December 23, 2009
The Art of Disruption: Reading, Writing and Publishing
Here is a very cool article about the very topical and first eBook Summit in New York City. It was written by my friend Bonnie Kogos, columnist for the Sudbury Star, with hyperlinks added by yours truly.
While we’re on the Open Road of Integrated Media, I like to sit and read…..
Feeling overwhelmed by the fusion of devices, digital platforms, micro-transactions, buying virtual goods, and what to pay attention to? Join me as I attend the first eBook Summit in New York City this week. Rested, alert, a pouncing cougar ready to listen and learn what's new, for you and me, as all of us, in Northern Ontario and New York City are on the Global Highway, sitting at our Digital Desks.
Executives from all arenas and domains of the writing, publishing and interactive world brainstorm speak from the stage during two days. I sit next to a lady from Vancouver, a bookseller of online books. She whispers to me, "My kid at 12 was born digital! He tells me email is old-fashioned! My kid plays "War of the Worlds" and spent 40 bucks on virtual armor to reach another level!"
I prepare to be devastated for two days, scratch my head when the first panelist states "I'm trying to get meta-date normalized across the libraries." A publishing executive says: "We're not writers, we're content owners." "We need to aggregate content around the author." "No, I want to unbundle content," says another.
"What's your platform?" asks another. Hmm! Mine is sharing social content, loving observations, and sharing what keeps me excited and learning about Manitoulin and Sudbury. Especially since I come from "my platform" of worldwide travel writer based in NYC, who can't wait to get to Sudbury and the island at all times of the year. I got for the story behind the stories. Shut up, Kogos, listen! I hear "geography centric authors," and "are you telegenic?" and "What's the next webisode and webinar?"
"I like doing what I've never done before," said well-established editor and publisher Jane Friedman of Open Road." We've hired a movie producer to read out books to get us to the multi-million dollar platform of selling. Multi-media must be woven into the fabric of a new book! "
I gag, but hide it. Friedman adds "There will always be physical books. It's civilized and informs who you are. But we are in a secular change, and it's a tough decade ahead while we all sort and learn." And, "do you really have to be a huge personality to sell a book?"
On the eBook platform, a young exec in blue jeans, sneakers and a red tee shirt says, "We're only nanoseconds old, building an audience who responds to us. How do we lace interactivity? We want to create a fusion product. Digital reading means a lot of things.
Yes, eBooks are retrofitted and digital frontiers are fear-filled as we grope along the highway."
One lovely author, Melinda Blau, her new book, "Consequential Strangers
", is about how people outside of your family and close friend are important to our lives. No one else has written about it, and it's an eye-opener, changing how we walk in the world." Bonnie, it's my 13th book, and I've got the platform. There are millions of bloggers! I got so tired of blogging, I couldn't do my work. I've got my author-branded backlist, digital marketing platform, partnerships, and," she sighs. "There has to be down time, away from the net to simply relax and think. There is no quiet reading on the web."
An author states, "I'm platform-agnostic!" My eyes cross.
Brandon Badger, Product Manager at Google Books, telling us 30,000 publishers have updated their work; "All readers, authors, publishers, retailers, and device makers can thrive with Google. You don't have to fear us!" Next to him, an executive drawls, "Google's disruptive!"
"Face it, we read every day on computers," he rejoins. "We can fragment what we need to learn. Yup, learn from the App stores"
A young graphic designer says, "Competition is just one click away, so that's how we think! We're in an explosion of formats, cannibalizing our own business, yup, Format Wars!"
"The Kindle
" is a market creator, the new distribution of power. We've researched that older, more affluent people have bought it."
Veteran writer, Ann Graham, sitting on my other side worries "How content is being morphed and shaped into different delivery channels and how it affects us socially; what happens to the quality of our lives?"
This week in NYC, publishers announced the delay in publishing eBooks along with their physical books, to stave off competition. I hear a gritty opinion from a respected author. He talks as if he will be hit with tomatoes from the audience of 250, but we gasp in recognition. "Amazon made a predatory hit on eBooks, before anyone else in the market saw it or could stop them; the price of $9.99 for each downloaded book, thereby setting market standards that others cannot seem to stop now. What's the value of a downloaded book?"
"We should see all of this as good, " opines another designer. "We'll learn to love viral-loop applications. What's that? Spreading the word. Will we really see in 2010 a flood of devices?
Who doesn't love the smell and feel of a new book you want to read, allowing our imagination to be taken, for our own rest, relaxation, learning and fantasy? Fiction will always have a great life. One of my favorite authors, John Cheever writes" Fiction is the triumph over chaos. It celebrates a world that lies spread put Newspapers are not going away! "We position ourselves as elite reporting," says a NYC newspaper editor "There's plenty of space for newspapers. Newspaper content is worth paying for."
Ten best-selling books author Douglas Rushkoff who originated terms as "media virus," and "social currency, closes the conference with cautious optimism: " Be biased towards the new. It's not futurism; this is the new economy as we work toward centralized nowness, valuing excellent content."
I'm in the Window Seat, sifting and learning for us, as my seasoned editors and rigorous reporters at The Sudbury Star strive and sweat to tell the truth, share observations and learning, to be authentic and valuable to you, as you sit here and read. Stay tuned, friends, the cougar is resting.
Xoxoxo
Do reach Bonnie at BonniKogos@aol.com.
January 15, 2009
Better Late than Never
I have just completed arrangements with the fine folks at the Canadian Bead Oasis Shows and my friends at Dragon's Lair Beads to attend the "Almost Spring" Bead Oasis Show in Toronto this March 20th, 21st and 22nd.
For folks interested in learning how to make beaded chain jewelry I will teaching 3 classes based on projects from my new book, "Beaded Chain Mail Jewelry".
It's been a while since I've had time to teach classes, so I'm really looking forward to this opportunity!
For anyone who is interested in obtaining copies of any of my books, tutorials or kits, I will be hanging out at the Dragon's Lair Beads booth while not teaching classes, so come on down!
For more detailed information and pictures of the projects that I'll be teaching, please check out my main website.
Hope to see you there!
December 23, 2008
An Early X-mas Present for My Readers
Recently, several readers of my new book, "Beaded Chain Mail Jewelry", asked about some of the specific materials that I had used for each projects, which gave me the idea to put together this list, which, in turn, contains specific references to just about every jump ring, bead and finding that I used for every project in BCMJ, along with a few useful notes. Enjoy and Happy Holidays!
Arrowhead Wrap
For this project I wanted to create a piece of jewelry that was super versitile, which I accomplished by designing the chain to wrap around multiple times, meaning that it can as easily be worn around the wrist or ankle as it is worn around the neck!
(photo courtesy of Lark Books)
Check out Beaded Chain Mail Jewelry, available everywhere January 6th, 2009! Available Now on Amazon!
December 16, 2008
Dancing Bells Anklet
This design has proved to be a fan favourite at my market table over the past couple of years, especially in the summertime, when shorts and sandels are at their most popular!
The supplier reference lists Fire Mountain Gems as the source for the bells, but recently my friends over at Metal Designz started carrying them and in multiple colours as well!
(photo courtesy of Lark Books)
Check out Beaded Chain Mail Jewelry, available everywhere January 6th, 2009! Available Now on Amazon!
December 11, 2008
Drops of Jupiter
This is one of my personal favorite pieces from "Beaded Chain Mail Jewelry". The beads, which contain actual flecks of pure Yukon gold, came from a friend who had been visiting Dawson City in the Yukon and picked them up at a place called "Forty Mile Gold" for me .
After it was too late to change the product reference, I found the original card from Forty Mile Gold that states the beads were made by an artist named Charlotte Fort of Hood River, Oregon. I tried to find this artist on the web to no avail, but if anyone is interested, be sure to check out Forty Mile Gold's website.
(photo courtesy of Lark Books)
Check out Beaded Chain Mail Jewelry, available everywhere January 6th, 2009! Available Now on Amazon!
December 10, 2008
Andromeda Necklace
To help celebrate the launch of my new book: "Beaded Chain Mail Jewelry - Timeless Techniques with a Twist", I have obtained special permission from my publisher to post some select photographs of projects from the book. Over the next month (or so) I will be trying to post a new project every few days, so be sure to check back often!
For my inaugural post, I would like to present the "Andromeda Necklace"!
(photo courtesy of Lark Books)
The beads for this fancy dress necklace came from a friend who is a master Lampworker, but who wishes to remain anonymous. I simply can't thank them enough for contributing such original and beautiful art beads to my new book!
Check out Beaded Chain Mail Jewelry, available everywhere January 6th, 2009! Available Now on Amazon!
December 3, 2008
Holy Cow!
I was just mucking around the web when I discovered that apparently I'm the "Lark Books Featured Author of the Month"!
You can read more here and don't forget to look at the official Lark Book page for my upcoming book : "Beaded Chain Mail Jewelry", which be available on January 6th (that's just over 1 month away)!
Order your copy today!
Hopefully I will be able to post some pictures of the projects in this exciting new title shortly, keep your eyes peeled!
April 22, 2008
Manitoulin Illustrated Volume 1 Now Available!
Hot off the presses! Manitoulin Illustrated Volume 1 is finally available!
Click on the link above to read more about this exciting new project!
April 1, 2008
A Nice Surprise for April Fool's
One of my fans just noticed that my upcoming book "Beaded Chain Mail Jewelry: Timeless Techniques with a Twist
" has been officially listed on Amazon.com!
Having spent more than the past year working on this title, it's very exciting to finally see things taking shape. Of course, the actual release isn't until this coming fall, but it's great to know that things are progressing as scheduled!
Stay tuned for more information!
November 5, 2007
dreamslaughter and Burn This Book
It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of cool books and one of the coolest books that I've found in ages is "Burn This Book" by dreamslaughter. This completely bodacious collection of seditious quotes suitable for burning should be compulsory reading for any person that believes in freedom.
Get yours today!
P.S. If you're ordering from Canuckia (like yours truly), just drop the author a note to arrange shipping, as the Paypal order page lists the US of A as the only shipping destination.
Odd Ballz
My buddy Draxenn posted a comic recently based on another of my real life market adventures!
Actually, the conversation was more like "It's a dodechedron {pause as potential customer closely examines, then drops ball} That's a Platonic solid consisting of twelve faces, not a communicable disease!"
But apparently even my regular verbosity was too acute to be immortalized as a web comic! LOL
So now all I'm allowed to say at my able is "I make... Dodeca.. err... Stress Balls, yes, that's the ticket, Stress Balls!"
October 9, 2007
Finally back in print!
After being out of print for nearly a year, "The Art of Chainmail: Volume I" is finally available again and looking better than ever!
All of the original art for AoCv1 has been digitally remastered for this brand new third edition! This is also the first time that AoCv1 has been reproduced using 4-colour process printing on heavy duty gloss stock.
"The Art of Chainmail: Volume I" is currently available from the following sources:
Spiderchain Jewelry (with special thanks to Spider for helping get AoCv1 back in print!)
Spider also has exclusive distribution for the first 100 third edition copies, which have been signed and numbered by Dylon Whyte.
Metal Designz
August 20, 2007
Hairy Plotter
Part memoir, part manual, Stephen King's "On Writing" has to be classified as one of the finest books ever written on creativity, with a specific focus on the subject of writing.
Having read this book and having a little insight into the infamous author's roots makes Stephen King's perspective on the conclusion of the Harry Potter series quite the fascinating article!
June 18, 2007
It's Coming!
After several ups and downs and one particularly unfortunate event with an unscrupulous printing outfit, I am proud to announce that my first book, "The Art of Chainmail - Volume I - European Patterns" will be returning to print some time this July!
Not only that, but the new 3rd edition features completely digitally remastered illustrations, heavy coated stock pages and the same great spiral binding for easy reading while working, making the new 3rd edition the best edition ever!
Watch for the new cover, which is clearly marked "Digitally Remastered Third Edition" for easy identification from previous editions. (First edition copies are bound with silver wire and Second Edition copies are bound with a black coil.)
Currently, Spiderchain is taking pre-orders to be shipped as soon as the 3rd edition is ready to go in July or early August.
I will also be selling copies directly through my website, but am not able to take pre-orders at this time.
Hopefully more distributors will become available once the third edition of "The Art of Chainmail - Vol I" has returned to print.
Please direct all wholesale inquiries to Spider @ Spiderchain.
November 14, 2006
Road Trippin'
Our clocks have fallen back, which means that darker days are indeed drawing nearer and the winter winds are much colder. Which means that a young boy’s fancy soon turns to thoughts of road tripping! What better way to escape all the flying snow then driving to warmer climbs as fast as possible?
The first 2 weeks of last October (that is, October of 2005) is probably the longest pure road trip I have ever taken, the first leg took Audrey (she’s very good with maps) and myself out to the Grand Canyon, via Colorado and Utah, then back home via what’s left of the infamous route 66.
Over the next while I will do my best to recall the highlights of that particular and other road trips as a little extra nudge to help out folks that may be thinking about hitting the road, but haven’t taken the plunge.
One of the best ways to get the road trip juices following is a little light reading. I recommend “The Bad Girl's Guide to the Open Road
” as good inspiration. It’s light, fluffy and very funny! Just don’t get too inspired!
Add a some tunes, like the Red Hot Chili Peppers and you two will be ready to hit the road with your two favorite allies (the answer is yes), just don’t forget the snacks and supplies!
Road trippin' with my two favorite allies
Fully loaded we got snacks and supplies
It's time to leave this town
It's time to steal away
Let's go get lost
Anywhere in the U.S.A.
Let's go get lost
Let's go get lost
Chorus:
Blue you sit so pretty
West of the one
Sparkles light with yellow icing
Just a mirror for the sun
Just a mirror for the sun
Just a mirror for the sun
These smiling eyes are just a mirror for
So much as come before those battles lost and won
This life is shining more forever in the sun
Now let us check our heads
And let us check the surf
Staying high and dry's
More trouble than it's worth
In the sun
Just a mirror for the sun
Just a mirror for the sun
Just a mirror for the sun
These smiling eyes are just a mirror for
In Big Sur we take some time to linger on
We three hunky dory's got our snakefinger on
Now let us drink the stars
It's time to steal away
Let's go get lost
Right here in the U.S.A
Let's go get lost
Let's go get lost
Blue you sit so pretty
West of the one
Yellow icing just a mirror for the sun
These smiling eyes are just a mirror for
These smiling eyes are just a mirror for
Your smiling eyes are just a mirror for
June 2010