Events: IDPF Voting: Board Nomination

Dear IDPF members,

I believe I would be a valuable addition to the IDPF Board for two primary reasons.

During the last eight years I have had a variety of experiences related to digital media and electronic distribution. These experiences have been outside of the publishing industry and include time at Booz Allen Hamilton, American Express and a start up interactive cable TV network. These jobs have given me a substantive background in the relevant issues but, I feel, provide me with a fresh eye to the e-publishing industry. I come with no emotional investment to, or existing relationships with, any particular format, vendor or approach to market development. I think this will enable me to work through all issues facing the IDPF and our industry with a sole focus on what is best for the organization and the industry.

The second reason I believe I would be a great asset is my position within the industry. Random House is the world's largest trade publisher and as such the company should, can and will play a leading role in moving the industry forward into the digital age. As the person who owns the corporate responsibility for Random House's digital initiatives I will be in a position to bring an important perspective and set of knowledge to the IDPF Board and membership.

If elected I will work to expand the reach of the organization. At the same time, I will stay focused on advancing the e-publishing industry. In particular, I will continually remind the group that the most important thing we can do is help to ensure that the consumer experience with electronically published and distributed text content becomes and remains as good as it can be whether this means an avid reader getting an e-book for the first time or a student interacting with their professor and a robust data base rather than lugging 10 books in a backpack to class.

I am confident I can be a great asset to the IDPF and I respectfully ask for your vote.

Matt Shatz
VP, Digital
Random House