I suggested the idea that there should be a printer of playing cards dedicated to the small-run designers. I suggested it VERY SERIOUSLY because I thought it was something whose time has come.
We all wish such a thing existed, but the economics just aren't there::
To set up presses, computers, fast paper cutters, a conveyor line and finishing tanks think of investing a couple million USD.
For the humidity/temp controlled building, utilities, local fees, OSHA, environtmental waste permits for the used ink and finishing chemicals, think another couple million USD.
Contracts for large paper stock supplies, huge ink supplies, intelligent labor for running the presses, graphics artists to re-work designs to work on the presses... lots of investment capital.
Then there's marketing/sales, production control costs, and the department that everybody hates ---- legal.
Someone that invests this much to get a good printshop running will not be able to run small playing card deck runs and keep in business. Unless you are given a multi-million dollar grant without strings attached.
[rant]
I dont see the above happening any time soon. The best we can try to do is show Bicycle/USPCC/Jardan corp. that they are the ruin of an entire profit center/industry. We have to demonstrate the economic cost of ignoring or shunning the little guy.
Perhaps we can convince USPCC to reopen the old production floor for small runs or experimental processes.
I won't hold my breath.
[/rant]
