CompuServe Messages

Some of us in the publishing business are also trying to get them to not give up on having short run books published the old fashioned way-using ground up tree parts in thin sheets. In fact, at this time, I am working with three individuals with four books of which I am sure at least two of them will make it to press in a year or less. But, the limited market for all "rockhound" related books is a problem. They still cost a lot to print. If we did things right, we could get some that would otherwise never be printed available on-line. I like the paper kind (easy to carry, accessible in the field, etc.), but "publishing" on-line is definitely a much cheaper method to make the written word available to all interested. The problem is not just to those who write something for a smal local audience. The new updated guide of Colorado Minerals has been in the works for nearly two decades and keeps getting put off year after year. The big problem now (according to the unofficial word and rumors I hear) is the publishing cost, and this book will probably have a bigger market than anything I've ever published! Lanny