Considering the future of publishing

Few industries have escaped feeling the dark economic news of recent weeks (and months). Although articles and opinion pieces about the future of publishing run the gamut from glowingly hopeful reports to the-sky-is-falling predictions of doom, some observers are taking a more balanced view of how belt tightening has affected the industry, and what kinds of changes are taking place in day-to-day business.

One such perspective is offered by Leon Neyfakh in the 14 October 2008 New York Observer, available online and worth reading for anyone considering a trek down the path to publication. While larger houses and agencies may be facing greater challenges to meet revenue projections, the economic downturn may present opportunities to smaller publishers, university presses, and other, more nimble members of the industry. (Thanks to MediaBistro for the pointer.)