Lulu Price Changes Coming

[calithena]

If we keep the current format the prices will probably go up about $1.50.

They are introducing a new publishing option with cheaper paper though (50#) that would actually allow us to publish more cheaply. Switching to this format would actually probably cut current prices by $1, if I'm reading the math right.

They will only offer perfect binding with the cheaper format though.

Maybe I'll do a poll on this, understanding that the results are non-binding. I'm somewhat inclined to switch to the cheaper paper just because it seems to fit with our endeavor, but on the other hand I also think that the fine printing materials add to the appeal in some ways. And I really strongly prefer saddle stitch. Please post your comments in this thread.

[calithena]

I suppose if anyone knows a cheapie outfit with lulu's worldwide scope and ease of use now would be a good time to mention it. There were some problems with amazon's creative commons, I'll check back in there from time to time to see if their options improve though.

[Max]

If Fight On continues to be 80 or so pages, I prefer perfect binding. Saddle stitch feels a little fragile at that size. The price is just a bonus.

I suppose Lulu has fees for each format offered? If not, does it have to be one or the other?

[calithena]

We could offer in both formats, yes, but we might have to create a separate entry for each one, which starts producing customer headaches. If we can do both formats in one entry I'll just have the option right there and use both, that's a no-brainer. We might do that anyway, but having three entries on lulu for each issue (saddle/expensive, perfect/cheap, PDF) starts to seem a little cumbersome.

[kesher]

I voted for option one. I think there's a lot of material in the magazine that benefits from being able to lay it out flat on a table, which you'll never be able to do with a perfect bound book. Also I have to say that, even at 88 pages, I've never felt that the mag was particularly fragile. I've bent mine in half the opposite way while reading and never worried that it was going to come apart. In fact, I think the heavier paper adds to that durability.

[cadriel]

I like the saddle stitch, it's worth having over perfect binding. At FO!'s length, I don't think perfect binding would be a good solution. If you can increase the circulation of the magazine by offering perfect binding as well, by all means go for it - but I'd continue to buy the saddle stitch.

[Random]

ditto on the saddle stitch

[Melan]

I prefer the current format and page count. But do as you deem appropriate!

[calithena]

Good feedback, guys.

I did vanity copies of my dissertation on lulu and they were perfect bound - it's stable enough, but I don't really like it, esp. for the magazine.

What would you think if we could get saddle stitch (not currently an option) with the cheaper paper? This paper is just over half the weight of the current. I guess if it becomes an option I'll get a sample copy at the lower price and decide for myself...

[badger2305]

I'm going to be a contrarian here. Back in the past, I wanted durable saddle stitched materials because I knew I would use them. In particular, I wanted stuff I could easily lay flat for copying. So saddle stitching used to be way ahead of perfect binding for this reason.

But now we have the PDF option, as well. And that's changed my thinking. I would prefer something cheaper if already printed; that way I can more easily afford the PDF, which I can then use to print out copies of specific pages.

[coffee]

I'm gonna have to stick to my guns here: Perfect binding ... isn't.

I've had more "perfect bound" books just fall apart in my hands than any other type. I have old saddle-stitched books that only just now are losing their covers (and that's from hard, gaming use).

Saddle-stitch just works better for me.

[badger2305]

Oct 3, 2008 9:19:22 GMT -6 coffee said:

I'm gonna have to stick to my guns here: Perfect binding ... isn't.

I've had more "perfect bound" books just fall apart in my hands than any other type. I have old saddle-stitched books that only just now are losing their covers (and that's from hard, gaming use).

Saddle-stitch just works better for me.

Dear Coffee - I see your point. I'm not strongly in favor of perfect binding. If other people really prefer saddle-stitch (and I also recognize its superiority), that's okay by me.

[tank]

I buy the magazine for its content, not how well it holds up, so I'd prefer to pay less. I expect you'll get more customers at $6.50 than at $9.00 as well.

[Random]

$9 isn't too much for a quarterly magazine.
I like the current format, but if they open it up with the cheaper paper, it's always worth a look.

[korgoth]

I think the magazine is worth $9, and I think that Saddle Stitch is the way to go... so that's how I voted. A strong case can be made for the cheaper format, however, as it might increase circulation. Still, it's a quarterly not a monthly so perhaps the market tolerates a higher price.

[grodog]

I'm not married to staples, but I do like them on FO! thus far. I definitely like the heavier paper stock

[redpriest]

I voted for the perfect bound, not because it's less expensive but because I think 80+ pages is too much for saddle stitched. The staples on my FO! #2 are barely holding on.

[Tim Shorts]

I've always preferred perfect bound. I like to look on my bookshelf and see the spines. Although a few have made a good point about laying it out on the table. Either way It's still going to be fun read.

[calithena]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I was hoping to at least get the original release of #3 out before the deadline. But, it's looking dicey, I'm getting the issue together and it's a good one but I have a lot of work in RL getting in the way. We'll get it out as soon as possible!

[coffee]

Oct 7, 2008 6:39:57 GMT -6 calithena said:

Thanks for the feedback guys. I was hoping to at least get the original release of #3 out before the deadline. But, it's looking dicey, I'm getting the issue together and it's a good one but I have a lot of work in RL getting in the way. We'll get it out as soon as possible!

The point is more to get out something that you're proud of, and that we'll all love, rather than get something out by some deadline (even a self-imposed one).

Even if I have to pay a bit more, it's worth it. Hey, I'm a gamer; I can subsist on Ramen noodles if need be, to have money for high quality gaming materials...