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Troy
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Troy
Post Number: 195
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: 
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, December 13, 2004 - 11:06 pm: | 
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Often we discuss, complain, and reflect upon the state of Black literature. Typically we fall back on the old refrain of "we must support our own". I propose we do this in a meaningful, measurable and ultimately sustainable way.
I'm think we should identify one Black Publisher that published a book that proudly represents or reflects the quality of our literature. Once that publisher has been identified I say we should then commit to making sure that we are directly responsible for the purchase of at least 10,000 titles from that publisher.
Given the number of folks that visit this site and subscribe to our newsletter that is not a goal outside of our reach. Seriously if every subscriber just brought one book from the Publisher we selected that would be all that is required -- full stop. Do you think we can do this? Do you think we should?
Think about the impact we could have. If we purchased 10,000 books from a publisher whose work we were proud of, we would finance the production of similar work -- it is really just that simple. How about 50,000 books over the course of a year. Some people would buy 2 some would buy 10, but we should be able to cover 50,000 books.
We could encourage Book clubs, social, business and fraternal organization to supports the cause. Book stores could order the book directly from the publisher for they would have guaranteed sales.
Am I out of line here? Would anyone want to help me coordinate such an endeavor? I'm open to suggestion or alternative approaches, but this is something we really need to do.
Let vote with our dollars and make a real impact. Is anyone else down with me?
Reply off baord, via email (troy@aalbc.com) or phone (866-603-8394) if necessary.
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Troy
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Troy
Post Number: 198
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, December 14, 2004 - 11:53 pm: |
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I got some feedback and I can use more. I established another email address for the purpose of this project: Buying 50,000 books, in 2005, from a Black publisher: 50000books@aalbc.com
One of the things we'll need to do is identify a Black publisher. Again, I'm open to suggestions. The publisher should have at least a few titles in print and sufficient capacity to print the book required to meet this goal. Of course, any publisher considered must not produce the kind of books that we tend to gripe about. We want a publisher that publishes books that we enjoy AND would proudly to display on the shelves of our home.
Of course, this will be a source of disagreement. The goal is not to get everyone to agree which publisher produces the best books. The point is to demonstrate that we are willing and able to support publishers who produce books we want produced. Ideally, that publisher will take that gain and reivest in more talent.
In case you are not aware of any Black owned publishing houses check out a few here: http://writers.aalbc.com/publishers.htm
Suggestions, Ideas, commentary?
Actually the list of publishers needs revising. One of the publishers, BlackWords (a loooongtime supporter of AALBC.com) has shut its doors. No business is perfect but BlackWords had a wealth of potential. I hate to see them go -- I can't even bring myself to pull their content. Honestly, they are also one of the reason for this effort. |
Troy
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Troy
Post Number: 203
Registered: 01-2004
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 16, 2004 - 12:16 am: |
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OK, it has been 2 days and I'm completely underwhelmed by the support or feedback for the idea -- at least in this public forum.
What is up? Do I have any back?
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Rashena
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Rashena
Post Number: 108
Registered: 08-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 16, 2004 - 02:36 pm: |
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Hi Troy!
I think this is a great idea...and I would have to go with Brother Haki in terms of quality and message, but many have probably have read his books already.
I love Strivers Row and the other imprints you mentioned as well, but those are owned by big houses, so do you mean black owned or black themed?
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Crystal
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Crystal
Post Number: 178
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 16, 2004 - 03:01 pm: |
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I like this idea too Troy. I know nothing about the publishing world as far as trying to identify one to go with but I'll check out your links and will definitely pass the word. |
Troy
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Troy
Post Number: 205
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, December 17, 2004 - 09:40 pm: |
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Rashena: I'm thinking a Black owned imprint. Third World has been suggested a couple of times. I would consider them a prime candidate.
Crystal: thanks, let me know what other people think.
I'd like to kick off in February (only 'cause it will take me that long to figure out how to do this thing).
I was thinking about raising the number to 100K books -- "100K books, 1 Publisher, 1 Year". It was also suggested that I select a single book from a publisher. That way it will be simplier to communicate the goal and a little eaiser to track.
But selecting a single book that we can tout as somethiing every household should own may be tough harder that choosing from a publisher's backlist.
Peace,
Troy
50000books@aalbc.com
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Amitenejah
Newbie Poster
Username: Amitenejah
Post Number: 7
Registered: 12-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, January 15, 2005 - 09:23 pm: |
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Remuneration
I’ve seen too much valuable energy languish on altruistic ventures, therefore my critical question is: how would the project get funded?
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A_womon
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: A_womon
Post Number: 1213
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, January 17, 2005 - 09:41 am: |
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Hey Troy,
I found this link that may help you in compiling your list of black publishing houses. I thing you should also include black agents on your list, too.
http://www.jdpublishing.com/
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A_womon
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: A_womon
Post Number: 1214
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, January 17, 2005 - 09:45 am: |
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Sorry Troy,
After more checking, the links on the website I provided only provide an application for those who wish to be listed. |
