Domnic has been entertaining and informing us in Goan Cyberspace for years
now with his fantastic articles about the Goa of old. His encyclopaedic
memory and narrative style is awesome. Over the years hundreds of people
have been asking Domnic to compile all his articles into a book. Domnic and
myself have had discussions on the feasibility of publishing such a book
and have decided to go ahead. The exact content and format of the book,
price, distribution, marketing etc etc has to be fine tuned - but the book
is definitely on.
Why I write this is because in recent weeks there have been requests from
many quarters to host all of Domnic's superb writings on one
website/webpage. Now this, we feel, would not be conducive for the sale of
the book when it finally comes out. Very few people would actually purchase
a printed book when they can read all the articles at one place online for
free.
Another bothersome development is that many websites and printed
publications are hosting/printing Domnic's articles without even asking his
permission - leave alone proffering any payment. This is blatantly
unethical -besides being illegal.
I can understand someone appreciating an article of Domnic's and forwarding
it to his friends, saying "You must read this! Great stuff", but to host or
print it, specially on a commercial website/publication is unfair.
Understand that Domnic has no commercial motivation in publishing a
compilation of his writings, but would like to have a book to his name, to
archive and spread all his writings. But with the way the publishing trade
operates, and the slender margins after distribution costs, it is often
very difficult to even break even. Specially when your potential audience
is only Goans.
Therefore my request to all you fans of Domnic's writings is to hold on to
your horses and your purse strings. The book will be published as soon as
we can work out the finer details and have a comprehensive enough
collection of articles. Till then please do not attempt to make any online
compilation. Any website wanting to upload (or publication wishing to
print) an article of Domnic's is legally bound to ask Domnic's permission
first.
Let's do things the correct way. The Goan way!
And just a teaser, stay tuned for Domnic's latest article "A Reminiscent
Tour of Mapusa Town in the 1950's". This is a Three Part series, in
Domnic's inimitable meandering style, that is perhaps one of the best
articles Domnic has ever written. I was lucky to have a preview of Part 1
just yesterday and am panting for more.
Cheers!
Cecil
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