My Blurb book arrived today (ordered 2 weeks ago). Overall, I’m pretty happy with it, but a few points for anyone else thinking of making one:
- the tones are a bit darker than expected, like dropping the gamma somewhat. However, you’d only know it by comparing with the originals. In fairness though, I haven’t had my new screen calibrated, as I did the old CRT; however, my impression from printing ordinary photos is that it’s pretty close.
- the premium paper isn’t as thick as I’d imagined, and text shows through slightly. The matte surface is also slightly more lustrous than I’d expected, but I’m not complaining.
- the dust cover is quite a heavy gauge paper, probably thicker than manilla folder.
You wouldn’t know (well, I wouldn’t) that it’s not a conventionally printed book, and I’d heartily recommend the Blurb service. Just one slight problem in this case though – 2 pages were found to be torn, so I’ll need to return it. It looks like something has caught the paper and ripped a triangular hole during binding. The fact that I have received it in that condition raises questions about the Blurb quality control process, but I imagine it would be a rare incident. Update: Customer service very quick to respond (less than 4 hours): new copy being printed & I keep the old one :)
Now, what book to make next…?
Soxy Fleming
a friend had a photo book made through Harvey Norman (I think) and I was impressed by the thickness of the pages. It only contained photos so I couldn’t actually tell if text would show through. I think their service provides very limited options in the way of layout though (but it is worth a mention I think as it was a large book and during a pre-christmas promotion it seemed to be very cheap)
Duncan Waldron:
Thanks Soxy. I made a small one through the Big W service, which is presumably similar to HN’s. I don’t remember too much about it, as I sent it overseas to my folks pretty quickly, but I don’t remember any reason for concern. How thick the pages were, I couldn’t say, but I reckon the Blurb layout options etc would have to be better.
ragman
Congratulations Duncan you made it (and you beat me to it) well done
ragman
Just had a look at the preview, Duncan, excellent work my friend
Duncan Waldron:
Thanks David. Don’t forget: some credit is due to a certain Irish photographer, for inspiring me to see again :) Now get working on yours!
lensbaby
Congrats once again Duncan!
Thank you for sharing your experience.
All the best!
sentimentum
Would look good in The Book Group :)
Duncan Waldron:
What a good idea for a group! I guess I’d better put an image of the book up at the top. Thanks, D.
Duncan Waldron:
Oh, no Journals in the group…
sentimentum
Hi Duncan, if you wish to add something into a journal just let me know .. and I will open the section for you…
Duncan Waldron:
Well, you said this would look good in the group, and “this” is a Journal entry! It’s either that, or I create an artwork entry for this – which I’d rather not do, but is what seems to have been done by other members. I’d have thought a Journal entry was the logical way of announcing a book, so if you want to open it up on that basis, let me know and I’ll submit it.