From time to time, we try to give you a glimpse into our offices around the globe. This week, we are excited to bring you an interview with Alan Goldberg on our Demand Planning team in New York. Alan has been working at the Oxford University Press since March 2014.
What drew you to work for OUP in the first place? What do you think about that now?
I wanted to stay within publishing and I knew how prestigious the Oxford name is. I still feel that way.
What are the biggest changes you’ve seen in the publishing industry since working at OUP?
Digital. It’s why I got laid off from Google/Zagat. Depending on who you talk to, print is either dead, dying, or in its death throes. From my chair, print is doing pretty well for itself.
If you didn’t work in publishing, what would you be doing?
I would like to work in music for either Rhino Music or Trojan Records.
Tell us about one of your proudest moments at work.
I don’t remember when it was exactly, but I was fairly new. My boss said, “you are diligent, pragmatic, and dedicated. You fit right in!”
What is the strangest thing currently on or in your desk?
Would a sponge be strange? I have a sponge in a shallow bowl to wash my dishes. I don’t do communal sponges (I’m a tad germaphobic.).
What are you reading right now?
Sonic Youth’s Daydream Nation by Michael Stearns. It’s in the 33 1/3 series.
What’s your favorite book?
It’s tough picking one favorite. The Roald Dahl Omnibus came to mind.
Open the book you’re currently reading and turn to page 75. Tell us the title of the book, and the third sentence on that page.
“But at one point we were playing a show at CBGB’s, a punk matinee show.” (Sonic Youth’s Daydream Nation, Michael Stearns)
If you could trade places with any one person for a week, who would it be and why?
I would love to know what it is like to be as creative as Robert Pollard. For the past 25+ years, the man has written well over 1,000 songs.
If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you take with you?
A satellite phone so someone can rescue me!
What is your favorite word?
Gherkin. I like how it sounds.
What is in your desk drawer?
Office supplies, over the counter medications and plenty of napkins!
Most obscure interest/hobby?
Perhaps my taste in music. I enjoy indie rock, heavy metal (like thrash metal, death metal, etc), ska and reggae from the 1960’s and 70’s, classic country, soul and rock. I can appreciate a band like Entombed as well as Toots & the Maytals.
Longest book ever read?
For Whom The Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway.
Favorite animal?
French bulldog.
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