April 17, 2009 - Getting a Book Bound
I had thought about buying a comb binding machine for our notebooks and for all the things I print from the Internet, but then I figured, why invest? I can get a notebook bound for a little less than $1. And it's one less thing to find a home for in our apartment.
In China, it's "advertising shops" that do this service. They generally have a photocopier, a fax machine, a binder, and larger machines for making plastic signs. (The signs are printed on something akin to a plastic tablecloth. I don't know the actual word for that material. It's very flexible and can be rolled up.) They can also help you do very basic graphic design and print business cards. Business cards (or name cards) are a huge thing in China. Everyone has them, and exchanging them is part of meeting people.
Below is the sweet young lady who helped me bind some books I'd printed from ebook format.
This is a place of business! Notice how utterly chaotic it is in this shop. This is quite normal for shops in China. It makes me crazy on so many levels. First of all it's so unprofessional. And secondly it is so distracting. I can't work amidst random clutter; it makes me anxious. Could you work in this environment? My daughter could, that is, if she could find a work space at all.
Comments
April 17, 2009 - Oh the chaos!
Posted by Karin @PassportAcademy.com
But oh, how affordable. It costs a lot more than a $1 to get something bound here I'm afraid.
I couldn't work in that either...I'm not sure I'd even realize that was a shop. Some of the things in the picture don't appear to have anything to do with their business---almost like it was just "junk" from a previous owner or garage sale! LOL
Which brings me to my next question. Do people have garage or yard sales in China?
April 18, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Mountaineer Country
I have a comb binding machine. If I were to add it up, between combs and covers, and not to mention the expense of the machine itself, I think it's more than $1. (Not that the combs are worth that, by the way.)
Shannon
http://mountaineercountrywv.blogspot.com/
April 18, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Cindy
The clutter is something I noticed when we were in China. It is everywhere. I wanted to tidy up!!!
Cindy
April 18, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by 4sweetums
That is very chaotic. It looks like there is even a pole on the floor to trip over. Boy, I thought I had a mess sorting books that we don't need anymore for the homeschool sale. LOL!
Blessings,
Dawn
April 19, 2009 - Oh my!
Posted by gidget
And I thought my house was cluttered with 8 of us living and doing school here. I'm amazed that the lady at the print shop could stay so focused on what she was doing for you. I have a hard time working in "visual chaos." It makes me nuts. Unfortunately, that kind of goes with having 6 kids, 2 dogs and a cat...well..the cat doesn't actually add much to it. Maybe I'll let her stay. :-) ha ha
April 19, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by EEEEMommy
All that chaos makes me think I might be part Chinese! ;)
April 20, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
Before I even read your post,, I was just looking at the pictures and thought WHAT A MESS! That would really bother me too.
April 21, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
I have really enjoyed your blog. Because of that, I wanted to honor you by giving you an award on my blog. You can check it out here: http://mytwohappyhomeschoolers.blogspot.com/2009/04/super-blog-award.html
April 21, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by penneyfromheaven
Doesn't bother me. I must be Chinese, too.
April 23, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Keri
That is very cluttered!
I need organization!
April 24, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by drewsfamilytx
ROFL! But there is a green plant on the floor... I'm sure b/c it beautifies the space and cleans the air! :)
August 26, 2009 - Book binding
Posted by Anonymous
Hi Jimmie
Been a while since I blog-hopped :) I'm the sort who wants things done in one place and at just THAT time so I bought my own binder. Its a Clickman and I so love it! I am now based in Pakistan where the binding is cheap as well but I hate waiting :)
Imaan
http://imaan.net/makingmemories
