I JUST got my book and...
okay, I have read so much about people who get their books and hated them…etc. I wanted to give my two cents on my "Blurb Experience." I put together my book, and I found a free trial of a program online that I could resize photos/etc to the recommended size that Blurb gives, all of which I set at 300dpi. Took awhile, but I did it all. I put the photos in their spot (oh, I made a wedding book by the way!). I didn’t have a lot of photos really, and my wedding was small, but I wanted a neat way to show people my small wedding! My book was only 48 pages in length, and I waited nervously for my book. I did the book preview (the one where people can see the first 15 pages…oh by the way, my book is private…sorry!), and the pictures were a little fuzzy. Made me nervous, but I thought the printing quality would be better…fingers crossed. My book came in the mail, and here’s what I have to say: I really am happy with the final product. I had 1 or 2 pictures that weren’t quite as clear as the others, but they weren’t as clear as the others when they were taken…given light at the time, maybe taken in a dark spot of the reception room, what have you. They did turn out though, and I was happy. I even had 2 photos that I knew were going to turn out a little grainy, because the photographer didn’t take the best photos (kinda sucks for a wedding, but oh well…best day of my life!), but lo-and-behold, when I turned in the book to that page, they weren’t grainy at all…I was happy. The ONLY negative thing I have to say is this (by the way, the binding looks great….wonderful job….) The packaging. It came in a box wrapped in plastic wrap, and no padding. The corners weren’t dented or anything, but you could shake the box and hear the book sliding around on the inside. Thankfully the book wasn’t damaged, but it could have been…I think you (Blurb) should pay just a little more to pack it in SOMETHING besides just a thin plastic wrap. Overall, I was pleased! I’ll definitely be doing more business with Blurb…
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I just got my first book also, 11×13 landscape. I am quite pleased with the book, although some of the pics could have been sharper. They print very sharp and clear at home, and it was more and issue with the smaller pics than the larger images. The larger images turned out great! I also would like a glossier paper as I have read others say, but I was happy with the thickness of the paper. The cover is awesome! I agree with your comment about the box. There was no padding in the box and I also could hear the books moving around inside. The box DID arrive damaged, so I was very concerned when I opened it, but the books were fine. I have 3 more books almost ready to go to press. Will a glossire paper be in the works before Christmas???
Diane
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I have been very happy with Blurb. I tested out two different books and was extremely pleased with the results. I have two more on the way that I intend to give as gifts. I have recommended Blurb to several friends for their photo projects. I do agree packaging can always be improved, but that is true of most services. A choice in glossy paper would be a great enhancement as well. Best, Josh
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Instead of starting an "I’m thrilled" thread, I’ll just add to this one. I created and uploaded a test version of a book on October 8th. Yesterday the mailman arrived with it. And to make a long story short, I’m absolutely thrilled with the results. I’ve already shown it around quite a bit, and everybody (even the professional bookbinder) thinks it is great. So now I have started the creation of christmas gifts. Thanks Blurb :-)
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I must say, everyone that has seen my book has loved it! Many people have handled it, and I have had no binding problems as some others have mentioned. It is a very good quality. I would like my new book (Up North) to be used for Christmas presents… again, any chance of glossier paper before then? Diane
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Diane,
As you are, I have recommended Blurb to consider a choice of high quality of glossy or more professional photo “prints-like” few months ago.
So, I suggest that you, and for those who have similar thoughts, you are strongly encouraged to submit a Feedback contact form, the more feedback or suggestion, the better in long run.
To do this, go from here:
http://www.blurb.com/help/feedback
Hope that helps, no?
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Thanks. I just took your suggestions and submitted a feedback form. I will keep my fingers crossed.
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Brian, I know many of us would like to see a glossy paper but I hope you realize these books are being printed by electrophotography. If the paper was more glossy the image would look somewhat mat relative to the glossy paper. Getting the image and paper gloss to match is not trivial and that is what would have to happen for success. An over-coat would help but I don’t think the HP5000 press provides for that. The point I’m trying to make is that it is not a simple issue of just using a glossy paper. The PH 5000 press works with electrostatics and would have to be optimized for the a new paper. The offset press works more on mechanical transfer principles and is more paper tolerant than the HP5000 or iGen3 for that matter. I will also keep my fingers crossed that they find a solution and provide a glossy paper. But I’m not going to stop printing my books while I wait.
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I have a question about the books and figured this might be faster than contacting e-mail support. When you ordered your book, did they print it with black end sheets or do you have to work that into booksmart? thanks
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I’ve made 2 books, and following the advice of a photographer I know who has also made books – use a sharpening tool on your images before adding to your blurb book. Many consumer programs allow this (iPhoto does), or use an unsharp mask in Photoshop. Makes a world of difference.
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