I've been working with rare books and special collections for 15+ years, but I can honestly say that I've learned more in the past month while working on this zine about the economics of printing and publishing and the role it (they?) has on size and number of color plates than I did in my entire career before.

I just found myself at grumbling at Kinkos about the cost of photo copies... I have 11x17 color ambitions! At this rate I am looking at production costs of more than $10 per copy, for something I plan on dropping off at the Free Library box at my corner.

I did make a few artistic compromises, and then thought about my friend who works with metal and what his supply costs must be. And my actor friend who, in order to work his day job, take care of his dog, and get to rehearsals at a theater out in the boonies (considering public transportation)5 days a week for months on end, winds up taking tons of taxis and eating out at the pub across the street. And all the guitars, amps, keyboards, cords, pedals, and strings that my musician friends have bought over the years.

And kept pushing that copy button ...and grumbling.