I’d Be an Idiot If I Didn’t Listen

September 26, 2008

Don’t think you’re on the right road just because it’s a well-beaten path. 

~Author Unknown

I believe in WeeBooks.

The Wright Brothers didn’t surprise the skies of Kitty Hawk the first time they closed their eyes, knitted hands, and hoped they’d hit the lower half of heaven.  When their idea didn’t soar, they wondered why and started fresh.

My WeeBooks have lived to their namesake, not their potential.  I’ll discuss the concept in greater detail next week.  Right now, it’s time to reboot.

Comments tell me there’s no problem with the writing.  Those who have purchased WeeBooks, to my knowledge, have all been happy.  

What am I doing wrong?  

More important, what can I be doing better?

Two theories:

  • People don’t wish to buy what they can not see.  They may love what I write, but that doesn’t mean they care to cough cash on a mystery.  If I’d like for people to purchase, then I must provide a clear understanding of what they’re purchasing.
  • People consider the price point excessive for a digital download, especially considering they’re only a few pages.  We’re in a recession, Writer Dad.  Pay attention.

My other theory is that there are some readers who will never download.  For some, Monday through Friday content is more than enough.  For others, perhaps they’d be happy to buy, but wish for something tangible.  

To this, I understand.  I will correct this shortcoming in time.  

For now, I offer that WeeBooks do not compete with hard copy.  They are new, and awaiting understanding.

We all have role models; those whose actions or thought help shape our own.  One such company, for me, is Apple.  

Apple is amazing, not because of what they produce, but how they produce.  They refine rather than simply invent, and have for decades designed the day’s prototype, then pushed it toward tomorrow’s standard.

Do they always hit a bullseye?  Certainly not, but they’re right more often than not, and they stay true to their mind.

Six years ago, Apple released the download limb of the itunes juggernaut.  This was during the heyday of free downloads and the ubiquity of Napster.  Record companies were up in arms, pants around ankles.  Few then, seriously considered Apple as anything other than a minor note in a swirling tempest.

Earlier this year, Apple became the number one music retailer in the world, making Walmart suck their core.

The pricing is solid; easy to understand: $.99 for a single song, $1.99 for a video.

Me too.

From now on, whenever possible, WeeBooks will have video accompaniment, viewed directly from the site.  

A high quality version will be available for $1.99, a PDF for 99cents.

This is retroactive to everything already released.  If you have previously purchased and feel slighted, please email me.  

Because I love the story, and because I think Blogger Dad’s (David Wright) work deserves to be seen, the first video I’ve added after The Eighth Wonder of the World, is Number One and Two it!  (the book that offers potty training help).

Enjoy, and you can also follow the link to YouTube if you’d like to leave a comment.

Thanks.

Writer Dad

 

 

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  • Writer Dad
    B. Wilde: Thanks. Writing with honesty is natural. Criticism and praise are equal partners in driving me forward. I appreciate your support, and promise the writing is going nowhere.

    Matthew: I will target them for everyone, eventually. What kind of product would you like to see?

    J.D>: I think you are absolutely right. I'm unfamiliar with Alexis Dawes, but I will follow the white rabbit. Thanks for the heads up.
  • I think you're on the right path of building a product line. You're doing the right thing by tuning and testing your approach. One piece of your puzzle might be sales copy. Think of it as little jump points on the Web that funnel and bridge your potential audience with your products. Given your path, it might be the most effective tool you add to your toolbelt. It's the difference that I've seen make a difference for those that have succeeded selling their information products on the Web. I think Alexis Dawes says this is the key to her success.

    J.D. Meiers last blog post..Label What is Right with Things
  • I'd like to know if you'll be writing WeeBooks just for children/young adults...or will you have some that are targeted to adults as well?
  • I find your straight forth honesty to be refreshing. You stand behind your content and put yourself out there for praise or criticism. I think this is a courageous move and one that I can certainly learn from. I look forward to continuing to follow you and to stay up on your great writing abilities. Keep writing.
  • Writer Dad
    Bamboo: I would LOVE to do a commercial for Apple. They're a terrific company.

    Elisa: Thank you for such a candidly wonderful response. I'm trying hard to crack this nut. The more information I have, the better job I could do. Your answer spilled over. Thanks again.
  • Shout out from your target market!

    Right now I'm knee (maybe neck?) deep in potty training my 2-yr-old daughter. I came to your site and laughed because I was ready to spend $4, and you were discussing why uptake on your weebooks was low.

    Then I saw the new price structure. Woohoo! And a video that has the entire text. Awesome!!

    My husband and I watched the video - very very nice. Text humorous and succinct. Illustrations spot on.

    But we knew after the video concluded that we wouldn't make the purchase after all, because we've trained our daughter in a slightly different way - she doesn't need to go get an adult but takes care of it herself.

    I thought the least I could do is leave my feedback.

    And a suggestion. Maybe follow Amazon's lead and give potential buyers a chance to look at one or two pages rather than the whole text. If we had seen just a teaser, we would have still made the purchase. And not been disappointed since we only spent $.99 and could cut out ant pages that didn't apply. For $.99 I'm willing to take a chance.

    Love your writing - keep up the great work!

    Elisas last blog post..potty training thoughts
  • "our number 2 is like a paste" haha

    Bamboo Forests last blog post..7 Ways to Settle a Dispute
  • I think you will become an authority on WeeBooks.
    And I see a reference to Apple Computers also made its way into this blog entry. Personally, I think you should do a commercial for them.

    Bamboo Forests last blog post..7 Ways to Settle a Dispute
  • Writer Dad
    Chase: Thanks for your honesty. That's a perfect answer. I look forward to producing something tangible.

    Jamie: I love your two cents; you could drop a whole nickel if you wanted. That's a great comparison.

    Glen: I think you are exactly right.
  • Think about it. Which is a better value: a trip around the block in your gas-hog of an SUV, or an adorable, well-written Wee Book? No contest!

    Jamie Simmermans last blog post..Pick the Brains of Top Bloggers!
  • This is very cheap Sean so I hope it still works out well for you. It could simply be that the weebooks aren't relevant to certain people. For example, at this stage in my life I'm not interested in buying an ebook on compound interest because I don't see how it applies to me.

    That may sound naive but I'm just being honest :)

    Cheers,
    Glen

    Glen Allsopps last blog post..7 Benefits of Living Consciously
  • Just my two cents, but I think your price is just right. I rally like the idea of the sneak peak though, makes for a nice teaser.

    Jamie Simmermans last blog post..Pick the Brains of Top Bloggers!
  • Blogs should be free and accessible.

    I enjoy your writing, but I am just not motivated to pay for something as small as a blog post.

    There is way too much free content that is worthy of reading.

    That being said, when you publish your novel, I will probably want to pick it up. I very rarely buy books. I love the library and use it frequently. But if a blog author who I follow publishes something, I will support it.

    Chase Marchs last blog post..Day Off for them Not Me
  • Writer Dad
    Vered: You can never be too blunt. I've stopped buying books and magazines as well. Books because I have at least a hundred not read, magazines because they're often empty (except for ads).

    Blogger Dad: It's hard to see myself as the inspiring guy, but I should probably pay more mind to an audience who says otherwise.

    Orlund: I think variety is the key. What you say holds mostly true for me as well. I'm more likely to pay ten dollars for a hard copy of something than I am a dollar for a soft copy. That's one of the reasons I thought video might help.

    Miguel de Luis: I'd love to know; what would you like me to write?

    Marelisa: Me too. I should investigate. Overfeeding is the number one reason for cloudy water; that's all I have in regard to fish. Thanks for the compliment on the YouTube video. I think you're right. I'll do what I can to get it circulating.
  • I like the idea of advertising your wee-books on sites that cater specifically to mommies and daddies raising little kids. I don't have children and I come to your blog because I love your writing, not because I'm looking for parental advice (all I have is a fish :-) ). That YouTube video looks very professional, I think that'll probably get you some attention.

    Marelisas last blog post..Three Awesome Productivity Tips
  • Writerdad,

    I was thinking that maybe your audience is wider than you think. I'm an amateur writer, but not a dad, and in any case I'd need my weebooks in Spanish.

    So what about asking us what would we want you to write?

    Miguel de Luiss last blog post..Roots, how to make them grow
  • I have never bought a soft copy of any book. Not to interested. I have bought hard copies online. For some reason if it is on my computer I don't want to pay for it but if I have a hard copy it feels like I got my moneys worth. On top of that there is so much free stuff to read on the internet, why would I pay.

    That is just my opinion but I am sure other people think other wise. I am also sure your writing is worth what you charge. I am sure if you work at it long enough you will find what works for you.

    orlunds last blog post..Laughing with your Daughter.
  • My gut tells me that most of your readers are writers/bloggers who come here for inspiration (and of course, the thoughtful prose and sense of community). So, what do your readers want to buy? What will help them improve themselves?

    I think Wendi is on point. I'm thinking if more of your weebooks are be targeted to helping others write or blog better, they may sell more. Now the question is, do you see yourself as a motivational type writer? I know you may be reluctant to tell people how to write when you are not professionally trained, but I think you've proven that you have talent. So, how do you help others realize their own talents? Do you have a unique way to offer what so many other blogs are already offering? I think so.

    Of course, I could be way off here, in which case I will rely on your readers to correct me and tell you what they want.

    My other thought is, have you considered ads and affiliate marketing? Since your website has taken off so quickly, perhaps a combination of weebooks and ads/affiliate programs would be a good way to earn income?

    I still believe you can still write stories for children and use this site to market them. And as I told you in email, I think the big story you shared with me can be sold to a publisher.

    Blogger Dads last blog post..Want to do something good?
  • I haven't bought books in a long time. I borrow them at the library. It's simply an expense that I decided to cut out. I also don't buy magazines anymore, for several reasons, including budget.

    The same goes for Ebooks and WeeBooks. It's an expense that's not in my budget anymore.

    I hope this wasn't too blunt.

    Vered - MomGrinds last blog post..Saw “Burn After Reading”. Non-Botoxed Actresses. Awesome.
  • Writer Dad
    Matthew: I enjoyed that moment as well. That's the good thing about the WeeBooks. They're bite sized so I can create them in all shapes and sizes.
    I'll be by to see our conversation later.

    Dawn: I'm surprised by how quickly the reader base has grown, but inspired and fueled as well. Perhaps you should release the first chapter and ask for feedback from your readers. Even a few responses might be enough to push you forward. One of the best things about Writer Dad, for me as a writer, is the instant feedback I get.

    Lance: I love the concept. I think it might be different a year from now, when there's a bounty of various product to choose from. The challenge is great and it keeps me thinking.

    Hayden: I'll get you one of these days. I'm excited to read your e-book. I think I'm going to spend some time with it the weekend after next. Great job on getting it out. Congratulations.

    Eric: I think it's a good model. I just need to keep chipping away, carefully observing what works and what doesn't. As much as I love to write my posts, I can't do it for ten cents an hour. Especially when I'm leaving my income behind in another couple of months.

    Stacey: You have a video coming. I'll email it shortly. Thanks for picking it up in round one.

    Wendi: I would NEVER disregard your opinion, Wendi. You are as constant as they come. I love what you said here, and you're absolutely right. I think the way I write is all over the map, and I don't want to change that. It's what keeps me sharp - not writing for a niche. I want my product to glow with constant variation. And it will. This weekend, I'll start to write some intentions for Writer Dad. If I can finish it, then it will probably be broken into posts for next week. If not, then for sure the week after. I'd love to hear what you think. Thanks for all your compliments, support, and time (that one is the most important).
    Have a great weekend.

    Apathy Lounge: I really like this comment. It's succinct. I think in part of the argument I'm drafting, asking you guys what kind of WeeBook you'd like to read is a great idea. In the meantime , what kind of WeeBook do you think you'd like to see?

    Beth: I like the idea of guest posting on parent blogs. It's solid. I just don't know where I'd find the time. Perhaps January.

    Evelyn: So far, no. I think you are right. A survey is in order for next week. Is there a WeeBook idea you'd be interested in?
  • Hey...you know I kind of agree with Wendi. You need to write for what your readers want to read. Do they really want to read or buy Weebooks? Perhaps a survey is in order.

    Evelyn Lims last blog post..Building The Businesses Of Our Dreams
  • Sean,

    "making Walmart such their core"--that made me laugh out loud. We should all be doing that.

    Why don't you approach some parent-bloggers and ask if you can advertise? Or write a guest post? Then if that model helps you sell some Weebooks, you can continue it.
  • Well...you make an excellent point. However, my kids are older. High school and college to be exact. Wee Books sound awesome.

    apathy lounges last blog post..Everything I Know About Body Functions I Learned This Week in 2nd Grade
  • Sean,

    Here is my being honest with you. I am your target Blog audience- I love what you write every day and gobble it up. But your wee-books do not apply to my life so I am not your target demagraphic Book audience. ( At the moment) I am almost 50 Yrs old with almost all grown kids. You may have a disconnect going on here. Your PottyWee book needs to be sold to Mommy bloggers with small kids, pre-schools, who should eat it up-yuck-never mind-I meant buy it, and any other sites that deal with small people.

    Now lots of people that read here DO have small kids, so that part isn't bad, its just that your every day writing isn't solely focused on attracting that target market.

    This is when the writing without a niche gets in the way of marketing.
    And...I don't want you to change a thing...so...it might be a matter of also...adding a variety of differnent and more types of books ( for the rest of the market you are attracting) and taking Wee Books on the marketing road.

    And all of that...was JUST my opinion. Feel free to disregard.

    Wendi Kelly-Life's Little Inspirationss last blog post..Cleaning Closets
  • I love your incorporation of video. My kids love the potty weebook!!!

    Stacey / CreateaBalances last blog post..Practicing Being Selfish = Self Nurturing
  • This is great Sean. I love to see the different ways bloggers present content of value for a price. I think it's hard these days to do this when everything seems to be free. But we work are little tails off to provide the readers with great content and we deserve some financial support. I don't think anyone would argue with this, but it's hard to get people to follow that agreement with a purchase.

    I think this is a great model you've come up with and I hope for the best. I want to see ALL great bloggers be able to find ways to add to their income with their labors of love. Eric.

    "Motivate Thyself"s last blog post..9 Reasons Why Failure Is Not Only An Option, But A Key To Our Success
  • Well so far the e-books haven't applied to me. It isn't because I don't love your writing!!
  • I like the concept Sean. It's brave. But sometimes, seeing is believing. I'm interested to see where this takes you to. It's all about challenging yourself, stepping out of your comfort zone, and trying new things.

    Lances last blog post..Spread Your Wings and Fly
  • It interests me to see someone who hasn't had a blog as long as some people have out here in the big tangled web and yet, has managed to gain a sizable reader base. I've attempted (and failed) at quite a few blogs over the years, and now I'm back taking yet another stab at it, although I admit I haven't written about much of worth just yet. I used to fancy myself a writer until I came up short on words for many things, or wrote things that ended up boring even my own family and friends to tears.

    Eh, such is life, I suppose.

    As for the content of your post, I've enjoyed my time spent on iMacs and I enjoyed my iPod up until it's recent death, but I've settled into comfort on an HP laptop with a lazy person's remote control addition.

    Also, I am a bit jealous of your ability to have put out books, as it's something I was interested in, but never actually completed the one novel I started. I assume it's in a box in the attic by now. I suppose I could release the first chapter as a free PDF, but I don't have a sizable reader base as of yet, so it would go unnoticed, and I'd forget about writing anymore into it once again.

    I think I've rattle on long enough, so, in closing...fantastic blog (even if I'm not a parent as you are!) and I'll be back to check this out some more.
  • Nicely done, Sean. One of my favorite movie moments is when Forrest Gump gets stock in Apple Computers. "Suddenly we didn't have to worry about money no more...and that was good. One less thing, right?"

    To be completely honest with you, I was waiting until I saw a WeeBook of yours that I absolutely HAD TO HAVE. Nothing has really caught my eye yet...but then again, my favorite book is about a slacker who owns a record shop.

    Ready for our conversation tomorrow? I'm not.

    Matthew Drydens last blog post..Writing Here Makes Me Happy
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