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Originally Posted by FrustratedReader
Some of the above article is clueless.
It's true that traditional publishers are nuts when it comes to distribution, inventory and POD (but inkjet? !!!!).
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You're not aware that small batch printing can be done with industrial inkjet printers?
Quick and dirty:
https://www.ricoh-usa.com/en/service...ooks-on-demand
The tech is also used for non-book products:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ts1ou1yzmcg
The article is about the manufacturing side, hence the mention of last year's paper shortage and its impact on the publishers.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/rachelk.../#1d3887fd1b26
http://www.sheridan.com/magazines-re...nge-publishers
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What’s behind the paper shortage and rising costs?
Ironically, we can place a large portion of the blame for thepaper shortage on the Digital Age. As more publishers switch their print titles to digital, demand for paper took a nose dive.
Many paper mills in the United States and Canada are shutting down machines or converting them to make more lucrative products such as packaging. In addition, China shut down nearly 280 paper mills as part of an environmental cleanup strategy, while increasing its demand for paper.
On top of that, according to an article on Publishing Executive, the cost of raw pulp has increased 25% during the past 18 months, and fuel costs and trucking shortages are further driving up paper costs. In addition, tariffs on paper imported from Canada slowed that source and contributed to higher paper costs.
The effects on publishers
Printers are being hit by these higher paper costs, and many will pass those increases to their customers. Most experts agree that the paper shortage will go at least through 2019. Even after the supply picks up, prices will remain high as printers restock their shelves. In addition to the high printing costs, the shortage also means longer print lead times.
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Hard to get paper means scheduling issues, higher paper prices means higher print book prices which likely means higher agency prices. Paper problems spatter digital.
Nothing to do with publisher competence.
Not on this.