March 24, 2009

The Mic Is On and We’re Talking E-Books

published this at 7:02 pm

It’s Like Open Mic Only Different

The Mic Is On

Here’s how it works.

It’s like any rambling conversation. Don’t try to read it all. Jump in whenever you get here. Just go to the end and start talking. EVERYONE is WELCOME.
The rules are simple — be nice.

There are always first timers and new things to talk about. It’s sort of half “Cheers” part “Friends” and part video game. You don’t know how much fun it is until you try it.

. . .

An ebook can be more important than resume in defining your career and your business. Tonight we’ll explore what it takes to get one done and out there.

The-Secret-to-Writing-a-Successful-and-Outstanding-Blog-by-Liz-Strauss


And, whatever else comes up, including THE EVER POPULAR, Basil the code-writing donkey . . . and flamenco dancing (because we always get off topic, anyway.)

Oh, and bring example links.

–ME “Liz” Strauss
image: sxc.hu
Related article
What is Tuesday Open Comment Night?

Filed under SOB Business, Successful Blog | 220 Comments »


C'mon. Let's talk!

220 Comments to “The Mic Is On and We’re Talking E-Books”

  1. March 24th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Hi Liz!

  2. March 24th, 2009 at 7:04 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hiya!
    So exciting to be here with you tonight!!

  3. March 24th, 2009 at 7:05 pm
    Tammy Lenski said

    Hi, Liz and Glenda! I’m listening to Obama and hanging out with you all.

  4. March 24th, 2009 at 7:05 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Glad to be with a friend tonight.

  5. March 24th, 2009 at 7:06 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Tammy!
    Glad to have you hanging here with us too!!

  6. March 24th, 2009 at 7:06 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Glenda!
    How are you? Is there a new book?

  7. March 24th, 2009 at 7:09 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Liz, it has been a ‘trying’ day. There is an ebook in the works, but am wondering about its direction.

  8. March 24th, 2009 at 7:09 pm
    Brad Shorr said

    Hi Liz, How have you been?

  9. March 24th, 2009 at 7:09 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Brad,
    I’m spectacular. What’s new with you?

  10. March 24th, 2009 at 7:10 pm
    Joe Hauckes said

    Hey Liz, Glenda and Tammy,
    I have lots of e-books both free and one’s I’ve bought and still have yet to read them all.

  11. March 24th, 2009 at 7:12 pm
    Joe Hauckes said

    Sorry I missed Brad.
    But by the time I write this there is bound to be more participants, SO… Hi All!

  12. March 24th, 2009 at 7:12 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    So, who’s planning an e-book release soon?

  13. March 24th, 2009 at 7:13 pm
    Brad Shorr said

    Spectacular also. Doing a lot of optimized content writing & research. Looking forward to SOBCon.

  14. March 24th, 2009 at 7:14 pm
    Tammy Lenski said

    Well, the PDF of my book published in Feb 2008 is out now, and I’m working to get it into Kindle format. Not hard, just tedious, am thinking about having someone from elance take it over and finish the formatting, but not sure yet if it’s worth the effort of shopping for a trustworthy soul.

    What about you, Liz, now that you’ve got (at least) that one ebook under your belt?

  15. March 24th, 2009 at 7:15 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    SOBCon09 is shaping up into a workshop of social media practitioners, business bloggers, big brands, interactive agencies, and ecommerce specialists — all working in teams.

    My goal of connecting us all is coming true!!

  16. March 24th, 2009 at 7:15 pm
    Linda Sherman said

    I’m here.

    My friend @MarshaCollier who has written 30+ EBay for Dummies books published by Wiley says that she doesn’t like the idea of e-books because they can be duplicated (unless they have Kindle like protection) and are duplicated for free and passed around the internet.

  17. March 24th, 2009 at 7:16 pm
    Brad Shorr said

    Is there going to be a SOBCon e-book?

  18. March 24th, 2009 at 7:18 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Joe!!
    Sorry you got stuck. :(

  19. March 24th, 2009 at 7:20 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Linda!
    My ebook has been the best promotional and focusing tool for my business. It’s like an extended business card. I don’t lose if people share it. I don’t look at it that way.

  20. March 24th, 2009 at 7:20 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Ah Brad,
    I was just thinking about that. We’ll have to see. Are you offering to make a SOBCon e-book?

  21. March 24th, 2009 at 7:21 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Liz, I was planning on launching my ebook for SOBCon, but its no where near finished, unfortunately.

  22. March 24th, 2009 at 7:22 pm
    Joe Hauckes said

    It’s fine Liz, maybe the stickeyness came up because I’m using my Last Name in my signature these days (when I remember). ;-)

  23. March 24th, 2009 at 7:23 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Glenda,
    You can still put something about it in the SOBCon bag. :)

  24. March 24th, 2009 at 7:23 pm
    Tammy Lenski said

    Liz, I agree with your thinking about people sharing your ebook. I’ve gotten a fair number of clients in the lat 12 months because someone passed them a copy of my ebook – or someone passed them the print edition of my book. Same difference, same good result.

  25. March 24th, 2009 at 7:23 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Joe,
    Using your last name is a good idea. Now you should write an ebook to show folks how smart you are. :)

  26. March 24th, 2009 at 7:24 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    oooh, the SOBCon bag? Cool!

  27. March 24th, 2009 at 7:26 pm
    Joe Hauckes said

    Yeah Ms Glenda, I agree with Liz, put some kind of small brochure (?) together with a tentative date for release and stick it in the Glad Bag!

  28. March 24th, 2009 at 7:27 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Thanks Joe, great idea. Maybe postcard size?

  29. March 24th, 2009 at 7:29 pm
    Joe Hauckes said

    Liz, I thought about an ebook of some sort, but I can barely get a decent post out these days.
    …Unless… it’s a how to book… Yeah, that’s the ticket… ;-)

  30. March 24th, 2009 at 7:29 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    An ebook can be as short as 16 pages you know. :)

  31. March 24th, 2009 at 7:29 pm
    Brad Shorr said

    Liz, As part of a team I’d be interested.

  32. March 24th, 2009 at 7:30 pm
    @Stephen said

    Hey there Brad, I think that a SOBCon book is a great idea. Thanks for volunteering to put it together! ;-)

    Seriously, though, that is something that we should consider…

  33. March 24th, 2009 at 7:30 pm
    Stacy Lukas (a.k.a. "that damn redhead") said

    I’ve been meaning to stop by one of these forever and lo and behold I actually made it! Wanted to let you know I’m a big fan, sorry I’ve been a lurker but I mostly read in my RSS reader. I’m here, though. :)

  34. March 24th, 2009 at 7:31 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Joe,
    A how-to book is the best kind of all. It shows your know how in no uncertain terms and still usually don’t want to do things on their own.

    Solve a problem people use Google to find the answer to. :)

  35. March 24th, 2009 at 7:32 pm
    Brad Shorr said

    @Stephen, How you doing?

  36. March 24th, 2009 at 7:34 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Wow Brad, thanks for offering to put together the SOBCon ebook! ;)

  37. March 24th, 2009 at 7:35 pm
    @Stephen said

    I like e-books that are short. Too many pages are hard to read on the screen. (Not a Kindle guy)

  38. March 24th, 2009 at 7:36 pm
    Joe Hauckes said

    Ms Glenda, you got the idea, just like the two sided card that Ashley Cecil did for SOBCon07 instead of a business card, only put your ebook promo as part of an invitation for people to buy the full book.

  39. March 24th, 2009 at 7:36 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Thanks @Stephen and Glenda, for helping with the cause. We’ll get Brad going for sure.

  40. March 24th, 2009 at 7:36 pm
    @Stephen said

    I have a bunch of e-books in my head and need to get some time to squeeze them out.

  41. March 24th, 2009 at 7:36 pm
    Tammy Lenski said

    Liz and others, how have you made the decision to price? I’m noticing that many ebooks that aren’t also in-print books seem to be higher priced — sometimes by a lot — than their cousins.

  42. March 24th, 2009 at 7:36 pm
    Robyn McMaster said

    I enjoyed the way Tammy Lenski made the process of developing her e-book so transparent to readers. I learned much about planning your book in advance and setting up a very logical design for your topic before the writing even starts.

  43. March 24th, 2009 at 7:37 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Stacy!
    Great to see you here! I love when new folks “unlurk.” heh heh

  44. March 24th, 2009 at 7:37 pm
    Brad Shorr said

    Hi Glenda, @Stephen, thank you for joining our e-book committee! :)

  45. March 24th, 2009 at 7:39 pm
    Stacy Lukas (a.k.a. "that damn redhead") said

    @Liz I think you’ve actually commented on my blog before a long time ago & I’ve been meaning to come over here forever. Now I can get rid of that guilt.

  46. March 24th, 2009 at 7:40 pm
    @Stephen said

    Brad, I think that I have another committee for you to join in on…we’ll talk in another venue. Do you have some time on Thu or Fri?

  47. March 24th, 2009 at 7:40 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Has anyone used an ebook to test the market and to gather feedback for a real book? Could the ebook be used as sample chapters in the proposal? How would publishers view that?

  48. March 24th, 2009 at 7:40 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Tammy!
    Decision on price. I wasn’t out to sell thousands a day. I am offering my expertise and my view.

    Some folks suggest 3 times that amount.

    I would now say that for 64-98 pages that a great price is probably $14 – $24 — depending on how much the topic has been written on, how large the audience, and the visibility of the writer.

    I’ll probably write one to give away soon.

  49. March 24th, 2009 at 7:41 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Robyn,
    I like what Tammy did too.
    That “following along” is interesting, even to the folks who know how. :)

  50. March 24th, 2009 at 7:41 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Touche, Brad! ;)

  51. March 24th, 2009 at 7:42 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Stacy,
    I sure do remember your blog. I like it a lot. Wish I had more time to read. That’s on my list of what’s coming this year … more time for reading folks’ blogs. :)

  52. March 24th, 2009 at 7:42 pm
    Tammy Lenski said

    Glenda, I didn’t use an ebook for that but I did write my published book on my blog first. I wrote a draft, then blogged most of the entire first draft to get feedback. Some folks left comments, and many, many sent me emails with lengthy feedback. It helped me figure out what resonated, what needed re-working, what needed more clarity, and it ultimately both shaped the book that went to print (and the subsequent ebook) and also helped me figure out what that market was most interested in. Here’s a big thumbs up for blooking.

  53. March 24th, 2009 at 7:43 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Glenda,
    I think it was David Meerman Scott who waited until he had 100,000 free downloads before he went to a publisher. That’s one way. :)

  54. March 24th, 2009 at 7:43 pm
    Brad Shorr said

    Glenda, Look forward to meeting you at SOBCon! @Stephen, Thursday AM I’m going to be available, otherwise next week is pretty open.

  55. March 24th, 2009 at 7:44 pm
    Tammy Lenski said

    Liz, can you say more about writing one to give away? I’ve been pondering that but stuck about how much I really want to give away, given the blogging I already do. I’d value your perspective because you’re so very generous with your time, thoughts and writing as it is.

  56. March 24th, 2009 at 7:44 pm
    @Stephen said

    Uh oh, Tweeting and commenting at the same time. Hard to remember which app I am in.

    What tools do you all use to publish e-books?

  57. March 24th, 2009 at 7:46 pm
    Stacy Lukas (a.k.a. "that damn redhead") said

    @Liz aww, shucks. thanks! can I be an SOB? I mean, not the kind that people who don’t like me mean, but a Liz Strauss SOB? If you need proof I can start a conversation – I blogged about WildEarth.tv not long ago and overnight everybody in South Africa was my best friend. Even the animals.

  58. March 24th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Tammy,
    I have some things that are discrete, useful, but too small for a book. I might as well share them in a way people can find use.

    It’s great promotion. :)

  59. March 24th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Tammy, I’ve blogged some of the content without saying its for an ebook per se. I’m concerned someone else would grab my idea.

    Liz, 100,000 downloads? Heck, if I could sell that many for even five bucks, forget the hassle of finding a publisher!

  60. March 24th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Ah Stacy,
    If you want a chance of me remembering that … email is the way. lizsun2@gmail.com

  61. March 24th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
    Tammy Lenski said

    Thanks for the pricing thoughts, Liz.

    And Glenda, Liz nailed the David Meerman Scott quote.

  62. March 24th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
    Joe Hauckes said

    @anyone who has written an e-book,
    What is the best way to promote an e-book? On a blog, ezine e-mail?
    How do you get people interested in even looking at your work?

  63. March 24th, 2009 at 7:53 pm
    @Stephen said

    Hi Tammy, I collected my “How to apply the 7 Habits of highly effective people” posts into an e-book that I give away, it’s been pretty popular (downloads>4,000).

    Collecting those e-mail addresses and gaining subscribers. May market other e-books to them later on this year.

  64. March 24th, 2009 at 7:54 pm
    Stacy Lukas (a.k.a. "that damn redhead") said

    @Liz OK cool, thanks. I’m the opposite – I never remember to email anyone, but when I’m commenting or tweeting, that’s when I remember to tell somebody something.

    … and I’d just like to say that times like this is EXACTLY why I love the whole email “conversations” feature in Gmail.

    … and David Meerman Scott is my author-crush. (Yep, I said that.)

  65. March 24th, 2009 at 7:54 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Glenda,
    You can repackage what’s already on your blog. If it’s content of value, add to it, expand on it, edit it so it flows naturally together.

    People would rather pay a few for a single book of content. Than have to read the same content across several blog posts.

  66. March 24th, 2009 at 7:55 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Joe,
    It helped a lot to give away a chapter for free.

  67. March 24th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
    @Stephen said

    >>Joe Hauckes: one way that I got the ball rolling was to promote the e-book via guest-posts on other blogs, giving it away as a premium for subscribing, and sending out a bunch of copies for other bloggers to review.

  68. March 24th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
    Tammy Lenski said

    Joe -

    Echoing @Stephen — blog, tweet, collect email addresses and subscribers, cross promote. I had a lot of help from colleagues who promoted the book, both print and ebook, to their own markets.

  69. March 24th, 2009 at 7:57 pm
    Tammy Lenski said

    Well, folks, laptop battery about to go. My own, too, since I got up at 3:00 a.m. to work on a client project.

    Happy conversing and I’ll see some of you at SOBCon (or back here before then)!

  70. March 24th, 2009 at 7:57 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Liz, yes, I’m planning on doing that with the Accessibility 100 series, once I get to finish that series.

  71. March 24th, 2009 at 8:00 pm
    Brad Shorr said

    Signing off … thank you for the education on e-books. SO much to learn!

  72. March 24th, 2009 at 8:01 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Best advice #67 and #68

    Yep!!

  73. March 24th, 2009 at 8:01 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Thanks Tammy,
    Always great to see you!

  74. March 24th, 2009 at 8:03 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Glenda,
    While you compile the Accessibility 100 Series. You should be thinking about how to expand that into a traditional book as well.

  75. March 24th, 2009 at 8:03 pm
    Linda Sherman said

    @Stacy Had to look at your blog. http://www.thatdamnredhead.net/ Loved the last two posts especially about the people moaning about changes on Facebook.

  76. March 24th, 2009 at 8:04 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Yeah, Linda.
    I can see why you’d love Stacy’s blog!

  77. March 24th, 2009 at 8:05 pm
    @Stephen said

    Thanks Liz, time to close up shop – BBL.

  78. March 24th, 2009 at 8:07 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    I’ve been kinda thinking about that too, Liz. Do you think a publisher would be interested? I really want to write one on blog accessibility.

  79. March 24th, 2009 at 8:07 pm
    Stacy Lukas (a.k.a. "that damn redhead") said

    @Linda thanks … yeah I kinda fit my haircolor to the T. I like to think that’s more a blessing than a curse … depending on what kind of mood I’m in! :)

  80. March 24th, 2009 at 8:08 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Glenda,
    Make it a marketing and social media book and blog about accessibility.

    I think it would be outstanding!

  81. March 24th, 2009 at 8:08 pm
    Brooke said

    Hey all! Sorry I am late – was reading “Beetle McGrady Eats Bugs”

  82. March 24th, 2009 at 8:11 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hey Brooke!
    Great book. Tell us a story now! heh heh :)

  83. March 24th, 2009 at 8:12 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Liz, do you mean accessibility of social media? Not quite following your thought, yet.

  84. March 24th, 2009 at 8:13 pm
    Brooke said

    I need the book to have a great story – I don’t make them up well!

  85. March 24th, 2009 at 8:13 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Glenda,
    I mean how to use social media and marketing to reach out to customers who are part of the accessibility market.

  86. March 24th, 2009 at 8:14 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    What does everyone use for creating ebooks? good old Adobe?

  87. March 24th, 2009 at 8:15 pm
    Joe Hauckes said

    @Glenda
    Somewhat on topic of accessibility.
    Have you heard or considered writing about the fiasco of accessible crossings in Chester Co Pa when there are no sidewalks and never will sidewalks because they are at corners of 2 highways.
    Not to mention that someone with a disability could never even get to the crosswalk?
    In other words, wasted effort when these type things could better serve people in other locations.

  88. March 24th, 2009 at 8:15 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Glenda,
    I bought a program called “Click to Convert.” It’s seamless and converts anything. I love it.

  89. March 24th, 2009 at 8:16 pm
    Stacy Lukas (a.k.a. "that damn redhead") said

    I just had the weirdest experience. This chick started following me on Twitter & her bio said:

    “Feisty red-headed, media-infatuated, hockey know-it-all. Junior at Boston University. PR guru-in-the-making determined to own a pair of Louboutins someday.”

    Got a little creeped out. I thought it was me from 10 years ago following me today.

  90. March 24th, 2009 at 8:16 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    ah, got ya, Liz! A whole book on that? Hmm, maybe I’ll start with a few blog posts.

  91. March 24th, 2009 at 8:19 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Joe, no I hadn’t heard of that.

  92. March 24th, 2009 at 8:20 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Gosh, Stacy, what an interesting thought. What would your Twitter bio have read years ago? I’m tweeting that.

  93. March 24th, 2009 at 8:21 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Glenda,
    You’ve already written the first. It was the first post of the Accessility 100 when you described how huge the market is that companies are ignoring.

  94. March 24th, 2009 at 8:21 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    thanks Liz, I’ll check out “Click to Convert”. Of course, my question is: does it produce accessible PDFs? :)

  95. March 24th, 2009 at 8:23 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Glenda,
    My answer is, “I don’t know.”

  96. March 24th, 2009 at 8:24 pm
    Joe Hauckes said

    Glenda, the worst part of it is that it was mandated by the state of Pa in order for the county to get state funds for needed accessibility projects.

  97. March 24th, 2009 at 8:24 pm
    Stacy Lukas (a.k.a. "that damn redhead") said

    I really need to get better at this commenting here & tweeting thing at the same time. Maybe alcohol will help.

    Don’t mind if you steal my twitter idea, just let ‘em know where you got it from. :)

    And since I don’t want to be COMPLETELY off topic on my inaugural visit to this thing, I need to confess that I am an ebook addict and I need help.

    Actually I need a Kindle, because even though I swore I’d never get one, I realized I really want to read my ebooks on the go without lugging my laptop everywhere.

  98. March 24th, 2009 at 8:25 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Wow Liz, you remember the first Accessibility 100 post! I’m very impressed!

  99. March 24th, 2009 at 8:26 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Joe,
    Write a simple e-book

    “Ten Things you can do right now to speed up your computer.”

  100. March 24th, 2009 at 8:27 pm
    Robyn McMaster said

    I enjoy the term, “blooking,” Tammy. Was that original with you?

  101. March 24th, 2009 at 8:28 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Joe, some of these accessibility initiatives make no sense! DO you have a link for the story?

  102. March 24th, 2009 at 8:29 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Stacy,
    A. Too late,
    B. You were the inspiration. I had the idea.
    C. You already made sure they knew. :)

    What sort of help do you need? Oh I see reading ebooks, not writing them.

    Folks seem to love the Kindle 2

  103. March 24th, 2009 at 8:31 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Has anyone here had a free ebook go viral? those stories always amaze me.

  104. March 24th, 2009 at 8:31 pm
    Stacy Lukas (a.k.a. "that damn redhead") said

    @Liz I’ll opt for d) all of the above. :)

    I’d like to write one/put one together, but it seems to be one of those things that keeps getting pushed to the bottom of my To Do List…

  105. March 24th, 2009 at 8:33 pm
    Brooke said

    Joe – #99 is a GREAT idea.

  106. March 24th, 2009 at 8:33 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    The best (as in get the most traction) ebooks answer questions people search for every day using Google.

    Their titles match the way people ask questions when they search.

    How do I fix my …?
    25 Answer to …
    How to get back with your ex

  107. March 24th, 2009 at 8:34 pm
    Joe Hauckes said

    That’s a good one Liz.
    Something to think about.

  108. March 24th, 2009 at 8:35 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Stacy,
    I’m betting you could write a great ebook on excuses for procrastion. You’re witty, smart, and so readable.

  109. March 24th, 2009 at 8:36 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    #107

    Don’t think about it Joe.

    Do it. :)

  110. March 24th, 2009 at 8:36 pm
    Stacy Lukas (a.k.a. "that damn redhead") said

    @Liz … yeah, if I ever got around to it!

  111. March 24th, 2009 at 8:36 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Stacy, if you really want to write an ebook, make it a priority; otherwise it’ll always be at the bottom of your to-do list.

  112. March 24th, 2009 at 8:39 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    I know, Glenda.

    I’ve shifted a few priorities this last two weeks. Life is coming out stronger yet. :)

  113. March 24th, 2009 at 8:40 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    We need some Nike t-shirts: Just do it!

  114. March 24th, 2009 at 8:41 pm
    Linda Sherman said

    The ebook discussion is going a bit slowly. Do you mind if I ask an off-topic question? Did anyone besides me do an Ada Lovelace Day post about your female hero in tech/science today? #ALD09 was the hash on twitter.
    @lindasherman

  115. March 24th, 2009 at 8:41 pm
    Stacy Lukas (a.k.a. "that damn redhead") said

    @Glenda You’re totally right, I should square away time. I’ve actually got .xml files of old blogs I’ve since shut down that I’m sure have some good nuggets inside. (I’ve been blogging since the late 90s when it was “online journaling”… feel like I’m dating myself … or following myself … oh whatever.)

  116. March 24th, 2009 at 8:43 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Linda,
    We never stay on topic here.

    Who’s Ada Lovelace?

  117. March 24th, 2009 at 8:45 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Ya Liz, I understand. I had a clear vision and plan for this year, for the first time ever, and just thinking now about it, its amazing the things that have popped up to get in my way. Yet my vision still excites me, so I know its right.

  118. March 24th, 2009 at 8:45 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Stacy,
    Get ticked at yourself and do it or give your ebook the first 20 minutes of every day.

  119. March 24th, 2009 at 8:46 pm
    Linda Sherman said

    #106 makes a lot of sense for an e-book, a blog post or a print book. Even if it is a niche speciality – it means some group of people want to read it.

  120. March 24th, 2009 at 8:47 pm
    Stacy Lukas (a.k.a. "that damn redhead") said

    @Liz Oh I get ticked at myself all the time … my problem is that I have a very hard time with keeping a regular schedule & time management for those kind of things. Which I get ticked at myself about … it’s a never-ending cycle.

  121. March 24th, 2009 at 8:49 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Thanks, Linda,
    Still want to know about Ada!

  122. March 24th, 2009 at 8:49 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Stacy,
    I’m thinking the last resort: chocolate.

  123. March 24th, 2009 at 8:50 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Exactly Stacey, put you other self to work. Going through your old blogs sounds like an excellent place to start. Then carve out a few minutes a day or a few times a week to just write – with everything else turned off.

  124. March 24th, 2009 at 8:51 pm
    Linda Sherman said

    Oh good. This woman from the UK drummed up this pledge through Pledgebank. She got a lot of publicity for herself – at least in the UK.

    ‘I, Suw Charman-Anderson, will
    publish a blog post on Tuesday 24th March about a woman in technology whom I admire but only if 1,000 other people will do the same.’ The pledge’s URL is http://www.pledgebank.com/AdaLovelaceDay

    Ada Lovelace is said to be the first programmer.

  125. March 24th, 2009 at 8:51 pm
    Stacy Lukas (a.k.a. "that damn redhead") said

    @Liz chocolate isn’t usually my last resort … it’s usually my FIRST resort!

  126. March 24th, 2009 at 8:52 pm
    Joe Hauckes said

    Glenda, I read an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer (dead tree edition) a couple weeks ago, this link is the closest I can find now
    http://www.philly.com/philly/news/homepage/40409422.html
    About 3/4 of the way down references what I was talking about.

  127. March 24th, 2009 at 8:53 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    hi Linda!
    It won’t work. Folks don’t have a reason to want to pass it on. So it’s unlikely to get to the 1000 people willing to write.

  128. March 24th, 2009 at 8:53 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    I am with you, Stacy. Why wait til the last resort for chocolate!

  129. March 24th, 2009 at 8:53 pm
    Stacy Lukas (a.k.a. "that damn redhead") said

    @Glenda slight tech problem: .xml files are only the more recent few years, the rest are stored on data devices not easily accessible anymore … I’m talking 3.5″ disks (not too hard) and ZIPdisks!! <— LOL

  130. March 24th, 2009 at 8:54 pm
    Linda Sherman said

    Ada Lovelace Day cont:

    One of the interesting female tech heroes was Hedy Lamarr.

    Mine was I must say fascinating – Esther Dyson. I met her in the mid-80′s. She has invested in and nurtured a lot of tech companies. She is just returning from Russia where she was training for one of current passions, personal space travel.

  131. March 24th, 2009 at 8:56 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Stacy,
    Find someone who will do it for you in return for what you’ll teach him or her.

  132. March 24th, 2009 at 8:56 pm
    Linda Sherman said

    Ada Lovelace:

    956 posts so far and the day isn’t over.

    http://ada.pint.org.uk/list.php

  133. March 24th, 2009 at 8:57 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Linda!
    Oh, so everyone got to write about someone different, not just Ada. :)

  134. March 24th, 2009 at 8:58 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    #132
    I stand, sit, and type corrected.

    Hm, must have been more compelling than I thought. :)

  135. March 24th, 2009 at 8:59 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Thanks Joe.

  136. March 24th, 2009 at 9:00 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Stacy, so you need a floppy drive? My old laptop has one.

  137. March 24th, 2009 at 9:01 pm
    Linda Sherman said

    @Liz Ada Lovelace Day

    The way Suw Charman-Anderson made it happen is I think that when you sign a pledge at Pledgebank during the process you end up with a live badge on your blog that updates the number of pledges as they come in. She got more pledges than blogs but at the current 956 she’ll make the 1,000.

    “Woman in Tech” is a pretty popular cause to support and she did it months before March 24.

    Since I have a gender blog (It’s Different For Girls) I felt it was appropriate to contribute.

  138. March 24th, 2009 at 9:02 pm
    Timothy Johnson said

    Klondike withdrawal here!

    Howdy all.

  139. March 24th, 2009 at 9:02 pm
    Stacy Lukas (a.k.a. "that damn redhead") said

    @Liz not a bad idea.
    @Glenda I think my mom’s desktop has one, but I’ll have to turn to eBay for an old Mac Zip drive & then figure out how to configure it with my modern stuff.
    @Linda I’m not familiar with Ada Lovelace but I’m a huge fan of Patty Lovelace the country singer.

  140. March 24th, 2009 at 9:03 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Linda,
    You’re right. She was right in her element. I missed that part. :)

  141. March 24th, 2009 at 9:04 pm
    Linda Sherman said

    #136 @Glenda You have a computer with a floppy drive that is still breathing?

  142. March 24th, 2009 at 9:05 pm
    Obed Ward said

    Ah ebooks, ebooks. So full of content, so full of knowledge.

    Haha, just trying to get in the mood.

    I love ebooks, my favorite ones would have to be the ones they offer at Sitepoint.

  143. March 24th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Yes Linda, I believe so. Assuming the battery still works.

  144. March 24th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
    Timothy Johnson said

    Hi Miss Glenda

  145. March 24th, 2009 at 9:07 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Joe, I love “We don’t need ADA ramps to nowhere.”

  146. March 24th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Hey Mr T!

  147. March 24th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
    Linda Sherman said

    #139 @Stacy The Ada Lovelace thing is British and I’m not sure they even know who she is. Our female tech heroes are unfortunately quite obscure. Ada Lovelace Day is an excuse to celebrate women in tech today.

    (Global stuff is another aspect of my blog that I like to pick up). My blog subtitle: International Women’s Lifestyle, Work & Empowerment by Linda Sherman

  148. March 24th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
    Stacy Lukas (a.k.a. "that damn redhead") said

    OK folks, I need to sign off for the night. It’s early for me but I’ve been up since 5ish with only 3 hrs sleep so it feels like forever o’clock. So glad I finally stopped into one of these. Props to Liz for being such a great host, and you guys for being all nice and fun and stuff. Goodnight!

  149. March 24th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Obed!
    Welcome!
    Tell the virtues of SitePoint ebooks. :)

  150. March 24th, 2009 at 9:10 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    G’night Stacy.

  151. March 24th, 2009 at 9:13 pm
    Linda Sherman said

    @Stacy nice meeting you!
    @Joe – I like your “dead tree edition” reference

  152. March 24th, 2009 at 9:13 pm
    Brooke said

    Great info all! See ya later!

  153. March 24th, 2009 at 9:14 pm
    Linda Sherman said

    Just to disgust everyone, I need to sign off and go play tennis. It’s only 4PM here.

    Thanks for having me!

    @lindasherman

  154. March 24th, 2009 at 9:14 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Good night, Stacy!
    Loved having you here!

  155. March 24th, 2009 at 9:19 pm
    Rick Mahn said

    Hi there!
    Am I too late to check in? Was on a business adviser call with a few good folks.

  156. March 24th, 2009 at 9:19 pm
    Joe Hauckes said

    Glenda, I wish I could find the full article for you. It is a lot more informative, but that quote pretty much is the idea of the original.

  157. March 24th, 2009 at 9:19 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hey there, Rick!
    You’re right on time!

  158. March 24th, 2009 at 9:20 pm
    Rick Mahn said

    Liz, I need to check in with you about ebooks. I might actually have a one worth creating.

  159. March 24th, 2009 at 9:20 pm
    Lori-ann said

    Good Evening everyone!

  160. March 24th, 2009 at 9:21 pm
    Rick Mahn said

    Catching up on the conversation so far tonight…

  161. March 24th, 2009 at 9:21 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    What do you mean, “might”?

    I know you. You do.

  162. March 24th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Lori-ann!
    Welcome. Come on in!

  163. March 24th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
    Rick Mahn said

    Guess I might finally be “grown up” enough to actually write one. Hadn’t felt ready until recently. I’ve no idea why.

  164. March 24th, 2009 at 9:23 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Joe, surely that money could be used elsewhere for improving accessibility for people with disabilities. Ridiculous.

  165. March 24th, 2009 at 9:24 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    #163
    Isn’t it crazy how we limit ourselves with our silly beliefs?

  166. March 24th, 2009 at 9:25 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Hey Lori-ann, glad you popped in. See, we’re a friendly bunch.

  167. March 24th, 2009 at 9:26 pm
    Rick Mahn said

    Ok, as an ebook newbie wannabe, is there some guidelines I can talk anyone out of for free. ;)

    I’m concerned that I’d not have enough to say to fill up a decent one. Is there a recommended length, or limit on length a person should target?

  168. March 24th, 2009 at 9:27 pm
    Delaney said

    Hi all.

  169. March 24th, 2009 at 9:27 pm
    Lori-ann said

    Hehe…ya…lurking here :)

  170. March 24th, 2009 at 9:28 pm
    Rick Mahn said

    @Liz
    Of course!

    It’s the worry of being uncomfortable, or silly or anything.

    Guess it’s just a learning curve to grow through. At least for me.

  171. March 24th, 2009 at 9:28 pm
    Delaney said

    I love this quote: If there’s a book you really want to read but it hasn’t been written yet,then you must write it. Toni Morrison

  172. March 24th, 2009 at 9:29 pm
    Rick Mahn said

    #166
    I’ll second that – you won’t find a nice group anywhere.

  173. March 24th, 2009 at 9:29 pm
    Rick Mahn said

    err… make that a “nicer” group :D

  174. March 24th, 2009 at 9:30 pm
    Lori-ann said

    Oh Delaney…that’s perfect! Thanks for sharing.

  175. March 24th, 2009 at 9:31 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Rick,
    If you look they’re as short as 16 pages, but a page is about what you think of as a half of a page — once the type is large enough and readable.

    Use a readable font.

    Get a real designer.

    Proofread and have someone else proofread it too.

  176. March 24th, 2009 at 9:31 pm
    Lori-ann said

    Well…I like to think i hang out with the nicer people…

  177. March 24th, 2009 at 9:32 pm
    Timothy Johnson said

    Hi Delaney!

  178. March 24th, 2009 at 9:33 pm
    Lori-ann said

    Proof reading is essential…nothing bugs me more than when I read something that someone has put together and there are easy grammatical errors…then and than used incorrectly…there and their…those kinds of things.

  179. March 24th, 2009 at 9:34 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Delaney!
    Love that quote!

    Hey Tim!
    Saw you earlier, missed saying “hi!”

  180. March 24th, 2009 at 9:34 pm
    Rick Mahn said

    #176
    I try too as well… when I’m not fat-fingering my posts. ;) That might get me disowned with the writing talent in this conversation.

  181. March 24th, 2009 at 9:35 pm
    Lori-ann said

    Those types of errors really speak to your credibility.

  182. March 24th, 2009 at 9:35 pm
    Rick Mahn said

    Well grammar is my weak point… luckily I married “up” in that area.

  183. March 24th, 2009 at 9:36 pm
    Delaney said

    Hi Liz. Hi Tim.

  184. March 24th, 2009 at 9:37 pm
    Lori-ann said

    Hehe…good for you, Rick…good for you!

  185. March 24th, 2009 at 9:37 pm
    Joe Hauckes said

    An e-book can be such a delight
    Sometimes it can lead you to light

    There is always somthing new to learn
    From words well written we do discern

    The wisdom of others is ours from their words
    Not taken from others but given without curves

    This new way of sharing our spirit with others
    Is something that we can give to all without bother

    Here tonight I found that I just may
    Have what it takes to share what I learned today

    Burma Shave

    Nite Liz
    Nite All

  186. March 24th, 2009 at 9:37 pm
    Delaney said

    Lori-Ann @178 I’m with you. I hate trying to read sloppy writing. After several typos or spelling errors, the person has lost credibility with me.

  187. March 24th, 2009 at 9:38 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Lori-ann,
    We all need an editor. Me more than most. :)

  188. March 24th, 2009 at 9:38 pm
    Timothy Johnson said

    Hey Delaney… are you going to be up for a while? I have something “education-oriented” I need to talk through with you.

  189. March 24th, 2009 at 9:38 pm
    Rick Mahn said

    I’ve seen a number of ebooks that seem short to me (10-20 pages), however, the layout, type and design reflected well on the overall documents.

    So hitting the important points of your message, with clarity, is more important than lots of detail? It makes sense, and mirrors some of the works I’ve read.

  190. March 24th, 2009 at 9:39 pm
    Rick Mahn said

    #185
    Thanks Joe! Love that!

  191. March 24th, 2009 at 9:40 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    I’d like to point that Lori-ann is a great proofreader with a quick return time!

  192. March 24th, 2009 at 9:41 pm
    Delaney said

    Here’s an interesting article about getting good at something (writing ebooks?) and marketing these.
    http://tinyurl.com/djtmmt

  193. March 24th, 2009 at 9:42 pm
    Delaney said

    Yep, Tim. Give me a call.

  194. March 24th, 2009 at 9:44 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Rick,
    The best advice I give is:

    Write the book you want to read.

    Use exactly as many words as it takes to do it right and not a single word more.

    Remember that you’ll be know as the quy who wrote about …

  195. March 24th, 2009 at 9:44 pm
    Becky McCray said

    A late howdy to you all! Rick just reminded me to drop in. Excited to go back and review some of the insights y’all have shared!

  196. March 24th, 2009 at 9:45 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Heya, Becky!
    Been talking about big things today. heh heh

  197. March 24th, 2009 at 9:45 pm
    Rick Mahn said

    @Liz
    Well, that’s darn good straight-talking advice.

  198. March 24th, 2009 at 9:46 pm
    Rick Mahn said

    Hey there Becky! It’s been too long. ;)

  199. March 24th, 2009 at 9:46 pm
    Becky McCray said

    Liz, you are usually talking about big things, and then going out and doing them.

  200. March 24th, 2009 at 9:47 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Also …

    type better than I do. :)

  201. March 24th, 2009 at 9:53 pm
    Becky McCray said

    I’ve set a goal this year of releasing more of the ebooks that I have drafted. There are a bunch of post series compilations, ideas drawn from discussions, etc., that make sense to release as a report or ebook or other longer-than-a-post form. Now to actually get that done…

  202. March 24th, 2009 at 9:55 pm
    Becky McCray said

    So thanks for bringing up this topic so I can glean ideas from all y’all smart folks!

  203. March 24th, 2009 at 9:56 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    This past year has taught me that people give time to what they care about. :)

  204. March 24th, 2009 at 9:58 pm
    Rick Mahn said

    @Becky
    There is a bit of good tips here. I always learn something new from Liz & Crew when I visit.

  205. March 24th, 2009 at 9:59 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    I’m laying aside a few minutes each morning to a special project. :)

  206. March 24th, 2009 at 10:06 pm
    Lori-ann said

    re: #191 Thanks Glenda, you know where to reach me:)

  207. March 24th, 2009 at 10:08 pm
    Rick Mahn said

    @Liz
    Special project… can’t wait to hear about it.

    That’s something I’ve been trying to do without success. I just can’t seem to give myself enough time before heading to work to do much more.

  208. March 24th, 2009 at 10:19 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Ah Rick,
    Argue for your limits and they are yours. :)

  209. March 24th, 2009 at 10:21 pm
    Rick Mahn said

    Well, I keep working at it. I’m at least eating breakfast, where a year ago it was grabbing coffee and a granola bar on the way out. :)

  210. March 24th, 2009 at 10:22 pm
    Tim Bursch said

    Wish I could have been here earlier. Lots of great ideas. Encouraging to just go for it and put some effort into an idea.

  211. March 24th, 2009 at 10:28 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Tim!
    Glad to see you here at all!
    Welcome!

  212. March 24th, 2009 at 10:29 pm
    Rick Mahn said

    I’m afraid I need to say good night. I’ve got some work left to do tonight before turning in.

    G’night folks, and thanks for hosting us tonight Liz!

    Rick

  213. March 24th, 2009 at 10:32 pm
    Tim Bursch said

    I just reviewed and friends 2nd ebook and it was actually really good stuff on Twitter. Makes me think if I really care about something, why not share it?
    The hard part is I’ve mostly read Changethis.com ebooks and other pros.

  214. March 24th, 2009 at 10:37 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Good night, Rick.
    Thanks for being here. :)

  215. March 24th, 2009 at 10:37 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Tim,
    I’m with you. Sharing ideas is a good thing. Ideas are the easy part. It’s the doing that’s hard. :)

  216. March 24th, 2009 at 10:44 pm
    Lori-ann said

    Well, time to head my wee boy down the hall. Good night everyone! Glad I dropped in:)

  217. March 24th, 2009 at 10:45 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Thanks Lori-ann!
    I’m glad you dropped in too.

    You’re not a stranger anymore. :)

  218. March 24th, 2009 at 10:46 pm
    Tim Bursch said

    I liked what I heard about 16 pages and not all full of words either. That seems way less daunting. I heard people saying they carved out time and just wrote. I’m trying Google docs to get more organized with work, blog post, etc. Any other helpful tips?

  219. March 24th, 2009 at 10:54 pm
    Tim Bursch said

    Gotta run. Thanks for hosting Liz. I will not be a stranger. Take care.

  220. March 25th, 2009 at 6:39 am
    Jeff - InfoProduct Marketing said

    Liz is really on to something here – I have 12 ebooks currently selling, have coached more than 50 clients to get their ebook to market.

    There are some gotcha’s, but the reward of selling 5-10 copies each day can be realized.

    Challenge is to match an interest/passion with proven demand and position your information uniquely.

    Also – it’s so important to test before you put weeks or months of work into your project – let your visitors TELL you what they want, then give it to them.

    The number of varied topics where people are selling dozens and dozens of ebooks each week is rather astounding – so lots of opportunity out there.

    Jeff

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