February 15th, 2005
Ghede books, slated to be Ellora’s Cave‘s completely erotica imprint, has closed its doors. Apparently, EC was unable to retain its commercial backing if it launched an erotica imprint. (visit the Ghede link above to read the publisher’s letter.)
A great many first time published authors will be disappointed in the loss of their sale. I personally am saddened that America remains so uptight and sexually repressed. A sad thing, all around. 
I feel bad for the lack of the competition in the market place, and for the authors who were going to write for this imprint.
I completely agree with everyone’s comments.
I’m glad they actually came out to blame it on the “conservative climate.”
The conservatives might have won, but not without Ghede giving them a bit of a slap. Maybe some people in the middle will realize how repressed people are become.
Hmm. I wonder what kind of backing they are referring to becauase obviously the big boys aren’t having a problem getting erotica out there. I had several titles recommended by the editor of Spice for what they’d like to see. Uh, whoa, is about all I can say, LOLOL!
I agree, Sylvia. It’s very very sad. And I remember EC having PayPal problems a while back.
What amazes me most is this supposed conservative climate. Where? Pop diva clothing is racier and racier every day, there’s more swearing on television than ever before…where are the conservatives?
Sorry. Rant over. I promise.
Annie,
I doubt it’s PayPal, though you’re correct, they have taken a moralistic approach to choosing who they allow to register as a merchant.
I think this is more along the lines of investors threatening to withdraw their financial support if EC launches an erotica imprint. That would jeopardize EC as well as their mainstream imprint, Cerridwen Press.
Hmmm. I heard a rumor in the erotica community – that PayPal and credit cards refused to make transactions on what they considered to be porn. Is that the ‘commercial backing’ you’re talking about?
[...] 05 Ghede, we hardly knew you Filed under: General — Shannon @ 8:04 am Sylvia linked to Ghede Books’ notice this morning. It is with deep regret th [...]