Barnes & Noble clarifies stance after blowback on AI-written book

Barnes & Noble had been turning a new page in the chain’s history, but recent remarks have stirred up bad blood. James Daunt clarifies Barnes & Noble’s position on AI-generated books. He says it’s not true that the chief executive is embracing AI-generated books. The controversy is a result of Daunt’s pearance with Jenna Bush Hager on Monday night’s ” history of declining sales“. Daunt’s viral interview clip shows him saying, “I don’t have a problem selling any books, so long as the book doesn’t pretend or masquerade as something it’s not.” We will stock AI-written books as long as they clearly state that it is an AI-written work. Kathlin Finn, a former Barnes & Noble employee and writer, wrote: “Hey Barnes & Not Noble. I worked for and supported you. But your latest AI decision

is extremely dispointing.” I will no longer be shopping for B&N, or promoting it, unless your AI policy is changed. I’ve known for a very long time that something like this would hpen. People said I was being overly sensitive. He said that Barnes & Noble doesn’t sell AI-generated books “as we know.” Barnes & Noble also “demands new life into the retailer,” that publishers label all AI-generated books. Barnes & Noble, he wrote in an emailed message, does not sell AI-generated books. Barnes & Noble also “demands

publishers label any AI-generated books” and “actively measures to exclude AI generated book.” He added that “the argument is nuanced… and perhs too nuanced. But there are important principles which have to be considered and we believe that we do this as thoughtfully and sensibly as possible.” “Book banning” is a very real and dangerous threat, so we take great care to avoid selling books created by AI that are marketed as being by real authors. He said that “we don’t impose any rules, or dictate on issues such as politics and book-related issues.” Today “We leave the decision up to the readers.”

In 2025,

wrote to five of the biggest publishers: Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, Hachette Book Group, and Macmillan. He asked them to commit to never releasing books created by machines. The petition was signed by authors posted on social media,

, wrote, and [is].

‘At the most basic level, it is our job as artist to respond to human experience. “But the art that we produce is a product, and today’s world wants everything quickly, chely, on demand,” read the letter.

We are racing towards a world where our novels and biogrhies will be written by models of artificial intelligence that cannot understand what it is like to live as a human. To love, to starve or to bleed. The language used by the AI bot to respond is based in part on the art we have spent years creating. The work was taken without our consent, payment or even acknowledgment. Mia Ballard denied using AI in the writing of the book, but claimed that an editor she hired used AI. Hachette is committed to protecting the original creative expression of its authors and their storytelling, according to a Hachette spokesperson. Barnes & Noble is turning a fresh page with its

, but the recent comments made by the bookseller have sparked ill will. James Daunt clarifies Barnes & Noble’s position on stocking shelves with AI-generated titles. It’s not true that Daunt is embracing AI-generated works. [s] Daunt made an pearance with Jenna Bush Hager on Monday’s ”

“. This controversy is the result of Daunt pearing in this show. Daunt’s viral interview clip shows him saying, “I don’t have a problem selling any books, so long as the book doesn’t pretend or masquerade as something it’s not.” We will stock AI-written books as long as they clearly state that it is an AI-written work. Kathlin Finn, a former Barnes & Noble employee and writer, wrote: “Hey Barnes & Not Noble. I worked for and supported you. But your latest AI decision

is extremely dispointing.” I won’t be shopping at B&N or promoting them unless they change their AI policy.

Author Cristin bishara

, “As a writer this BBC is the most depressing

news.” I’ve known for a very long time that something like this would hpen. People said I was being overly sensitive. He said that Barnes & Noble doesn’t sell AI-generated books “as we know.” Barnes & Noble also “demands

” that publishers label all AI-generated books. Barnes & Noble, he wrote in an emailed message, does not sell AI-generated books. Barnes & Noble also “demands more than 70 authors issued a call to action publishers label any AI-generated books” and “actively measures to exclude AI generated book.” He said that the argument was nuanced and may have been over-nuanced. However, there were important principles to balance and I think we did so in a thoughtful and sensible manner. “Book banning” is a very real and dangerous threat, so we take great care to avoid selling books created by AI that are marketed as being by real authors. He added, “We do not dictate and we don’t dictate about politics or any particular issues surrounding books.” “We leave the decision up to the readers.” Lauren Groff In 2025, R.F. Kuang wrote to five of the biggest publishers: Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, Hachette Book Group, and Macmillan. He asked them to commit to never releasing books created by machines. The petition was signed by authors Emma Straub, Emily Henry,

, and

.

‘At the most basic level, it is our job as artist to respond to human experience. “But the art that we produce is a product, and today’s world demands products quickly, chely, on demand,” read the letter.

We are hurrying towards a future in which our novels, biogrhies and memoirs – our records of human experience – will be ‘written’ artificial intelligence models who, by definition, do not know what it means to be human. To love, to starve or to bleed. The language used by the AI bot to respond is a synthesis of the art we have spent our lives creating. The work was taken without our consent, payment or even acknowledgment. Mia Ballard denied using AI in the writing of the book, but claimed that an editor she hired used AI. Hachette is committed to protecting the original creative expression of its authors and their storytelling, according to a Hachette spokesperson quoted in

. the New York Times

Entertainment

Michael Jackson’s new documentary The Verdict delves deep into his 2005 trial. Michael Jackson: the Verdict is a three-part documentary that will premiere on Netflix June 3. It features archive footage and interviews of key players in the case, including jurors and figures from the prosecution and defense, as well as journalists who were present inside the courtroom, and other eyewitnesses. It has been 20 Years since Michael Jackson’s trial, in which he wasn’t found guilty. Even today, the controversy continues.”

It was time for a comprehensive look at the entire trial. The Santa Barbara Superior Court case lasted for 14 weeks and the jury of eight women and four males deliberated more than 30 hour over seven days. Jackson was found not guilty of 10 felonies: four counts for child molestation; four counts for supplying alcohol to a minor in order to molestation him; one count for attempted child molestation; and one charge of conspiring to hold the child and his family hostage at the Neverland Ranch. He was facing a sentence of more than twenty years in prison. Michael Jackson’s 2005 trial Produced by Candle True Stories, the production company behind Netflix’s “Untold: The Liver King,” and directed by Nick Green, “Michael Jackson: The Verdict,” comes at a time of renewed interest in the “King of Pop.”

The Jackson-estate-proved biopic “Michael” hit theaters last month, and depicts the origin story of the hitmaker from childhood through his upward trajectory to superstar status in the 1980s. Netflix will release a 3-part docuseries which revisits Jackson’s acquittal on child molestation charges in

. The movie left out the many allegations that followed Jackson between the 1990s and the filmmakers said.. The documentary “Michael Jackson – The Verdict”, which will be released on June 3, features interviews and archival footage with key participants in the trial, including jurors, prosecution and defense figures, journalists and eyewitnesses. It has been 20 Years since Michael Jackson’s trial, in which he wasn’t found guilty. Even today, the controversy continues.”

It was time for a comprehensive look at the entire trial.

Anyone interested in Michael Jackson’s story will feel that this documentary provides a window to what was largely an closed event, and gives a chance to get closer to the truth.

Santa Barbara Superior Court trial took 14 weeks. The jury, consisting of eight women, four men and one woman, spent more than thirty hours over seven days deliberating. Jackson was acquitted of 10 felony charges, including four counts of child molestation, four counts involving the supplying of alcohol to minors in order to molested them, and one count involving the attempted molestation of a child. He also was cleared of a conspiracy charge to keep the boy, his family, and the Neverland Ranch hostage. He faced a sentence of more than twenty years in prison.

Produced by Candle True Stories, the production company behind Netflix’s “Untold: The Liver King,” and directed by Nick Green, “Michael Jackson: The Verdict,” comes at a time of renewed interest in the “King of Pop.”

The Jackson-estate-proved biopic “Michael” hit theaters last month, and depicts the origin story of the hitmaker from childhood through his upward trajectory to superstar status in the 1980s. The movie did not include the many allegations that followed Jackson in the 1990s and up until the release of “Michael” in January 2010.

Entertainment

Wingefors shared his thoughts in an

after today’s announcement. Fellowship Entertainment, which will include Kingdom Come: Deliverance and Tomb Raider as well as Lord of the Rings, will concentrate on a range of IPs. Embracer’s focus will be on “a more efficient structure and tighter control of costs”. spin off Fellowship Entertainment “The main reason to spin-off Fellowship was to increase the management focus in order to cture the joint potential of IPs, communities, and some of best game developers around the world.” wrote Wingefors. Asmodee, Coffee Stain and Fellowship Entertainment

are examples of businesses that we think will flourish by becoming their own stand-alone business. I’m confident that Fellowship Entertainment can achieve industry-leading profits and healthy organic growth over the long term. We aim to maintain a lean overhead for both groups. In 2023, the separation was planned to take place by 2027. Fellowship Entertainment, on the other hand, has a much stronger product pipeline. Layoffs affected more than 1,400 people, resulting in the closure of stepping down as CEO last June, open letter to shareholders,

, and

. Embracer has also sold

and [which were spun off in ril 2024]. Eidos-Montreal, which had 124 positions cut and studio head David Anfossi departing the studio, was the

. Wingefors said that, “After the significant adjustment we made to our workforce in 2023, it was decided to not do a ”US corporate style’ reduction of headcount, but instead to give studios and IPs a chance to prove themselves.” We have and still are adjusting to the new industry post pandemic in order to drive value. As stated earlier, it is a rare opportunity to build the future Embracer. The past decade of experience has taught us many valuable lessons, and I, as chair, will ensure we ply them as we build the foundations of the next decade for both future companies. Fellowship Entertainment, which is now chair of the board, will concentrate on a number of IPs including Kingdom Come Deliverance, Tomb Raider and Lord of the Rings. Embracer’s focus will be on “a more efficient structure and tighter control of costs”.

“The main reason to spin-off Fellowship was to increase the management focus in order to cture the joint potential of IPs, communities, and some of best game developers around the world.” wrote Wingefors. Asmodee, Coffee Stain and Fellowship Entertainment

are examples of businesses that we think will flourish by becoming their own stand-alone business. I’m convinced Fellowship Entertainment will be able to achieve industry-leading profitability, and have healthy long-term growth above industry average. We want to run each group with a lean, efficient overhead. In 2023, the separation was planned to take place by 2027. Fellowship Entertainment, on the other hand, has a much stronger product pipeline. The layoffs affected over 1,400 employees, leading to the closures

and a nine-month restructuring program as well as dissolution of a $2 billion partnership, in Saudi Arabia. Embracer sold

, Volition Games, and Free Radical Design as well. Eidos-Montreal, which had 124 positions cut and studio head David Anfossi departing the studio, was the Campfire Cabal . Wingefors stated that after analyzing the huge adjustment made in 2023 we decided not a do a “US Corporate style” headcount reduction but rather to give some studios and intellectual property the opportunity to prove themselves. We have and still are adjusting to the new industry post pandemic in order to drive value. This is the best opportunity for the future Embracer, as stated previously. As chairman, I will ensure that we use the hard and valuable learnings from the past decade to lay the foundations for the future of both companies.

Entertainment

John Wick Experience Review – Going Excommunicado in thrilling immersive show

Keanu Reeves‘s hit action franchise is six films and counting, expanding the John Wick world into spin-offs and video games. The incredible world-building is one of the main reasons why the series continues to be so popular and continue to engage audiences. The underworld of assassins, with its gentlemanly code of conduct and untraceable, gold-coin money, is a place of style and mystery. Continental hotels are located in every major city around the world. Hitmen can stay there without worrying about their business taking place on Continental property. The official John Wick Experience lets fans enter a Continental hotel and play the role as an excommunicado assassin alongside John Wick. In the John Wick films we have seen not only the New York City Continental but also assassin hotels from Rome, Casablanca Osaka, and Prague. The John Wick Experience takes place in the Las Vegas Continental located just off the Strip at Area15. Before I even entered the venue, there was a bouncer in character greeting me and my partner at the reception. A dry, amusing concierge welcomed us inside and gave us an underworld coin as a souvenir. The John Wick experience had a high-quality

set, which was far superior to the temporary immersive experiences I have seen in London. Secret Cinema is the only thing that comes close to the John Wick Experience. It works with studios and brings the worlds of popular franchises to life. After the reception we were led into the stylish bar of the Las Vegas Continental. After choosing a signature drink called the Elder, I watched the barman perform a spectacular flaming mix. After we had finished our cocktails, we headed to the elevator where the operator welcomed and explained our mission. What followed was an exciting cinematic experience throughout the hotel. A variety of actors played various staff members who guided you around the venue as you were “excommunicado”, ie banned and hunted by other assassins. The fact that this was not a generic Continental but rather one in keeping with its Vegas location was very special. The manager welcomed our group into his office while wearing a western hat and playing a one-armed bandit. You can even play against your friends in the classic casino section. There were some mini-esce rooms, and others had virtual gunfights with Disney theme park level thrills. All the while, you’re being chased by fellow assassins. This is one of my favorite immersive experiences. It’s well worth a visit when you are in Las Vegas. If only Winston would open up the London Continental on the other side of the pond. Bookings for the John Wick Experience Las Vegas are available

. The world of the

action franchise is expanding to include video games, spin-offs and more. Its incredible world building is a big reason why the series has been so successful. The underworld of assassins, with its gentlemanly code of conduct and untraceable, gold-coin money, is a place of style and mystery. Continental hotels are located in every major city around the world. Hitmen can stay there without worrying about their business taking place on Continental property. The official John Wick Experience lets fans enter one of these hotels and play the part of an excommunicado assassin alongside John Wick. In the John Wick films we have seen not only the New York City Continental but also assassin hotels from Rome, Casablanca Osaka, and Prague. The John Wick Experience takes place in the Las Vegas Continental located just off the Strip at Area15.

Before we even got to the venue a bouncer dressed in character was at the front door welcoming me and my friend into the hotel reception. A dry, amusing concierge welcomed us inside and gave us an underworld coin as a souvenir. Hollywood It was immediately parent that the John Wick experience had a high-quality

set, which is a far cry away from the temporary immersive show I experienced in London. Secret Cinema, a studio-based company that works closely with major film studios to bring their worlds to life, is the only one that I can think of. After the reception we were led into the stylish bar of the Las Vegas Continental. After choosing a signature drink called the Elder, I watched the barman perform a spectacular flaming mix. After we had finished our cocktails, it was time for us to get into the elevator. There, the operator welcomed us and told us about our mission. What followed was an exciting cinematic experience throughout the hotel. Using state-of the-art special effects as well as actors who played various members of the staff, you were guided through the venue by the actors while being “excommunicado”, ie banned and being chased by other assassins. The fact that this was not a generic Continental but rather one in keeping with its Vegas location was very special. The manager, wearing a western hat and playing a one-armed bandit in his office welcomed us. You can even play against your friends in the classic casino section. There were some mini-esce rooms, and others had virtual gunfights with Disney theme park level thrills. All the while, you’re being hunted down by fellow assassins. This is one of my favorite immersive experiences. It’s well worth a visit when you are in Las Vegas. If only Winston would open up the London Continental on the other side of the pond. Bookings for the John Wick Experience Las Vegas are available

.

Entertainment

How to make Enameled Glass in Subnautica 2

Subnautica 2 is a game that’s all about finding materials and crafting them into new items to conduct further research on the submerged planet, and Enameled Glass is one of the first crafting recipes you’re going to want to get your hands on. Enameled Glass is a basic component that’s used to craft some of the most essential items in Subnautica 2, from new Bioscanners to Feedback Resonators and even a Vehicle Fabricator to start constructing your own transportation.

While Subnautica 2 doesn’t do a great job of explaining where to get this early game item, it’s actually pretty easy to come across once you know how. Here’s what you need to know about Enameled Glass in Subnautica 2 and how to get it.

How to craft Enameled Glass in Subnautica 2

To craft Enameled Glass in Subnautica 2, you’ll need one piece of Glass and two pieces of Creature Enamel. You’ll discover this recipe as soon as you pick up your first piece of Creature Enamel in the game.

As for where to find Creature Enamel, your best bet is to look out for Large Mineral Deposits. These look like large crystals growing out of rocks.

Swim up to them with a Sonic Resonator to mine out the Creature Enamel.

For the Glass, you’re best off crafting this from scratch at the Fabricator. The recipe requires two Quartz and two Salt, which are found nearby to the starting area of the game.

Once you’ve got both Glass and Creature Enamel, head over to the Fabricator to start crafting Enameled Glass to use in other crafting recipes.

Which item are you crafting first with Enameled Glass in Subnautica 2?

Subnautica 2 is currently available on PC in early access. There’s currently no word on when a PS5 or Xbox Series X|S version will release.

Subnautica 2 is a game that’s all about finding materials and crafting them into new items to conduct further research on the submerged planet, and Enameled Glass is one of the first crafting recipes you’re going to want to get your hands on. Enameled Glass is a basic component that’s used to craft some of the most essential items in Subnautica 2, from new Bioscanners to Feedback Resonators and even a Vehicle Fabricator to start constructing your own transportation.

While Subnautica 2 doesn’t do a great job of explaining where to get this early game item, it’s actually pretty easy to come across once you know how. Here’s what you need to know about Enameled Glass in Subnautica 2 and how to get it.

How to craft Enameled Glass in Subnautica 2

To craft Enameled Glass in Subnautica 2, you’ll need one piece of Glass and two pieces of Creature Enamel. You’ll discover this recipe as soon as you pick up your first piece of Creature Enamel in the game.

As for where to find Creature Enamel, your best bet is to look out for Large Mineral Deposits. These look like large crystals growing out of rocks.

Swim up to them with a Sonic Resonator to mine out the Creature Enamel.

For the Glass, you’re best off crafting this from scratch at the Fabricator. The recipe requires two Quartz and two Salt, which are found nearby to the starting area of the game.

Once you’ve got both Glass and Creature Enamel, head over to the Fabricator to start crafting Enameled Glass to use in other crafting recipes.

Which item are you crafting first with Enameled Glass in Subnautica 2?

Subnautica 2 is currently available on PC in early access. There’s currently no word on when a PS5 or Xbox Series X|S version will release.

Entertainment

News: Padel court plan to enhance urban entertainment venue in Rotherham

Plans have been submitted to create padel courts on the heritage high street in Rotherham town centre.

Rothbiz reported last year on plans for some exciting new projects, including a new spa and a golf-themed bar complete with a simulator setup, from a local developer that specialises in restoring listed buildings and creating residential and commercial spaces.

The 2017 masterplan places a greater emphasis on town centre living and leisure, as opposed to traditional retail uses, in continuing the regeneration of Rotherham town centre.

Having previously converted the former Post Office on Main Street, created a boutique hotel in the historic George Wright Building, and restored the Empire Theatre, attention turned to an unused underground building next to the George Wright.

The Bunka opened earlier this year – a premium underground VIP golf simulator and leisure venue located on Snail Hill featuring state-of-the-art TrackMan technology, in-house PGA coaching and a members-only bar. A spa in the building is set to follow.

With the underground conversion well underway, things are looking up, with plicant, Mark McGrail of SME Holding Ltd, now unveiling plans for two padel courts to be constructed over the hotel’s car park that sits above the Bunka.

The plan involves the installation of a simple metal deck for two padel courts over the existing car park.

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Plans, drawn up by Just Architecture, state: “The site is currently underutilised and offers an opportunity to enhance the character of the area.

“The development includes two padel courts accessed from the GW [George Wright] courtyard. It is believed that with this part of the development a sense of cohesiveness will be achieved given the access to the GW Hotel, Spa and simulated golf, all located within the same complex.

“The proposal for 2 No Padel Courts represents a sensitive and sustainable development opportunity that respects its historical context, makes efficient
use of underutilised urban land, and delivers an additional element to this urban entertainment venue.”

Given that the site is within the town’s conservation area, and the George Wright is a listed building, the plans state that the height and massing have
been sensitively designed. The required fencing and protective panels around the courts will be covered by canopies, which the plans state: “although quite high in relation to the GW Hotel it will have little impact upon the GW Hotel given its semi-transparent nature.” The development is also easily reversible due to its construction.

LED lighting is also proposed and to fit in the courts, the structure would go over the Snail Hill access road “but at a height that would not have any impact on vehicle access.”

Rothbiz reported last year on initial plans and the disposal of the property that Rotherham Council deemed to be of “low strategic value and limited potential for income.”

The Bunka website

Plans have been submitted to create padel courts on the heritage high street in Rotherham town centre.

Rothbiz reported last year on plans for some exciting new projects, including a new spa and a golf-themed bar complete with a simulator setup, from a local developer that specialises in restoring listed buildings and creating residential and commercial spaces.

The 2017 masterplan places a greater emphasis on town centre living and leisure, as opposed to traditional retail uses, in continuing the regeneration of Rotherham town centre.

Having previously converted the former Post Office on Main Street, created a boutique hotel in the historic George Wright Building, and restored the Empire Theatre, attention turned to an unused underground building next to the George Wright.

The Bunka opened earlier this year – a premium underground VIP golf simulator and leisure venue located on Snail Hill featuring state-of-the-art TrackMan technology, in-house PGA coaching and a members-only bar. A spa in the building is set to follow.

With the underground conversion well underway, things are looking up, with plicant, Mark McGrail of SME Holding Ltd, now unveiling plans for two padel courts to be constructed over the hotel’s car park that sits above the Bunka.

The plan involves the installation of a simple metal deck for two padel courts over the existing car park.

Advertisement

Plans, drawn up by Just Architecture, state: “The site is currently underutilised and offers an opportunity to enhance the character of the area.

“The development includes two padel courts accessed from the GW [George Wright] courtyard. It is believed that with this part of the development a sense of cohesiveness will be achieved given the access to the GW Hotel, Spa and simulated golf, all located within the same complex.

“The proposal for 2 No Padel Courts represents a sensitive and sustainable development opportunity that respects its historical context, makes efficient
use of underutilised urban land, and delivers an additional element to this urban entertainment venue.”

Given that the site is within the town’s conservation area, and the George Wright is a listed building, the plans state that the height and massing have
been sensitively designed. The required fencing and protective panels around the courts will be covered by canopies, which the plans state: “although quite high in relation to the GW Hotel it will have little impact upon the GW Hotel given its semi-transparent nature.” The development is also easily reversible due to its construction.

LED lighting is also proposed and to fit in the courts, the structure would go over the Snail Hill access road “but at a height that would not have any impact on vehicle access.”

Rothbiz reported last year on initial plans and the disposal of the property that Rotherham Council deemed to be of “low strategic value and limited potential for income.”

The Bunka website