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
If you enjoyed these words, please subscribe (for free) by RSS or Email. If you’re a Stumbler, please consider Stumbling. Thanks.
About Sean Platt
LOL, Yep, something about “Wee Books for adults” sounded pornographic to me. Not sure why…. maybe Wee Bigger Books is a better name.
Jamie Simmermans last blog post..Do You Write Pork Rinds or Meatloaf?
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?
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?
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.
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.
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.
LizPs last blog post..10/02/08 First Dentist Appointment
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.
LizPs last blog post..10/02/08 First Dentist Appointment
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
Ians last blog post..The Limerick Politick
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
Ians last blog post..The Limerick Politick
Deja Vuesdays is a fantastic idea. I’m loving it already.
You could put it out on Choochday.
*groan*
:lol:
Dave Fowlers last blog post..Flaps. Check. Undercarriage. Check.
Deja Vuesdays is a fantastic idea. I’m loving it already.
You could put it out on Choochday.
*groan*
:lol:
Dave Fowlers last blog post..Flaps. Check. Undercarriage. Check.
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. :)
Sals last blog post..Just Go Away Already
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. :)
Sals last blog post..Just Go Away Already
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.
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.
WD, It’ll come back to you in spades. :D
Dave Fowlers last blog post..Flaps. Check. Undercarriage. Check.
WD, It’ll come back to you in spades. :D
Dave Fowlers last blog post..Flaps. Check. Undercarriage. Check.
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.
Brett Legrees last blog post..still doing crazy things…
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.
Brett Legrees last blog post..still doing crazy things…
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.
Marelisas last blog post..Three Incredibly Effective Creativity Techniques
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.
Marelisas last blog post..Three Incredibly Effective Creativity Techniques
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!
Jamie Simmermans last blog post..Do You Write Pork Rinds or Meatloaf?
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!
Jamie Simmermans last blog post..Do You Write Pork Rinds or Meatloaf?
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.
Wendi Kelly-Life’s Little Inspirationss last blog post..Tealights and Time
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.
Wendi Kelly-Life’s Little Inspirationss last blog post..Tealights and Time
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!
Evelyn Lims last blog post..What Enneagram Profile Type Am I?
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!
Evelyn Lims last blog post..What Enneagram Profile Type Am I?
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.
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.
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?
B.Wildes last blog post..My Summer Vacation with the Scouts
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?
B.Wildes last blog post..My Summer Vacation with the Scouts
“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.
Bamboo Forests last blog post..7 Things That Happen in Movies – But Probably Not to You
“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.
Bamboo Forests last blog post..7 Things That Happen in Movies – But Probably Not to You
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.
J.D. Meiers last blog post..Help Your Colleagues Look Good
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.
J.D. Meiers last blog post..Help Your Colleagues Look Good
Sean,
It’s a deal then. But just having a quick glance at your books, expect to have a faithful buyer shortly…
Brett Legrees last blog post..still doing crazy things…
Sean,
It’s a deal then. But just having a quick glance at your books, expect to have a faithful buyer shortly…
Brett Legrees last blog post..still doing crazy things…
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.
Kimmelins last blog post..McCain-Obama Debate Number Two: My Two Cents
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.
Kimmelins last blog post..McCain-Obama Debate Number Two: My Two Cents
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.
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.
I agree with Kimmelin. Sign me up for a Wee Book button, too! I’d be proud to display it.
Jamie Simmermans last blog post..Picking the Brain of Naomi Dunford
I agree with Kimmelin. Sign me up for a Wee Book button, too! I’d be proud to display it.
Jamie Simmermans last blog post..Picking the Brain of Naomi Dunford
Writer Dad,
Authenticity is an excellent thing to have as a brand!
Wendi Kelly-Life’s Little Inspirationss last blog post..My Dog Missed the Memo
Writer Dad,
Authenticity is an excellent thing to have as a brand!
Wendi Kelly-Life’s Little Inspirationss last blog post..My Dog Missed the Memo
Jamie: I’m working on the WeeBook button. I’ll send it when it’s done.
Wendi: Me thinks you’re right.
Jamie: I’m working on the WeeBook button. I’ll send it when it’s done.
Wendi: Me thinks you’re right.
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>