The Butler did it.

Tyler Cowen calls my attention to an important literary event: publication of a new Octavia Butler novel, this one a vampire tale. He notes (although with a link to a bizarrely inappropriate photo) that too often vampires allow their bloodlust to overwhelm rational economic thought. Even when they purport to follow the mortal example of efficient resource extraction, as in "The Wish," it's often not successful (what exactly was the benefit of that blood extraction machine anyway--greater suction?). Why is this? Anne Rice's vampires are capable of restraint, but do not mechanize.

Fledgling is not available until next month, but in the meantime you should check out Bloodchild, her short story collection, if you've not done so already.