Seems like Michael is more than willing to be judged by the standard he has set for others. As for Sidney? Not so much.

1. Short format books with low page counts. Up until a few years ago Bowker wouldn't give ISBNs to books with less than 12 pages. This is a problem for several kinds of publishers including children's publishers, and in my case, booklet publishers.

2. Multiple SKU configurations. Some companies sell a product in different quantities under a different ISBN. A perfect example is a 10-pack or a pre-packed cardboard display.

3. Lack of Cooperation between Reporting Agencies. Add to the problem that some reporting agencies don't want to work together and won't share data. For obvious confidentiality reasons, the list maker cannot share who has participated, therefore we have no idea where the list's weaknesses are.

4. Members Only. There are some organizations that will take stats only from their members.

5. Confidentiality. There are several publishers that don't share their stats with anyone and don't belong to associations. Who knows how much they move?

Is there a solution? Yes, "Best Seller Lists" should have disclaimers. They should reveal (in generalities only) who is and isn't participating and what kind of distribution is being counted. Only then can their be true transparency.

–Gretchen Goldsmith, President, Rose Publishing

Perhaps we might be more merciful and less judgmental if we ourselves went through the process of preparation which they themselves went through.

I am simply saying ‘before you judge another, put yourself in their shoes” and let us not be so quick to jump down Michael’s throat.. Let us suffer his trials and temptations and then let us speak. Perhaps then we will have learnt to be swift to hear, slow to speak and slow to wrath, for the wrath of man works not the love of G-d.. James 1:19-20………..

Sincerely Carl S. V.