There have been some great individual posts and industry discussions recently. Here are a few links to those I’ve been thinking about the most.

James Hoffman’s excellent blog consistently surprises me with its relevancy to the very issues I’ve been contemplating. Two posts on education: how best to effectively reach customers, and the expectations of professional training attendees.

Chemically Imbalanced’s coverage on and considerations into classic economic theory and policy on the specialty coffee industry’s direct trade model.  Also, enjoy the resultant discussion on coffeed.

I’ve certainly found other posts on Ryan Wilbur’s blog Ghost World more enlightening, but this one on (extreme) quality compromises in the name of customer service was a good reminder that even the most progressive and uncompromising of shops have to deal with some bullshit now and again.

In no way  new, but something as a supplemental reminder to Kenneth Olson’s coverage (p. 38 on) of sustainable cafes: radical practices can work for everyone affected.

Lastly, although hardly coffee related, I would like to congratulate Victrola on a simply brilliant idea.