On Publishing Exclusively with BBT
BY: H.H. BHAKTI VIKASA SWAMI
Dec 09, 2011 — INDIA (SUN) — I cannot argue with the principle of printing with BBT, as the direction comes from Srila Prabhupada himself. [1] However, the way the BBT is now (bureaucracy, slow-moving, etc.) it means that (from what I can see) I can better serve the mission by printing independently. I'm open to be investigated if anyone claims that I am misspending funds for personal sense gratification.
A major reorientation in the BBT's manner of thinking and operating would be required for the BBT to print all the works of contemporary ISKCON authors. The first step would be to ask the BBT trustees what they think of the idea of proposing to the ISKCON world that it monopolize all book publishing. Right now the BBT is far short of having the required infrastructure to do so; it especially lacks sufficient competent editors and reviewers.
However, apart from the longstanding factors of bureaucracy etc., a more recent one has convinced me not to print with the BBT. The GBC Resolution calling for footnoting Srila Prabhupada's books was withdrawn, but there is no telling what will happen in future. I will continue to publish via a trust whose deed specifies that my books may not be altered after my passing. The BBT affords no such security.
These are the main reasons why I do not print with the BBT; there are others also. As I see it, overall the BBT devotees are doing tremendous service, and this note should not be construed as an attack on them.
References:
[1] Srila Prabhupada Letter to Revatinandana, Los Angeles, 9 January, 1974
