Blurb Forums

Hardcover landscape books are loosing pages

My two first books (hardcover, 20×25 cm) are quite thin (max 60 pages) but it happened to me to see some thicker ones (brand new, same format, but about 200 pages or maybe more) which where litterally loosing the pages. It seemed to me that those books were binded only with glue, without the sewing I sow in my books.

Is it possible? and is there any difference for the binding type depending on the book format or thickness?

Thanks.

Hi Bruce,

is it not possible that the difference I noticed depends from the printing location? My books have been still printed in the USA, whereas the big ones with the falling pages have been printed in Europe. I also noticed that the quality of the paper was different.
Is there any possibility to ask Blurb to print a book in a specific location?

Thanks again, Mauro

I ordered a biggie book (13”x11” & 170 pages) and a lot of the pages came out. I reported it to Blurb along with pictures (proof) and they were happy to work with me to resolve the issue. I’m was very disappointed, but when they reprinted my book it put me on the Happy Camper path again. I really hope they fixed the problem.

Here we are. Again.

I followed your suggestion and I didn’t worry about the quality.

Result: I ordered a first copy for test and it was perfect.

Today I got 4 copies more of the same book and ALL COPIES ARE LOOSING THE PAGES!

A terrible quality; impossible to be used for Xmas gift.

I’m very disappointed and now in delay for what I had in mind to do with the books.

Does anybody help me?

shame to see that the issues with the european printer were already being discussed in september 07 and that nothing has changed. I received my book yesterday, from the european printer. My friend received 2 books this week also from the european printer.  All 3 books have fallen apart, within the hour. We have gotten reprintorders but as they are likely being reprinted in europe (as we live there) all hope is lost that this wasn’t just a temporary glitch but a structural problem. we’ll see next week.

There go 3 months of work  and $144

am not happy 

Hi Brianbonitz, I admire your loyalty to Blurb, I have observed it on several forums. I am glad for you that you are so satisfied with Blurb. And I do know they are a start-up company. However: if you have a company that does sell this kind of product and does use different suppliers to work with you have to deliver quality for money. If you don’t you’ll never get past the start-up fase.

Looking at the different forums these issues with the european printer have been there for a while and still they use that printer. I do understand that they are trying to get things organised there, but that does not change the fact that I paid $144 dollar for a book that fell apart almost right away and my friend paid twice that money for 2 books and had the same problem. That should not happen! Not for that kind of money. Maybe $144 is not expensive for this kind of single issue book, but to me it is still a lot of money.

And apparently in the US that does not happen, it happens in Europe. So that means that it IS possible to produce that kind of large format landscape with a lot of pages that actually behaves like a book. (ofcourse, being the owner of several beautiful Frans Lanting books, large format, 300+ pages and SEWN, I knew that already). Knowing that WHY make your European customers go through the motion (and disappointment) of getting a disappointing book, having to complain, having to wait again for the reprint etc ect.

My friend and I did get in contact with customer service and they did order a reprint. But frankly, what quality is that going to be if they still have that made with the European printer?? 

I know, we’ll have to wait and see and next week we’ll know more. But I must confess that at this point I do not have a lot of faith in this product. I had started a new project, but will hold of to see how this developes.

Hi fschling,

I, personally, do not know for the answer. Please understand that I am NOT an employee of Blurb. Like you and other participants or Blurb bookmakers, we have some issues. It varies to individual. Some are lucky; others aren’t so lucky.

As I understand that not all outsourced printers have same binding equipments that binds with sewn or some books being super glued and then bind with some kind of equipments. I would think that it doesn’t make any difference whether it is here in the states or in Europe.

However, I would suggest that you and oversea customers (like Blurb bookmakers, etc) contact Blurb and make a suggestion and feedback. And try to be persistence and follow-through.

I feel your pain, frustration and all hard work you put into your book project. Believe me, I have been there and have done this and that. Yes, it is quite some disappointment that something didn’t do right or didn’t meet to your or my standard of book. To remedy this, as I have learned that by contacting and working with Blurb team for resolution and working things out.

Finally, with your feedback and suggestion, Blurb would be very happy to hear from you and others. You ARE encouraged to submit your feedback and suggestion about this issue pertaining to sewn and other related issue(s) you have mentioned.

As I understand that Blurb team and its management are working on several project for mid-2008 – for the betterment of overall service and goods delivered through Blurb and BookSmart. Now, it IS ideally a good time for all of us, as participants here at forums, and Blurb bookmakers, to submit feedback and suggestion.

I try to help you and others – as participant helping other participants. That is what this Blurb forums are all about.

Walter,

Best IF you do this venue by contacting Blurb customer service, here:

http://www.blurb.com/help/order_support

While you are in processing of submitting Order Support submission form, to save some time, I suggest that you take a couple “close up” picture taking of your defective book. Someone from Blurb will contact you with specific, further instructions.

Hope that helps.

Hello