I am sure no Goan wants charity, certainly not those who pride themselves of standing on their own feet; as I am aware entrepreneurs who would for good reasons not see a consonance with philanthropy and its acts. Having said that, I doubt whether one has seen, even shades of either philanthropy or an excess of charity in Goa. Perhaps caritas, as in benevolence and in love, Philanthropy in the sense of altruism? Most likely not or exceedingly rare or unknown.
No one is offering charity. I see in some of these scenarios (an in a book of Joseph Furtado's works) the potential whereby we honor as well as create Goan icons. The larger players have had their chance and they will re-enter the field / market when they feel that the time is right. Other smaller publishers, including regional ones will see opportunities as time and space changes and opportunities reveal themselves. In such ventures, some books will have a tiny readership. On the other hand some will consider publishing books on esoteric subjects. To each their material. For instance an artist's book will have a small edition / small run and the publishing techniques may have to be different. I for one do not come from wealth but know the moves that I can and am willing to make, including publishing if need be, or handing it over to some one else. Distribution is a whole other exercise. I personally am not looking for opportunity, my works sustains me. So publishers should continue to bring works out and also attempt to be force in develop the book reading culture. The building of book culture in Goa is a journey that has begun but it does not promise to set a blistering pace anytime soon. One way to achieve that is to have writers read from their books and certainly at art events. Places of worship, clubs, etc, could be instrumental in creating such forums--perhaps even after say a high mass. And all are welcome. Some of the money from the till could go towards tea and snacks. The body and mind needs some sustenance, and not just the spirit in the religious sense. As with many things I say--easier said than done. My apologies in that regard. Philanthropy has a place. It is an altruism when practiced correctly. People like me practice it although we are not of wealth. It can also be considered as a meditative practice. It is also regarded poorly, and rightly so, when the base intent is not towards creating something good. Often those who complain against it are those who may stand to loose a foothold in their path towards stability and business security. A force that is often misunderstood. One last thing: I see writer/journalists reviewing books when only a handful have the acumen or panache to be doing so. They simply do not have the skills. So what does one do. I do not have that answer yet, other than saying that one may only continue striving towards honing ones critiquing chops. No point in over reaching--going beyond ones skill sets when one is not ready for it. Some have indeed evolved over time (no names) but the knowledge seems not to have been percolated laterally. venantius j pinto > <fredericknoro...@gmail.com> > Subject: [Goanet] Who will pay the printer Was: Re: An Ode to Joseph > Furtado (by Augusto Pinto) > > The publisher will pay the printer. If you (the reader) will buy the > book/s. What is needed is not charity or philanthrophy, but attempts > to build up a viable book culture in Goa. > >