Skip to my Lulu

It was intriguing to see Lulu.com as first place in the book category for the Web 2.0 awards. I first heard about the website when a very popular comedian on Youtube, TJ, told everybody he was shilling his memoirs there. The book is entitled: Scumbag, Musings of a Subhuman. I may just have to purchase it just because of the title. Rumor has it that TJ made quite the profit, as his charisma translated well from video to book form.

Lulu is a self-publishing company that allows authors to upload their files to Lulu's web site, select binding and other options, and set the amount of profit they wish to earn on each copy. If the document is not already in PDF format, Lulu converts it to PDF. This site is a great opportunity for up-and-coming writers to have their books distributed to the unsuspecting masses. Most newbies wouldn't be able to secure a major distribution deal, leaving them in the cold.

I don't see Lulu working well in a library setting. Most of the materials we purchase comes from well established publishing companies. I don't think we would catalog any random book from any Joe Schmo author.