AS I EMBRACE MY JAGGED EDGES up for reservation

[D'Ann Hedges]

Nov 23, 2011 7:28:34 GMT -6 mistercrowley said:

I hope you feel better Chris but I'm going to have to cancel my order on this. This delay is absurdly long and has really put me off pre-ordering anything from Sideshow or anything else your involved with. I ordered this in April. It shouldnt take over half a year to produce a book with such a limited print run. You stated in September that you hoped to have this finished relatively soon but had to take a break for Killercon. It's almost December.

From a business prospective we will have to respect that you have that option. I am sure if you contact Sideshow Press they will quickly handle your request.

But from a personal prospective, Chris has provided kind support and encouragement to every one in the community, always has and always will. I think most will understand that yes, this is a business but some times other issues may come up and work has to be put on hold for a time. This is not to say that you would not get your book. You will, but if the time delay is too much for you.... Chris spends countless hours creating books by hand. But this is a collective project that includes authors, artist, publishers binders and some times more. If there is one hickup in the line, that will throw all off. Chris hurt his back and was unable to finish the project on time. Glass houses and all that Jim.

[mistercrowley]

Is that excuse acceptable in any other line of work other than the small press D'ann? No it's not. If you hurt your back while on the job you go on work comp or disability and the work is given to others to complete. The delay is ridiculous. You can give me glass houses all you want, but I don't much care. I'm a paying customer. I pay ON TIME without delay. I will not deal with those who announce projects, fail to complete them and continue to announce other books. I don't order from CD because of this and I won't be ordering from Sideshow. I should have known after the debacle that was The Wild Hunt.

[Tomoran]

I've typed out a dozen responses to this email only to erase each one. After all, I've been around long enough to watch various publishers baited into online meltdowns that go nowhere. Therefore, I'll just state the following (and only so that anyone who is lurking to watch this thread can be informed of one key piece of information).

NO MONEY WAS REQUIRED TO RESERVE A COPY OF AS I EMBRACE MY JAGGED EDGES.

That's right, we took names only for the reservation period (as we do with all of our titles). I'd hate to have people thinking that Billie and I are sitting on all of this scammed money while a book goes unpublished. Despite the fact that people tend to use our reservations like a wish list (read: they don't pay when the book is ready to ship), we continue to do so as I don't think that people should have to have their money held up if a book ships late (much like a certain other publisher mentioned in this post did).

*Now, for anyone thinking that I'm not sick over the fact that this one is so late because we took no money...think again. I am; I'm sick over it. However, I'll cover this at a later date...*

So, to put this in perspective, you're bitching about a book being late THAT YOU HAVE NO MONEY INVESTED IN. Wow. If that's the worst thing that happened to you this year, you do, indeed, have a lot to be thankful for tomorrow. Although I truly feel bad that you'll be missing out on Lee's book, I will go ahead and cancel your order.

I won't read this thread again, as I have enough negativity during the day and I don't see this being a constructive discussion. Therefore, feel free to spew venom until you feel adequately purged of your negative feelings and the obvious anger you're harboring. I've found that counting slowly back from ten is a good way to relax; hitting the body bag for a while--you know, really tearing into that badboy with fists, feet, and teeth--is another.

Now, I'm going to have a beer and try to comfort my six-year-old. She's really upset by the fact that the video game we reserved for her won't be out until after Christmas. Hey, wait a minute; this sounds familiar...

;D

T

[swa]

This thread makes me a sad panda.

Jim, you've always been supportive of my work and I appreciate your frustration. Actually I don't see how you can't be frustrated.

Lee is a friend of mine. In fact, I told him to submit this book to Sideshow because they've always treated their writers a certain way. I understand any frustration he has, as well. As a writer, you don't want readers pulling out before you're done...er, wait. You don't want readers not reaching climax. Something like that. You don't want readers not getting a chance to read your work when you thought it'd be done.

Billie and Tom are pretty straight-up people. They run a business. Often, they take a hit to that business because what they do is greater for the community - more on that in a bit.

D'ann and Chris are flat out good people. Chris got in over his head maybe? Yeah. But has Chris ever delivered a book that isn't top-notch quality? Nope. And I understand his ass is infinitly grabable...but that's another story.

The question was asked if this happens anywhere else but in the small press. I'd argue yes, but it does happen more in the small press, I agree. But it's kind of what makes the small press the small press. It's a community. It's people who have to do other things to put food on the table, but come home from that job, stay up late, work weekends, sacrafice family time to keep that community as vibrant as possible.

However, the truth is everybody mentioned above if crucial to this community. Lord knows, this in no way works without customers like Jim. It doesn't work without outstanding writers like Lee delivering quality work that deserves the treatment it's getting. It doesn't work without Sideshow giving those writers a chance, and it damn sure doesn't work without the value-added product that the Hedges produce.

I believe it's something we all care about. Why would we hang here if not? So, I undersand feelings are hurt. I understand people feel like they've been shorted. But if we can all look at the bigger picture and understand where we're all coming from, it shouldn't have to degenerate into a Shocklines sort of ranting board here. Please. This place is too much of the opposite of that to allow it to happen.

Finally, Tom and Billie have always been great to me. There are times we get frustrated with each other because that's how relationships work. However, the reason I published with them is because they've kept true to their vision from the beginning. From when some guy named Tim Manning ran the whole deal. From the moment they announced what they were planning, I wanted in. They put out good books with my name on them. They understood my delays. They listened to me bitch when I wasn't happy. This board wouldn't exist without them. And while we all can get frustrated with people, I think if we take a second to reflect on what they've done for the community, a little bit of understanding should be extended.

Please, can't we all just get along?

[Chris Hedges]

Sam, thank you.

Tom&Billie, I'm sorry.

Other than that, I'm holding my tongue, because my true response would make me a very small person.(although my response made me feel GREAT when I typed it...you have no idea)


~C

[liamdavies]

Seems like something and nothing - no money changed hands, a guy's done his back in and a couple of folks are working their bollocks 'n' boobs off to provide everyone with cool books that otherwise might not get made. Shit - if it weren't for the likes of Chris, Tom 'n' Billie I'd be a little lost as a writer. Christmas is coming up so here's an antidote to all this unpleasantness - Chin chin to all you writers, publishers, artists and readers who keep this enriching little merry go round on the spin. The world is a shittier place without your contribution to it. Much love!

[mrtawkytawny2]

From what I've observed even the best small press publishers experience unanticipated delays in getting a book produced and available to us, the book buyers. I know some publishers suffer more delays in getting their books out. I certainly wouldn't count Sideshow Press in this category. It just seems to me that delays do happen and I'm sure it's hard to prevent these delays.


Steve

[sweeper4football]

Hope your back improves, Chris. Get yourself right before anything else.
A book can wait, especially if nobody has forked out any cash

Jason.

[Chris Hedges]

Nov 26, 2011 15:03:57 GMT -6 sweeper4football said:

Hope your back improves, Chris. Get yourself right before anything else.
A book can wait, especially if nobody has forked out any cash

Jason.

Thanks, guys.

I start physical therapy next week, so I hope that helps.

~C

[geneoneill]

I don't know anything about the above complaints, all I know is I respect, like, and appreciate Tom and Billie and all they try to do. I also think Chris does outstanding work. I know he is scheduled to do the lettered for DOC GOOD'S TRAVELING SHOW. And--perhaps most importantly--I hope he is well soon; and regardless of delays I want him to do that book, period. It may be disappointing for customers to have to wait for books, but I would suggest it is even more critical to a writer. If the writer sticks with a publisher/binder, then there is a *good* reason, and obviously it isn't money.

[kresby]

Tom, Billie and Chris produce wonderful books. The fact that they take NO MONEY until the books are ready to ship is much appreciated. They are also up front with delays and the product has always been worth waiting for. Get well Chris and keep up the good work. I don't believe there should be any worries here due to their business practices and good communication practices.

[Kurt Newton]

I don't post much, but I have to say something here. Because I've visited with Tom and Billie, sat down to dinner with them, and shared hours of conversation, I'd like to think I have a little insight into the what goes on behind the scenes at Sideshow Headquarters. When Tom says he's sick about the delays, he's not just handing out binkies for cry babies. With what's gone on over this past year at Sideshow, it's a wonder they haven't shut it down. I would like to say it's the overwhelming support and appreciation they receive for all their hard work that has kept them going. Sadly, that hasn't been the case. Fortunately, for us, Tom and Billie have thick skins. This might be the small press but they're professional in every way possible (even when situations might call for opening a can of good old fashioned verbal whoop ass). What has kept them going is their love of the genre and their commitment to providing readers (and collectors) books that are not only great reads but works of art. But their skins are only so thick. So take a moment, if you can, to toss a "thank you" or a "keep up the good work" their way. They deserve it.

[Douglas E Wright]

Nov 28, 2011 10:38:36 GMT -6 Kurt Newton said:

But their skins are only so thick. So take a moment, if you can, to toss a "thank you" or a "keep up the good work" their way. They deserve it.

I agree wholeheartedly, Kurt. Tom gave me my North American start by putting one of my stories into an anthology he was doing at the time. And during an interview he had a couple years ago, he turned it into a 'I love Doug Wright's writing.' (Yes Tom, I have saved it on my harddrive and look at it whenever I need inspiration.) Like Kurt, I don't say much on here nowadays. I've even left here so I could concentrate on my writing. (We see how far that got me, I've returned 3 times.)

Tom and Billie asked me to kick off their 'FIRST CUT SERIES' and I was very proud that they did. We have even discussed at times what I should bring out next with them. It's just that I haven't come up with something yet. I've ordered a few books here and there from them. And Lee Thompson's is one of the those books. I had a little different arrangement with them for the book and it just didn't work out. I emailed Tom & Billie the other day and they know my feelings for them and their venture. Whenever Chris is able, they will be finished. And I didn't put any cash down. So, I'm out nothing. The one thing I know is I don't use pre-orders as a wish list. I buy what I want.

Tom, Billie and I go back long before Sideshow. Tom giving me a start in N.A. means a lot to me. And he's told me on more than one occasion that he's a fan. So that's one in the states and one in Canada. Again, that means the world to me.

I agree with Kurt that things haven't gone that well for the publishing end of things for them and it is indeed a lot of work. I have a tough time living and writing, never mind publishing and drawing illos too.

So you two, I am here for you as you have been for me. But you already know that, don't ya? ;D

And Chris, I can hardly wait to see how Jagged Edges comes out. When they're mailed, you'll feel not only relief, but accomplishment because with its small press run, the book will become a collector's item. Anyway, enough. Time for me to get back to writing my story.

Talk soon, all.

Doug

[markgunnells]

And yet some people will wait ten years for a CD book that they already actually put cash down for and not complain.

[vampduster]

Don't know why Jim's so upset since he doesn't have money invested. Chris' creations are well worth the wait, no matter how long it takes and Tom and Billie have proven themselves in the fine books they've published to date. I remember waiting years for August Derleth to publish Arkham House titles listed in "Forthcoming books" flyers. I was never disappointed when they finally came into print.
SideshowPress has a great system. Reserve and pay on publication. It's a no brainer. Be patient. You won't be sorry.