Interest in pre-order of "The Index of Japanese Swordsmiths"

[Adrian]

Guys, don't worry, if we fail to get enough pre-orders but make it close enough I will do it with my own money anyway. Of course this will bump the price a bit but not by much (say 15$ a copy - I'm not greedy just want to cover the risk of having some of the money blocked for a while in books that require storage).

[Dr Fox]

Adrian

 

Generous offer, but I for one don,t feel comfortable with you standing for this expense. Besides, don't you think we ought to let this run to its natural conclusion, as has been requested. Then as Brian has previously stated, if its a no go for the NMB, then try the water on your proposal, and see who wants to go.

Regards Denis.

[Adrian]

I think the important part is if I feel comfortable about it since it's going to be my money. Of course we are going to let it run it's natural conclusion but judging from the last day's trend I'm pretty sure what the conclusion will be.

 

Therefore I wanted to let those interested know that this project will be continued (with the already mentioned small modification) even if we falls short of the requested pre-order number.

 

Of course, I perfectly understand that you will definitely have some objections even in that situation :lol: .

[Dr Fox]

Adrian

Facts.

1. This was your idea, and a good one.

2. With the edges rounded off, it became a possibility.

3. To support Markus is laudable, (also your assertion)

4. A certain amount of support from members has been gained.

You seem convinced this will fail due to support, and with that in mind stated your intention to go it alone, funding the project from your own pocket.

Now that is an offer I cannot make, and have said it’s generous.

So heres a deal! You can make it happen! When Brian has done the numbers, you offer to order the shortfall.

Your outlay is greatly reduced, as is the risk of holding a greater number of books. I feel when the NMB has then produced the books; there will be an extra demand for copies. When this happens you are the man to buy from.

Its got to be a win, win?

What do you think?

Denis.

[Adrian]

 

My deal Denis, the idea was (as you clearly figured it out :lol: ) that the small extra money would cover for relatively long term storage of the unsold copies plus subsequent individual handling and packing. Plus act as a reserve for the money blocked in the unsold copies.

 

So I have to thank you for your extremely generous and considerate suggestion but I'm afraid I'll have to pass.

[Dr Fox]

Adrian your attempt at smilies humour was lost on me, so I will also pass.

Denis.

[Dr Fox]

There are 8 members, who have declared themselves for more than one copy of this book set; one has stated this action, is in the hope it will make this project happen!

Brian increase my pledge (not vote) by an extra copy of the two volume set, I will hold the extras here in the UK, as I believe when these are ‘in hand’ this will be a desirable item.

It's a little I can do, only hope it will help.

Denis.

[b.hennick]

This thread has been quiet for several days. I would like to see some hard figures on cost. I have committed to two copies but would get more if that would mean that the project would go through. I have a meeting of my sword club on May 25th. I would like to tell them about the project and what the costs would be. I could then get them to pre-order the books. I am sure that others would do the same if they had particulars. Please do not let this die from neglect.

[Adrian]

Barry, it went quiet because I was simply waiting to see how many interest votes will be cast. Plus I've been really busy the last week.

 

Considering the interest votes that were cast here, I find it hard to believe that we could get 100 copies paid for, but I am considering the alternative of doing this with my own money, as mentioned in an earlier post, with a slight cost increase. This would put the cost per copy at 115$ and I would suggest that an additional 5$ donation is made to the NMB by every buyer for each copy purchased.

 

Again, this price will NOT include packing, handling and shipping. I expect packing&handling to be about 5-7$ per copy but will be able to get an exact figure before any order is to be placed. Shipping will be done at post shipping cost unless buyers require a different carrier.

 

However I will need two things:

1. Brian clearly offering the NMB's support to such project.

 

and then

 

2. To figure out the cost of relatively long term storage in a proper book deposit.

 

I don't have the time to sell 1 copy at the time so things will work out in the following manner:

 

a) After the books are printed I will sell a few copies to 2-3 designated individuals (so they can testify that the product actually exists and this isn't some kind of scam). I'll have to ship these myself but for such a low number that's OK.

 

b) I will allow a month for everyone who wants to order to send in the money.

 

c) I will have the copies that were paid for during this time shipped by the shipping company that will be hired for this.

 

d) The remaining copies will be stored and subsequently sold when a minimal number of orders is placed on a topic opened here. This will allow me to hire again a shipping company.

[Dr Fox]

This thread has been quiet for several days. I would like to see some hard figures on cost. I have committed to two copies but would get more if that would mean that the project would go through. I have a meeting of my sword club on May 25th. I would like to tell them about the project and what the costs would be. I could then get them to pre-order the books. I am sure that others would do the same if they had particulars. Please do not let this die from neglect.

 

Barry

Spot on.

Denis.

[Brian]

I won't take any fee, donation or otherwise.

I would like to know where the books will be printed, stored and shipped from..country at least. With postage, packing, handling, storage etc...you might be looking at an additional $50 or more per set.

I have a quote within the USA for roughly $8500 for 150 sets, which is more than needed. But at about $55 per set, plus Markus' commission, that isn't bad. Or even $85 per set plus Markus' royalty..leaving 50 sets of books for sale later that are paid for.

50 or more copies would always sell at sword shows afterwards, I have no doubt. But they would need to be shipped to a book seller maybe, who can distribute for a fee.

Time isn't a major factor here imho. The project hasn't gone away, just a lot to think about and work out.

 

Brian

[Adrian]

If the quote you got from the US is for offset print, hardcover with sewn binding (this is important for a book of this size) and good quality acid free paper then it is far better then the best offer that I got so far and we should carry it on this way.

 

I don't want any royalties for the idea :lol: , feel free to pursue this path. However I wouldn't say that time is a non-factor here, I was able to discuss such a small edition strictly because of the current economic situation. Before 2008 no printing company capable of printing this kind of books would have considered anything under 500 copies.

[b.hennick]

If this were a meeting I would move "to purchase 150 copies for $8500 + 4500 for Markus leading to a total of $13000 for 150 copies or a little over$85 per copy."

Seconder?

[Alex A]

Still a reasonable price to me.

 

Alex.

[hxv]

Barry,

 

I second your motion!

 

Hoanh

[DirkO]

I'm also with Barry on this one - I can commit to more copies if the price is that low.

[Dr Fox]

If as read! Delete ‘copy’ and insert ‘set’ @ approx $85.00 a set, totally gets a thumbs up from the Welshman.

Denis.

[Adrian]

If this were a meeting I would move "to purchase 150 copies for $8500 + 4500 for Markus leading to a total of $13000 for 150 copies or a little over$85 per copy."

Seconder?

 

I think everyone approves such approach. It's always better to get more for the same money (or even cheaper) :D . If Brian confirms that the offer he got is for the same quality, then taking this offer is the obvious choice.

[Brian]

Yes, it is offset, sewn binding, good quality paper and in the USA. Flat back and durable binding, foiled cover and spine.

It is very hard to find a printer to do under 300 copies as Adrian said. Surprised these guys are willing to do 150.

But everyone is really busy at the moment...myself included. So corresponding when I have a chance. There just isn't enough time in the day right now to devote too much time to it, but making progress. Am still busy talking to others too...so will update with progress.

 

Brian

[Adrian]

It is very hard to find a printer to do under 300 copies as Adrian said. Surprised these guys are willing to do 150.

 

 

The only reason why they are considering it is because these are tough times for the printing business. Basically they take now projects like this to keep the business going (cover expenses, pay salaries and so on) not to make any profit. This is why I was so sure that such project is feasible at this moment.

 

Let us know when you make some progress, based on the preliminary discussions I had on this subject it's clear that this price can be beaten so we should definitely focus on this option.

[Alex A]

You will probably find that there isnt much difference in price for 150, 250 or 500 books for offset, just the cost of the paper, which doesnt add up to much. For a small run of 150 a printers will still need to print at least 250 overs for the finishers to set up on, a total of 400 anyway. If you want it done cheap, go digital, you may think the quality is fine.

 

Alex.

[Adrian]

I'd say that @ 85$/copy for offset print it would be ridiculous to even consider digital print. 150 copies isn't that much, in fact it's a great offer by all standards.

[nwtracker]

Ha! I suppose I should have read the thread. Yet here I am.

 

I would like to raise my hand @ buying a copy.

 

Now I'll go and read the thread that probably has contact and ordering information.

 

Russell

[Adrian]

Yes, it is offset, sewn binding, good quality paper and in the USA. Flat back and durable binding, foiled cover and spine.

It is very hard to find a printer to do under 300 copies as Adrian said. Surprised these guys are willing to do 150.

But everyone is really busy at the moment...myself included. So corresponding when I have a chance. There just isn't enough time in the day right now to devote too much time to it, but making progress. Am still busy talking to others too...so will update with progress.

 

Brian

 

Any progress Brian?

[Brian]

Progress will be made once we have a commitment for the 100 copies. Which means interest in at least 150 or more to be sure. The poll still is lacking in numbers. We could probably do it through kickstarter or one of those, but I don't have time currently. It will get there.

 

Brian

[pcfarrar]

Kickstarter would be a great idea. It would also make it a lot easier to promote to non-NMB members.

[Adrian]

Perhaps running a commitment topic could move things forward a bit? Considering the larger oders mentioned in the topic we are clearly over 100 copies right now.

 

What I'm suggesting is a topic where every person interested would clearly commit to buy and also mention the number of copies. From what I saw on these two topics, most of the people interested were known members here, I kinda doublt that there is going to be 30% withdrawal rate, particularly at this price and quality.

 

 

TBH at this point I really don't see why we should complicate things using a platform like Kickstarter. The market for this project is right here.

[Doug S]

How do I increase my per-order vote from 1 to 3.?

I would like to see this happen. and they also look like a sound investment.

1 set to keep and 2 to sell later.

 

Thanks:

Doug Scheurich

[Brian]

Ok, I've changed the poll options to allow for people to change their choices. You can't add additional votes, but you can change when you originally voted for.

 

Brian

[Jean]

I'll take 3 copies