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You taking 'point' on this, Jack?

One of the biggest issues involved in putting these things together (outside of finding the necessary willing talent) is TIME.

Also, if we were able to put together another collaborative anthology, and considering available technology, I am hoping it would be a little more impressive than a simple photocopied and hand-stapled APA. 'Worth' and 'value' are important things to consider, and I firmly believe that quality sells.

People want to be seen. Belt Sander was great in that it helped establish a sense of camraderie and gave the posters of the Kingdom (and others) something to feel a part of, and to critique each others' efforts, but I think, after awhile it starts to feel "empty" and kinda inbred because the effort never seems to pay off or go anywhere. I will admit, however, that being a part of the BS I was a part of, it was fun. And that's important.

The ECP model was such that unlimited quantities of the book (as laid out, uploaded, and solicited by Ego Comics) could be purchased from a website that anyone could go to, but being that one 'pays for convenience' they were a little more expensive than a lot of people were comfortable with. (Actually, it was the shipping that put it over the top.) But, the ECP books, as published by Cafe Press, I felt, were of a very nice quality, had a professional look and feel to them in how they were put-together, and gave a lot of people an opportunity to see their work in print who might otherwise go unpublished. As these books were set up as a 'not-for-profit' situation (Ego Comics made nothing from this), there was no profit-sharing system in place, and no one got paid. They volunteered their time and art/stories in exchange for being included in a book that they could show and display as they saw fit. The only way the contributors could have (or were... I don't really know enough about everyone's individual efforts with their copies) been paid, was for them to sell them instead of just giving them away for free.

With the various boards I frequent, the people I've met and trust, I could put together a 'dream team' of talent. But I would hate to bother asking if it was not a worthwhile endeavor for their time and energy.

This is what I would suggest: By co-ordinating a multi-front effort between the 'Pen, Commie, TK, and a few other places, we attract the necessary talent, explain what it is we're trying to accomplish. There should be NO promises of monetary compensation. This is more for exposure and experience then anything. And none of us are set up to cut "paychecks" for services rendered. Besides, that takes us down a whole ugly road I am not prepared to deal with at this time. We keep it "simple" and pure. We ask people to put their personal beefs aside and do it for the work, and the joy of the work. They should be responsible for pimping the project and themselves, and everyone can do their own advertising how they see fit. (Most easily accomplished by our on-line jaunts and adventures.)

Another thing to consider: If we approach this right, and put together an anthology of high quality and commit to do an actual print run at one of the printing companies the professionals use, we could get firm commitments from everyone involved, ask how many copies they're willing to purchase, and put together one master order. The printing bill will be high, there is no doubt. BUT, with enough people involved, and enough copies ordered, the price per copy is greatly reduced. AND, once everyone has their own copies they are free to sell these books at their leisure and pocket their own profit. We leave it up to the individual to sell themselves.

I don't know exactly what you hope to accomplish with this, Jack, but I know there's a lot of people that want something MORE than just doing it just to do it. People want to feel like they're a part of something bigger then themselves. And that it's not a wasted effort, or will fall upon deaf ears.

I have been in contact with someone from BookSurge who I could hit up again, too, in necessary. If they publish us, we would have access to advertising on Amazon.com. Something to think about.

These are just some of my thoughts I've had since the Belt Sander and ECP experience, and what little I've heard about some of the other efforts; i.e. Shiot Crock, and BAM!

Also, keep in mind, I am not committing to this project (life, time, and previous committements being what they are, and all), but am willing to discuss and entertain other people's ideas, too.

If something positive and exceptional could be decided upon and put together, that would be awesome - we would all win.