It seems a bit bizarre.  We don't ask permission to link to posts in any other circumstance.  And it makes it harder to assemble a Carnival.  Obviously, it would be best if people actually submitted their own posts, but I don't see much sense in not linking to a post because you don't have explicit permission.  (Ben, I think, didn't bother to ask anyone for permission when he assembled the SBS-hosted Carnival.)

I suppose some folks might not be comfortable with not having explicit permission.  Maybe we can do something about that in this post.  I, for one, want Carnival hosters to know:  Any post I write is fair game for the Carnival of Mathematics.  If you feel the same way, you might mention it in the comments.

Starting tomorrow, this blog is back to its roots, and for the next few months that's going to be decidedly heavy on politics. So if you want cute pics and baby updates, head to ShepherdFam... if you want politic commentary from a rank amateur, come here. Oh, and if you want both, come here first, then click the ShepherdFam link in my Blogroll on the right. You've been warned...

I'm heading off to the Twin Cities for a few days to attend the Public Library Association conference.  Hopefully I'll be blogging from the conference, assuming the hotel decides to hook me up with wi-fi that doesn't cost $15 a night. I'll try to add photos should the situation warrant.

I'm also going to try out this crazy Twitter thing. I'm on there as theanalogdivide, should you want to follow me around.

Record commodity prices, such as $100-a-barrel oil, record wheat and soaring precious metal prices, have penetrated many of our supply chains. However, it’s pretty clear that consumers are not in any mood to simply absorb higher prices. Cost containment strategies by manufacturers are imperative to avoid a sharp reduction in consumer spending.

To avoid a spike in consumer costs, take action now:

Conduct cost analyses. Manufacturers should analyze supplier costs to understand the mix of material, labor, overhead and profit that are driving costs higher. An understanding of costs puts manufacturers in a better position to negotiate with suppliers seeking price increases.

Don’t accept price increases as “business as usual.” Manufacturers should make suppliers work hard for price increases by demanding three months notice, in writing, of all increase requests and insist that they are accompanied by a detailed statement of the actions the supplier has taken to reduce or eliminate the need for an increase.

Know your options. Investigate alternative materials, designs and suppliers now, before you face requests for higher prices. Manufacturers who don’t have options and market intelligence are at a disadvantage when they negotiate with suppliers.