Always an insightful commentator on industry trends, book agent Chip MacGregor offers some more food for thought with his vision of the future.

Looking ahead five years, he speculates on the implications of the still-unfolding digital revolution.

Among his predictions, that the Web will replace trade shows and book catalogs. " The big book shows are dying--too expensive and not enough return to keep going," he says. "They'll be replaced with smarter, more cost-effective company events or Web-based specialty events. And publishers will soon buy into the green movement by doing away with printed book catalogs and going to web-based catalogs that are always accessible and easy to correct and update."

MacGregor also foresees a new role in publishing houses. "Creative content editors" will be needed to handle the "convergence of words and images" that he expects to come to the world of books--interactive features, downloadable extras, video clips and author interviews.

MacGregor's list also includes a wish-that the culture's fascination with short messages on Facebook and Twitter will mean a renewed interest in short stories. "Okay, this may not happen... but I can dream," he says. "Short stories are my favorite form of literature, and they are almost impossible to sell in book form these days. But perhaps the next generations' interest in all things short will mean a renewed interest in short stories. "

Find his 10-point vision of the future in the June 21 posting at http://chipmacgregor.typepad.com, and let us know what you think...

In early June, Sparrow Records and Steven Curtis Chapman sent out a call to his listeners for pictures to submit for a special Father's Day video of his song, "Cinderella." Listeners were asked to send father/child pictures for use in slideshow videos, which are featured below.

Also, on Father's Day, the Huckabee show on Fox News will be re-airing portions of a video interview with Steven and his wife Marybeth on Sunday evening at 8 pm EST and 11 pm EST. The couple discuss issues of faith and family following the tragic loss of their youngest daughter Maria Sue in May 2008.

A tie may be a classic gift, as LifeWay Christian Stores notes in an email promotion, but the chain and other retailers suggest Bibles may make a more meaningful gift for Father's Day.

LifeWay offers a $10n saving on The Ryrie Study Bible: Expanded Edition, NASB, which usually sells for $39.99. It also prices Tony Dungy's Uncommon at $19.99 ($5 off) and John Eldredge's Fathered by God at $11.99 ($3 off).

Family Christian Stores offers the same $5 saving on Dungy's book, while presenting three Bible bargains. The Life Application Study Bible is on sale for $44.97, down from $69.99, while Manual: The NIV Bible for Men is reduced from $36.99 to $29.59. An $8 saving is available on the Personal Size Mossy Oak Giant Print Bible, priced at $31.99.

Family's announcement also includes an exclusive pre-buy offer on Mark Schultz's forthcoming release, Come Alive. The chain is giving away a free copy of the singer's Closer DVD with each $11.97 advance purchase.

Mardel Christian & Education Supply knocks a sizable $50 off the regular price of The Archaeological Study Bible, reducing it to $29.99. The chain also offers a $20 saving on the new Men's Devotional Bible (priced at $19.99) and patriotic tee-shirts for $5 each.

Mardel's mailing also promotes Music Madness on Saturday, June 9, when CDs and tee-shirts regularly priced $16.99 or under are on sale for $7.99 each.

Parable Christian Stores' Father's Day promotion offers The Dad's Bible-NCV: The Father's Plan at 50% off, for $20. The email special includes an online-only, $5 off coupon on orders of $40 or more, through Saturday, and a Summer Fun Pack Giveaway drawing of $650 worth of "books, music and more."