CPSIA Stay: Good News or a Mirage?

A number of small businesses breathed a sigh of relief when the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) granted a one year stay on enforcement of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). The relief might be short-lived, however, as the stay, like the act, is not what it appears to be.

In short, the government isn't going to look for problems, but it will prosecute any problems brought to its attention. Perhaps more important, civil liability would apply to anyone found in violation. The result may be more waiting to see how things turn out.

As previously indicated, the Act's goals are noble and laudable. We need to protect children from lead. But we should not subject small businesses (such as small book stores), crafter, artists, and writers to its provisions if their products are already lead-free. Although this law provides some guidance, the threat of lawsuits still dogs anyone whose products would otherwise fall under the act's provisions.

Short help is better than no help at all. This small movement provides at least a little breathing room. But the issue still bears watching, to determine how the stay actually plays out, and whether the CPSC and Congress amend the Act appropriately.

And now the news...
CPSIA
When will regulation fit the size of business? -- The CPSIA oddysey shows a problem with most legislation and regulations: they're written for big businesses and applied to small businesses.

CPSC Delays Enforcement of CPSIA Testing for One Year, but Not Requirements -- Although the act will not be enforced for a year, if an item is found to be in violation, civil penalties and liability costs would apply.

Our Craft
How Twitter Can Make You a Better Writer -- Cramming everything into 140 characters is a great exercise in self-editing.

Marketing Your Work
Amazon Taking Submissions for Second Annual Breakthrough Novel Contest -- Good news: The winner gets $25,000 book deal. Bad News: The deadline is Sunday.

How the New York Times Selects Books for Review -- As you might expect, the process is long and demanding, and the odds are very slim.

Social Media
Comprehensive List of Publishers With Blogs -- The article also features six of the best publisher blogs.

Publishing and the Economy
Houghton-Mifflin-Harcourt Faces Uncertain Future -- Credit rating woes, $6.7 billion debt, and and shrinking textbook market may doom the publishing giant.