VIRTUAL REALITIES IN BROBDINGNAG AND LILLIPUT - GULFS AND BRIDGES BETWEEN LARGE AND SMALL PUBLISHERS

This article argues that the trend towards larger and larger publishin g conglomerates is happening in parallel with apparently paradoxical c hanges in attitudes and approaches towards work and the organization o f work. These changes, include for example remote working and the incr easingly powerful potential of 'outsourcing'. Looking at a publishing environment now populated mainly by very large and very small companie s, the article suggests a symbiotic relationship between these giants and pygmies. It then looks at major characteristics of small publisher s and how such companies can exploit the advantages of smallness Co su rvive and succeed. The specific case of IP Publishing Ltd is used to i llustrate some options for small publishers, including their opportuni ty to operate as 'virtual' companies. Finally, the article suggests th at small companies can be useful to large corporations as indicators o f change.