Never let it be said that we don’t use our time wisely. For example, we rose with the dawn (or something closely resembling dawn) to get things done. It’s been an hour and we’re still thinking on the notion of actually doing something. Until then, allow us to delight in the analysis of weak earnings at HarperCollins, UK. Apparently it’s all Sean Connery’s fault. Or maybe it’s J.R.R. Tolkien’s fault — darn him for dying and not leaving a Tupac Shakur-like trove of novels in a trunk. Blame can also be placed squarely on the shoulders of some other guys we’ve never heard of.
Still a thirty percent drop is significant and management is taking it on the chin. In fine Western tradition, full responsibility is being accepted and vows to improve performance are being sworn. At least we think that’s what Victoria Barnsley is saying:
Victoria Barnsley, chief executive of HarperCollins, insisted yesterday that she was pleased by the results. ‘The underlying business performed very well. We even paid a company-wide bonus,’ she said.
2 responses so far ↓
Susan Gable // Apr 27, 2005 at 11:19 am
I wonder if any of the living authors, who make the company’s business possible, got a bonus? Yeah, just like the great insurance benefits they get.
Sorry, I seem to have gotten out of bed on the sarcastic side today. (g)
Booksquare // Apr 27, 2005 at 12:23 pm
Actually, that’s the funniest thing I’ve heard all day. Given what I’ve heard so far, that’s saying a lot! But, no, no bonuses for living authors. Only corporate executives at the vice president level and above. Authors are entry level. Sorry.