[lionhearted]

> Again, publishers need to understand that consumers really couldn't give a toss about this sort of thing: we just want to buy their product, not have to worry about some international publishing agreement bullshit.

Firmly agree. This nonsense is a relic from an earlier age - back in the day, you'd sell the rights to a book to a local publisher/distributor. Back then, an American publishing house might have minimal contacts in Australia, so you'd license or sell to an Australian company with better local contacts and an understanding of the local market.

Mind you, this dates back to before long distance calls were possible, let alone the internet, and it made sense back then. Now it's mostly just hassle, nonsense, and bureaucracy. It'll eventually get more sensible, either because the old guard will wake up or some new players will emerge to eat their lunch.