Ages ago I posted about a debate that was happening in Oz on the issue of the parallel importation of books.
Basically this is legislation that gives an Australian-based publisher 30 days to print an Oz version (hence the different book covers thing) of any book released in the world. If a bookstore later wishes to sell the book they can’t import it from an overseas publisher, but can only purchase it from that publisher.
This protectionist and anti-competition policy (just a hint as to what my POV is) was subject to much criticism in an analysis by our Productivity Commission and, in a nutshell, it recommended the Federal Government reverse the restrictions.
Did the Oz parliamentarians choose to follow the advice of their own friggin’ agency??
Hell no. Instead they have decided to protect the few over the majority.
So, on behalf of the book buyers of Oz, I say thank you very fucking much, Oz parliamentarians!
Thank you for guaranteeing we readers not only continue to pay outrageous book prices, but for giving tacit approval to likely increases through your support of a monopoly market.
Thumbs up to you!
You arseholes rock!
Kris + Books = Good. *Sometimes*. 
Good thing you has friends across the kinky kiddie pool who will stay up half the night to email you books. Or buy them and ship to you.
Also…wet pussy pic, FTW!
Well, that's just crappy. At least you have places like The Book Depositary who can send you books without postage charges.
Hey Kris, I've got some WTF stuff on my blog today that might cheer you up.
:o)
MsM
Protectionism rarely protects the buying public but only a few companies. Sure those publishers are able to employ more people but in the grand scheme the plans do more harm than good but when it comes out of everyone's pocket a few dollars at a time you don't notice.
Sorry to hear this. Now put your rant in a letter and send it to all the “right” people!
At least it isn't only U.S. politicians who suck corporate dick so vigorously, their efforts have come close to making the whole nation collapse.
Emmy: I luff the kitteh. The kitteh is awesome for the buying of stuffs for her friends who are on the arse edge of nowhere and are also skerrit of paypal. Awesome and so calm and graceful under pressure too. *nods, nods*
Jen: The Book Depository and I are best mates. Nothing will break us up now.
MsM: Your WTF posts always cheer me up. Although I have to say the reusable pad gave me a little throw up in my mouth. Blech.
Tam: One of the worst things about it is that there are only a few Oz publishers who actually print here. Most ship the work offshore to China where the printing is much less expensive. It's ridiculous.
KZ: Damn straight I'll be writing emails and letters. I also be pointing out to them whether they even considered the pressure that the high costs will put on our public library systems, which are so poorly funded it's not funny, especially in the state where I live.
I found indi book stores on the web 10 years ago because of this very reason! I hated buying books in oz…. now the Emerald city, which shall be refered to as the book depository… aaahhhhh oooohhhh 🙂
tish
Tish, the Book Depository is definitely The Emerald City. *GRIN*
Oz sucks for book prices. How long since you left cos it just gets worse from year to year and can actually go up a couple of times in one year. It's fucking ridiculous!!
Eg: A certain Aussie author's print book is AUS$31.97/US$29.69 and that's on sale!!
You can get the PB direct from the publisher for AUS$18.29/US$16.99 (without postage) and from the Emerald City for AUS$20.40/Brit11.49 (postage free).
Paying over $10 extra – no matter how much I love the author and want him to make big bucks – is a fucking joke.
Holy crap….. 31 bucks for a book. Ya know I think certain aussie author is great but…. sheesh! (he should know I was in Borders closing down sale tonight and watched 4 copies of his book – full price – fly of the shelves. There seem to be a lot of stock there from other bookshops..)
I left 4 years ago but like I said I refused to buy any books in oz because of the price. I always had friends overseas who bought and posted them cheaper than I could buy them….. even if I could find them!
On my follow on twitter someone said that the book From here to eternity by James Jones had a gay storyline in it that was cut out and his daughter said the same thing. I never knew… did anyone else? (as we are talking books I thought I'd be safe LOL)
tish
Tish, yeah, exy, isn't it. Perth is crap for books. I'm lucky I have a tame romance bookstore here, which also gets me books not from their catalogue, otherwise I'd be screwed.
Nup, I never knew about the From Here To Eternity thing. Heh.
I'm with K.Z. – write your local politican. Or better yet, go along to a local meeting and ask him/her the question in front of everyone else! Puts them on the spot *grin*
At least you have The Book Depository…but it still isn't fair. Books pucblished overseas are imported, which is why it costs $25 for a MMP. To put this into context, a MMP in the US is ~$7.99, yes? The current exchange rate is approximately NZ$1 = US$0.65!
Actually, maybe you could contact your Commerce Commission or Consumer Institute. Am sure they would have things to say!
It sounds damn unfair Kris.
Books are not that cheap here either. 10 to 15 eur for a pocket book (15 to 22 USD.)
TBD is the Emerald city for me as well 🙂
Orannia: On it. I've been following some of the reactions to the decision and one of the arguments they're using is that it doesn't really matter because of the increasing availability of ebooks?? I'm sitting here scratching my head over that one.
Ingrid: It's discrimination is what is is. 😦