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By David Rothman

image Just how reliable is the Espresso Book Machine, the print-on-demand wonder? A future version might find its way into thousands of coffee shops and repro places.

We’ve written oodles of items about the Espresso. And now we wondered if a Wall Street Journal writer was on the mark in raising questions about the Espresso’s reliability.

image Well, based on a Q&A with the gung-ho Chris Morrow, manager of Northshire Bookstore in Manchester Center, Vermont, the Espresso is worth all the attention. But, yes, for now at least, it does break down more than he’d like.

Slightly edited, here’s our e-mail interview with Chris, who expects that the next model will be more reliable, and meanwhile says the quality of the books themselves is excellent:

D.R.: What’s your experience in the real world? How often per year, per month, whatever, does your Espresso break down?

CM: We have the 1.5 which is a beta machine. It has, like any machine, broken down. But the machine was made to learn from. The real test will be with the 2.0 which is now out. We plan on getting it this winter.  

DR: When your 1.5 model breaks down, do your people quickly get it going again?

CM: The response of On Demand has been excellent.

DR: Any worry about repair costs or lost business?

CM: Yes, it is difficult when the machine breaks. But I anticipate this being negligible with the 2.0.

DR: How long do typical repairs take?

CM: Varies greatly… often handled on the phone.

DR: While we’re in touch, what do you think of the quality of books from the Espresso? How close to paper? Biggest kinds of flaws? Progress expected in overcoming them?

CM: The quality is quite good—virtually indistinguishable from a regular paperback book.  The is/will be a non issue.

DR: How about the Espresso in regard to e-books? I see the two technologies as potentially complementing each other. Have you ever thought  about offering discounts to people who try out a book in E, then decide to have a POD version run off for them? 

CM: Haven’t tried this yet—good idea.

DR: On another topic, I’m curious if you’re interested in some out-of-town business from people interested in repros of Google books in the public domain?

CM: Yes, please!  Please direct them here.

Editor’s note: Northshire isn’t doing Google books now, but expects to very shortly. You could email Debra Wraga or call the store at 802-362-3565 to ask about an update. The store also offers POD services for writers, and I love the idea of an indie betting the business. Here are existing titles. Northshire will also print repros of copyrighted titles as authorized by publishers.

 
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