[Leica] Self Publishing (was re: The Yearbook)

[kyle cassidy on the lug]

One of the advantages of self publishing is that you never get turned down. This is LEGITIMATE. As someone who’s self-published some things and traditionally published others, I can swear that it’s one actual advantage. But there are also disadvantages. One of the disadvantages is that volume provides discounts. Oh well. If we sent the LUG yearbook to TASCHEN they’d throw it in the waste paper basket and most likely not even bother to write us a rejection letter. If we publish it ourselves, we get the opportunity to put one on our shelves, show it to our friends and think fondly back to the year in photography. We’re not paying for A BOOK — we’re paying for OUR BOOK. The distinction is real and the LUG yearbook can’t be compared to some volume printed in the thousands or tends of thousands of copies. As the years pass, the cost of it will fade from memory; like many things that are durable. Was your washing machine $120 more than another one you considered? Who remembers now?

If you want to see your photos and those of your friends, buy it. there are, literally, seriously, actually, Leica LENS CAPS that cost more than this. If you don’t want to see your photos on a printed page buy a Mary Ellen Mark book for $30 and enjoy it and don’t sweat the loss of the paper product.

That’s my two cents.

kyle