—Packages. Very neat. Sums up the situation.
—We mean, both as implements, tools, for getting a job done; and as pleasant things to look at, handle, use ... or the contrary.
—Well. Let's see. Yes. I think trade books have improved decidedly in twenty years. Decided improvement.
—What points of improvement, would you say?
—Well. More care taken with the get-up, margins, format as you call it, title pages. Real design coming into it. And much more careful about the type—legibility and all that—paper, suitability for reading, good surface for the eye, etc., etc.
—You said, twenty years ago, that your directors' lack of interest in the product hampered you. Since you have been in charge here have you been able to bring your books up to a level that suits you better?
—Yes ... and no.... Costs have climbed in twenty years, materials, labor. We've pushed up retail prices, but the manufacturing costs eat up all we gain. More than eat it up. Less margin now for design or style or whatever than twenty years ago, I'd say.
—That looks like faulty adjustment somewhere, doesn't it?
—Situation needs adjusting, certainly!
—I mean, maybe you are paying out money for quite unnecessary features.