John Wiley's takeover of Blackwell Publishing has already generated much speculation about what it means for scholarly publishing. Will it stimulate further consolidation (a renewal of the Springer and Informa deal)? What are the implications for the open access movement? What does it mean for the two bsuinesses? The main impact for me is to remind me of the importance of exceptional people in publishing.

Per Saugman was not the founder of Blackwell Scientific Publishing but he joined in 1952 when sales were £27,000 and retired in 1990 when sales were £27,000,000. And it wasn't just the sales increase. He created a business and published great books, launched important journals, made the STM organisation relevant, hired and trained the very best publishing managers, and entertained and educated the medical publishing community.

I remember one day I was pitching to take over publication of an important society journal. On the way to make the pitch I ran into Bob Maxwell who had been bidding on behalf of Pergamon Press. On the way out I ran into Per Saugman pitching for Blackwell. I was in my twenties and duly overawed by competing with these two heavyweights. Sure enough I didn't win the contract. I was told by the society that I'd come second. They had eliminated Maxwell when he'd threatened to sue them if they didn't choose Pergamon. They'd liked my proposal very much but Blackwells won because Per had sent them a hand-delivered letter immediately after the meeting confirming in writing everything that had been discussed thus proving both his efficiency and his probity. A very important lesson for a young editor.

Ken Livingstone, the Mayor of London, has become a publisher too. Another free newspaper dropped through my letterbox. It's The Londoner and it is absolute rubbish.

After a bit of badgering I've discovered that each issue costs £288,000. I'm still trying to establish whether that is the full cost, including overheads and distribution, and how many issues are planned each year. The reason for the questions is that I am paying for this newspaper through taxation and the newspaper is totally dedicated to the glorification of the politician who happens to be its publisher. It's too much like the old Soviet Union. I cannot imagine the amount of paper wasted in producing enough copies for delivery to every household in London. Why not ask the great Ken if he would focus on being Mayor rather than wallowing in self-aggrandisement paid for by the citizens of London. His email is mayor@london.gov.uk.