WMG’s commitment to growing its scholarship programs. A win-win-win event!.

Wednesday, March 15, 6:00 p.m. ET

$75 for @WMG_NYC members, $100 for non-members, includes a signed copy of Misty Copeland’s book, The Wind at My Back, light bites & refreshments and time for networking.

Pride Global Offices, 420 Lexington Avenue, NYC

All proceeds from this event go to the Women’s Media Group Educational Foundation to support WMG scholarship initiatives.

https://www.womensmediagroup.org/event-5171039

The Color of Change Children’s Literature Conference

MT @kwelijournal ICYMI: We’re offering scholarships for our upcoming #bipoc #kidlit COLOR OF CHILDREN’S LITERATURE CONFERENCE, featuring authors @JackieWoodson, @malindalo, @AndreaLRogers, @CozbiHandmade, @LeahsMark + MORE. Find out how to APPLY today on our website.

https://www.kwelijournal.org/2023-kweli-color-of-childrens-literature-conference-copy

IBPA launches four new affinity groups for members

MT @ibpa IBPA, the Independent Book Publishers Association, has launched four new affinity groups for members. These DEI focused groups aim to provide IBPA members with networking and mentoring opportunities and space to engage in group discussions, while fostering a diverse community!

https://www.ibpa-online.org/news/630765/IBPA-Launches-Four-Affinity-Groups-for-Members.htm

OpenBooks program now available free online

OpenBooks is a series of free, accessible online events sponsored by the Publishers Association in the UK, targeting young talent from underrepresented backgrounds who are exploring the first steps in their career. The recordings are now available online.

https://www.publishers.org.uk/openbooks/

Native Children’s and YA Writing Intensive

MT @diversebooks Native/First Nations writers: apply for the 2023 Native Children’s & YA Writing Intensive thru 3/6! This program is a chance to build community with other creators and develop your manuscript/career with our faculty, including @CynLeitichSmith.

https://diversebooks.org/programs/native-writing-intensive/

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