Blurb Forums

Quality of Blurb archival paper in question

I don’t know if that is just me, but I ordered this product, “How To Make A Book” by the Blurberati.

The thing is that I notice the images on “matte” paper seem to be a bit grainy-like or something. In my humble opinion is that I think “glossy” probably looks a lot better than matte.

Is it possible for Blurb to offer a variety of high quality, more professional quality of archival papers, such as semi-glossy, glossy, or matte?

The reason on why I ordered the book, “How To Make A Book”, I wasn’t sure what to expect of Blurb bookstore-quality book looks. I like what I saw, but the quality of paper seem to be in question.

I would strongly encourage Blurb team to consider to include at least two or three variety of high quality photo & archival-quality papers under consideration.

Additionally, I also wonder if is it possible to offer leather – hard cover book. Of course, it is a bit more expensive, but I would love to see it being offered at Blurb.

If Blurb offer a lot of variety of high quality photo & archival (museum-like) papers, and leather hard cover and few other “pretty darn neat” stuff offered at Blurb—that will set Blurb a big difference among other competitors in the industry.

I always believe that “being different” is truly a cool niche for me. I don’t know what other Blurberatis think.

I have been working on a couple of books under development. But I kinda holding it back for some reason. Because I am very, very fussy about quality of photo / archival (museum-like) paper.

All in all, finally, I am glad that Blurb finally offer Forums! I truly believe that this benefit everyone, both as customers and Blurb team as well. I look forward to contribute myself to make Blurb a better place to do the business with and help it grow.

Thanks,
Brian

I agree with Brian that there should be a selection of higher grade materials – even if limited, that higher end should include at least one example of the choicest or most robustly archival paper. From my own perspective, I know that the few people buying one of my books will want them on the best materials. I think that if the forums are new, that they are a healthy sign of life and a smart move. Forums show all observers that the site is not static, and they are a wealth of information for the site managers. Everybody wins! -EH

I’m in a similar position to Brian, at the moment I’m dipping my toe in the water to see what is out there regarding bespoke book publishing. 

I have a couple of photographic projects that I am looking to publish in book form, and then to market and sell.  As soon as you deviate from the snapshot type of book the standard of presentation becomes very important – especially if you want to make a profit from it. The only way I can see revenue being generated by selling on photo books is by making sure that they fall into the fine art / high end  market.  That means top quality printing and presentation.  So I would agree with Brian.

At the moment I’m not sure that Blurb can produce the quality at a low enough price point, especially with the ridiculous international postage charges.  I’m still looking and I’m still assessing.  Blurb’s features seem to almost meet all of my needs, but there are still a few holes in its coverage at the moment.  Hopefully Blurb will fill them in soon.

 Steve.

Brian, I agree with all the comments you make. I can only assume one of the reasons the paper they use was chosen was for its handling capabilities…by the reader and anyone else “flipping through the pages. The paper stock they are using just about eliminates fingerprints and other handling problems you would normally have, even though I agree, glossy sure would make the images “pop”.

I’m a first time Blub book maker and I agree with the above statements.  I would feel better about the price I charged for my book if the paper quality was better or thicker.

I have created two books with Blurb and I agree wholeheartedly with Brian. Please…please…please add choices for thicker archival paper quality and glossy finish.  I am extremely happy with everything Blurb has to offer except for this. I do believe this issue is holding back many professional photographers from using your service – but I do know that many people, including myself, are eagerly waiting for this to be included for an additional fee. It would be great if this could be a 2007 priority. Thank you for your kind consideration.

I have published one book and I was a little disappointed by the paper and print quality when it arrived. I spent a great deal of time in Photoshop perfecting the photos, and they came out bland in the finished book. I totally agree that Blurb should offer some choices of better paper. Especially since it offers ability to sell the books online. Seallable books should be, in my opinion, a top notch quality.