NEWSLETTER NO. 9 OF 2007
AXIS OF EVIL MAPPING NEWSLETTER # 9 End of October, 2007
The Axis of Evil Mapping Newsletter is released irregularly. Any opinions expressed are strictly those of myself and are not intended to provoke anything more than the intellect.
INTRODUCTION
This year’s Frankfurt Book Fair was one of the most interesting in years. Recent changes in ownership of Footprint Books and Lonely Planet Press, the major shift in emphasis by ADAC leaving Mairs as the paramount paper map publisher in Europe, the approved merger of Woolworth’s and Bertrams in the UK, and the collapse of the American dollar were hot topics of conversation. There was hardly any time to talk about maps! Unfortunately, few map publishers had any new titles to show, or plans to expand during the next year, so maybe this gave wings to the recent changes in the travel industry.
LONELY PLANET
Tony and Maureen Wheeler founded what became the Lonely Planet empire after a long trek through Asia in the late 60s. I’ve known the Wheelers since the early 70s, when we were all young and footloose. I’ve shaved off my beard and coloured my hair grey to give me an appearance of maturity befitting a publisher. Tony doesn’t seem to have changed a bit over the past almost 40 years. They wrote Asia on the Cheap after being pestered by friends upon their return to Australia and the rest is history – LP now has almost 500 titles, videos and a TV programme, and world wide recognition and was, until its latest purchase, the largest privately-owned publishing house in the world. Sad to say, it happens to all of us, but the time finally came when the Wheelers wanted to ease off on their business activities. They have sold their controlling interest in LP to BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of the British Broadcasting Corporation. I’ve known most of the ‘greats’ in the travel publishing business over my career, and Tony (whom I knew better than Maureen) has been one of my favourite people. I wish both of the Wheelers well in their future lives and will be watching BBC with great interest to see what they do with LP.
ITMB PRICES IN US DOLLARS
Following intensive discussions at the Frankfurt Book Fair with several stakeholders, I have decided to standardize the prices of all non-ITMB titles imported into the USA by ITMB to ensure that Canadian and US prices are at par, effective immediately. This will affect A-Z, Borch, Canada Map Office, Collins, Freytag & Berndt, Hema, Michelin, Ordnance Survey, Rand McNally Canada and any other firm that ITMB imports into North America. ITMB titles themselves will NOT be affected at this time.
ITMB titles already in print will remain unchanged in price until we all have more time to monitor the effect of rapid devaluation of the US dollar. I’m really unhappy with not changing prices, as I see no reason why Canadians should be paying $13.95 for the same item Americans pay only $10.95 or $11.95 to buy, but the logistics involved in changing prices in the computer-dominated US market would be formidable. It would be cheaper and easier for me to throw out most of ITMB’s inventory and print again at more realistic prices than re-bar code and re-sticker a million copies of 300 titles. Needless to say, I have no intention of throwing out perfectly good inventory or of re-bar coding all of our maps. Both ideas give me the willies. Grumble, grumble.
New ITMB titles, as they go to press, will show a common Canadian/US price of $12.95 for country maps and $10.95 for city maps and recreational titles. This will last ONLY for as long as the two currencies remain roughly in balance with each other. Unfortunately, the speed with which the US dollar is depreciating is extremely alarming. I noted in a previous Axis letter my dismay at losing $600 by depositing on Monday instead of the previous Friday. Well, the dollar has continued to drop in value extremely rapidly. This is a catastrophic decline for a currency the world has used as an international currency for the past century. Today’s deposit resulted in a loss to my firm of $1,400. I’m sorry, but we’re too small a firm to be able to stay in business on this basis.
Americans, many of whom do not seem to have understood the significance of their government’s economic policy of deliberately devaluing the USD to stimulate the US economy, need to wake up. This policy may help the dinosaurs of the US car industry so that they can continue flogging gas-guzzling monsters, and discourage consumers from buying fuel-efficient imports, but it damages the US. Forcing consumers to pay more for new houses, many fresh vegetable products, and ITMB maps doesn’t help anyone. Double grumble. I’m not changing my company’s long-established policies lightly. The instability caused by rapid deflation is extremely important. This move could force ITMB out of business, that’s how serious it is.
The bad news isn’t over yet. Effective immediately, all ITMB US retail customers will be invoiced at a 40% discount, the same as Canadian customers. I can no longer justify the 50% discount ITMB was able to offer for the past quarter century, using the exchange rate to afford the more generous discount. American public and academic libraries will continue to receive their current discounts, as I believe in supporting such institutions.
EUROPEAN DISTRIBUTORS CURRENTLY INVOICED IN US FUNDS
I was able to meet with most of our European customers during the Frankfurt Book Fair and was able to persuade all those that are not already paying in either Euros or GB pounds to switch to those currencies effective their next order. I am contacting them separately to confirm these new arrangements.
ENOUGH ALREADY! IT’S TIME FOR SOME HUMOUR
You’ll love this one, which I found in a recent Vancouver daily. German police in Stuttgart were on high alert yesterday after they were called into action to recapture a large cluster of escaped crustaceans. That’s right, a bunch of crayfish is called a ‘cluster’ (throw that tidbit into tonight’s dinner conversation). A whole bunch, oops, cluster, of hard-backed and heavily clawed crayfish made a break for freedom from an Asian food store when the owner wasn’t looking and scuttled off in all directions, forcing police to call for reinforcements to recapture the wily creatures – and perhaps to deal with screaming passersby. I just love stories like this; true life is much more interesting than fiction. Doesn’t your imagination run rampant at the thought of thousands of crayfish frantically trying to escape the boiling pot, mincing their tiny claws at big, burly policemen, and screaming “En Garde” in tiny crayfish voices? Come on, it’s funny, eh?
Here’s one that is interesting, rather than funny. According to a report on the news radio station I listen to, ten years ago the commonest surname in Vancouver was Smith (that didn’t even count those named Schmidt). 1997 was not very long ago. A decade on, the commonest surname in 2007 is Lee (not counting the Li version). The second commonest surname is Wong, then Kim. Smith now runs a distant fourth.
PRESS RELEASES AND THE AXIS NEWSLETTER
As we become more familiar with the new technology of our web store, we plan to move our mailing list into this format. Currently, if you wish to subscribe, unsubscribe, or change your email information, you have to send us an email and hope that we effect what you wish done. With the new web store site, you subscribe, change your information, or unsubscribe as you wish. You are more in control. If you wish to switch, please visit http://shop.itmb.ca/ and sign in!
AN ERROR IN A RECENT PRESS RELEASE
ITMB’s press release for our new map of Melbourne, Australia, accidentally presented the wrong ISBN for the title. The correct ISBN on the map is 9781553417156. I wish to thank the three readers who noticed the error and contacted me to advise me. Three lashes with a wet noodle have been applied.
ITMB TITLES: WORK IN PROGRESS
Antarctica has suddenly depleted to next to no inventory, thanks to a large order that we received. What we want to do is to show the differences in the actual shape of the icy continent over the past seven years by noting those segments that have carved away thanks to global warming. The new edition should be ready by December.
Auckland/Wellington/Christchurch is a new ITMB title currently being prepared. As often is the case, we find ourselves caught between a rock and a hard place. We don’t have room on our New Zealand map to show city maps adequately, and each of the major urban areas of that country, in themselves, do not generate enough market interest to justify three separate maps, nor are they large enough to need three maps; hence one map for the three major cities. We’re expecting to release this title in January.
Brasil (or Brazil to English-speaking people) is now out of stock. Not to worry, mate, two new editions will unleash themselves shortly on an unsuspecting world. In the meantime, please sell down your existing inventory.
Central America is one of our most important titles. We have, unfortunately, run out of inventory but our next edition is already at press. We will be printing during November, but it will probably be December before it is available again. We’re adding a lot of information to it.
Chile is once again moving forward, slowly, thanks to brand new GIS data that helps fill in gaps that have delayed this important title for years. It is too early to promise anything, but we’re moving ahead.
Croatia is at press overseas, and we don’t know shipping times yet, so can’t say when it will arrive.
Gibraltar is a new title for ITMB, and one that we think offers an innovative new approach to international mapping. Our map will show both the European and the North African sides of the Straits forming the mouth of the Mediterranean. Coverage will extend from west of Malaga in Spain to Tangier and Tetuoan in Morocco. This is a rapidly growing region for travel. A detailed map of ‘Gib’ will be part of the map.
Guatemala has suddenly run out of copies, due to a sudden upsurge in interest. Does somebody know why? Anyway, we’re beginning our updating process, but it will probably be January before this popular title will be available again. Sorry, but these things happen, and we can’t predict them.
Guernsey/Alderney/Sark/Herms and St. Peter’s Port is a new ITMB travel title, whose actual name will be the Bailiwick of Guernsey, but whose area of coverage will include the world’s only feudal territory, islands where cars are banned, and a town where time stands still. This is a fascinating corner of the world, just off the coast of France, but is pricelessly English – although it is neither a part of the UK nor is it in the European Union.
Guangzhou, or Guangchou, formerly Canton, China, is being prepared for release in December. This will be our fourth ITM City Map for China, and places ITMB in the forefront of mapping important destinations in this rapidly-expanding tourist country. Tianjin and Chongching will follow in 2008.
Gulf Islands (BC) Travel Reference Map is being prepared as a brand new double-sided map using governmental topography, for release early in 2008. Thus far, it looks very good!
Istanbul ran out of copies earlier than expected, thanks to a large order. A new edition has been prepared, using information gathered during two visits to the city by Lan and I and separately by the cartographer. We are completing final editing and expect to print in January.
Jersey and St. Helier’s is a new ITMB title that is expected to be available early in 2008. The largest of Britain’s Channel Islands is a lovely corner of the world, and we have been able to persuade a great cartographer to prepare an extremely detailed map of the Bailiwick. The island fills one side of this double-sided treasure, with an amazingly detailed map of St. Helier’s and numerous smaller island towns graces the reverse side.
Mexico Oaxaca States and Chiapas States Travel Reference Map 1st Ed. 2008 1:1,000,000 ISBN 978155341 is now at press and expected sometime in November. This will be the last of our maps of Mexico at this scale for a while. The actual area of coverage of the map is from Mexico City to the western fringes of the Yucatan region of Mexico, and includes most of Pueblo State as well.
Mexico Sonora and Chihuahua States is also at press and expected in November. These two States border Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas and, together with recently-released North East Mexico and Baja complete our coverage of the USA/Mexican border states. This map is due in November.
South America is at press in Europe. Due to shipping times, we cannot give an ETA at this time.
South America Wall Map 1st Ed. 2008 1:5,000,000 ISBN 978155341 is a new venture for us. This huge map, being printed in Europe, will be marketed on our behalf by Craenen Distribution, in Belgium. It is a huge file, but our printer feels that he can ‘rip’ it. This map will be available for Craenen in Europe and from ITMB in the Americas, in paper, laminated, and with rollers, all in tubes. It should be ready for sale by December.
Sunshine Coast (BC) is approaching completion. The coastal region northwest of Vancouver is an interesting and scenic part of our province, currently covered by two titles – Gibson’s and Powell River. This new map will cover a wider area and be more up-to-date. No ETA is available yet.
Yucatan Peninsula is at press as an updated edition. No ETA is available at this moment, due to unexpected delays in obtaining our next shipment of plastic paper.
FORTHCOMING ITMB EVENTS
ITMB Sells its Warehouse Building in Vancouver, citing high municipal taxes as a reason: November 30.
ITMB Acquires New Head Office Building and Warehouse in Richmond, BC, after a two year search – completion date is December 17, 2007, but only the warehouse will move there initially.
ITMB 27th Annual Christmas Party Extravaganza – December 16, 2007, in Vancouver, BC.
Mrs. Do Ngoc Lan Joyce and Jack Joyce wish to announce that our daughter, the inimitable Lan Phuong, will marry her beloved Linh in Hanoi, Vietnam, on January 2nd 2008. All are invited to join the 300 invited family members, who will be assembling for the event of the year. Phuong (24) is the first of her generation to marry and this is always a HUGE event in Vietnamese culture. Linh and Phuong own their own business in Toronto, Canada. ITMB will be effectively shut down during the festivities, due to excessive partying. Lan leaves for Vietnam on the 18th to organize as only a mother-of-the-bride can do; I follow on the 30th.
IMTA Planning Session, San Antonio, Texas – Jan. 18-20, 2008 is always a fun event.
IMTA Portugal, in Cacais, near Lisbon, February 28/29- March 1st, 2008 – We’re not only attending, but will be researching the Azores Islands during our visit. Can another ITM map be in our future??? I’ll never tell.
Rhodesia Study Circle 60th Anniversary Convention, Royal Leamington Spa, England – we’ll be there! And map people world-wide will be asking the what? Where? Why? It’s a secret. Can’t tell or I’d have to cull you.
London Book Fair, Earl’s Court, London - April 14-16 – we have our stand booked already. This will be a bigger and better organized show than last year, and we’re already looking forward to it.
IMTA Board Meeting – May 28-29, somewhere in the LA area
BookExpo USA, Los Angeles May 30-June 1 – We will be at Stand 2755 with a big stand. Since we’ll be driving from Vancouver, we’ll have a wider selection of maps to show off.
IMTA World Mapping Conference “Mapping the Future” – Vancouver, Canada at the famous Hotel Vancouver in downtown Vancouver September 14-16, 2008, with Alaska cruises and RV rentals a possibility. This convention promises to be one of the most important, largest, and most exciting gatherings of the mapping industry in years! It’s SO big, even Nicolson Maps of Scotland plan on attending. Even Guenther Nelles might break down and attend, if he can persuade his boss to come along. You should come too. Nine exhibitors have signed up already, which is extraordinary, considering that prices haven’t been established yet.
ITMB TITLES PUBLISHED IN OCTOBER, 2007
Melbourne, Australia, ITM City Map 1st Ed. 2008 1:12,500 ISBN 9781553417156 $10.95cdn/8.95us/E7.95/5.99GBP – We are very pleased to announce the release of our newest ITM City Map (our 70th international city map). Melbourne is Australia’s second largest city, based on the Yarro River, close to Port Phillip Bay, on the south coast. Founded by disgruntled Tasmanians in 1835, the city first became the capital of the Colony of Victoria and then the capital of Australia until 1927. Apart from being a MUCH more interesting city than Sydney (ask any local), this is ITM’s third title on Australia (with more to come). It has all the features of an ITM city map – clear colours and fonts, rapid transit lines shown (in this case, trams), as well as parks, beaches, hotels, churches, shopping areas, sports facilities, cinemas, post offices, and just about everything else we could think of! This was also Kevin Healey’s home city, where he made so many beautiful maps. AVAILABLE
Mexico Travel Reference Map 7th Ed. 2008 1:2,000,000 waterproof ISBN 9781553413288 $13.95cdn/11.95us/E8.95/6.99GBP – We apologize for having this map unavailable for three months. We were awaiting a new shipment of ITM plastic paper. Mexico is changing its infrastructure fairly quickly, so we need to update this title every couple of years. I can’t think of anything brilliant to say about this edition. It has a new cover, is double-sided, printed on plastic, and looks good. AVAILABLE
Mexico North East Travel Reference Map 1st Ed. 2008 1:1,000,000 ISBN 9781553415923 $13.95cdn/11.95us/E8.95/6.99GBP – Mexico is one of our favourite places to visit, and is also very popular with American travelers. The five states that border Texas – Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, and San Luis Potosi may not be well-known internationally, but Monterrey (the third largest city in Mexico), Nuevo Laredo, Matamoros, Torreon, Tampico, Aguascalientes, and Ciudad Victoria evoke images of the Mexico of ranches and vast distances. This is actually a fertile and economically developing part of the country, bordered by the Gulf of Mexico on the east, Texas on the north, and ITMB’s maps of Central Mexico on the south and our new map of Sonora and Chihuahua States on the west. This is an excellent map for cross-border expeditions; printed single-sided, on paper, showing main and secondary road connections, rail lines, gas stations in smaller towns, and whatever touristic attractions we were able to locate AVAILABLE
ITMB TITLES RELEASED IN SEPTEMBER, 2007, a summary
Ethiopia Travel Reference Map 4th Ed. 2008 1:2,000,000 ISBN 9781553412069 $13.95cdn/11.95us/E8.95/6.99GBP – AVAILABLE
Mumbai (Bombay), India, ITM City Map 1st Ed. 2008 1:12,000 ISBN 9781553416777 $10.95cdn/8.95us/E7.95/5.99GBP – AVAILABLE
New Zealand Travel Reference Map 5th Ed. 2008 1:950,000, waterproof ISBN 9781553413462 $13.95cdn/11.95us/E8.95/6.99GBP – AVAILABLE
Vancouver Island Travel Reference Map 5th Ed. 2005 1:250,000 ISBN 9781553418801 $6.95cdn & us/E7.95/5.99GBP – AVAILABLE