Brett's Blog Good for the Economy Feb 10, 2010 | 11:24 am Did you know that Americans can help the domestic economy by buying from small press publishers, such as Precis Intermedia? The fact is that rather than getting large numbers of books printed overseas (usually China) to save money, most small press publishers utilize short-run, digital printing services located within the United States. All of Precis Intermedia's books are either printed in-house or outsourced to an American manufacturer. By supporting small press publishers rather than big, faceless companies, you can help keep Americans employed and paid. Find out where books are printed before you buy! European customers: this is paralleled with many small press publishers on your own continent. 1 Comment | Add Comment | Permanent Link | Return to Overview paraplegic racehorse Commented: Feb 14, 2010 | 6:09 pm It is generally true that buying from the small guys (of any industry, not just publishing) helps the local economy. Small business usually simply does not have the demand or resources to outsource products or services from overseas. I own a taxi service. I buy American vehicles (this might change, however, as American cars are no longer as tough as their Asian and European competitors, many of which are also large American manufacturers...). I insure through an American corporation; even the underwriter is an American firm. I buy American made meters, top lights, radios. My business cards are printed at a local (American) print shop. I buy locally raised farm products (grain, fruit, vegetables, meat), when available, too, and as little of it pre-prepared as possible. All my lumber needs (I build bee-hives as a hobby) come from locally-milled and locally-harvested trees. THAT's how to support your local economy. Sometimes it costs a little more, but the long-term benefits far outweigh those costs. And it trickles up. Let the big guys have the left-overs from the small guys. As far as small press, specifically, goes... I have found, in recent years, that the small press "Indie" publishers usually have a more creative or innovative product line, offer better (more personal, less robotic, about same speed) customer service and support, and are more receptive to feedback of any sort - positive, negative, or otherwise. My favorite game companies are small-press: P.I. Games, Ebbles Miniatures, Goblinoid Games, BTRC, a few others. Thanks, Brett, for entering a tough niche market and riding out the last few rough years where even the big boys suffered. Add Comment