Snots, a ghost town and the passing of an icon

Good morning bookies! Read on for news and comment.

*** If you want to know why the New York Times (All the News That's Fit to Invent!) is going bankrupt, you need read no further than this editorial about Joe the Plumber and Sarah Palin writing books. According to the snots running the Worst Newspaper in America, only they and those they deem worthy should be allowed to write a book. People such as Joe and Palin simply have nothing to say and should not be allowed to dilute the literary pool.

I really, really cannot stand literary snobs. Especially snobs working at a paper that has had more scandals in the last decade than you can count on one hand. So let's be clear: this is still America, you can write and read what you choose, whether The New York Snides think it's worthwhile or not. Indeed, their condemnation is a plus.

To be clear, I cannot imagine reading either book written by Joe or Sarah. Not that I agree or disagree with their politics, that's beside the point. It's just not what I read. But then, I cannot imagine anyone reading a lot of stuff that I dislike. So what? Just because I don't like it doesn't mean others won't find value. So if you are a writer and you get a book published, good for you! Whether the New York Snides approve or not.

New York Times opines from their ivory tower

*** Ebay's continuing effort to drive every person from their site is beginning to meet with success. Alternatives such as ecrater, ebid and, BBG's favorite, Bonanzle, are heating up, seeing visitors and sales skyrocket and are quietly becoming a force to be reckoned with. If John Donahoe's mission was to turn Ebay into a ghost town, he's on the right track.

Ebay running off every last customer

*** Memphians will mourn the passing of Fred Cook. No, he wasn't an author, but he was a local icon. For years he was a fixture on local radio. He and John Powell entertained the city for a long time beginning in the 60's with The Zero Hour, a Seinfeld-esque program about nothing in particular. He was also the announcer for the Memphis State Tigers in the days when they played at the Mid-South Coliseum.