Re: RARA-AVIS: library

MT (matrxtech@sprintmail.com)
Sun, 13 Sep 1998 22:55:49 -0500 In this discussion of libraries, there's one important point for this
list - namely, the importance of having one's own private collection. If
you see an unusual harboiled book, grab it. You cannot count on finding
it in a library. You could search library after library in vain for a
lot of old Gold Medals, Bantams, and other paperback originals. Most of
those have never been reissued and most likely will never be (although
the CD-ROM medium and, even better, the .PDF format are promising in
that respect, since they don't require stock. By the way, CD burners are
coming down dramatically in price, an interesting development with all
sorts of applications beyond recording music).

Maybe some day one will be able to buy the complete (The) Black Mask on
CD. You need a Vin Packer title? Just order the file. The technology is
there. Unfortunately, the publishing industry hasn't caught on or is
paralyzed by the copyright issues involved.

My prediction is that, in a not too distant future, we will have
widespread self-publishing and direct selling by mystery authors. Why
get ten percent of $25 or $6, respectively, when you can sell the book
yourself for $10 and make a much larger profit? It could mean the end of
the bottom liner blues for the author. It's a thought.

The opportunity is there, and an organization like MWA should grab it.

I obviously rambled all over the place, but it's Sunday night, the
weather is unusually fine, and I just finished a great Baynard Kendrick
novel - always an occasion to feel good. I did not say "enjoying a mint
julep and a cigar out in the porch".

Regards,

MT
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