Our Outlook on Our Work
Appropriate Solutions: The Balanced Use of Technology
The byline on our sign when the door opened in 1998 was “Appropriate Publishing
Solutions”. It was meant to express to our clients that a balanced use of
technology and skilled labor would be used to successfully complete a project, within
the framework of the timeline and budget. No frivolous use of technology would be
made, nor would any skimping be done if expenditure on tools or development were
the most effective means to complete a task the right way.
While the byline has changed to reflect our focus on a core set of services, the
idea remains the same. We are enthusiastic users of our deep technological bag of
tricks, but their application has to mesh well with the goals of a given job, and
work to assist and enhance the intellectual work of the users.
Commitment to The Right Way
There is a right way of doing business and a right way of doing work. Business should
be done with openness, openmindedness, honesty, courtesy, respect, and adherance to high
standards. Work should be of high quality, sustainable, and transportable. Sticking
to “the right way” means having the energy, enthusiasm, and tenacity to give an
extra percentage when required. Doing so is our commitment to our clients.
Good Business Sense
Analyzing decisions by building business cases for them is an excellent exercise
when choosing between means of solving a particular issue, be it choice of technical
approach, software . . . or even a vendor. Abstracting away from philosophical or
emotional sentiments, and evaluating decisions not just in their immediate scope
and context but in terms of how they affect a project as a whole over time, is one
of the approaches we take. Sometimes things that require significant up front investments
pay off well over time . . . and sometimes they don’t. Sometimes you can get away
with minimal up front investments . . . and sometimes they cost more in the end
run. Paying attention to common sense business aphorisms—like “free isn’t always
free”—is a good idea.
Qualified Partnerships
We seek clients we can serve on a long-term basis, that profit from
the relationship as we do, and share interest in the production and presentation
of intellectual content. If we don’t feel like we’re the best solution for part
or all of a given project, we’ll be the first to speak up about it. Thanks to
several partners in like and complementary areas of expertise, we can often make
referrals or find additional resources when needed.
Enthusiasm!
If you’re excited about your work . . . chances are we are too. Despite the
degree of difficulty involved some days, we love what we do and that’s what
keeps the drive going.
And that’s how we roll!