Eleanor Reid reaches Indonesia

[June 17, 1800]  As the Walker was about a mile astern of us, we were much surprised to hear firing of musketry from her, and to see the canoes leaving her in all directions. We did not learn the cause of this until next day, when it was reported that a crow-bar had been taken from one of the party, with which a canoe made off rapidly towards the shore. It was to bring the plunderers back that several muskets were fired at them; and, I am afraid, from what the surgeon said, that several were wounded, if not killed, in the canoe. 

We were extremely sorry to learn this, as it might be detrimental to other navigators passing this way. It had been much better to leave good impressions with these friendly islanders, who did not retaliate hostilities upon the Walker’s people. Having a favourable breeze during the night, next morning we were out of sight of land.

The captain wishes to keep as near the old track as possible, as the least deviation in the night exposed the ships to danger. He also drew the line on Capt. Nicholl’s charts, in case of separation; but as the Walker sailed much better than our ship, it was always in their power to keep company if they wished.

In our progress to the west, being so near the equator, we suffered much from excessive heat, particularly in the night, when we had little wind: the thermometer sometimes stood at ninety-five and one hundred. We had, however, plenty of water, the casks for the use of the prisoners on the passage out being furnished by the owners, were kept on board, when the other stores were returned at Sydney.

We saw islands and land to the south of us every day, from the 19^th June until arriving off the New Guinea Cape. On the 24^th we had much rain, with heavy squalls, accompanied with thunder and lightning. At day-light next morning, the Walker was not to be seen from our mast-head; it as supposed she had tacked in the night, to avoid a small low island, which our ship passed just at dusk.

In this track we passed many large trees and drifts: one tree which appeared very straight, was taken on board; but when the root had been sawed off, it was found very soft and full of worms; besides the smell was so offensive, that it was again thrown overboard. A species of cormorant were commonly perched upon these trees; which, when seen at a distance, made us at first imagine them to be canoes with people. Five or six of these birds were seen together upon one tree; they would fly away as soon as our boat approached; no doubt they were attracted by the fish that hovered about the wood.

We had the coast of New Guinea daily in sight on our left, but at too great a distance to make any observations; it appeared in many places very mountainous. On the 29^th we passed the islands named, after their discover, Schouting’s Islands [Schouten Islands, named after Willem Schouten, now part of Indonesia as Kepulauan Biak]; they lie off the coast, and have many low, dangerous coral reefs about them, which had been observed, with the advantage of a nearer view, by our captain, when previously in the Cornwallis.

On the morning of the 1^st July we were again joined by the Walker, who had tacked, as before supposed. Captain Nicholl and his officers now delivered their letters to us, to forward by the first opportunity for England. He intended to separate from us that evening, and proceed to Dory Harbour; the high land of which was in sight; we accordingly parted, with mutual good wishes for the safety and prosperity of each other.  

Two days after this, having favourable winds, we came in sight of the Cape of Good Hope [Cape Yamarsba], the south-western extremity of New Guinea.

As something was amiss with the ship’s rudder, which could not be rectified at sea, it was judged proper to put into some place for that purpose, and at the same time to fill the empty casks with fresh water to stiffen the ship, for old sailors say, that casks once filled with salt water never become sweet again. For this object the captain steered to make a port upon the island Golilo, which was well known to him formerly. In our way thither, we passed Dampier’s Straits, having the coast of New Guinea (or Papua) on our left, and the island of Waggiou on our right; passing several islands whose names were not known. We then came in sight of Galilo, and in the evening anchored in a harbour called Osso.

Amazon review of Elephant Island

Every now and then a review comes up that is extremely satisfying -- because someone out there understood what the writer was trying to say.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great true story of adventure and politics March 1, 2014

By Khoti Sarque

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I loved this book. The author found a true story of nineteenth century whaling /sealing

 and filled it out with admirable descriptions of the people involved; 

a villain, some heroes, some victims and others peripherally involved. 

The historical and geographical contexts let the reader comprehend
 just why the characters did what they did. 

If you like nautical adventure stories, or courtroom dramas, or detailed local history, 
then you will be enthralled by this well-written tale.

Captain R. goes in for some playful place-naming

And we learn something very interesting about the captain's wife...

On the morning of the 17^th of June[1800], the Admiralty Islands were seen.  

It was found that the ships had been driven by currents more north than they had expected; in consequence of which, they were, according to first appearances, embayed; but proceeding nearer the large island, which we named the Sovereign, it was observed that there was a considerable opening between the Sovereign and three smaller islands, which lay to the south of it. This induced our captain to ask Captain Nicholl if he would venture through. He replied, if our ship would take the lead, he would follow. The wind was fair for passing in that direction, and we proceeded accordingly. 

Coming near, we observed a number of canoes approaching us full of men. Before entering the passage, we let them come alongside; which they did with every confidence, that made us suppose that they had had intercourse with ships before. Their canoes were large, and had a platform in the centre, with a fire upon it, and some bread-fruit and jack-fruit were roasting, which they gave us, exchanging it for any thing we offered them; but iron was their favorite. They thought we wanted eatables most, and handed up fish and cocoa-nuts, with the jack-fruit. They also presented calabashes of water, which made us suppose that some ship had been there in want of provisions and water.

If the natives had any arms, they were concealed under the platform, for we saw none. They appeared to be the most civil people we had ever met with in these parts; in consequence of which, the captain called the marine localities, Port Mangles and Friendship’s Passage. It was thought there was some very good anchorage in the port, as the ships had from seven to twelve, and thirty fathoms, in passing through, with the land so near on both sides as to give the resemblance of a locked harbour. On the island to the south of us many parts of the territory had the appearance of being under cultivation, with a sort of lattice-work in some places, as if designed to preserve fruit from the winged tribe. Many houses and inhabitants were seen on shore. 

To distinguish a remarkable hill, sloping gently down to a ravine that was cultivated, the captain, in compliment to the owners of the ship, called the former James’ Mount, and the latter John’s Valley. A projecting point of land was named Point Thomas; and a white coral bank lying off it, seen very plain under water, Reid’s Bank. Another small opening was denominated Eleanor’s Cove, and a little elevated spot Barclay’s Peak. These names were all given to different parts of that island which is south of the Great Admiralty (or Sovereign) [Manus] Island. Farther, some rocks, about five leagues to the west of this place, were called Muirhead’s Reef, after the chief mate. We observed numbers of parrots and paroquets, flying about on the shore, amongst the trees.

So why did Captain Hugh Reid choose those names?  "Port Mangles" is easy, as the Mangles Brothers, ship merchants and oil merchants of Wapping, in the East End of London, were the owners of the ship.  "Friendship's Passage" is easy too, as Reid was going in for the customary practice of naming something after the ship. James, John, and Thomas were the first names of the Mangles brothers. And then there is "Reid's Bank," obviously named after the captain himself. And, as Mrs. R. says, "Muirhead's Reef" was named after the first mate. But Eleanor's Cove? And Barclay's Peak?  What can that mean?  Could Eleanor Barclay have been Mrs. R's maiden name?

Oh yes indeed, it was -- as the marriage certificate testifies.  Hugh Reid and Eleanor Barclay were married at St John's in Wapping, on September 16, 1798, and the witnesses were Hugh's brother Thomas Reid, and William Barclay, the new Mrs. R's father.

Sarah Palin, prophetess?

The Independent asks whether the world, perhaps, underestimated Palin.

"Long-derided as a soccer mom with a limited grasp of international geopolitical affairs, it turns out the world may have misunderestimated Sarah Palin," the newspaper item begins.

Misunderestimated?  That's a wonderful new word, worthy of Palin herself! But to return to the story...

Speaking as the Republican vice-presidential nominee in the 2008 US presidential campaign, Palin warned that if Barack Obama was elected then Russia would be likely to invade Ukraine.

What? They must be kidding!  But no --

Palin made the remarks when outlining various “crisis scenarios” that would face the US if Obama became president. She was speaking in response to comments made by Obama’s running mate Joe Biden, warning the world that other world leaders would want to test the then Illinois senator.

“After the Russian Army invaded the nation of Georgia, Senator Obama's reaction was one of indecision and moral equivalence, the kind of response that would only encourage Russia's Putin to invade Ukraine next,” she said at the time.

Dear me, that's kinda creepy, as the lady herself would agree.

Perhaps we should have a second look at other gems she produced:

"As Putin rears his head and comes into the air space of the United States of America, where -- where do they go? Alaska -- it's right over the border."

So, does the invasion of Alaska come next?

"He who warned, uh, the British that they weren't gonna be taking away our arms, uh, by ringing those bells, and making sure as he's riding his horse through town to send those warning shots and bells that we were going to be sure and we were going to be free, and we were going to be armed."

All Americans armed?  That's kinda creepily predictive, too.

"But obviously, we've got to stand with our North Korean allies." 

After they have helped foil the Alaskan invasion?  The imagination boggles.

Wild weather strands ships in Wellington

Don't let the blue sky fool you.

Wellington is currently experiencing one of its infamous southerly gales.

The Oceania Marina -- the extremely luxurious ship with the flat stern -- arrived here a couple of days ago. According to the schedule, she was supposed to leave at six last night. As you can see, she is going nowhere.

The ship being held in place by the tug is the Pacific Pearl. A notoriously unhandy ship, she evidently keeps on bouncing against and away from the wharf.  She was supposed to sail for Napier last night, but as you can also see, she has lingered to see what a real gale feels like. The wind must be moderating, though, because when I first had a look this morning, there were two tugs working to keep her in place.

I hope the passengers on both ships are being well entertained.  I know that the passengers on the Marina are being extremely well fed.  It is worth going onto the Oceania site to view the ship interior by video, an experience most of us could not possibly afford in actuality.

I wonder, do tug skippers ever get tired of holding ships in place, for hour after hour after hour?

Priceless manuscript archive to be auctioned

DRAKE, FRANCIS. C.1540-1596.

[JENICHEN, BALTHASAR.]

Franciscus Draeck nobilissimus eques Angliae is est qui toto terrarum orbe circumdugo. [Nuremberg, c.1581].

US$ 50,000 - 80,000
NZD 60,000 - 96,000

Treasures from the Caren Archive

WESTCHESTER, NY--(Marketwired - Mar 3, 2014) - The most important archive of historical paper to be offered in over a century will be offered en bloc by Eric Caren by private treaty sale. The Caren Collection is comprised of more than 200,000 items that document most every major U.S. and international historical and cultural event dating back to pre-revolutionary times through the 20th century. Additionally almost every major genre and historical personality is present in this collection, which is worthy of the finest museums and libraries in the country. Most of the material contained within collection is not at Smithsonian Institution, Library of Congress or New York Public Library in original format.

The prospectus for the sale of this large collection will appear in Bonhams auction catalog for "Treasures from The Caren Archive," scheduled for April 7th in New York.

Highlights of the collection include:

• The first Treaty between the U.S. and China signed by President Polk in 1845.

• The entire history of African Americans from slavery through Civil Rights is represented strongly in the collection, including a rare Civil War-period hand-colored photograph of a slave wearing a slave collar and surrounded by other devices of torture.

• Tens of thousands of rare newspapers, including 18th century, Union and Confederate and Western American newspapers, including original Tombstone Epitaph issues from 1881, reporting on the lead up of tensions that led to the Gunfight at the OK Corral, including a notice by Marshal Virgil Earp warning of arrest for armed men without gun permits.

• Thousands of news photos dating back to Admiral Robert Peary and the RMS Titanic.

• Thousands of mayoral signed checks relating to building the infrastructure of NYC from 1784 through The Civil War.

• Thousands of pieces of 19th and 20th century sheet music.

• Thousands of postcards, letters and documents dating back to the 17th century.

• Thousands of important sports newspapers and photos.

• Hundreds of newspapers, broadsides and magazines reporting major historical events such as the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588, the Great Fire of London in 1666, the first English-language newspaper, The Declaration of Independence, The U.S. Constitution, The Bill of Rights, etc.

"The Caren Collection can never be duplicated because unlike baseball cards, stamps and coins, many of these items survive in single digit numbers or are unique only-known examples. It's taken me a lifetime to assemble them, and I hope to sell them en bloc to a benefactor who will then donate the collection to a top university, library or historical society in the U.S.,"

Caren says.

"In light of the Best Picture Oscar going to '12 Years of a Slave,' I expect there to be more interest in raw historical documents that shed additional light on that unfortunate period in our country's history," Caren adds.

"Microfilm and digital reproductions have a limited shelf life and often lack the integrity and detail of the primary source," says Todd Andrlik, an independent historian, archivist and author of Reporting the Revolutionary War (Sourcebooks, 2012). "For institutions wanting to provide its users with the finest and most reliable archive, there is no better alternative than owning historic documents in their original form."

Caren is selling this collection to fund more acquisitions. "I already have interest in the collection but my fear is that America will lose this resource to another nation, which may appreciate it since there are plenty of International buyers who can afford to buy this unique opportunity,"

Caren says. "I cannot afford to donate it as I pour the money from my sales back into rescuing more historical documents."

A prior collection from Caren was acquired to form the nucleus of Newseum, the Washington, DC, museum that features five centuries of news history with up-to-the-second technology and hands-on exhibits.

About Eric C. Caren

Eric C. Caren began collecting at the age of five, eventually turning a hobby into a full-time business. Caren is the CEO of Retrographics Publishing, a licensee of the New York Times; and the author of 12 books (published by Castle Books and the Smithsonian Books). He is also a member of the Grolier Club and a consultant to the Newsuem. He is a licenser of jigsaw puzzles sold nationwide, including through Barnes & Noble.

Mrs. R. hears another spinechilling whaleship story

[July 1800] As Captain Nicholl was unacquainted with the navigation of these seas, he expressed a wish to keep company with the Friendship, until we came to the Cape of Good Hope in New Guinea; with which Captain R. concurred. He generally spent the day on board our ship in fine weather.

We had reason to suppose that the New Britons were cannibals, from the following circumstances. 

About a week prior to the Walker’s falling in with us, while she was off that coast, several of the canoes came from the shore; in one of which was a lad about sixteen, who was fairer than the rest. He seemed anxious to get on board the ship, but was restrained by two savages; at length they were enticed alongside, when this boy sprung up the side in the greatest agitation, and wished to run below. He spoke a language which the Walker’s company did not understand; but seeing a chart, which happened to be upon the capstan, he pointed towards Manilla and China. This convinced Captain Nicholl that the boy had been once in civilized society, and determined him to retain the youth on board, if to stay were agreeable to himself. Captain Nicholl then pointed to the canoes, which caused the poor boy to tremble all over; he then pointed down the hatchway the boy lost not a moment in descending below, where he remained until the canoes retired to the shore. 

This boy was brought on boar of us one day, when it was discovered that he understood the Malay language. Three people of that country we had on board, to whom he gave the following narrative of himself.

He said he was born on the island Mindanio; that when very little, he was sent on board a small ship with one mast, of which a China man was captain; that they went to many islands, getting things in exchange for cloth, long knives, &c. That the ship one night got on rocks, and was soon full of water; that there were three China men besides the captain; there were about fifteen persons in all on board. They left the wreck and went in the boat, and were many days in want of water; they landed at a place which he did not know, but were quickly set upon by savages. Some of his companions ran into the woods, and were murdered, and afterwards eaten by these people.  Two of the savages quarrelled about him; he thought one wanted to save, and the other intended to kill him. They struggled very much, and tore each other on the ground; many of the natives saw this, but did not meddle with them; he did not know whether one killed the other or not, for he was hurried on board a canoe, and taken to another place. 

After this he had many changes of masters, and did all they required of him. When he was asked how long it was since he fell into their hands, he could not tell; but said, he was so high, putting his hand to his breast; which made us conjecture that his captivity might begin about five years before he was taken on board the Walker. He told many strange and incredible stories, respecting his savage masters. We had no doubt of their being cannibals, for he affirmed they at times had nothing else to eat but human flesh, of which hunger made him glad to partake; which was served out in very small portions.

When the ship was first discerned from the shore, he told his masters that if they permit him to go on board, he would procured them many fine things, with which he would return. This induced them to comply with his request. In coming off in the canoe, he frequently trembled and shook very much, which was caused by the hope of escaping; they thought it was from fear, and asked him if the people on board would eat him. He said, “No, no, these people never eat man’s flesh, and that it was only cold which made him tremble.” The above heads of the boy’s account were interpreted by our Malay seamen, one of whom was very intelligent, having been brought up with a Europe-born Dutchman at Batavia.

On the 14^th June [1800, at 4° 31’ south, 152° 33’ east] we cleared St. George’s Channel, and next day passed, on our right, a large lofty island, named after Lord Sandwich [Lavongai]. We had now frequent squalls, with rain, thunder, and lightning; a calm succeeded, which made it very tedious. 

We saw some large trees floating in the water, with abundance of fish about them. One day, it being nearly calm, when Captain Nicholl was on board wit us, a very strange fish was seen from the forecastle to pass under the ship’s bottom; it was afterwards perceived astern, having a number of pilot fish about it, which readily took bait from a small hook. Three of them were caught, and put into a bucket of water, where they soon died; they were the most beautiful little fish I had ever seen at sea, being striped round with red and white, like a zebra: they measured about nine inches in length, and were delicious when cooked. 

They are said to attend only the shark; but I rather think they hover about any large floating substance, as numbers were seen about the drift wood and trees. The monster gambolling amongst them was termed the Devil Fish, by Captain Nicholl’s people; it was not afraid of the ship, and at times came very close. It appeared to me like a very large overgrown skate, being nearly square; I reckoned it might occupy a space about the size of our main hatchway; they threw the fish-gig at it, which bounded off its back, breaking two of the prongs; it never came so near afterwards, and a breeze springing up, we saw no more of it.

The whaleship's sad tale

After the playful encounter with the whaleship Walker, Mrs. Reid of the East Indiaman Friendship relates the stirring account that the captain and the surgeon brought on board.

[July 1800] Mutual civilities were then exchanged, and the captain of the Walker came on board us to supper, but quite altered in his looks since we saw him at Sydney. He was hardly able to come up the ship’s side from weakness, in consequence of a severe wound which he had received in the breast about three weeks before, in an encounter with the savages of Egmont Island where he lost three of his people, and two more who had been wounded were not expected to live. 

It appeared that after he left Port Jackson he intended to go to the northward, by the way of the Philippine Isles, and stretch over to the coast of America to look for sperm whales, but scurvy beginning to shew itself among his seamen, he was induced to call at Egmont Island, in order to procure as many cocoa-nuts, as possible; they could find no anchorage at the place where they touched, but seeing plenty of cocoa-nut trees on shore, and also a number of natives, they manned and armed one of their boats, the captain, accompanied by the chief mate, went in her, leaving the ship in charge of the doctor and a junior mate. As they came near the shore numbers of the natives beckoned to them to land. Seeing the islanders appear friendly and unarmed, the captain and a party were induced to land, leaving the boat in charge of three men, desiring them to be very civil to the natives.

The party on shore had but a few yards to walk to the coca-nut trees, but without advancing, pointed to them, shewing several trifles by way of barter; the natives then gave their visitors some nuts, but instead of offering to go up the trees for me, pointed to them, as much as to say, If you want them you may take them.

On this apparent invitation, two of the seamen ascended the trees, and soon cut down all the nuts on them. At this stage of the intercourse much muttering and signs of anger broke out amongst the natives; several, after betraying the most savage looks, suddenly disappeared. At this crisis the people were ordered down from the trees, and the whole party desired to keep close together for mutual support.  Many of the inhabitants now shewed themselves, armed with spears and bows and arrows, and it was their manifest intention to cut the strangers off from the boat. The three men stationed in the boat had the greatest difficulty in keeping her from being pulled ashore by the savages, who had taken out several things by force, and were endeavouring to seize the muskets.

The concourse of natives increased in an alarming degree. At last the party joined the boat, but a number of the natives got hold of the painter, and would have hauled her ashore had not the man in the bow cut it. At his moment a flight of arrows was discharged amongst them, which wounded two men; the party now found themselves compelled to fire upon the savages; one man they saw drop, and others appeared to be wounded. Regardless of this, a number of the natives rushed into the water after the boat, charging with their spears, one of which wounded the captain, while, from distant assailants, arrows were flying so fast and thick as to wound every man in the boat (the mate excepted). Notwithstanding this dismaying obstacle to their retreat, the party providentially effected it.

As all were engaged as getting the boat as fast as possible from the shore, but few shots were fired; the horrid yells of some hundreds of these savages when they commenced hostilities were most appalling. There were now only three men able to handle an oar, fortunately they were not followed by canoes, or they must all have been immolated, so diminished was their power of resistance. To augment their consternation, they heard a gun from the ship, which was hid from their sight by a point of land. They at first concluded she had run aground, or had been overtaken by some other great disaster. However, on doubling the point, they were relieved from these apprehensions by seeing the ship some distance from the land, but at the same time observed a number of canoes paddling very fast from her towards the shore. As soon as the captain, with his wounded companions, got alongside, and could be taken into the ship, they were informed, that shortly after they had left her to go on shore, a number of canoes approached her from the island. 

Portions of the crews paddling there, are some persuasion, came alongside, and subsequently on board, to the number of 18 or 20 individuals; no apprehensions were entertained respecting their intentions, until a goat was seized by a native and thrown overboard, when presently, as if a concerted signal had been given, they began throwing overboard everything they found loose about the decks, which the others, in the canoes, as readily picked up.

As the surgeon told the tale, the few Europeans on board were quite taken aback, for having seen the natives come alongside unarmed, they relied that their intentions were friendly, while they had no other disposition themselves than to cultivate an amicable correspondence in the absence of the captain. But now, in the midst of this return for courtesy, forbearance on our parts was out of the question; commencing reluctant war, the seamen thumped the trespassers with broomsticks, and anything they could get hold of, but nothing proved so effectual as the cook’s scalding water, which he dealt out on their naked skins with such good effect, as made them jump directly overboard. They appeared quite at home in the water, and soon reached their boats; they were most anxious after live stock; the few fowls and ducks within the coops had stood a poor chance, if the plunderers had known how to get them out readily.

The surgeon observed that the most formidable quadruped which the savages had encountered on board, was a large Tom-cat, which was sitting quietly as usual near the main hatch; when Tom found himself seized by one of the natives in such a rough manner, he applied his weapons of defence so well, that the blood streamed from the arms of his assailer, who quitted his hold, glad to let his intended prize escape.  Those in the ship then fired a gun, as well to intimidate the natives in the canoes, as to give a signal to the captain on shore. It was thought that the arrows were poisoned, as the three poor fellows who died suffered great agonies. The foregoing is founded on the reports of Capt. Nicholl and his surgeon of this distressing affair.

The Walker was thus rendered short of hands; two of ours volunteered to join her crew, which they were permitted to do, as we had more men on board then our complement. 

Pirates attack luxury cruise liner

This must be the joke of the week!  The incident described below apparently happened nine years ago, and was reported as follows, almost word-for-word.  Someone in the news bureau hit the wrong button. The Seabourn Spirit is currently safely at anchor in the British Virgin Islands.

With thanks to Richard Spilman for pointing this out.


Somalia: Pirates Attack Luxury Cruise Liner At Sea

1 MARCH 2014

British passengers aboard a luxury cruise liner are recovering after the ship was attacked off the coast of Africa by pirates firing a rocket propelled grenade and machine guns.

The Bahamas-registered Seabourn Spirit was 100 miles off the coast of Somalia when the attack took place.

Terrified passengers were woken by the sound of gunfire as two 25 foot rigid inflatable boats came up to the liner and started shooting as their occupants tried to get on aboard.

There were 18 British passengers on board, but all were reported to be safe after the incident.

The ship was carrying 302 passengers and crew, but there was only one casualty - a crew member suffered minor injuries from flying debris. It is not believed that the bazooka fire struck the ship, but it was hit by small arms fire. The vessel escaped with only minor damage.

The crew used an on-board loud acoustic bang to repel the attackers who finally sped off without managing to board the liner. They did not return fire at the pirates.

The drama happened in an area notorious for pirate activity, leading to warnings to stay away from the coast where bandits board ships and demand ransoms.

David Dingle, a spokesman for the Miami-based company Seabourn Cruises, owned by US cruise giant Carnival, said Britons were aboard but he could not confirm the number.

He said the ship was en route to Mombasa in Kenya on a 16-day cruise out of Alexandria in Egypt.

The 10,000-ton liner offers the height of luxury, with huge suites, marble bathrooms and more than one crew member to each passenger on board. Most of the passengers are believed to be American.

"The ship's crew immediately initiated a trained response and as a result of protective and evasive measures taken the occupants of the small craft were unable to gain access to the ship," Mr Dingle said.  And all the passengers remained calm.

Amazon drops audio royalty rate

From Digital Book World

In a blog post yesterday, Amazon's Audible audiobooks service announced that it was lowering the royalty rates it paid content creators.

It's not the first time that Amazon has lowered the amount of money it pays authors and publishers for the audiobooks they sell through its platform and, GigaOm news editor Laura Owen points out, it's a reminder that Amazon could always change its royalties for Kindle ebooks.

"That would be a much more visible move than the changes to ACX, which the company surely realizes. But the changes at ACX shows that good introductory deals don't always last," she writes.

True, and as competition from Nook fades, it would be much easier to do with indie authors having nearly nowhere else to go.

That said, Amazon has not indicated that it plans to change its royalty structure. (GigaOm.)