In the McSweeney's June update I received today in my inbox:

As you may know, it's been tough going for many independent publishers, McSweeney's included, since our distributor filed for bankruptcy last December 29. We lost about $130,000 -- actual earnings that were simply erased. Due to the intricacies of the settlement, the real hurt didn't hit right away, but it's hitting now. Like most small publishers, our business is basically a break-even proposition in the best of times, so there's really no way to absorb a loss that big.

We are committed to getting through and past this difficult time, and we're hoping you, the readers who have from the start made McSweeney's possible, will help us.

McSweeney's one of a kind items on auction

You can help McSweeney's by visiting the publisher's store and buy a gift for yourself or your loved one. Also have a look at the publisher's auction on eBay, there you'll find original artworks by Chris Ware, Spike Jonze, David Byrne, Tony Millionaire, and Dave Eggers.

To know more about McSweeney's, check their web site about page and browse through all their online pages.

If you are really short on money, the McSweeney's Internet Tendency is free, and really worth reading.