Back when I discussed the Alibris/Better World Books deal, Mr. Helgesen from Better World Books, agreed to send us a 100-word piece on his organization. Regrettably, we have yet to hear from him. This is one of those irksome stories that I want to keep discussing out of principle, but feel it would be better to let rest. Sorry.

Tower Records, the struggling CD joint, has just opened up an online bookstore. Tower, which once represented the “hip” place in cities to find new music and browse CDs, has continued to struggle since its bankruptcy in 2004. This represents an interesting move given its previous foray into bookselling in its B&M stores. The key for the company, if it wants true success, is successfully rebranding itself as a place for more than “records” - something it has yet to be able to to do - can anyone say, overdue for a name change? (Article link, Press release)

It was one year ago this month that Alibris masked its new fee structure as a positive for its sellers. Since that time a series of sales crushing events have occurred at the site. Now in 2006, sellers are still wondering about Half.com and remain preoccupied about what new fee may come next.