When Having a .ca Domain is not Enough

[Hooch Tan]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE62951Q20100310' target='_blank'>http://www.reuters.com/article/idUS...E62951Q20100310</a><br /><br /></div><p><em>"Internet retailer Amazon.com has smashed up against Canadian pride in its efforts to open a distribution center in Canada, as booksellers grumble that it can't understand the role of Canadian culture."</em></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1268331466.usr20447.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #d2d2bb;" /></p><p>In Canada, we take our media very seriously.&nbsp; We are so serious about it that for decades, we have implemented and enforced Canadian content regulations across various industries.&nbsp; If you are a radio or television station in Canada, a certain percentage of what you air must be labelled as Canadian.&nbsp; What gets labelled Canadian is up for debate as there are these long and winding specifications.&nbsp; What it all comes down to is that we have this protectionist gig going on here and the Canadian Booksellers' Association suports it.&nbsp; In a way, I can understand their position.&nbsp; I am a proud Canadian and I like to see Canadians get top billing in Canada.&nbsp; But on the other hand, I cannot shake the feeling that Canadian Content is an artificially inflated industry.&nbsp; I would like to think that what we Canadians come up with is so good that it will survive in an open market.&nbsp; Of course, there are a huge amount of other factors such as economies of scale and production dollars, but I like to believe that at least at this stage, Canadian products can stand on their own.</p>

[Jason Dunn]

This is simply ridiculous. I buy most of my books, music, and DVDs from Amazon.ca. Why? Great prices, great selection, great customer service, cheap shipping. If Chapters wants to compete with that, then they need to do BETTER than Amazon - and not hide behind the government. Lazy buggers. :mad:

[Yanis]

We have a similar situation here in Australia. The problem is it tends to generate a lot of rubbish. Sometimes all you want is less quantity and more quality.

Don't forget that it is not only for Canadians. We appreciate the quality content being sent out from Canada as well.

[Jason Dunn]

Don't forget that it is not only for Canadians. We appreciate the quality content being sent out from Canada as well.

Glad you like what I do. :D:D:D

[Hooch Tan]

We have a similar situation here in Australia. The problem is it tends to generate a lot of rubbish. Sometimes all you want is less quantity and more quality.

Agreed. Anytime you artificially support an industry, you also have to accept that a lot of crap will be supported. Yes, the rules, I'm sure, have helped a few goodies come out, but oh we definitely have some bad stuff.

Don't forget that it is not only for Canadians. We appreciate the quality content being sent out from Canada as well.

That's comforting! Though to be cliche, as a Canadian I have to apologize for Celine Dion. I also sympathize with your really whacked out filtering, regulations and such that make things like games cost twice as much as everywhere else, assuming you DO get them.