I liked the idea of LuLu, not because of any great pricing, but because you can get the book listed in Amazon. From there, friends could buy, which would increase sales rank and associate the book with others, which might possibly increase sales.

But, please understand that any of my recommendations should always be taken with 2352908562986 grains of salt. I don’t know nearly as much as I think I do, so “You should…” would be best translated into “Have you explored…”

The only solid recommendation I can give you is to keep trying things until it works out, because while I’m not overly well funded to be a private benefactor of yours, I definitely am happy to the world that you produce the work(s) that you do.

I don’t think that people are lieing to you or trying to mislead you, I think it’s just that those who support you and want to help and buy your prints/book/etc but not everyone can spare the money, or they can when they say it but something comes up where all of a sudden they can’t follow through.

I agree, don’t ask peoples opinions, or do, but also do what YOU think is best, what you think is too high or low price wise for your work. Just do what you think you need to do for your work, ask opinions but only take what YOU want from it and throw the rest away, because only you can decide what the best way to handle your art.

Like Farris says, people are liars. That’s not to say you shouldn’t be soliciting feedback on your business to prevent you from making expensive mistakes, rather that you should be soliciting feedback from the right people.

You (and Jess) are your best foundation. Find your footing, set your pace, and let those you want to follow you on YOUR journey. You have amazing work. I have seen it get better and better as time has gone on and I believe the more liberated you feel, the more amazing your results.

I hope to be more supportive in more ways as time goes on. Until then, thank you for continuing to share with those of us who aren’t as active with our appreciation.

I’m so proud of you right now. So many “starving” artists refuse to accept what you are now embracing: consumer-driven economics are a Good Thing, but consumer-mandated business policies are retarded. If you let other people determine (or even mildly influence, in some cases) your operations, you will fail. If the ultimate goal is not profit, but just revenues supportive of your art, then you must recognize and obey real-world economics.

For every service or product you are trying to sell, you must do so at the price that will net you the most income: the price at which $REVJIMENUE where $REVJIMENUE = ($PRICE * $UNITS_SOLD) – $COSTS is the highest.

You can’t derive $PRICE from what people SAY they will pay. People are liars. You’ve already know that. And, to properly experiment, you have to come up with models to forecast $UNITS_SOLD. The only variable you have complete control over is $COSTS. So, you have to choose a $COSTS, and stick to that budget, and then tinkey with the other two variables until you either stop losing money or give up your dreams and lobotimize yourself of the quest for outside financial support of your passion.

I guess what I’m trying to say is, right on. I know I don’t verbally communicate my support of your art as often as I should, and it has been entirely too long since I’ve purchased any of it. I’d truly like to be more supportive in any way I can, whether it’s business advice, tech support, or just congratulatory praise. If there’s ever anything I can do to help, you know how to ask.