ABA Coverage Slighted Trends in Reading

Having just returned from the American Booksellers Assn.’s annual convention and trade exhibit in Chicago, I was disappointed to read Paul Colford’s (“All’s Fair in Books and War,” June 6).

Instead of reporting on a few of the new concepts (such as a tabletop atlas featuring interchangeable overlays revealing the geographic, political and historic changes of the past few years), new trends in reading (as in tiny digital books) and new marketing techniques (selling on the Internet), he chose only to focus on the political personalities (Colin, Hillary and Newt), questionable advances and competing mega-parties hosted by the media giants.

The Times is not alone. The ABA itself pushes the centerfold names to attract media coverage and pays precious little attention to the real stars of these shows--the innovative ideas and developments found in so many of the small booths at the back of the hall where the future of America’s culture is first put on display for approval.

GODFREY HARRIS, Director

The Americas Group Publishers

Los Angeles