Newsletter
Issue No. 137 April 1, 2005


Bindery
Folding
- Miniature to Map
- Closed Gate
- Glue in-line 8 Page
- Fugitive glue closure
Presentation Folder Gluing
Stitching
- 10 pockets
- Loop Stitching
Trimming
Rotary Perf & Score
Gathering & Collating
Perfect Binding
Wire-O™
Plastic Spiral
- Autospin 30mm elements
- 2.5:1 Oval Hole Pattern
Kleensticking
Drilling
Round Cornering
Shrink Wrapping
Eyeleting
Laminating

Tabbing
Custom Index Tabs
Copier Tabs
Tab Reinforcing
Spine Reinforcing
Patch Edge Reinforcing
5 Hole Drilling

Finishing
Autoplaten Diecutting
Diecutting to 41"
Scoring & Perfing
Embossing
Foiling
Numbering






 Spin to find the winner.


1. Wheels of Fortune. We just finished a really cool project that fully utilized our lamination, die cut and eyelet capabilities. The project involved two laminated paper circles bound by a centered eyelet. The top and bottom circle both had die cut windows so that, when spun, different information on the interior piece can be read from either side. What a fun and eye-catching design. In fact, for our next project we’d love to do a spinner like the ones found in board games. Anyone got one coming down the road? For more information click here.

2. Think Week. The Wall Street Journal ran a fascinating article about Bill Gate’s bi-annual, week-long, solo retreats in a remote cabin. He spends the time reading dozens of white papers written by Microsoft employees about the possibilities of emerging technologies. The retreats help him map the direction of his company. I’m not the richest man in the world (sad, but true), but I, too, find that working retreats are incredibly beneficial for my effectiveness. The combination of quiet and solitude really encourages breakthroughs and new ideas. If you can’t get out of the office for too long, a “work at home” day can offer a similar respite from the harried pace of the workplace. Try it and see if it helps you think outside the “office.”
For more Information click here.

3. Fax Facts. Fax machines, long declared obsolete by the gurus of the paperless society, are making an apparent comeback. According to The New York Times, 1.5 million fax machines were sold in the U.S. last year; an additional 500,000 if multi-purpose machines are included in the figures. Though this is down from the fax machine sales peak of 1997 when 3.6 million machines were sold, demand has apparently been rising. The fax has its niche, namely documents requiring signatures including prescriptions, contracts, and business proposals. The important point to understand here is the power of niche economics – if you provide a service that people need and you do it well, you’re safe from obsolescence. Printing, I believe, is just such a niche. For more Information click here.

4. Print This. According to TrendWatch Graphic Arts, over 70% of graphic design firm’s work is for print. Web design accounts for only 12%. It’s been said other places, but I really think it’s true that design firms can be a critical link to new business. For starters, they appreciate beautiful print and craftsmanship and so are less likely to be exclusively focused on price. Secondly, they are conduits to emerging companies who can potentially become long term clients. Finally, they’re open to new ideas and new capabilities. For more information click here.

5. Postal Power. With a postal reform bill introduced to Congress on March 18, the USPS is getting a lot of industry press. Proof of the value of mail came to light when results of the Mail Moment Study were announced at last week’s National Postal Forum in Nashville, TN. Findings included the following: 98% of consumers bring their mail into their homes on a daily basis, and 77% sort it immediately. Consumers who receive catalogs represent 22% of a company’s website traffic and 37% of the company’s online sales. Finally, recipients spend an average of 30 minutes with catalogs. In similar news, Dr. Joe Webb says 99% of first class mail reaches its destination. Email, by comparison, only reaches its destination between 43% to 99% of the time. These findings make it clear that direct mail remains a valuable marketing strategy. For more information click here.

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email at miltvine@seattlebindery.com
6540 South Glacier Street, Suite 120, Seattle, WA 98188
Phone 425-656-8210
Fax 425-656-4400