@yungchin - but teaching IS part of Seth's job, he gets paid to speak and to do consulting, just because the job title is different, doesn't necessarily mean aspects of the jobs are any different.
As for some textbooks being out of date, that is really a matter of context. For example, textbooks on marketing or other such fields that move fast there are definite advantages to having material that is up to date.
However, let's look at the flipside, textbooks on renaissance period art. There really isn't much that hasn't already been written on the subject, so there really is little point in having "up to date" materials when there are probably many definitive works on the subject.
I agree that there's little point in paying inordinate amounts for out of date text books that are assigned to you - but that being said, suggesting that those same people who write these books should distribute the same materials for free is also preposterous, given Seth himself doesn't do it.
If Seth gave away his books and focussed on making money from his speaking/workshop/consulting gigs, sure - I wouldn't have batted an eyelid, but the fact is he doesn't, so that part of his argument reeks of hypocrisy.
just because the job title is different, doesn't necessarily mean aspects of the jobs are any different.
Actually, I think you missed an essential point. In academia, publishing is usually a job requirement and key part of career advancement. This is what Seth means when he says it's part of their jobs. He is not saying it's part of their job just because they teach, there are plenty of people who teach things but are not required to publish.
distribute the same materials for free
Seth is not saying this. He is emphatically not suggesting that texbooks should be distributed for free. There is no "same materials" stated or implied.
1. I see your point about it coming down to his job definition - the question then is, is there a difference between consulting and being tenured?
2. I think it's not about books being out of date, it's about the ideas not originating from the authors. After giving that one some more thought, I think I disagree (if this is what Godin meant at all) that that makes a difference.
As for some textbooks being out of date, that is really a matter of context. For example, textbooks on marketing or other such fields that move fast there are definite advantages to having material that is up to date.
However, let's look at the flipside, textbooks on renaissance period art. There really isn't much that hasn't already been written on the subject, so there really is little point in having "up to date" materials when there are probably many definitive works on the subject.
I agree that there's little point in paying inordinate amounts for out of date text books that are assigned to you - but that being said, suggesting that those same people who write these books should distribute the same materials for free is also preposterous, given Seth himself doesn't do it.
If Seth gave away his books and focussed on making money from his speaking/workshop/consulting gigs, sure - I wouldn't have batted an eyelid, but the fact is he doesn't, so that part of his argument reeks of hypocrisy.