Hi everyone! Looking for views, feelings, criticism, on my enterprise idea. It's a sensitive topic, and maybe controversial idea, but all perspectives are appreciated. If you think it's a terrible thing to introduce into the world, tell me so, don't be gentle.
I want to open a book store called Banned Books, a bookstore which specialises in books from around the world which are, or have been, banned or censored. Books are categorised according to the institutions that banned them, so for example you can browse books banned by the British Empire, the former Soviet Union, the Vatican etc. The profits from the store go to purchasing stock for a Museum of Banned Books, which will be a permanent collection (not for sale or rental, not a library), where visitors can read and learn about key books from around the world relating to the history of free speech and censorship. The museum's job is to preserve and make accessible texts which have limited market appeal, but significant historical interest. I have my own research database of some 200 books which are suitable for the store and/or museum.
I appreciate that the problem I’m addressing is a little abstract for a social enterprise. I am a believer in free speech, and I am sensitive to the power of institutions to control the public narrative and restrict access to material that is disadvantageous to them. I believe that in some corner of the world there should be a reserve of that material, somewhere safe, so that people can know and see what the controversy is about. I have no obligation or desire to sell a text which is deplorable or immediately dangerous. Supporting the museum through a store protects the museum from political changes in access to state funding.
I will initially sell books from my current company's van, which I can transform into a bookmobile that can travel to street festivals around Europe (Tallinn street festivals will be our pilot), and then move to an online model. The margins on books are extremely low, so I'm planning a combination of low overheads, strong marketing, ancillary products and merchandising that will compensate for that.
Feedback at this stage would be appreciated!
Also, I've been negotiating, but I cannot purchase the .com domain name for this company, nor .net, .eu or .org. If anyone has a preference between .online, .site, or .xyz, then let me know. Or indeed if you have a better name for the company then suggest it. It seems I'm the only person that likes .xyz 🙂
I think this is a very important mission. Knowledge of all kind should be accesible for everyone to develope critical thinking, it's one of the main necessity of an efficient democracy.
I highly disagree that your idea is abstract for a social enterprise. This is an important task which can empower the people under supression, that's what makes it a social solution.
However I have a question: do you plan to deliver these books for the oppressed people whom their governments and institutes want to hide it from? Since you want to make it a legaly and safe it might miss the point, or maybe I miss your concept. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to encourage you to do any illegal activities, I'm just curious.
Ohh and I found a similar project to you, funny enough it's included in a popular game Minecraft: https://uncensoredlibrary.com/en
p.s.: please write me if you come to Hungary, I might buy some books ;)
Hi Joe, thank you for presenting to the forum! Interesting idea. It sounds like you have an excellent business plan with low overheads and desire for strong marketing. Local marketing is smart for your particular idea. You could easily have a “cult following” if you tap in to who, what are where, in your target area location for your van. Continue to keep us updated on your progress in the forum, your peers here are valuable with feedback and support!
Wow, I must say I appreciate your time sharing this idea. It sounded very exciting but I am also feeling a little worried. Maybe this link about 3 banned books in Singapore (the consequence could be very different here in Estonia) but I recommend you in checking the law here before everything else https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/3-books-banned-in-singapore-for-having-extremist-religious-views-10950106