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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About Sean Platt
I’m kinda lost here. Could ya let me in on some background information on what’s a WeeBook please? :)
Daniel Richards last blog post..4 Simple Ways To Let Your Blog Run RIOT
I’m kinda lost here. Could ya let me in on some background information on what’s a WeeBook please? :)
Daniel Richards last blog post..4 Simple Ways To Let Your Blog Run RIOT
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.
Miguel de Luiss last blog post..The web’s most important resource
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.
Miguel de Luiss last blog post..The web’s most important resource
@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!
@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!
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.
J.D. Meiers last blog post..Help Your Colleagues Look Good
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.
J.D. Meiers last blog post..Help Your Colleagues Look Good
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.
Jarkko Laines last blog post..Text is Art, Content is King
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.
Jarkko Laines last blog post..Text is Art, Content is King
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.
Dave Fowlers last blog post..Flaps. Check. Undercarriage. Check.
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…
Lances last blog post..Regrets
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…
Lances last blog post..Regrets
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. :)
Betsy Wuebkers last blog post..BAIL-OUT — YOUR TRAVEL BUDGET AND YOUR LIFE
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. :)
Betsy Wuebkers last blog post..BAIL-OUT — YOUR TRAVEL BUDGET AND YOUR LIFE
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
Ritas last blog post..The Tale of the Teaching Tongues
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
Ritas last blog post..The Tale of the Teaching Tongues
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.
Eric Hamms last blog post..M2A! October Week2: Quick and Dirty Little Tips for Exercise Motivation
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.
Eric Hamms last blog post..M2A! October Week2: Quick and Dirty Little Tips for Exercise Motivation
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.
Brett Legrees last blog post..still doing crazy things…
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.
Brett Legrees last blog post..still doing crazy things…
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.
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.
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.
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’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.
CK Lunchboxs last blog post..Oh (Thanks) Canada!
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.
CK Lunchboxs last blog post..Oh (Thanks) Canada!
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.
Wendi Kelly-Life’s Little Inspirationss last blog post..Tealights and Time
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.
Wendi Kelly-Life’s Little Inspirationss last blog post..Tealights and Time
Sean,
Oz – not yet? :) nice place to be.
And thank you – you are very kind to do that.
Brett Legrees last blog post..still doing crazy things…
Sean,
Oz – not yet? :) nice place to be.
And thank you – you are very kind to do that.
Brett Legrees last blog post..still doing crazy things…
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! :)
stephs last blog post..I Mentioned Change, Right?
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! :)
stephs last blog post..I Mentioned Change, Right?
PS. I thought my site was girly! Look at these little red hearts all over! You’re so sweet. Hearts become you.
stephs last blog post..I Mentioned Change, Right?
PS. I thought my site was girly! Look at these little red hearts all over! You’re so sweet. Hearts become you.
stephs last blog post..I Mentioned Change, Right?
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.
Betsy Wuebkers last blog post..BAIL-OUT — YOUR TRAVEL BUDGET AND YOUR LIFE
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.
Betsy Wuebkers last blog post..BAIL-OUT — YOUR TRAVEL BUDGET AND YOUR LIFE
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.
Vered – MomGrinds last blog post..Beauty Standards Have Sure Changed
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.
Vered – MomGrinds last blog post..Beauty Standards Have Sure Changed
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…
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…
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.
Dots last blog post..Home
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.
Dots last blog post..Home
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. :)
Jamie Simmermans last blog post..Do You Write Pork Rinds or Meatloaf?
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. :)
Jamie Simmermans last blog post..Do You Write Pork Rinds or Meatloaf?
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?
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?
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.”
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.”
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?