Does Texas History Matter to You?
Donation protected
“Texas is a state of mind. Texas is an obsession. Above all, Texas is a nation in every sense of the word... Rich, poor, Panhandle, Gulf, city, country, Texas is the obsession, the proper study, and the passionate possession of all Texans.” - John Steinbeck
Steinbeck was right. Texas is the proper study and passionate possession of all Texans. That’s the reason Copano Bay Press exists. Our mission is to keep real Texas history alive.
What started as one experimental book has turned into a history factory.
Over the last nine years we have brought thirty-seven volumes of Texas history to life, along with over two dozen maps and prints, several of which had never before been reproduced.
But we've hit the ceiling of what we can do with what we've built. More time is now spent putting out fires and plugging leaks than is spent on history.
Things must be streamlined so they can be done right....so that we can do more than just tread water.
Above all else, we need to be able to do right by our customers.
Here's the break down on why this campaign exists and what we want to do with the funds raised (and what you will receive in return):
EQUIPMENT and WEBSITE
To say our equipment is past its prime is an understatement. Two of our main printers only play well with a fourteen year old Windows XP computer.
From the beginning we have cobbled together systems that were never meant to work together in order to produce our custom dustjackets, maps, and prints.
Upgrading to reliable modern equipment will let us work faster and more efficiently, without the dark cloud of one of the jalopies breaking down. And it will allow us to create some amazing things for you.
Our website does its job, but it also has issues, like the inability to remember your information. Building a new site on a modern platform will end the frustration of having to enter your information every time you order, let you track your orders, and keep a record of everything you have ordered.
AN EXTRA PAIR of HANDS
This part may come as a surprise to some of you.
From the very beginning, everything from research, book design (inside & out), writing, website building, equipment repair, accounting, admin tasks, quality control, customer service, printing, cutting, packing & shipping has been done by two people.
With the exception of occasional temporary shipping help, it is all done by Michelle & Mark...right here...7 days a week. There are no other hands on deck.
Of course we're both grateful as hell that we have jobs at all. No complaints there. And we have jobs that we're good at, are passionate about and that affect other people positively.
But we’ve reached the limit. It’s harder and harder to keep up with orders, which is not fair to our customers.
An extra set of hands will mean orders get shipped on time. It means we can spend more time in archives tracking down stories from Texas history that have never seen the light of day. It means we can accept more invitations to talk about real Texas history.
ELBOW ROOM
Welcome to our space. Everything from book creation to shipping takes place here. There’s no room for another hand on this deck. (We make an exception for Sheila.)
We really need more space. Nothing fancy, just simple & practical. And it would be nice if there was enough room for you to come sit and visit if you're in the neighborhood.
"Can't you just go get a big ol' loan?"
The short answer: Nope. Our loan officer got his hands tied by new regulations.
We've managed to avoid debt. Except once, after a 4 year battle with the IRS (and a victory).
Our savvy bank guy looked at our financials, understood what we do, talked to us as people and said, "Here ya go...pay off the IRS." We did. Then we paid that loan back quickly.
So when things started getting claustrophobic around here, we naturally went to him. And he said he no longer had the power to rely on his own judgment or even our payment history with his bank. Belts had been tightened, people reined in and we don't have what it takes to convince a computer that we won't run away with the money.
Private investors say that we have a solid model, a strong history of growth and feasible plans, but not enough assets. So here we are!
ABOUT US
So, that's our story so far. We are ready for the next chapter, but we need your help to write it.
We're asking you for a hand, not a handout. We have dreamed up some great packages to offer you in return.
Just scroll down to read all about them. (This site only allows us a characters for each package description, so if you have any questions about any of them, or about the campaign in general, please feel free to contact us on Facebook or email [email redacted]).
Thank you for your continued support and friendship.
Steinbeck was right. Texas is the proper study and passionate possession of all Texans. That’s the reason Copano Bay Press exists. Our mission is to keep real Texas history alive.
What started as one experimental book has turned into a history factory.
Over the last nine years we have brought thirty-seven volumes of Texas history to life, along with over two dozen maps and prints, several of which had never before been reproduced.
But we've hit the ceiling of what we can do with what we've built. More time is now spent putting out fires and plugging leaks than is spent on history.
Things must be streamlined so they can be done right....so that we can do more than just tread water.
Above all else, we need to be able to do right by our customers.
Here's the break down on why this campaign exists and what we want to do with the funds raised (and what you will receive in return):
EQUIPMENT and WEBSITE
To say our equipment is past its prime is an understatement. Two of our main printers only play well with a fourteen year old Windows XP computer.
From the beginning we have cobbled together systems that were never meant to work together in order to produce our custom dustjackets, maps, and prints.
Upgrading to reliable modern equipment will let us work faster and more efficiently, without the dark cloud of one of the jalopies breaking down. And it will allow us to create some amazing things for you.
Our website does its job, but it also has issues, like the inability to remember your information. Building a new site on a modern platform will end the frustration of having to enter your information every time you order, let you track your orders, and keep a record of everything you have ordered.
AN EXTRA PAIR of HANDS
This part may come as a surprise to some of you.
From the very beginning, everything from research, book design (inside & out), writing, website building, equipment repair, accounting, admin tasks, quality control, customer service, printing, cutting, packing & shipping has been done by two people.
With the exception of occasional temporary shipping help, it is all done by Michelle & Mark...right here...7 days a week. There are no other hands on deck.
Of course we're both grateful as hell that we have jobs at all. No complaints there. And we have jobs that we're good at, are passionate about and that affect other people positively.
But we’ve reached the limit. It’s harder and harder to keep up with orders, which is not fair to our customers.
An extra set of hands will mean orders get shipped on time. It means we can spend more time in archives tracking down stories from Texas history that have never seen the light of day. It means we can accept more invitations to talk about real Texas history.
ELBOW ROOM
Welcome to our space. Everything from book creation to shipping takes place here. There’s no room for another hand on this deck. (We make an exception for Sheila.)
We really need more space. Nothing fancy, just simple & practical. And it would be nice if there was enough room for you to come sit and visit if you're in the neighborhood.
"Can't you just go get a big ol' loan?"
The short answer: Nope. Our loan officer got his hands tied by new regulations.
We've managed to avoid debt. Except once, after a 4 year battle with the IRS (and a victory).
Our savvy bank guy looked at our financials, understood what we do, talked to us as people and said, "Here ya go...pay off the IRS." We did. Then we paid that loan back quickly.
So when things started getting claustrophobic around here, we naturally went to him. And he said he no longer had the power to rely on his own judgment or even our payment history with his bank. Belts had been tightened, people reined in and we don't have what it takes to convince a computer that we won't run away with the money.
Private investors say that we have a solid model, a strong history of growth and feasible plans, but not enough assets. So here we are!
ABOUT US
So, that's our story so far. We are ready for the next chapter, but we need your help to write it.
We're asking you for a hand, not a handout. We have dreamed up some great packages to offer you in return.
Just scroll down to read all about them. (This site only allows us a characters for each package description, so if you have any questions about any of them, or about the campaign in general, please feel free to contact us on Facebook or email [email redacted]).
Thank you for your continued support and friendship.
Organizer
Michelle Haas
Organizer
Ingleside, TX