Wildbill, let's review for one second what a CONSORTIUM is:
con·sor·ti·um( P ) (kn-sôrt-m, -sh-m)n. pl. con·sor·ti·a (-t-, -sh-)
<LI>An association or a combination, as of businesses, financial institutions, or investors, for the purpose of engaging in a joint venture.
<LI>A cooperative arrangement among groups or institutions: a library consortium.
<LI>An association or society.
The way I understand a CONSORTIUM seems to difer with your conception.
Books don't have to agree 100% in the way they run their operation to form a consortium. They simply would have to look for a neutral legitimate 3rd party, such as an accounting reknown firma, and have them hold the proofs of audit run on each of the books. As long as they're financially solvent and as long as they keep any post-up monies in escrow, this accounting firma would be in the position to determine which book has the assets to cover its liabilities.
Once this consortium has been formed, it would simply be a matter of having any new shop -willing to be part of it- submit its financial reports, not to the other shops in the consortium, but to the accounting firma, hired to do so.
It's very simple. The biggest issue seems to be the TRUST to be developed amongst the initial members of this society. But that is not impossible to work out and it has come a time where a solution like this could be very viable.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Some would say cut the bonuses, others would say bonus out of their ears. Some would say no wiseguys, others would say take every nickel of action you can find<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I do not know of one solid book that wouldn't agree to drop the bonuses. Actually, they would be very happy to see something like this happening. Wise guys? Bookig steam or not?
Man, that has nothing to do with this. It all boils down to be financially solid and being able to prove it. As long as they got the bankroll to back any action they choose to book, it all should be good.
Besides, it would put a limit to movers and bonus whores. THAT would be fun.