While I focus on Technology, Innovation, and Publishing, because I have a platform, I also flag items that I think are important, which you might have missed, and try to include a bunch of resources & opportunities. Please let me know what you think.
Important Items
Everything You Need to Vote
Please vote!!!
Voter Protection Hotline
MT @BarackObama Don’t let anyone or anything stop you from making your voice heard in this election. If you have any questions or concerns, call a voter protection hotline. These folks are standing by to make sure your vote is counted. So make sure you vote!
https://votesaveamerica.com/?vsa_country=US
Innovation
A Lost Mayan City Has Been Found With Laser Mapping
Archaeologists have revealed an ancient lost Mayan city using advanced laser mapping technology, unearthing monumental structures such as pyramids and plazas. Named Valeriana, the city is believed to have been founded before 150 AD.
https://www.wired.com/story/lost-mayan-city-valeriana-lidar-discovery/
Technology
UK, US, IPA: Publishers’ Associations Join World AI Statement
Google Preps AI That Takes Over Computers
Google is developing AI that takes over a person’s web browser to complete tasks such as purchasing a product or booking a flight.
https://www.theinformation.com/articles/google-preps-ai-that-takes-over-computers
Meta Develops AI Search Engine to Lessen Reliance on Google, Microsoft
Meta is developing a search engine so its ChatGPT competitor can give answers about current events and reduce its reliance on Google.
Meta Teams With Blumhouse and Filmmakers Like Casey Affleck to Test Movie Gen AI Tool
https://variety.com/2024/digital/news/meta-movie-gen-blumhouse-casey-affleck-1236180282/
YouTube Announces Broader Launch of ‘Dream Track’ AI Audio Generator
https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/youtube-broader-launch-dream-track-ai-audio-generator/729814/
Publishing & Media
Amazon Ending Kindle Vella After Three Years
Amazon is pulling the plug on Kindle Vella, its experiment with episodic storytelling, after lackluster results since the platform launched in 2021. The company confirmed that Kindle Vella will officially shut down in February 2025. For readers following Vella stories, episodes they’ve already unlocked will still be available on the Kindle app for iOS and Android — but the web version will be gone.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/amazon-ending-kindle-vella-after-three-years/ar-AA1tiqgB
Goodreads Cofounder Launches Smashing, a Content Curation App
Otis Chandler, cofounder and former CEO of Goodreads, is among those who have launched Smashing, a new reading app that will provide a daily feed of news, podcasts, and social media posts based on users’ interests. The app employs both AI and human curation to determine which stories are a best fit for its audience, with content recommendations linking directly to the original publishers’ sites. It also includes a feature called Smashing AI Questions, which provides AI-powered contextual prompts such as “show all sides,” “tear this apart,” and “make it funny,” to alter the perspective of a given set of content.
Scribd to Launch Credit-Based Model, Expand Big Five Partnerships
Bernardine Evaristo offers her Kent cottage to writers for free retreats
Don’t Demonize Print on Demand
Via @janefriedman.
https://janefriedman.com/dont-demonize-print-on-demand/
Marc Benioff is in talks to sell media company Time to Greek media company Antenna Group
https://www.cnbc.com/2024/11/01/marc-benioff-in-talks-to-sell-time-inc-to-antenna-group.html
NJ State Senate passes bill intended to halt book bans, protect librarians
PEN America Report Confirms School Book Bans Are Surging
MT @PublishersWkly The report, ‘Banned in the USA: Beyond the Shelves,’ confirms and details the organization’s preliminary findings, with the group’s finalized stats showing that 4,231 unique titles were targeted during the 2023-2024 school year.
Resources & Opportunities
Celebrating the Women and Art of Children’s Books
11/21 5:45pm ET. $15 for members, $25 for non-members. With Selina Alko, Vashti Harrison, and Cecilia Ruiz. Moderated by Carolina Schwarz. During National Book Awards Week, join Women’s Media Group in partnership with the Society of Illustrators to celebrate a diverse group of women illustrators of children’s books. The main event will be a panel discussion, where each artist will speak about her career journey, her approach to illustration, and some of her recent work. There will also be time before and after the event to enjoy the Museum of Illustration’s prestigious annual “The Original Art” exhibit, which showcases the fine art of children’s book illustration. Following the panel, enjoy a cocktail, light bites, and conversation in the beautiful historic 128 Bar, the Society’s unique gallery and gathering space.
https://www.womensmediagroup.org/event-5913885
MT @kwelijournal NOW OPEN! The Kweli Fellowship Program provides emerging #BIPOC writers of adult fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, a fellowship that includes:
★ $2000 Stipend
★ Editorial Support
★ Paid Writing Retreat
+ MORE
Apply OCT 29 to NOV 19
https://www.kwelijournal.org/kweli-fellowship-program
Women Editors, Publishers, & Activists
Free panel at @GrolierClub 12/16
Publicity and Events Coordinator Job
MT @FeministPress We’re hiring! ⚡️ We’re looking for a full-time Publicity and Events Coordinator to join the team. Is that you? Applications are due by 11/18.
https://www.feministpress.org/jobs
Want to read my old newsletters or subscribe? Go to my blog here.