Thanks to Mep for putting so eloquently what a lot of us have probably wanted to say. I am in charge of budget for a non-profit organization. We are dependent on our municipality for tax payer dollars each year to keep our doors open. We are, in effect, a cost center not a profit center. I try to look at the Tape Project much in the same way I look at what our organization does. We cost money to operate, we do not produce profit, but we are providing something that people want, and are willing to pay for.
I feel very lucky to be in the position of being able to subscribe to the Tape Project, not only for the wonderful music it has provided, but also the level of quality and attention to detail that have gone into each and every release. I would rather there be delays in getting the product out there as long as the quality is there both in content and packaging.
Costs for raw materials have gone up. Costs for shipping have gone up. Costs for licensing have increased.
You LP listeners out there: how many have you bought 200g 45 rpm reissues of jazz and classical releases at $50.00 or more each? At $200.00 each for a copy so close to the master, it was a steal for the consumer and clearly a labor of love for the principals involved. At $300.00 per tape it is still a bargain if you calculate the cost to get it into your hands.
I just want to say how grateful I am to Doc, Paul, Romo, Eillen, and everyone who is working so hard to keep this going. While it may not be for everybody, those of us who are part of this should consider ourselves very fortunate, whether you are a selective, charter or individual subscriber. You are part of something truly unique.
BTW: My job is as Executive Director of a Library system. Hard times are good times for libraries. We are busier than ever while facing the same budgetary crisis as the rest of the country. Unlike retail, where sales are off, we are seeing more and more people through the door than ever..
End of rant