See, I just feel there's a problem when a small number of people's tastes and opinions (let's never forget that) and financial concerns serve to actively, and it often feels, maliciously, keep my work from the reading public. … While such a vetting system *may* produce some financial rewards, how many flops are there? …

The business model currently in place is not about good books, good writers, the sharing of ideas, and so forth, it's about money and profit, no different than the toothpaste industry. Can you honestly tell me that the opinions of this handful of people is really *that* worthy of such power and responsibility? And if you think I'm alone in this, check out Jessica's recent post about "venting" over at Bookends. Read the comments. That's the impression that most writers have of the industry. And, given how the system is set up, how can you blame them?

1. Yes, there are some bad eggs in the publishing industry (some with and without power). Yes, some writers (both published and unpublished) are mistreated. Yes, some bad books are released. All industries have their share of so-called bad people (and please don't tell me that all the bad people have migrated to book publishing!). I'm reminded of an article I read once that philosophized about how we tend to assume writers are generous, wonderful people. (Or ought to be!) Well, actually, no. Writers can be SOBs just like people in other professions. But for some reason, we expect them to be better human beings. And I wonder if writers expect the same of people inside book publishing. Maybe the problem is, in my comments to Robert, I portrayed book publishing people as too close to God. And of course they're not, though I still contend that people who enter the business do have a passion for the written word, even the gatekeepers, including many agents. There is absolutely NO reason to stay in the business unless you're committed to the written word, because no one's really making any money at it. So we're looking either at passion or lunacy. Or both.
2. Now that I've pointed out how bad we all are, let's not forget the role that aspiring writers and authors play in making the industry what it is. The way I look at it, we all share in the blame. Publishers make a lot of bad decisions, but authors do too. Many, many times have editors in my office dragged an author kicking and screaming across the finish line. Why dragged? Many authors go missing in action, or they refuse to revise, they won't accept edits or direction, they give up, they don't have time, they abandon the project (for legitimate and not legitimate reasons), and so the editor is left to clean up the mess best they can, or send it to the printer anyway.
   
3. Yes, publishing is primarily a profit-making venture. If publishers didn't choose projects that they believed would turn a profit, there would be no money to risk on next year's books. And there would be no money for my paycheck (and I would like to continue making a living at this). How do publishers choose money makers? Well, that's all determined by what YOU, dear reader, are willing to buy. So we could say that the publishers are driven to release what they believe the general public will purchase, so perhaps we can point the finger at them! (That is, ourselves!)
   

Poindexter's business philosophy is similarly unconventional. "It's best not to pay too much attention to the finances," he says. "Good business is not about the numbers; it's about doing the right thing. If you're doing the right thing, then you'll be producing something of value, and people will want to acquire what you're producing. Then the numbers will take care of themselves." According to Poindexter, the numbers are taking care of themselves for now. "I can't buy a beach house," he says, "but I can pay the mortgage."

Fortunately for readers as well as for writers, David Poindexter's definition of success has nothing to do with buying a beach house. "I'm doing this because it adds value to my life and to our society," he says. "If we live our lives doing something of value, then that is success." And by that standard, David Poindexter is successful indeed.