Ink-jet printer ink is one of the most expensive commodities on Earth, commanding prices far in excess of those commanded by gasoline, champagne and even virgin’s blood.^[1] Only champion bull’s semen is more expensive per millilitre, mainly because it’s safer to drink. Ink jet printer ink is an essential commodity for anyone requiring hard-copies of their emails, word-processing documents and child-pornography collection, but manufacturers insist that its high price is justified by the complex nature of its production, the rarity of its ingredients and the security issues involved.

For example, purchasing sufficient ink cartridges to print a collection of baby photos can bankrupt many families. Parents often have to resort to a second mortgage or consider selling one of their older (and therefore less endearing) children into slavery. Recent purchases of ink stocks by sub-prime home computer users has been widely blamed for the credit crunch and the ensuing global recession.