Can I Read My WeeBook in Oz?

Written by Writer Dad on October 8, 2008 - View Comments
Categories: Blogging

This is part three of four.  Click here for part one, or here for part two.

If you don’t like something change it; if you can’t change it, change the way you think about it. 

~Mary Engelbreit

I’ve tried my hand at WeeBooks.  Rubbed the sticks together, but fire’s never flared.  

This doesn’t concern me.  I’ll keep rubbing.  Eventually, I’m sure, I’ll be sweating from the inferno.   Even if I’m wrong, WeeBooks have been well worth their time and casual assessment.  

Every WeeBook so far released was pulled from a portfolio, previously gathering cobwebs.  I will not wait for discovery, and have no fear of burning through my best ideas. 

Thoughts are like air; surrounding every second, and backing every breath.

My brief experience with WeeBooks has been an education.  They’ve taught me to release on schedule, collaborate, and work inside various mediums.  Even considering the dim sales of Number One and Two it!, I’m as proud of those eight pages with David Wright, as anything I’ve done.

I do not believe, despite conventional wisdom, that publishing and self publishing are mutually exclusive.  I do believe, fervently, that I can create content for both mediums without cannibalizing myself.  

I see the dangers in POD (print on demand), I do not see them with WeeBooks.

We are riding the froth of the first wave to crash upon the shore of our new Renaissance.  New writers are born every day.  In a couple of decades they’ll share their words with a world which barely resembles our own.  I have three blogs in my reader from children; eleven, twelve, and thirteen.  The eleven year old has been blogging since he was eight, and doing it in two languages.  Rapid change is twisting our wind; we can hide in the basement, or hitch it to Oz.

My art has yet to meet the needs of my audience.  I recognize this, and endeavor to improve.  Readers are patrons, and I will find a way to pen something which occupies the space between whispering muse and audience needs.  

That, I believe, is Shangri-La for any artist. 

Without ads, I’ll need assistance to draw the full magic from Writer Dad.  Of course, every reader need not purchase, but I will require a small rotating percentage.  The wider the reach, the smaller the needed percentage. 

I could never please every potential buyer on a single Friday, but I can create differing content for various divisions within a single audience.  You might not care to read about compound interest, but your sister Sally in Saucalito might.  Perhaps you’ll gift a download to her, or wait until the release of Writer Dad’s Dozen Rules of Writing (that title, by the way, is entirely hypothetical).  

At a buck, WeeBooks are the price of a tip.  I don’t have a donate button, and won’t be placing one, but I can certainly draw a parallel.  Most of us don’t think twice for dropping our change in the jar when handed a cup of coffee.  I myself never tip less than twenty percent (unless service is dreadful), and tend to frequent where I’ve established banter.  

I see no reason to ignore this design.  I know there are others like me.

Tips come in all sizes.  A minute to comment, Stumble, or Digg, helps these gears to turn.  If you have the ear of a Darren, Seth, Skellie, or Leo; or someone else as forward thinking, and believe they might be interested in any of these ideas, please, pass them forward.

WeeBooks are different; not quite posts, not quite appropriate to send along the publishing path.  Time will tell if I’m mistaken, but I see no reason why a WeeBook, or something similar, won’t be standard in time.

Two weeks back, there was tremendous discussion about various sorts of WeeBooks.  I’d love to continue.  What sort would you like to see, if any, and is there a breed you’d be willing to buy?  If you believe this to be a model doomed to failure, and have a moment to tell me why, please do.

Thanks.

Writer Dad

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  • Writer Dad
    Jamie: I'm working on the WeeBook button. I'll send it when it's done.

    Wendi: Me thinks you're right.
  • Writer Dad,

    Authenticity is an excellent thing to have as a brand!

    <abbr>Wendi Kelly-Life's Little Inspirationss last blog post..My Dog Missed the Memo</abbr>
  • I agree with Kimmelin. Sign me up for a Wee Book button, too! I'd be proud to display it.

    <abbr>Jamie Simmermans last blog post..Picking the Brain of Naomi Dunford</abbr>
  • Writer Dad
    B.Wilde: I sent out some WeeBooks last night, but I think yours may have bounced. It was kind of a large email, perhaps too big for your inbox. Let me know if it didn't come through, and I'll resend. At the very least, I can send the ones without images.

    Bamboo: Thanks for your interest. If it works out for one of us, it can work out for all of us.

    J.D.: I understand that entirely. Thanks for the explanation. I will find my tipping point.

    Brett: Thanks Brett. I'm glad you like them. They will only get better.

    Kimmelin: I think it's sound, as are a lot of these suggestions. I'll be implementing soon. I love the idea of an online writer's group. I have something on the drawing board as a matter of fact. It just won't see light until the new year, at the earliest. Stuff is just sliding off the top of my plate right now.
  • Sean,

    I think Dave Fowler offered you some incredible advice...you've built a strong audience for yourself...use that advantage to hook them with some free Weebooks...then when the momentum is rolling further, go back to the $1-2 dollar thing. It is not wrong for an artist to expect compensation for their work when others are benefiting from enjoying it...but also knowing others are enjoying it is sometimes significant compensation in and of itself.

    For me, my blog is my way to keep the creative wheels turning on those days when sitting down to work on my book, a magazine article or the like just can't happen. The blog offers a relatively quick way to put your words out there and receive some good, honest feedback.

    If you ever want to put together an on-line writer's group...say three of four of us sharing our works in progress and offering each other some hard-core feedback in return...drop me a line!
    K.

    <abbr>Kimmelins last blog post..McCain-Obama Debate Number Two: My Two Cents</abbr>
  • Sean,

    It's a deal then. But just having a quick glance at your books, expect to have a faithful buyer shortly...

    <abbr>Brett Legrees last blog post..still doing crazy things…</abbr>
  • The Oprah test is a metaphor for, where do you need to show up so that you've hit the tipping point. If you're book shows up on Oprah, for example, it's self-propelling at that point.

    <abbr>J.D. Meiers last blog post..Help Your Colleagues Look Good</abbr>
  • "Time will tell if I’m mistaken, but I see no reason why a WeeBook, or something similar, won’t be standard in time."

    I don't have a crystal ball, so I can't say how your WeeBooks will perform.

    That said, I do wish you only success. This is a very interesting pioneering venture; one I will be watching.

    <abbr>Bamboo Forests last blog post..7 Things That Happen in Movies - But Probably Not to You</abbr>
  • I like the concept of offering something that people want rather than putting ads in their face. I'd like to comment on your Wee Books. I did a search on your site and couldn't find a sample, unless it's within one of the posts. Is there a place where I can look at some of the content and provide some input?

    <abbr>B.Wildes last blog post..My Summer Vacation with the Scouts</abbr>
  • Writer Dad
    Brett: You're a prince, but not necessary. Really, buy one when it genuinely interests you. I'm finally at my own computer where I can get to them. I'll send it soon.

    Marelisa: That's amazing. Sixty million page views a month; I can't even imagine. I love Jamie's idea too. I'm gonna hop on it.

    Jamie: Believe it or not, I have a lot of those stories already beautifully written, with rhyme rhythm, and repetition, sitting unloved and unread on an agent's desk. I am making a sad face right now.

    Wendi: Love what you're saying, thanks for coming back. Right now, I'm okay with it meaning something slightly different for everyone. No matter what I post, I get feedback from both sides. I do like that kind of post, or I don't like the other. Why can't you just do the kind like the one about so and so.... So if I'm just writing what I feel as I sit down, and staying true to the exercise, then my brand might be authenticity.

    Evelyn: Life is an experiment. I love the feedback from the readers. I find it infinitely helpful.
  • Hmm...I'd be interested to see how it all works out for you. After all, if you do not experiment, you will never know! It's great that you are sharing your plans here; your readers can help provide the necessary feedback for your project to be a successful one! All the best!

    <abbr>Evelyn Lims last blog post..What Enneagram Profile Type Am I?</abbr>
  • Wendi: So, what you are saying is that I should be more mindful of what Writer Dad means to the readers so that when I have something that I’d like for them to seriously consider, that serious consideration will be more natural, or something like that?

    Yes, that is part of it- but the bigger picture is to be mindful of what you want it to be and to make intentional choices according to that goal. What do you WANT to be known for? When someone says- "Oh yeah I know that Writer Dad place- it's the place that..." What would you like them to finish the sentence with?

    too many people don't think about branding until they have already unintentionally branded themselves with something they weren't wanting. We brand ourselves every time we open our mouths out here, in the way we treat each other, what we create and what we do with it. You can't skip the branding process...it moves on without you.

    Again, I think you are building a very nice brand here...you should just be aware of it.

    <abbr>Wendi Kelly-Life's Little Inspirationss last blog post..Tealights and Time</abbr>
  • For little one's Wee Books, I'd like to see things like: Not afraid of the dark, giving up Binky, I can dress myself, ABC's, playing nice, sharing, when I'm mad (sad, happy, afraid), Can I count the stars?, the four seasons, what happens to my food?, why do I sneeze?, how much do you love me?....

    I have a hundred more, all questions I received this week!

    <abbr>Jamie Simmermans last blog post..Do You Write Pork Rinds or Meatloaf?</abbr>
  • Sean: I think that there are many business models out there aside from the "I write a book and people buy it model". I was reading about a 17 year old girl on Cath Lawson's blog who creates designs for MySpace pages and gives them away for free on her blog. So how does she make money? Through ads. Her designs are so popular that she gets 60 million page views a month and people (teenage girls) click on her ads like crazy.

    Jamie's idea above is brilliant: a lot of people send their client's cards for holidays, their birthday, and so on. Getting them to send out your wee books instead would be fabulous.

    Maybe the question isn't: what topic of weebook would your readers buy, but instead it's coming up with a different business model all together.

    <abbr>Marelisas last blog post..Three Incredibly Effective Creativity Techniques</abbr>
  • Writer Dad,

    I "third" that - you may email me a copy of a Wee Book, but I shall pay for it anyway. I believe in what you're doing.

    <abbr>Brett Legrees last blog post..still doing crazy things…</abbr>
  • WD, It'll come back to you in spades. :D

    <abbr>Dave Fowlers last blog post..Flaps. Check. Undercarriage. Check.</abbr>
  • Writer Dad
    Ian: You are the ideal model. You've bought the WeeBooks as nothing more than a show of respect. I need convince you of nothing. There have been others like you, and I could not appreciate it more. Thank you.

    Dave: Everything I said of Ian is true for you, Dave. Thank you. Now that you've declared yourself frugal, you may not purchase another. The next several are on me.

    Sal: I will keep marching to my own beat, and trust that my audience will keep me in line.
  • Sal
    If you don’t like something change it; if you can’t change it, change the way you think about it...and if you can't change the way you think about it, blow it up, kick it in the teeth, bash it agains't a wall, and if all else fails, give stick your tongue out at it...

    I like you view of readers as patrons. That puts everything into a nice little package. And, I am glad that you are going against the norm (even if you are doing it unintentionally). It makes you who you are, and I like that. Keep doing what you feel is right and you will stand out from the crowd. :)

    <abbr>Sals last blog post..Just Go Away Already</abbr>
  • Deja Vuesdays is a fantastic idea. I'm loving it already.

    You could put it out on Choochday.

    *groan*

    :lol:

    <abbr>Dave Fowlers last blog post..Flaps. Check. Undercarriage. Check.</abbr>
  • Ian
    WD,

    I, too, like Miguel's idea of advertising the Wee Books on the blog here.

    At the moment, I cannot think of a topic that I would really like to see covered, but as they come up, I'll be sure to throw them your way.

    Admittedly, I am not a good person for this kind of feedback as I will purchase every Wee Book because I want to support this site since I get so much enjoyment from reading it. It's my own way of giving back.

    Be well.

    Ian

    <abbr>Ians last blog post..The Limerick Politick</abbr>
  • Saucalito = Sausalito, CA ?

    I still don't get the wee books. They're wee, so they're small but they're electronic? Do you print them out, cut them up, glue them together and voila! you have a book for your wee one? I would like to get the potty one for my 3 year old son, but I don't understand what I'll end up with. Sometimes you have to talk to me like I'm 5. I'm an accountant, I can't help it.

    You could make a button for other people's blogs so if they (yahoo 360 doesn't allow buttons or widgets or other cool things so I can't put anything up) want to advertise for you they can.

    <abbr>LizPs last blog post..10/02/08 First Dentist Appointment</abbr>
  • Writer Dad
    Dot: You're absolutely right. It's pretty difficult to judge the true effectiveness of anything, based on only a couple of releases across a couple months (from a blog that's still in diapers). I'll keep working, and find something that sticks. Thank you for sticking around.

    Jamie: I think a Christmas card is a brilliant idea. Barbara Swafford suggested cards a couple of months ago. I'd love to do a Christmas card. In fact, I think I will. Thanks, Jamie.

    Dave: Wee Wee Books is what you might be thinking. I hear you. It's kinda damned if you do, damned if you don't, right? The idea of being a chooch is driving me mad right now. Thanks for saying that, it made me laugh. I'm going to start something called Deja Vuesdays, where I run an old post. It kills me that I pour myself into every post, yet they die such a quick death. Deja Vuesday will give me a great excuse to run old words that most of us haven't read, while giving me a day off. Perhaps Chooch should be the first.

    Oktober Five: That's a fantastic question. I think it depends on the blog. If a blogger expects to make money, then yes, it is in service. If not, then no, the blogger owes nothing. I expect to eventually turn a dollar, that means I owe each and every reader something more than if I was writing into a vacuum.
  • Without meaning to pollute the comment section, my last comment begs some questions it should have asked: Is blogging a service industry? Should it be? What industry would you consider it in? Does being a blog author bring along the same stresses a job in customer service would bring?
  • LOL, Yep, something about "Wee Books for adults" sounded pornographic to me. Not sure why.... maybe Wee Bigger Books is a better name.

    <abbr>Jamie Simmermans last blog post..Do You Write Pork Rinds or Meatloaf?</abbr>
  • I think Windi makes the perfect point. It echos what you said in another post, WD, about a blog being a relationship between writer and reader. That's an important relationship that, for the majority, you command as blog author.

    To us readers what you offer is a service. You enlighten, inspire, or humor us. But more. Good service isn't just about delivering the goods on time and in good condition, it's about building relationships of trust, going beyond the job description. It's in the small interactions. It's getting a smile from the McDonald's lady or not. If readers get enough smiles, they'll look twice at the "tip jar."
  • Wee books for adults sounds funny to me. Why is that? Hahaha.

    (Jamie: just so you know, I'm making a bad joke at my own expense, and not yours) :)

    WD: I like the idea of 'paying what you think it's worth', but what about when I can't pay what I think it's worth? I'd feel bad. I don't want to feel guilty for either buying or not buying your products.

    I don't envy you for the choice you have to make, but the prospect of being a Chooch must be driving you right now.

    Notice that I didn't make typo?
  • Personally, I would purchase Wee Books for big people as a thank you to send to my clients after finishing a project, or even to replace that online Christmas card.

    A Wee Book download would provide a more personal touch~better for business.

    I do business online, write email in my sleep, and have more online friend I have never met face-to-face than guests at my next birthday party. Online Wee Books for adults would be a good investment for me.

    Let me stew for awhile, and see what else I can come up with. :)

    <abbr>Jamie Simmermans last blog post..Do You Write Pork Rinds or Meatloaf?</abbr>
  • Dot
    My advice is keep producing. The economy is keeping people from buying anything, at the same time that it's pressuring you to earn income. The more products you have, the more markets you enter, the better your chances. Economic downturns are not good times for the arts, sadly. If I had anyone to buy for, I'd buy to support your efforts.

    <abbr>Dots last blog post..Home</abbr>
  • Writer Dad
    CK Lunchbox: I'll send you something this afternoon. I don't believe the internet will ever replace books, but I do believe they can offer something not really available before... perhaps a stand alone short story. There's no printing or complicated distribution involved. Price points can be cheap, providing there's enough buyers.

    Wendi: So, what you are saying is that I should be more mindful of what Writer Dad means to the readers so that when I have something that I'd like for them to seriously consider, that serious consideration will be more natural, or something like that?

    Brett: My pleasure.

    Steph: I love Pavlina's model. I don't think ads or affiliate links are evil; I just think they're out of place in this particular environment. Once I'm more established, I see using the space for colleagues, like for example EditQuest, or sending people to Rita's site so they could keep tabs on "the Swanning."

    Betsy: We need a much better acronym. Thinking cap, on.

    Vered: Creativity is what it's all about. By the way, I saw your Wordless Wednesday last night right before I went to bed. I thought, she should just close comments because, really, what do you say to that. Then lo and behold...
  • I agree with Lance. Getting people to pay is going to be a challenge. I agree with him that you should come up with creative ways to get them to do so.

    <abbr>Vered - MomGrinds last blog post..Beauty Standards Have Sure Changed</abbr>
  • Sean - I'm glad you liked the idea of PayWhatUThinkIt'sWorth. Well, PWUTIW ain't great as an acronym, dangit. I'd be interested to ride along as you put the wheels in motion on the idea, tweak it, whatever.

    <abbr>Betsy Wuebkers last blog post..BAIL-OUT — YOUR TRAVEL BUDGET AND YOUR LIFE</abbr>
  • PS. I thought my site was girly! Look at these little red hearts all over! You're so sweet. Hearts become you.

    <abbr>stephs last blog post..I Mentioned Change, Right?</abbr>
  • Sean,

    I second Fowler's advice. I think it's great. You want to take the focus off making money at all times, no matter how badly you might need it, and instead focus on entertaining or helping people. People will respond to that like crazy, and will have no problem offering money once they trust you, love you, and find you keep offering consistently awesome things.You will never have to ask.

    The WeeBooks are a new thing, so forking out right away can be scary for people, especially online and when they can't see what they're buying.

    I always say look to Steve Pavlina's model of growth. Focus on networking, caring, and offering fantastic content, and the readers will flock, with money, too. He built to 2 million readers (and lots of cash AND a book deal - *they* approached him) in 4 years with this philosophy.

    Also, I personally see nothing whatsoever wrong with a donate button or even a few ad buttons once you have many readers. I'm flummoxed by this attitude that advertising or affiliate links are evil. They work (as they do for Pavlina) in a huge way, which means many people don't see the harm in them if you come across as a person who cares only about offering quality and interesting content. I would say you've got that down, bro! :)

    <abbr>stephs last blog post..I Mentioned Change, Right?</abbr>
  • Sean,

    Oz - not yet? :) nice place to be.

    And thank you - you are very kind to do that.

    <abbr>Brett Legrees last blog post..still doing crazy things…</abbr>
  • Sean,

    You have already gotten some very good marketing points here, so I won't repeat. I have some thoughts but I don't want to spout them off, I will think this over and get back to you. But I will say this...don't make the mistake of thinking you haven't been activly building your Brand. Your brand is your reputation in the marketplace- if it can be distilled down to a one sentence CORE value of what a brand is. You are doing that RIGHT NOW, every time you pick up a pen or interact with any of us. The real question is not whether you are doing it actively, but whether you are doing it intentionaly. HUGE DIFFERENCE. SO far, I think you have a very good branding campaign going on, that is exactly what is working for you. But don't let it be an accident.

    <abbr>Wendi Kelly-Life's Little Inspirationss last blog post..Tealights and Time</abbr>
  • I'm going to take a closer look at WeeBooks to get more familiar with the actual product. I hear what you're saying about believing this is relevant and will take off at some point. With passion almost anything can be made to happen, it's just a matter of finding that tipping point.

    I read a little while back an article titled Why The Internet Will Never Replace Books, which I'm going to look up again and if it has points pertinent to the discussion I'll pass it along. And, I'll put on my "marketing hat" as I think about this some - not that I can say I can offer any flashes of brilliance, but in the accidental event I do, I'll pass that along too.

    <abbr>CK Lunchboxs last blog post..Oh (Thanks) Canada!</abbr>
  • Writer Dad
    Daniel: A WeeBook is a tiny E-book, with a few pages and a clear message.

    Miguel: I think that is an excellent idea.

    Matthew: I believe that blogging, for some, is an entirely different education in words than school, and I think that we are bound to see the fruits of this in time. That's very sweet about your son Matthew, thanks. I will be writing something for an older audience soon.

    J.D.: What's an Oprah test? (pardon my ignorance, I do know who Oprah IS of course.) No, I've put no time into building the brand. This is something I plan to do in January, with more time at my disposal. 800,000 times. My Jaw = On Floor.

    Jarkko: I'll write something for Moms and Dads, and I'll do it soon.
    I think it would be a good idea to write something specifically for the audience, which I have yet to do (with the exception of the five posts a week, of course).

    Dave: That's the idea behind putting them on YouTube, or writing them as posts. That way, I feel that people can have them for free, but drop a tip if they are so inclined. I've also really wanted to release something that is free for subscribers (exactly what you're talking about; it's called the first forty, and is my first forty posts all pretty like in a PDF), but I can only do it with full feeds and they still aren't working. I'll crack this nut; in the meantime, I've plenty of ideas brewing. Thanks, Dave, as always.

    Lance: The power in doing is extraordinary. I'll start doing the giveaway as soon as I can get the full feed thing down. Honestly I'd rather give it away to a few hundred people than sell a dozen. I love my words being out there more than the few dollars it would generate, though I might feel difference as the end of the year marches near.

    Betsy: I love this idea, Betsy.... love it. I think I'll try and implement it. Love it.

    Rita: It's a great quote. I'm glad to know we're twinning (my mom uses that expression; she loves the idea of twinners. The Talisman is her favorite of all King's books.). I've never had a harder time choosing a quote than I did yesterday. There are so many great quotes on advertising, it was really hard to pick just one. I almost wanted to do a post with nothing but fantastic quotes from other people. I might have if the five hundred words weren't already written. Did I mention that my sister is Saucalito is named Sally?

    Eric: I wrote this post a week ago, and already a lot of things have crystalized in my mind. I think I know where I'd like to take it, I just need the time to drive. Already this morning, I've found a couple of comments that have given me an ah-ha, so that's a good thing. I will let you know if I need help, and again, thanks for everything.

    Brett: Australia, not yet. Don't buy one. I'll send you one later this morning.

    Oktober Five: I like that idea a lot as well. A polished POD book would be awesome, I hope I can make it happen. I promise, the rhymes are going nowhere. It's fun to bust them out, and I'd like them to get even better. Thanks for the comment.
  • I like Miguel's idea about advertising for your own weebooks. A cool graphic, a catchy phrase, and a nice page dedicated to each one--that would be well worth it. You may also consider adverstising your weebooks through google adwords.

    Soon, I'm guessing a compilation of "wee-stories" into a THE weebook (volume I) would be in the plans. Making this a polished, print-on-demand book seems like something worthwhile.

    As far as weebook ideas . . . I really like the ones in the past; they speak as a child but punch like an adult. It's a cross-gender goodness. Things like that make it not only fun for my son to hear but more enjoyable for me to read. Oh, and keep up the rhymes.
  • When I read your headline I thought you were moving to Australia...

    But to your question - I haven't purchased a WeeBook yet - so I must do that, in order to give you any feedback or suggestion.

    <abbr>Brett Legrees last blog post..still doing crazy things…</abbr>
  • Hey Sean, I think this is a mystery to so many bloggers; how to 'take payment' for their efforts. There are so many different dimensions to consider:

    -You don't want to start too early as you might come across as 'jumping the gun', "Hey, I just found that you existed and now you want me to buy something?"

    -You don't want to clutter your blog with ads as you pointed out.

    -You don't want to come across as a beggar on the street with a sign that says, "Will blog for food."

    -And yet it's so important, as Betsy pointed out, you don't want to sell yourself short.

    So what do I think? I have no idea. I'm interested to see the results of your 'model'. I think it has great potential and I hope the absolute best. I do agree that maybe offering a sample would help some and putting an add for them on your blog may give them more attention (let me know if you need help with that :-) ).

    I'll be right on your heels with this. I'm of the same mindset that the 'typical' way of ad clutter is not always (if rarely) the best way to go. So we will see what happens. Eric.

    <abbr>Eric Hamms last blog post..M2A! October Week2: Quick and Dirty Little Tips for Exercise Motivation</abbr>
  • Writer Dad,
    To think that you and I started in disagreement oh, so long ago! Once again, we seem to be "twinning." The Engelbreit quote with which you begin today's blog, is one that I have on my "bulletin board" - which resides on the side of my nighttable! :-)
    As to the rest of your blog, I have little comment. I think you answered your own question with the "sister in Sausalito!"
    Rita

    <abbr>Ritas last blog post..The Tale of the Teaching Tongues</abbr>
  • Hi Sean - There's a zen-like quality to suggesting people pay what they think something is worth. I've seen this employed countless times for services and products, and your fit would be great. You might be surprised to learn you have been underpricing yourself. The only way to find out is to take the risk and let the market decide. So, don't call it a tip. Call it something that means "pay what you think it's worth." I predict the filthy lucre will start rollin' in like nobody's business. :)

    <abbr>Betsy Wuebkers last blog post..BAIL-OUT — YOUR TRAVEL BUDGET AND YOUR LIFE</abbr>
  • You're trying out new concepts Sean - some will work, some won't. But there is much power in "doing". It's a journey to find out what works best for you.

    The concept behind wee books - I like it. Getting people to buy in is the hard part. Especially since buy in means with money, in this case. I think the only way is to continue writing what really speaks to you. If the subject feels right, then you will write good (great) material. And, although it may take much time and effort to build this up to where it is producing value, I say keep at it. I like what Dave has to say about giving it away - maybe you do this every so often (not every week). Or find a way to randomize that when someone clicks to buy, every twentieth buyer is not charged. For the buyer, it's like winning a prize. And they'll come back. A couple of ideas, for what they're worth...

    Keep at it Sean...

    <abbr>Lances last blog post..Regrets</abbr>
  • Writer Dad, I understand the concept of you offering something in return for a tip. I totally get that. The discomfort of a donations button can be offset by the provision of a service. I get that too. I’m trying to find my own way of doing the same thing.

    Your WeeBooks are in their infancy and they stand to do a few things for you.
    Firstly they’ll give you the experience of regular writing. One reason, I believe, you started this blog.
    They give you the opportunity to experiment with style and content (in the relative safety of your very own community), and you can get fairly instantaneous feedback.
    They present the chance of reaching a massive audience through word of mouth.
    .....And many more benefits besides. You don’t need me to go on here. You probably know it better than I do.

    I believe you have to take a short-term hit and give your Wee books away to get the kind of exposure and feedback you need to perfect your craft.

    Your best work is yet to come so you lose nothing by punting out a few crumbs at this early stage. A potential problem being that you can damage your brand before you even start if the quality of your offerings is poor.

    I don’t believe that your creations are poor by any stretch of the imagination, and frankly, damage can usually be repaired very quickly.

    Now is the time to have the leap of faith.

    Put most of your early work out free in the pages of your blog (and/or elsewhere (free download if you want to track or manage)). Combine them all for a later compendium style ebook (for purchase) - ideal for those who don’t want to scour your pages.

    This is just my gut reaction.

    I say give it away – have a donations button associated with the weebook (or whatever it is you’re making a special case of) – people will donate what they can afford, when they can afford it. The real benefit is you’ll be rewarding every one of your loyal community with your fine work. You won’t have to exclude a single one.

    You’re mining your potential here and it’s a rich vein that runs deep. Trust in yourself.

    <abbr>Dave Fowlers last blog post..Flaps. Check. Undercarriage. Check.</abbr>
  • jarkkolaine
    I enjoy the WeBooks too, but because of the language barrier I can't read them to my son yet (and I suppose when he's old enough to understand English, he won't be that interested in them anymore...)

    So, I wish you could either start translating your WeeBooks to Finnish, or write something for an older audience (us moms and dads) ;)

    Apart from that I'm excited to see how your WeeBook approach evolves and makes it in the long run. Who knows, they could even turn out to be one of the "Black Swans" of this year.

    <abbr>Jarkko Laines last blog post..Text is Art, Content is King</abbr>
  • If they're you're passion I'd stick with them and pace yourself for the long haul. You're doing the right thing by testing your approach, using sensory acuity and adapting.

    Here's a few ideas to fuel your mind:
    * what's your Oprah test?
    * are you showing up in all the places where people who'd want your WeeBooks hang out?
    * have you found five successful reference examples to model from?

    Being in the right place at the right time, really does make a big difference. My first book was downloaded 800,000 times in the first six months. I don't think I've matched that since.

    <abbr>J.D. Meiers last blog post..Help Your Colleagues Look Good</abbr>
  • @Daniel: If you happen to stop back here tonight, click on the link at the top "Writer Dad's Wonderful WeeBooks". All will become clear then.

    @Writer Dad: "Tips come in all sizes. A minute to comment, Stumble, or Digg, helps these gears to turn." I agree with you on this 100%. I have yet to really crack up the StumbleUpon on other bloggers, but I always make sure I leave I comment once I've taken the time to read their entry. To put it plainly, they provided me with a service and I only see it fair to tip them for the time the put into it (as unromantic and blunt as that seems).

    I also think that we are on the new wave of writers here. There is an energy I feel in our generation of blogs (that is, the new waves of young blogs that have come about in the summer of 2008) that I've felt before. I felt it about 4-5 years ago when Xanga came around, in the summer of 2006 on YouTube, and now here.

    I have something to admit to you. I read your first WeeBook to my son the other night, while my wife sat by. I sat him on my knee (at the wee age of 2, if you can remember) and read him the story start to finish. He sat with his eyes glued to the screen as I whispered and rhymed the words into his ear.

    He seemed to enjoy it.

    When I am able to convince my wife, I will making some purchases. In the mean time, I'd love to see something for an older audience!
  • Writer Dad, I think you could put an Ad for your own "WeeBooks". If there are more people like the previous commenter, then that tab on the top of the page is being ignored.

    <abbr>Miguel de Luiss last blog post..The web’s most important resource</abbr>
  • I'm kinda lost here. Could ya let me in on some background information on what's a WeeBook please? :)

    <abbr>Daniel Richards last blog post..4 Simple Ways To Let Your Blog Run RIOT</abbr>
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