Ink Reader
Organizational newsletters are, by their very nature, dry and earnest, and Ink Reader is no exception. It leaves one feeling particularly dissatisfied, though, since the IPA serves just those publications that are often neither dry nor earnest. But we must judge a thing by its own standards, so: despite its blandness, Ink Reader will be of particular interest to anyone who is interested in the independent publishing world. It lists foldings (Ramparts and Gnosis, both huge losses) and staff changeovers, profiles interesting publications, and includes the occasional screed (In the Fall 1999 issue: magazines and recycling; did you know that the printing of National Geographic consumes a million trees a year? Ironic, considering how frequently they cover “rapidly disappearing forest ecosystems.”) Besides, it behooves you, o indiepress maven, to be a part of this organization, since they’re one of the few progressive press advocates out there. Bless their hearts. (MD)