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Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Should you self-publish?

You don’t have to be the smartest person in the world, or know more than everybody else does, to give advice and get paid for it.

You can make a pretty good living if you know more than 90%, 80% or even 20% of the people in the world — if you can reach them.

Independent self-publishing makes it much easier.

I sincerely believe that every human being is born with a unique set of talents, and it is our obligation to identify our talents and find a market for them. This applies whether we are trying to be admitted to a college, get hired for a job, win an election, start a revolution, or write a book.

Independent self-publishing makes it much easier.

Communication is one of the most fundamental human urges. Until recently, there were significant barriers that kept most people from distributing their thoughts to others.

Independent self-publishing makes it much easier.

When I was in my early 20s, I discussed a business idea with my father. I asked him if he thought I should try it. He said he didn’t know if I’d succeed, but he did know that if I didn’t try it, for the rest of my life I’d wonder what would have happened if I did try it.

If you wonder what will happen, try it.

Monday, March 30, 2009

Prices, discounts, markups

Every book, like every other item that is sold, needs a price.

Unlike clothing and cars however, the price a book is sold for -- like the price of other artistic expressions like paintings and neckties -- does not have to be related to its cost of production.

When I was in high school I had a part-time job in a men’s clothing store. Periodically, we’d receive a shipment of ties from a manufacturer in India. The wholesale cost to the store was $36 per dozen, $3 per tie.

At that time the normal markup (gross profit) in menswear and in much of retailing was 40%, meaning that 40% of the retail price was markup. If something cost the store $6, it was sold for $10. The $4 markup paid for the costs of operating the business, and taxes. Hopefully there would be something left over to be kept as “net profit” for the owners of the business.

Theoretically the retail price for those ties that cost us $3 would be $5 each. But that’s not the way it worked.

The menswear buyer — sometimes with assistance from his boss, the merchandise manager — would spread out the shipment on a counter. Typically 12 dozen ties came in at one time. He’d then sort them into stacks to be sold for $5 each, $10 each, $15 each and various prices up to $30 or even beyond, solely on the basis of perceived beauty. Some of the “uglies” were ticketed at $2.99 or even 99 cents to get rid of them quickly.

There was absolutely no difference in the value of the raw material or the labor of the silk worms or the tie-makers that resulted in a 99-cent tie or a $35 tie. The only difference was perceived value. Ties that looked nicer could be sold for a higher price. One of the requirements of a menswear buyer was the ability to pick the right products and — in cases of non-branded “blind items” like ties — to judge how much to charge for them.

Sometimes a buyer could earn a bonus based on his department’s profitability. Sometimes a buyer would get fired if he made too many mistakes, buying products that had to be marked down rather than be sold at full price.

Traditional publishing has a traditional formula for calculating the retail list price, the price printed on the book. That list price is typically about eight times the cost of manufacturing. In clothing retail terms, that translates into a markup of about 88% between publisher and reader.

There are several reasons for the big percentage. Not only does the actual bookseller require a markup, but there can be one or two “middlemen” between the publisher and the bookstore: a wholesaler and perhaps a distributor who must each get a piece of the action. And of course the publisher wants to make a profit and can't sell merely for the cost of manufacturing.

In the book business, the "trade discount" is the percentage off the retail price that a bookseller, wholesaler or distributor pays for a book. Because the bookseller's retail markup is a part of the trade discount percentage, the trade discount has to be more than the retail markup. A wholesaler will probably want about 55% to cover its cost and profit, and still give the bookseller the profit margin it needs or wants.

Some booksellers, such as Barnes & Noble, are also the publishers of some books they sell. Amazon.com has subsidiaries that publish books for authors, so there is no intermediary involved when Amazon sells the books.

The entire bookselling sales channel is complex and costly and filled with waste. Publishers -- and therefore writers and readers -- must somehow pay for the cost of warehousing, handling, transporting books through the pipeline, and even sending them back if they are unsold.

With Print On Demand, in contrast, the sales channel is much simpler. In many cases a book is sent right from the POD printer to the reader. Amazon may get a piece of the action but it only has to cover administrative expenses, taxes and profit, not warehousing, order-picking or returns. There are no middlemen to keep their pieces of the selling price.

The obvious conclusion is that an independent self-publisher can work on a smaller markup and/or price a book lower than a big traditional publisher.

Obvious is not necessarily accurate.

One big difference between POD publishing and offset printing is cost. A 300-page book sold by a mainstream publisher may cost $2 to print, so it can support a $15.95 list price. The same size book produced with POD could cost $4 to print. Using the “8X” formula, it would be priced at $31.95 — and might be so expensive that no one would buy it.

But there’s another way to market books.

If you choose to ignore the physical bookstores (except for special orders) you can be much more flexible in your pricing.

Amazon.com will work on a trade discount of as little as 20% (or even less when they sell below list price). The book that costs $4 to print, can have a $19.95 list price, and be sold to Amazon for about $16, and the self-publishing author gets to keep the difference between $4 and $16 — a juicy markup of 75%.

But here’s where you have to work like the menswear buyer.

You have to figure out the perceived value of your book. If most of the competitive titles are selling for $12.95-$14.95, you better be very sure you can justify a $19.95 price and that potential shoppers will understand the difference and can afford the extra dollars. If not, keep your price in line, or even go low if you are trying to establish your “brand” and think you can attract buyers with a low price.

On the other hand, some books can demand higher markup.

If your book is vitally necessary for business, and doesn’t just provide entertainment or casual reading, a book that costs $4 to print could bring $29.95 or even $75. If businesspeople can be convinced that your reference work or new theory will save them or make them many times the investment, there is really no limit to the price it will bring.

Just keep in mind that at a certain price point, the book has to look better physically, and probably should be hardcover not a paperback, and have multiple strong endorsements (”blurbs”) from experts in the field.

With e-books, there is no printing cost, so price should reflect value and competition,

Friday, March 27, 2009

Check, please

No matter how many times you read and re- read, you're bound to find mistakes in anything you've written. It's best to find them before the book is printed.

A while ago, just minutes before I had planned to send a book to the printer, I decided to check my table of contents.

I had a feeling that as I changed the length of some chapters, a page number might have changed.

I actually found three wrong pages, and two chapters were missing from the table.

Don't let it happen to you.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Find and Replace warning

I recently decided to change a real name to a fake name in a book I was writing, to avoid embarrassing someone who might not want to be written about.

I used Microsoft Word's Find and Replace feature, which quickly made about a dozen substitutions in a chapter.

But when I read through the chapter I was surprised to find a few instances of the old name, which had escaped the Find function.

It's important to do a manual verification, because Word might not notice hyphenated words, or words with apostrophes or in their plural form, as targets for replacement.

Don't risk a lawsuit by leaving in a wrong name or word.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

A rule I sometimes need to break

Books on bookmaking will tell you to avoid underlining words.

In his excellent Book Design and Production, Pete Masterson says: "The typewriter had no way to emphasize type except to underline it. Properly typeset work uses bold and italic for emphasis. Underlines are avoided as they will strike through the descenders of the lower case letters g, j, p, q, and y, making an ugly display."

I use underlines in my books in two cases:

(1) When I want to call particular attention to the actual ("physical") word above the line, not just a meaning or a concept.

In an essay I wrote, "In You’re So Vain, Carly Simon wrote and sang: “You had me several years ago when I was still quite naïve.” I wanted to emphasize the word "had" and its implication of possession of a woman by a man, which was an important part of the essay.

(2) When I want to print a URL (Uniform Resource Locator, more commonly known as a web address).

I also switch from the normal serifed body text to a sans-serif font, and put the URL in boldface.

As Pete points out, when an underline intersects with a descender, the result can be ugly. Sometimes you can avoid the problem by choosing another word that has no descenders (not often an option, especially with a URL). Sometimes I've only underlined part of a word. It doesn't work with ugly but it's OK with beauty and even better with Jeep. The effect can be dramatic or confusing and it works better with some fonts than others. Use this technique sparingly.

With some software it's possible to insert a horizontal rule below the word without crashing into the descenders, but this may create extra spacing between lines.

If you are publishing your own book, you can ignore the rules you don't like, but be careful. Just because you have the right to publish an ugly book, it doesn't mean you should.

A self-publisher has an extra burden to produce a quality product, because a bad self-pubbed book reflects badly on other self-publishers. Ironically, the ugliest and worst-written book I've ever seen was self-published, and gives advice to other self-publishers.

The limitations of PCs and the Internet create the need for typographic compromises. Web pages show lots of underlines smashing through descenders and as people get used to the typographic abomination online, it may become more acceptable in print. HOWEVER, just because you can get away with it, it doesn't mean you should.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Why do books fail?

What is failure, anyway? And what is success? The definitions depend on your goals. Are you looking to enhance your image, spread a message, change the world, make some money, or all of the above?

Here are some causes of failure:

(1) Your book stinks.

(2) You have too many competitors and probably should not have published the book.

(3) Your market is too narrow -- not enough people care about the subject.

(4) You didn't work hard enough at promoting it. Not enough potential purchasers know it exists.

(5) Your book is hard to find. It’s not available where people expect to buy it.

(6) You're not an independent self-publisher, but used a publishing services company and they made the money that you should have.

(7) Your price is wrong. If it’s too low, there's not enough money left for you and the low price hurts your book's credibility. If it's too high, you may scare off readers or lose sales to competitors

Friday, March 20, 2009

Don't trust your eyes, or your monitor

While fixing up a scan of an old photograph for use in a book, I used a graphics program to simply paint some black over various white spots and streaks in the otherwise solid black background.

Later on, I printed a couple of pages on a color laser printer simply to compare a few different type sizes and fonts.

I was horrified to see that the photo that had looked perfect on my LCD monitor, had dark black blotches against a grayer backround.

It was a scary and valuable lesson, and I'm glad I learned it before the book went to press. Apparently most LCD monitors just don't have the ability to display the full range of colors that can be printed -- or even the colors that can be displayed by a clunky old CRT monitor.

I re-did my retouching.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

More B. S. from Brent Sampson

Brent Sampson is the founder and boss of the pay-to-publish company Outskirts Press. His official bio says, "As an award-winning author, poet, speaker, and artist, Brent Sampson understands the mania of the muse and how to infuse success into every creative endeavor. Brent’s proficiencies with selling, marketing, publishing, and coaching inspired him to to launch Outskirts Press in 2002, one of the fastest growing on-demand publishing companies in America."

In the past I've poked fun at some of the stupid mistakes in his books and on his company's website.

Brent has recently issued the second edition of Self-Publishing Simplified. He apparently realized that I was right and he was wrong about "offset" vs. "off-set" printing. He even followed my advice and changed his foreword into an introduction. In the introduction, he fixed one really stupid error that I pointed out, where he had the wrong name for the author of Roget's Thesaurus.

However, he did not fix the BS about the "headaches" from getting an ISBN and bar code, and "paying thousands of dollars to print thousands of books."

In 2007 Brent distributed a list of "Top 5 Shenanigans of 5 Print-on-Demand Publishers" to point out the failings of his competitors. He mentions such things as phony offers to publish for free, and loss of author's rights. Since Brent does not list his own company's BS-ing, I'm glad to do it for him.

Perhaps his most outrageous fiction is this statement: "The majority of independently self-published authors find it nearly impossible to secure distribution through book wholesalers like Ingram and Baker & Taylor."

First of all, unless Brent is capable of large-scale mind-reading, he has no way of knowing the experiences of the majority of any kind of people.

Second -- and more important -- it just isn't true.

If a self-publishing author has books printed on demand by Lightning Source (the leading POD printer for both independents like me and companies like Brent's), there are NO unsold copies for the author to deal with, and it is far from impossible to secure distribution through Ingram and Baker & Taylor.

In fact, it's almost impossible NOT to do it, because it happens automatically. All an author has to do is approve a proof for printing, and the rest just happens.

Below you'll see a long list of some of the booksellers offering one of my independently self-pubbed books, I Only Flunk My Brightest Students: stories from school and real life.

I was amazed at the number of sellers. It was, of course, important and nice to be offered by Amazon and B&N. I didn't even know that Target sold books but they're trying to sell three of mine now. Target will even accept book returns, but I never have to issue a refund.

I never heard of some of the booksellers.

Some of them -- like FarsiDictionary.com -- seem ridiculous.

My book cover proclaims "Dirty Parts Easy To Find," but it has been offered on a children's book website! I was amazed to find three companies that want to RENT my book.

But the most amazing thing is that I did ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to get any of these 30-plus companies to offer my book.

Brent Sampson has the perfect initials.

As the head of a publishing company, and someone who brags about his proficiency in publishing, Brent has a lot to learn about the publishing business. Of course, maybe he really does know the truth, but doesn't want others to know it. People who do know the truth, may not want to business with him.

Brent's website warns of the “hassles of independent self-publishing, like guessing print-runs, managing inventory, and the responsibility of order fulfillment.”

Well, I’m an independent self-publisher, and the truth is I never ever think about print runs, inventory or order fulfillment. Actually, the biggest hassles I deal with are typos.

Some companies selling my book -- with no effort by me:

Barnes & Noble
Page 1 Book
Better World
A1Books Marketplace
Books A Million
Discount Book Sale
Amazon Canada
Papa Media
Amazon United Kingdom
Buch.de (Germany)
Alibris (UK)
Abebooks (UK)
Amazon (Germany)
Webster (Italy)
Alpha Music (Germany)
Booklooker (German)
Bol.ch (Switzerland)
Libri.de (Germany)
Amazon (Japan)
Chegg Rentals
Campus Book Rentals

Brent says independent self-publishers "are left with thousands of unsold copies and without an effective way of getting their books into the hands of readers" and "The independently self published authors I know all have boxes of books in their garage and park their cars on the street."

Apparently Brent knows the wrong people. He certainly doesn't know me.

If for some strange reason you actually trust Brent's knowledge and opinions, he'll be glad to give you personal advice on the phone -- for $250 per hour.

He's also available for hire as a public speaker. He lists "Independent self-publishing vs. print-on-demand. What's the difference?" as one of his topics. I'd love to hear him explain that (but I wouldn't pay to hear it).

I'm an independent self-publisher and I use print-on-demand. They're not incompatible or opposites. Brent's topic is not like asking, "what's the difference between a car and a tomato?" It's more like asking, "what's the difference between a car and an engine?" -- a question that does not have to be asked or answered.

And a personal memo to Brent: Not only were you wrong about "off-set" vs. "offset." You're also wrong about "to whit." The correct phrase is "to wit." And in your bio, the final phrase "one of the fastest growing on-demand publishing companies in America" should come after "Outskirts Press," not after "2002." Also, you should kill the commas between "speaker" and "artist" and between "publishing" and "and coaching." Aren't you supposed to be a wrting coach? And while you're at it, fix the misspelled "imporantly" on your website.

Even publishers need editors. If Brent used one of the Outskirts editors, either the editor is unsuited to the job, or is afraid to correct the boss. Maybe both.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

What the heck should we call self-publishing?

I began my professional writing career with a job on a magazine in 1970. In 1976, when Doubleday published my first book, I made the transition from "writer" to "author."

Last fall, seeking more control, more speed and more money than traditional publishers provide, I formed my own publishing company, Silver Sands Books, and then started considering myself a "self-publisher."

I think the term is just fine.

HOWEVER, others who do the same thing, or sort-of the same thing, prefer "Indie publishing," "DIY publishing," "POD publishing," "Micro publishing," "Supported self-publishing" or "Alternative publishing." Those who disapprove of the concept label all of the varieties, "vanity publishing."

Some companies that I consider "author services companies," can't decide what to call themselves.

Some years ago, 1st Books president Robert McCormack said that “Alternative publishing levels the playing field and democratizes the publishing process." In the spring of 2004, 1st Books became AuthorHouse. In the fall of that year, McCormack was replaced by a new CEO, Bryan Smith. In 2007, Smith was replaced by Kevin Weiss. AuthorHouse is now part of Author Solutions, along with iUniverse, Xlibris and other former competitors.

Instead of an "alternative publishing company," AuthorHouse now calls itself a “self publishing company” on its website, but today its parent company Author Solutions issued a press release claiming to be “the world leader in indie book publishing -- the fastest-growing segment of book publishing,”

Author Solutions has issued a powerful promotional piece titled, “The Next Indie Revolution.” They try to portray indie book publishing as the artistic heir to indie movies like Easy Rider and indie music makers like REM.

Actually, indie publishing existed before movies or compact discs existed. It just wasn’t called indie publishing.

In the four-page brochure, Author Solutions introduces YET ANOTHER NAME for what it is doing, “supported self publishing,” and tries to distinguish itself from vanity publishing.

They say, “authors have two options when choosing indie book publishing,” vanity publishing and supported self-publishing.

The paper makes some not-quite-accurate criticism about vanity press, and of course extols the virtues of its own processes.

HOWEVER, it conveniently ignores a third option for self-publishers, what I call REAL self-publishing, where the author becomes the publisher.

Author Solutions says, “for many writers, indie book publishing provides significant benefits.” While that’s certainly true, you probably won’t get those benefits if you deal with Author Solutions.

They tout CONTROL, but if you use them to prepare your books you won’t have free choice of your collaborators in design, editing and printing.

They say they have an advantage in SPEED TO MARKET. But they only compare their system to the years it may take with a traditional publisher. They can get a book out in several months, or 30 days for an extra $500. A REAL self-publisher can go from manuscript submission to book selling in a week. I’ve done it. And I didn’t pay $500 extra.

Author Solutions wants you to know that indie publishing can provide INCREASED REVENUE for the author. While this is true, they compare themselves to traditional publishers, not REAL self-publishing. The company says it pays “from 5 to 20 percent on retail sales.” A REAL self publisher can retain 50% or more of the cover price of each book sold, and can buy books for less than Author Solutions charges..

Interestingly, both the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal called Author House a “self publisher.” But Publishers Weekly, which probably knows more about the publishing business than the Times or the Journal, called Author House a “print-on-demand subsidy publisher.”

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Vanity and vanity publishing

There’s a lot of confusion between self-publishing and “vanity” publishing.

For many years, there have been ads in magazines aimed at writers, with headlines like, “For the writer in search of a publisher," “We want to read your book,” “Manuscripts wanted” and “Authors wanted.” The ads and affiliated websites promise to enable you to become a “published author.”

The ads are not from traditional publishers or from literary agents, but from “vanity” publishers — companies that use the author’s money to produce, promote and distribute the books.

There is only one customer a vanity publisher is interested in selling to — the author/customer. A non-vanity publisher, whether a one-person self-publisher or a giant like Random House, hopes to sell books to thousands or millions of readers. Companies like Random House don’t have to advertise to attract writers and receive manuscripts.

The word “vanity” implies excessive pride in one’s appearance, qualities, abilities, achievements and appeal.

Vanity has been considered a sin. It can lead to wasted resources and wasted lives. It can also lead to useful activities and important accomplishments.

Most or all artistic people have some degree of vanity, or they would not produce or perform.

Most people seem to like themselves. There are gradations in vanity, ranging from justified confidence to outrageous, obnoxious egomania.

In You’re So Vain, Carly Simon wrote and sang (possibly about Warren Beatty, Mick Jagger or both of them): “You walked into the party… You had one eye on the mirror… And all the girls dreamed that they'd be your partner… You're so vain you probably think this song is about you.”

Vanity publishers stay in business because vain people are willing to spend money to flatter themselves. A vanity publisher depends on the vanity of writers who strive to become “published authors.” They make most of their money from writers, not readers. If you work with a vanity publisher, you pay all of the expenses of publishing, and have all of the risks and all of the loss.

Although not always true, a book published by a vanity press is often assumed to have been rejected as unworthy of publication by traditional publishers.

Here’s another way of looking at vanity and publishing: Maybe the most vain writers are those who will delay publication for years or decades in hope of getting accepted by a traditional publisher instead of quickly self-publishing, reaching the public, and making some money.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Already have a book? Now consider a spin-off.

In February I launched a self-pubbed book called Phone Systems & Phones for Small Business & Home. It's a big book, with tons of information on nearly 400 pages, and a 29.95 price tag.

Amazon and Barnes & Noble discount it to about $27. I think the information in the book is worth a lot, but I recognize that in a recession even $27 is a lot for a book.

A week ago I launched an abridged version called The AbleComm Guide to Phone Systems. (AbleComm is the name of my primary business. It sells phone systems.)

The smaller book has 216 pages and a $19.95 cover price. Basically, it offers about half as much content for two thirds the price of the bigger book. I wanted the numbers to favor the bigger book, but still offer a good book for under twenty bucks.

Am I afraid that the $19.95 book will cannibalize business from the $29.95 book?

No. There is so much more information in the big book that I expect it to appeal to a different audience and probably outsell the little book. I did a major PR campaign for the big book but am not paying to promote the little book. There's even a page in the little book that tells about the additional material in the big book.

My original plan was to produce the little book as a "self-liquidator" promotional device for my phone equipment business. I offer it on my company's websites, and to callers who are interested in a phone system but are not quite ready to buy.

Since it's printed by Lightning Source, it's listed on Amazon, B&N and other bookseller websites. B&N is discounting it to $17.95. Amazon still has it at full price.

I'll sell it for just $10 including shipping. I'm not losing money at half of Amazon's price. I actually make about as much as I'd get as a royalty from a traditional publisher on a $30 book -- and the money comes in immediately.

I also offer a complete refund to anyone who buys a book and then buys a phone system. I'll gladly give away a book that costs me a few bucks to print to someone who'll spend a few thousand. And even after the sale, the book may get passed around as a powerful advertising piece for my company.

I realize that I'm in a somewhat unusual position as both a writer and a business owner who has an additional sales channel for my books.

But even if you don't have a business that can sell and benefit from your books, if you think about it, you'll probably realize that there are several likely businesses that could distribute a different version of a book you've already written.

If you've written about home decor or cosmetics, a private-label customized version of your book might be a good give-away for a furniture store, or maybe it could be sold in beauty salons. Using Print-On-Demand, the risk is small.

Invest some brain time.

Friday, March 13, 2009

What should a self-publisher publish?

Obviously, if you are the publisher and the writer, you can publish anything you want to.

HOWEVER, if you want to make money rather than just fulfill a dream or impress your parents or children or inflate your ego, it’s better to think carefully about what you decide to publish.

It’s very difficult to sell lots of copies of a self-published novel or poetry book.

These books depend on push marketing — you have to “push” your books on the public that has no real need for what’s between the covers of your work.

In order to sell thousands of copies of a fiction or poetry book, you will have to be either extremely lucky (not likely) or generate a huge amount of “buzz” through viral marketing and public relations (time-consuming and often expensive) or impress one or more reviewers enough to praise you in the media (not likely).

On the other hand, if you write nonfiction about an interesting and important subject — or even better — a how-to book, you can use much simpler pull marketing and have a much greater chance of success.

With pull marketing, you take advantage of an existing desire by the public to know more about a subject. Readers will "pull" the books from you.

People who want to know more about growing strawberries, raising an autistic child, getting a college scholarship, building a log cabin or traveling with a dog, will search for that information on Google, Amazon.com or elsewhere and hopefully will find your book.

Pick something you know about, that you can contribute something new about, that lots of people care about, and that lots of people have not already written about.

You don’t have to be the smartest person in the world, or know more than everybody else does, to give advice and get paid for it.

You can make a pretty good living if you know more than 90%, 80% or even 20% of the people in the world — if they can find you.

Quality is vital, but not enough. Even timing is important. The world’s best book about Sarah Palin will probably sell a lot worse in 2009 or 2010, than before she lost the election in 2008.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Know when to stop writing

When I was a writer on my college newspaper, I became the copy editor and got a job as a proofreader at the printer, so I could have complete control of my words, and no one else could mess them up. This also meant that no one else could correct the mistakes I missed -- not a good way to work.

When I was freelancing for Rolling Stone, I was always re-writing until the last possible minute. This was in the pre-fax, pre-email era, and I'd drive to the airport and pay to have my column air-freighted from NY to CA. There wasn't much profit left.

Words are almost toys for me, like a child's building blocks, Lincoln Logs, Lego or Erector Set.

Rewriting and editing -- especially now with a computer -- is fun. I love to play with words, to rearrange them and try alternatives.

The danger is that a perfectionist never finishes anything.

When I was working as an advertising copywriter, I was notorious for not "releasing" an ad until the last possible moment. Fortunately, someone older and wiser taught me a valuable lesson: sometimes "good enough" really is good enough, and I learned to let go.

Now as a self-pubber who has to be a businessman as well as an artist, I realize that no money will come in if I don't approve a proof and let a book start selling.

However, I never stop editing. I even re-do old blog entries.

With Print-On-Demand I can make improvements to my books whenever I want to. While this means that a person who buys version 2.13 gets a better book than the person who bought 1.28, at least I know that each version was "good enough."

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

It's confusing to be a writer in Canada
(unless you write in French)

The dual influence of British and American spelling on Canadian English can make life difficult for Canadian writers.

Canadians use standard British spelling for certain words (axe, cheque), and use American spelling for others (connection, tire), and will use either version for other words (programme and program, labour and labor, neighbour and neighbor).

It's important to be consistent so you don't look silly and confuse your readers.

Set up your own "style manual" (just a list, really), and stick to it. Don't mix neighbour with labor, for example. Choose one pattern or the other and don't vary.

A Canadian dictionary might help, too (is there such a thing?). Word processor spell-checkers (chequers?) seem to accept both Brit and American versions of words.

(based on info from Dorothy Turner published by the University of Ottawa)

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Not all readers are speed readers

While writing a book, it's nice to get feedback from experts in the field, or even just from friends and relatives.

Sometimes you want them to catch errors, or just to point out things that didn't make sense, or to make some constructive criticism. Perhaps you hope they'll say some nice words that can be used as a promotional blurb on or in the book.

After publication, it's good to distribute freebies to generate word-of-mouth buzz and get some reviews on Amazon.

But even though you are giving people free books and the opportunity to achieve immortality on your book cover, you are still asking for a favor. You want people to invest maybe five hours of their precious time, when they might prefer to be doing something else.

Nagging probably won't help and you can't set a deadline for receiving a favor. People have different priorities and read at various speeds, but I think you're pretty safe asking after three weeks.

You might think writing a really good book will help you to get results sooner, but a good book can backfire.

I've been waiting about a month for a friend to post a review on Amazon. She's told me she loves the book. I'm sure she'll write a good review and write it well. She's retired and has plenty of time.

However, she says she likes the book so much that she's stretching out the reading process, only reading a few pages each night to prolong the pleasure.

Monday, March 9, 2009

Is this something to brag about?

Infinity Publishing provides services to authors who can't or don't want to use traditional publishers.

The company brags about its innovation and technology. They distribute a useful promotional and instructional book aimed at prospective customers.

It includes this pathetic picture. The caption says "Michelle Shane, sales administrator, is seen here receiving an order for a book. She will then oversee the invoicing and sale of the book as it makes its way through our system. It will be shipped in less than 48 hours!"

The ancient CRT monitor on the desk is not the worst lapse of technology.

Poor Michelle's left arm is twisted like a pretzel to hold her telephone handset against her right ear to free her right hand for writing.

She's not even taking advantage of the high-tech shoulder rest that someone stuck onto the handset.

Michelle should be using a HEADSET, not a handset, so both of her hands will be free to conduct business.

And why is she writing on a piece of paper instead of typing on a keyboard?

I suppose her method is better than using a quill on a sheet of parchment -- but just barely. I wonder if Infinity's books are printed on demand, as scrolls, by monks working by candlelight.

Also, the company can't accept uploaded manuscripts, but they will let authors send in a stack of floppy disks. Some computer users have never used a floppy disk, and floppy drives are seldom installed in modern PCs.

It's certainly possible that Infinity produces excellent products at a fair price, but the primitive photo is a poor choice to show off in the 21st century. Examine your own promotional photos carefully.

Friday, March 6, 2009

Cleanse your copy with Notepad

One of the simplest word processors can be one of the most useful.

Notepad, which has been part of Windows for many years, is so bereft of features that people often ignore it. They use the more sophisticated -- but still free -- Wordpad or a full-featured and more expensive word processor, especially MS Word.

Notepad's dumbness, however, can be an asset.

Notepad ignores formatting.

There's a problem when you need to copy and paste from one document into another, particularly from the Web into Word or a website program. If you do a direct paste, your new document will likely be filled with extraneous links, tables, fonts, pictures and colors that you don't want and will have to eliminate one at a time.

If, however, you first paste into Notepad, and then copy from Notepad into your ultimate destination, the document will be pure, and you'll save lots of time and aggravation.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Write books, not just words

For much of the 20th Century, writers composed their masterpieces on 8.5 x 11 inch sheets of paper. Later they used word processing software that emulated the same size and shape.

Also traditionally, most authors have a specific word-count in mind, such as 70,000 words, as they write their books.

But when I'm working on a book, I usually have a specific page-count and price in mind, such as 300 pages/$19.95 or 400 pages/$29.95.

And rather than just spray words onto my monitor, I set up MS Word for the actual page size of my book (usually 6 x 9 inches) and correct margins, and start writing a book.

By viewing actual pages, it's much easier to judge my progress, and to know if chapters should be chopped or stretched or shifted, and when illustrations should be enlarged, reduced or moved around.

And I alway insert a temporary left-hand "page zero" ahead of the real right-hand "page one" so I can view pages as realistic two-page spreads, instead of onesies, or with left-right-reversals.

This is not very important if a book is all-text, but if you have photos or illustrations or tables, it's important to view the spreads as your readers will see them, to avoid graphic disasters.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Robot reporters may put your news
in strange places

In the past few weeks I sent out news releases on two of my books. I periodically do Google searches for unique phrases in my releases to see how the news is circulating. I don't merely search for the book titles because I don't want to see links from booksellers or my own sites.

I was greatly surprised to see some of the sites that are giving me free publicity. I don't know if this exposure will bring sales, but it's funny and free.

The release on I Only Flunk My Brightest Students: stories from school and real life was published on a website dealing with "Japan diaper news." I had no idea that there was a media specialty called Japan diaper news, and was mystified about my connection.

I studied my release and found the answer. I had quoted a reader who said that my book is so funny that readers should wear diapers and rubber pants because they'll pee in their pants.

Apparently the robot reporter employed by the Japanese diaper fanatics does a search to harvest every online reference to diapers, even if the overall news item is absolutely irrelevant.

News about my book Phone Systems & Phones for Small Business & Home was published on the USA Today website. But it was classified as "news from Cuba." Another website put it in "Cuban military news."

I've never met Fidel or Raoul, but the news release mentioned technology that was used by the US Navy during the blockade of Cuba during the 1960s. That was sufficient reason for the robots to report the news.

Is any of this useful for book marketing?

You can construct a news release with lots of well chosen "key words" just as you would "optimize" a website to get noticed by the search engines.

If you implant the word "sex" 40 or 50 times into your book about aspirin alternatives, the Staten Island independence movement or Millard Filmore's mother, your news is sure to get noticed.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Just what is self-publishing?

I've been getting really pissed-off lately.

I can't stand when I read that companies like Lulu and iUniverse and Outskirts Press are "self-publishing companies," or that writers who use them are "self-publishers."

Those companies may be publishing services companies, or author services companies, or even publishers. They are NOT self-publishing companies or self-publishers, and their customers are NOT self-publishers.

A REAL self-publisher is a writer who either does all of the work needed to publish a book, or hires others (such as designers, illustrators and editors) as needed.

A REAL self-publisher makes all of the important decisions.

A REAL self-publisher can get a book to market faster, and probably get a better book, pay less and make more money faster than a writer who uses one of those other companies.

A REAL self-publisher will do more work than a writer who uses one of those other companies, but probably will have more fun and more pride in the finished product.

Those companies provide legitimate services for those who need them, but it's not difficult to become a REAL self-publisher, and the potential rewards are enormous.

I'm now a REAL self-publisher. It's a reaction to my experience with three "traditional" book publishers in the past.

♦ One cheated me.

♦ One tried to cheat me.

♦ One didn't cheat me, but the book that finally came out was so unlike what I had expected it to be, that I was sorry I got involved. I also didn't make much money, and had to wait a long time for the little money that I did get.

♦ The one that did cheat me did such a bad job on the book that I refused to let him put my name on it.

Last fall I established my own publishing company, Silver Sands Books. Three books are selling already.

I'm now working on book #4 and book #5.

Book #4 is about REAL self-publishing

It should be out this Spring.

Monday, March 2, 2009

Finding a freelance editor

While writers' magazines and directories have lists and ads for professional editors, there is another potential source of high-quality editing that may be available for less money, and the editors may be available to do your work much sooner.

Check with some journalism departments and college newspapers -- perhaps where you went to school -- and chances are you'll be able to find several bright and eager candidates. Read some samples of their work. Maybe submit a sample chapter for editing. Ask a faculty member for opinions. Then make the deal.

Skill levels will vary, of course, and so will needs and costs. You can pay per hour or per project. Expect to pay more if you need major rewriting than just copy editing. A student who has a part-time job making minimum wage flipping burgers will probably be thrilled to earn $20 per hour, or $300 - $500 for a project. As a comparison, one publishing company that caters to self-publishing authors recently charged $50 per hour or 1.4 cents per word.

If the job goes well, be sure to put your editor's name in the book, and send a note to his or her faculty advisor.

As long as you're investigating colleges, consider hiring a professor, not just a student. If you're writing in a specialized field, it could be worthwhile to hire a faculty member to check your facts, and pay someone else to polish your prose.


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Painting with Fire by Lissa Kasey

4 stars

This was a most interesting book. I haven’t read anything by Lissa Kasey before but I was very impressed and will certainly be reading any more books in this series. It was both heart wrenching and heart warming.

Painting with Fire is a very slow burn love story – nothing remarkable about this tried and tested formula, however, what sets this story apart is the characters and their professions. Lissa has created original and curious characters and the stories surrounding them are equally as compelling. In this book Charlie has the loudest voice and we listen to him falling in love with Bastian. The common denominator in their relationship is Charlie’s best friend Jessie who is also Bastian’s aunt. Charlie and Jessie are wildfire fire fighters and Bastian is an artist specialising in unique painted dolls. They are brought together when Jessie and Charlie go and stay with Bastian when his mother, Jessie’s sister passes away. But the backstory involves horrible family neglect and abuse and while Charile falls for Bastian fast and hard, Bastian isn’t even out yet.

The story builds along with the relationship between Charlie and Bastian. It’s precarious at best competing with Bastain’s emotional issues and the fact Charlie disappears to fight fires for months at a time, but events conspire to keep reuniting them and the story develops nicely. It’s not overtly explicit but there are enough sexy moments to satisfy and they contribute to the angst and joy the characters flip-flop between. Jessie’s character is also incredible and adds to my opinion that Lissa Kasey is clearly unafraid to approach subjects that don’t always make for main-stream reading. I loved that about this book – that it combined a wonderful love story with elements that were challenging and for me also educating.

I recommend reading this and I’m already immensely looking forward to the next book in the series.

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Self Preservation by Ethan Day

What do you do when the love of your life rings to say he is getting married?

Davis Andrews had met Jack Monroe in college and instantly they loved each other.

There was no question that this was it for the pair of them, they knew it, Jack's mother knew it and their best friend knew it.

Sometimes though fate has a funny way of throwing things in to the mix that ruin even the best laid plans.

It had been 6 years since they had broken up, they spoke and saw each other every now and again.

Davis always thought they were destined to be together so wasn't too worried until the day that Jack phoned to say he was marrying a man he had met only a few weeks earlier.

Thrown into complete panic mode he enlists the help of his best friend to come with him to the wedding and help him win his man back......

I thought I knew what was going to happen in this book and I knew what I wanted to happen, or I thought I did!!!!!

This is a wonderful story of true love, finding new partners and letting go of the one thing you always thought you would die without.

I want to see more of these two men and was sad when their story ended.

5 out of 5 stars

Sue x


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The Boozie Chiapas Dog Collar

Out of Stock

Boozie is actually the founder’s dog, a 11-year-old Vizsla who follows him on every journey around the world. He is a big fan of the vibrant traditional Mexican Chiapas patterns... so we had to make him his own line of collars.

Colorful Chiapas dog collar

The Chiapas Boozie Collar is a handmade, cloth belt with leather clasps and a dozen bright colors woven into an intricate pattern. The people of Chiapas are known for their handcrafts and textiles and often learn how to sew and embroider before they learn how to speak Spanish. The belts are handmade from women from villages throughout the state of Chiapas in Southern Mexico. We buy the belts directly from them and turn them into dog collars.

It comes in 4 color groups:  SURF (Blues) / HIBISCUS (Pinks) / SUNRISE (Yellows) / WOOD (Browns)

Each collar is handwoven and 100% unique, therefore collars within each color group vary greatly in color and patterns.

It comes in many sizes to fit your pug, Vizsla, or German Shepherd.

Get the full Boozie look with our dog leash.

  • Measurements: Chiapas width: 1'' - 2''
  • Sizes: XS 17.5' S 19’ - M 20.5’ - L 22’ - XL 24’
  • Weight: 2oz

🎨 SWATCH BOOK - Take a look at all our skin options
 👝 Color disclaimer: Each skin is 100% unique so all cowhide and leather bags vary in colors and patterns. However custom bags may be ordered for an additional $20.

All of our products – duffles, totes, purses, backpacks, and accessories – are completely one-of-a-kind, handmade and hand-stitched in Guanajuato Mexico. Their quality is designed to last a lifetime…so much so that we have a lifetime guarantee against any defects in materials and workmanship. You return it and we’ll replace it…it’s that simple. Plus, If you are not completely satisfied after purchase, return your new and unused item within 14 days for a full money-back guarantee.

We know that premium leather and high-quality exotic skins can be expensive. That's why we have payment plans available. Just add to cart, then look for the Partial.ly button underneath checkout in your cart. The plans are super customizable as you can pay weekly, bi-weekly, monthly and more. The fees are 5% + $0.30 per transaction.

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Bracknell Town: Club Profile

We’ve not been spotted together with Bracknell Town since we went down from Vauxhall Opel League Division One in 1988. With three defeats from our four encounters, we don’t need much reminding of The Robins to be fair. As of 2020, the club was a member of the Isthmian League once again; spending much of the 2010s in the Hellenic League.

The Facts

Bracknell Town: Record vs Boro'

* league points only

Bracknell Town: Result-by-Result (Boro' Scoring First)

Saturday 05 March 1988

Saturday 12 December 1987

Saturday 07 March 1987

Saturday 13 December 1986

Players For Us... and Them

Chris AdamsProfile
Bobby HightonProfile
Errol TelemaqueProfile

Bracknell Town Ground Information

Away Fans’ Stand

Ticket Info

Facilities for Disabled Fans

Pre-Match Pints

Bracknell Town Travel Information – Distance: 55 miles

By Road

Once you’ve done the A1(M) and M25 part of the trip, take the M4 west and come off at Junction 6 for the A355. Take the first exit to go south on the A355; then continuing onto the A332. Take the second exit at the next roundabout for the A308 and continue on the A308 until you get to join the A332 Kings Road. At Heatherwood Hospital, take the third exit of the roundabout (A329) and, after 2.6 miles, turn left.

Tools: AA Route Planner | Highways Agency

If the car park at the ground is full, you can see if there is local on-street parking.

By Rail

Services to: VAUXHALL

From the station, head out onto Market Street and somehow get yourself across the large roundabout. You want to get to the other side of Church Road that comes in from the top.

We reckon there should be a way to go under Church Road and onto the housing estate the other side. Once onto Mount Pleasant, go right to the end and turn left.

Tools: National Rail | TfL Journey Planner


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Coronavirus update 13 March 2020

COVID-19 restrictions: what's closed and what's open.

Council’s assessment of the Markham Estate redevelopment has revealed that the Victorian Government is selling land to itself and using the value of the land to inflate the number of private dwellings to be built to pay for the cost of building public housing.

Cr Phillip Healey, Mayor of Boroondara said that the Victorian Government is profiting from the most vulnerable people in our community.

“The land is owned by the Victorian Government. The transfer of ownership of the land from a government department to Places Victoria, a government agency, is an ‘on paper’ transaction that should be excluded from the calculation of the cost of the development,” Cr Healey said.

“By including the value of the land in the cost of the development, the Government led us to believe that more private dwellings and a much larger project are required to recover the cost of the land.

“If the Government was serious about providing housing for the most vulnerable people in our community it would provide more public dwellings, attach no cost to the land it already owns on behalf of all Victorians and reduce the outrageous scale of this project.

“Six and seven storey buildings in an area where existing detached homes are a maximum of two storeys is completely unnecessary and driven by an entirely false construct.

“The proposal is completely deficient and fails to comply with the Minister’s own draft Better Apartments Design Standards and Council’s planning policies.

Markham Estate is a government owned public housing site which has provided accommodation for 56 public houses. The site is to be redeveloped for 62 public houses and 190 private dwellings. The private dwellings are meant to fund the cost of the public dwellings.

Council officers have assessed Places Victoria’s proposal for Markham Estate redevelopment and prepared an extensive report that will be tabled at the Urban Planning Special Committee on Monday, 19 December. Council has invited Places Victoria to attend the meeting.

To view the report, visit

Contact us

For more information email Tricia Tjondropuro, Communications Business Partner.
Phone: 9278 4423


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Purple fountain grass—named for the arcing spikes of purplish flowers that gracefully spray out of its mass of long, slender, burgundy-colored leaves—is not a very cold-hardy plant, but it is well worth growing in the north—even if you can enjoy it for only two seasons out of the year. It is more expensive than other plants grown as annuals but this plant will delight you with a showy, multi-faceted display. A clump-forming ornamental grass variety, it is a tropical plant.as well as a deer-resistant ornamental grass and not an invasive plant.

Purple Fountain Grass

    • Facebook - White Circle


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job search

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Review Timesheet

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Just released: 2018 Salary Guides for Accountancy & Finance Professionals in Not-For-Profit Sectors

Whether you are hiring accountancy professionals, considering your career options or looking for your next interim position, insight into what the market is paying right now is essential knowledge.

Using our 2018 data, backed up with anecdotal evidence from our discussions with customers, we have compiled three salary guides specifically for the Charity/Not-For-Profit, Education and Housing sectors.

Within the guides, you’ll find:

  • Market rates for permanent salaries across a spectrum of organisation sizes within the sector
  • Current day rates for interims and contractors
  • Benefits benchmarked against the commercial sector

With the insight gained from our experience and market knowledge, we can provide deeper analysis and advice around hiring trends on request.

If you want a copy of one of our guides, or want to discuss any of the content in more detail, contact Catherine or give us a call.

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Unlock Your Full Financial Potential.

We have experience in a wide range of industries, including building, construction and associated trades, manufacturing, retail, primary industries, engineering, professional and service sectors.

We are registered tax agents, members of numerous professional bodies and undertake regular professional development to update our skills and knowledge. For many of our clients we are the sounding board for all significant business decisions

Deal directly with the principals

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We support the local community

What We Do

As a small family business, Bowdler Tax understand the challenges that small businesses face and pride themselves in providing services that assist their clients in meeting their financial goals.
Bowdler Tax and Accounting provides accounting, compliance, business management and taxation advice that assists clients to manage and grow their business.

Business & Taxation Advice

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Since our initial contact in 2010, all aspects of the Bowdler Tax & Accounting team have been professional, efficient and informative. We are confident in the team’s experience, up to date knowledge and regular communications keeping us informed of key deadlines and taxation implications relevant to our business and personal situation. We strongly recommend that you establish a working relationship with Mike, Emma and their team for all your accounting and taxation needs.

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I have been a customer with Mike Bowdler since I started my business in 2007. Without Mike’s knowledge and guidance I would not be where I am today.  I recommend Bowdler Tax & Accounting for all your accountancy needs. Mike, Emma and the staff are extremely helpful and supportive no matter what business you are involved in. Thanks!

Vanessa Faulkner

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“We have been conducting SMSF audits for clients of Bowdler Tax & Accounting for almost 5 years now and are happy to do so for many more.  The quality of work we receive from Mike, Emma and the team really makes our job easy.  They always seek our opinion for their clients before any major issues occur and work with us to remedy any breaches for their clients.  If you have a SMSF and are looking for great accountants then we highly recommend Bowdler Tax & Accounting!”

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Tag: micro-optimizations

Lambda-Map Performance in Kotlin

Published: 11/19/2018

Working on an enterprise application written in Kotlin, I’ve recently noticed something that felt “off” to me. Perhaps you’ve seen it, perhaps you’ve written it — maybe even recently! It looks something like this (I call this a Lambda-Map): Sure, this plusOne function isn’t really necessary. We can just inline it in the Lambda, but imagine for just a moment that this function does much, much more than just add one to a number. It then feels just to have that code pulled out into a private…


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Together we will find a cure Donate
Together we will find a cure Donate

Press release

Less than 20% of those diagnosed with a brain tumour survive beyond five years

Couple take on challenge for research in memory of Cat Anderson, the inspiration for Cat in a Hat

Couple take on challenge for research in memory of Cat Anderson, the inspiration for Cat in a Hat

An Uppingham man, whose brother, James Tilford, was Cat Anderson’s partner, has taken on a 100km ultra challenge with his wife to raise funds for research into the disease which took Cat just weeks before her 39th birthday.

Cat, also of Uppingham, who grew up in Corby, was diagnosed with a low-grade brain tumour in August 2014, but, following surgery and a biopsy, her family and friends were devastated to learn that the tumour was in fact cancerous, although slow-growing.

Discovering that brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease, the family decided to set up the group Cat in a Hat to raise funds for Brain Tumour Research.

Tragically, Cat passed away in June this year after the tumour stopped responding to chemotherapy treatment.

James’ brother, Nathan Tilford said: “Christina and I decided we wanted to do something in Cat’s memory and our love of walking led us to take on the South Coast Ultra Challenge.”

Christina explained: “We set off on Saturday morning at around 9.30am along with nearly 2,000 other intrepid walkers.

“The first part of the walk was incredibly hilly following the coastal path, which went along the Seven Sisters and past Beachy Head. After a rest stop at Birling Gap, the path went inland and we were following the Cuckmere River to the midway check point.

“We refuelled on sandwiches, cake and fruit, plus as much water as we could possible carry. The sunny conditions caught us by surprise and took its toll with red necks, burnt legs, arms and shoulders (although bizarrely mainly on the left hand side of the body as we were generally walking west towards Brighton and Hove and the sun was constantly over our left shoulder).

“We continued to walk late into the afternoon, reaching the outskirts of Brighton around 7pm.  It was very odd walking along the promenade in walking gear and carrying walking poles when everyone else was dressed up for a night on the tiles! We finally reached the final checkpoint in Hove at around 9.15pm, 55km into the 100km challenge, having walked for just under 12 hours.

“We took on food and drink at the Hove checkpoint and made our way to the apartment we had booked in Brighton. After just under five hours’ sleep we were up again to be back at Hove for a 5am registration before setting off at 6am with 250 people for the final day of walking.

“Once again the weather was amazing with blue bird skies and for the first few hours it was fantastic, walking along the South Downs Way with no other people except those trying to finish the challenge. The group quickly thinned out as the walking was again tough with a number of steep climbs and descents. One memorable moment was holding a new born piglet (just 12 hours old) when we met a pig farmer whose field was adjacent to the path.

“We reached our final destination in Arundel at around 5.15pm on Sunday afternoon. 100kms completed in 22 hrs 55 mins, with blisters on top of blisters, plenty of sunburn, and a missing toe nail!

“We felt proud and privileged to be walking on behalf of Brain Tumour Research and Cat in a Hat and have so far managed to raise just over £1,600 in online and offline donations. The challenge was reassuringly tough and it felt right that everyone’s kind donation was earned and not just given for something that was easy to do. We also know that the monies will be used in a positive way to bring better outcomes in the future for patients and that gives us immense satisfaction too.”

Cat’s father, Rab Anderson commented: “We as a family would like to thank Nathan and Christina for their monumental effort in walking 100kms in under 24hrs to raise money and awareness for Brain Tumour Research. We are especially touched that they carried Cat’s memory with them on their journey. It was a fantastic achievement and just the type of thing Cat would have loved to take on.

“James and Robert (Cat’s 18-year-old son) are coping really stoically. James is keeping very busy doing a lot of cycling and has also taken up badminton – he doesn’t want to sit at home alone. Robert had been going to take a year out having completed his photography course, but has decided to go back to Leicester College to do Film & Media Studies instead.

“Cat’s death has left a huge hole in the entire family.”

Head of Community Fundraising (South) for Brain Tumour Research, Carol Robertson, said: “We are extremely grateful to Nathan and Christina. Cat was an amazing ambassador for our charity. It’s vital that campaigners like Nathan and Christina help to shine the spotlight on this neglected cancer. We desperately need more awareness and research investment to find more effective treatments and ultimately a cure.”

To sponsor Christina and Nathan and donate to Brain Tumour Research in memory of Cat Anderson please go to

For further information, please contact:
Liz Fussey at Brain Tumour Research on 07811 068357 or

Notes to Editors

Brain Tumour Research is the only national charity in the UK focused on funding sustainable research to find a cure for brain tumours. We are building a game-changing network of world-class Research Centres of Excellence in the UK. Embracing passionate member charities nationwide, £5.5 million was raised towards research and support during 2016.

We are campaigning to see the national spend on research into brain tumours increased to £30 - £35 million a year, in line with breast cancer and leukaemia. The charity is celebrating a year of high-profile campaigning on this issue following the unprecedented success of its petition in 2016. Following that, Brain Tumour Research is now taking a leading role in the Government’s Task and Finish Working Group convened to tackle the historic underfunding for research.

Key statistics on brain tumours:

  • Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer
  • They kill more children than leukaemia
  • They kill more men under 45 than prostate cancer
  • They kill more women under 35 than breast cancer
  • Just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease
  • In the UK 16,000 people each year are diagnosed with a brain tumour
  • Less than 20% of those diagnosed with a brain tumour survive beyond five years compared with an average of 50% across all cancers
  • Brain tumours are indiscriminate; they can affect anyone, at any age, at any time
  • Incidences of, and deaths from, brain tumours are increasing.

Please quote Brain Tumour Research as the source when using this information. Additional facts and statistics are available from our website including our latest Report on National Research Funding. We can also provide case-studies and research expertise for media.

Donate today

Help us build the UK's largest network of experts in sustainable brain tumour research and campaign for more investment nationally. Together we will find a cure.


text:
Marco Casagrande (1971) is a Finnish architect, environmental artist and social theorist. Casagrande’s works and teaching are moving freely in-between architecture, environmental art, urban and environmental design and science, and circus adding up into cross-over architectural thinking of «Commedia dell’architettura». He views architects as design shamans merely interpreting what the bigger nature of the shared mind is transmitting.

Marco Casagrande | Paracity

    • Issue: 001
    • ISBN 9788894139419
    • Edition: 2015
    • Softcover / Brossura
    • Book Size / Dimensioni: 15x21 cm
    • Pages / Pagine: 32
    • Print / Stampa: Color
    • Texts / Testi: English

Bramea Editore  P.IVA IT 01938410766


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Costs, Scholarships and Financial Support

Tuition rates for Brandeis' Teacher Leadership Programs are listed below.

We recommend all students complete the Cost of Attendance Calculator to estimate the full cost of attendance and to assist in requesting aid.

“Can I afford to go to Brandeis?” Given the cost of higher education, that’s a frequent and understandable question. Scholarships for the AGS and EdM are available to qualified applicants. For more information, please email Margery Sokoloff, assistant director of the Teacher Leadership Program.

The Brandeis-Waltham Teacher Leader Fellowship allows teachers (K-12) from Waltham Public Schools (WPS) to enroll in the AGS course of study with significant financial support from both Brandeis and the district. All applications must be supported by their school leadership. Please note that participants should be prepared to stay within the district for three years following their participation in the Fellowship program to be eligible for the WPS scholarship.

The Jewish Day School Fellowship allows teachers (K-12) from Jewish day schools in the US to enroll in the AGS course of study with a full tuition scholarship. Also covered by the Fellowship are most travel costs to and from Brandeis, on-campus housing, and meals for two summer sessions. The Fellowship also covers an additional (second) year of one-on-one coaching post-program completion. Teachers admitted to the Teacher Leadership Program from Jewish day schools will automatically be considered for the Fellowship. Applicants must be nominated by their Head of School and have at least 5 years of classroom experience.

Student Loans

Students admitted to the Master of Education Leadership programs may be eligible to apply for loans. Please also visit "How to Apply for Loans" section of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences website for more information. Students admitted to the Advanced Graduate Study and Master of Education Leadership programs can also email any questions to Monique Howell, assistant director of financial aid.


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AdWords testing store ratings, condensed site links, etc.

David Naffziger Jun 29, 2010

We've seen Google testing a number of different display elements in AdWords over the last few weeks.

Store Ratings
Google is pulling store ratings from Google Products and displaying the aggregate rating inline with ads. Below are the display treatments for the top and right rail ads returned for a search for 'grills':

AdWords with Store Ratings - Top Ad

Condensed Site Links
Sitelinks within ads have been available to advertisers since late 2009.

The full site links are primarily displayed on searches for brands and only on the brand-owner's ads. See a typical treatment:

We've begun to see Google test 'condensed site links'. These site links take up much less real estate, but they also are appearing on a wider variety of search terms. The example below was from a search for ''. You'll see that the condensed site links are for a competitive advertisement from SmartFares.

Related Ads
Previously reported at SearchEngineLand, we've seen Google testing related ads the longest. We've only seen the ads on the right rail, and they only appear on search terms that don't have many existing ads (eg there was whitespace before).

We've seen related ads appear extensively on branded search terms. For example, these two 'Related ads' appeared on a search for Mandalay Bay:

This ad format will be a particularly interesting one to keep an eye on. They are effectively 'broad broad matched' ads. In many cases, the advertiser may have had no intent of appearing on a branded search term. I expect many large brands would be unhappy to see their clean search results suddenly occupied by competitive advertisements that were placed through no direct action of the advertiser.

This test has run long enough and is widespread enough that I would be surprised if it doesn't become an AdWords 'feature'.

Google recently announced both of the first two features on their Inside Adwords blog: Seller Rating Extensions and Ad Sitelinks

Topics: Search Engine Updates, Product, Paid Search

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Beijing Set to Open Colossal Airport

May 3, 2019 | China, ESCAPE, NEWS

Culture & Travel

Daxing Airport – Beijing | Source Weibo

China gears up for its new airport in Beijing, soon to be considered as of the busiest and biggest in the world when it opens in September

The new Daxing International Airport in Beijing has been making headlines in Asia newsDesigned by British architect Zaha Hadid, the huge structure will resemble the shape of a phoenix. The $12 billion major project is expected to serve more than 100 million travelers annually.

Chinese civil aviation authority has reported that around seven airlines have requested to fly from the new airport to Seoul. Additionally, four airlines which include China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, China United Airlines, and Xiamen Airlines have applied for a Daxing to Paris route.

Some of the most widely-requested routes for the huge airport is to South Korea and France. This is a result of aviation agreements in hopes to develop stronger diplomatic ties.

Last March, officials from Beijing had talks with Seoul. To culminate the meeting, a memorandum of understanding was signed to add 14 weekly flights between the two areas to give way to the development of the grand airport.

Aside from the Beijing to Seoul routes, seven weekly trips have also been added for Busan to Shanghai and Seoul Incheon to Shanghai.

“The China-South Korea flights have hit turbulence in the last few years in the wake of the THAAD controversy,” stated aviation specialist  Lin Zhijie, and added that the new routes have raised its momentum and carriers want to maximize this potential.

The new airport is located 30 miles south of Beijing in what used to be a farmland. This airport is one of the testaments to the rising growth of civil aviation in the country as it moves towards infrastructure development to improve its industrial scene in the north.

The construction of the new transport hub started in 2014. It fits President Xi Jinping’s vision to position transportation and one of the key pillars of the country’s development.

The Most Popular Asian Superstars on TikTok

In the eyes of their fans, the most followed figures on TikTok have gone past beyond celebrity status. These TikTok stars have millions of followers under their belt and many have cemented their fame by creating funny skits, lip-sync videos and duets.

World’s Highest Elevator Takes Tourists up China’s ‘Avatar’ Cliff

Towering more than 300 meters (1,000 feet) up the cliff face that inspired the landscape for the blockbuster movie “Avatar”, the world’s highest outdoor lift whisks brave tourists to breathtaking views.

Pinoy Anime ‘Trese’ Coming to Netflix in 2021

Netflix’s bold initiative to put more local works on their platform has proven to be a smart move. Next year, the streaming service will showcase an animated adaptation of the award-winning graphic novel Trese.

Rappers and Protesters Take Aim at Thai Monarchy

Thai pro-democracy protesters scaled a Bangkok monument Saturday night to unfurl a giant banner scribbled with anti-government slogans, and a Thai hip hop group took aim at the monarchy with their new song.

40 Years On: The Unforeseen Effects of China’s One-Child Policy

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the controversial policy that has reigned in China for an entire generation. Now no longer in effect, a look back at the way in which this policy has shaped the course of the country provides a range of insights into the development Chinese culture has achieved as a response.

The Bachelorette Japan Launches on Amazon Prime Video

Looking for a show to binge-watch? Amazon Prime Video has got you covered with the debut of The Bachelorette Japan. Similar to its original format, 17 men will be vying for the love of one lucky bachelorette.

‘First Vote’ Documentary Sheds a Rare Light on Asian-American Voters

Now more than ever, being part of the United States electorate has become a priority for all of its citizens – including millions of Asian-Americans. First Vote shows not only the voting behavior of Asian Americans, but also how it is connected to voting rights, immigration, and racial justice.

Virus Battleground in India’s Biggest Slum

The 125,000 slum-dwellers living under a lockdown so strict that drones monitor their moves and alert police if they attempt to leave home are at the heart of India’s push to contain coronavirus.

Chinese ‘Light Painter’ Takes Artistic Inspiration From Virus

A Chinese artist has paid tribute to doctors and nurses and their months-long battle to treat virus-stricken patients in his latest light painting creations.

Wuhan is Now a Ghost Town Under Quarantine

Wuhan residents called for help and shared worries of food shortages Thursday, with streets in the virus-hit central Chinese city left deserted after it was put on lockdown.

Country Profile: Syncretic and Dynamic Vietnam

Vietnam’s legacy to the world goes way beyond its 20th century scuffle with the US in the Vietnam War

Helen Le: From YouTube to Vietnam’s Culinary Superstar

Helen Le of Youtube’s Helen’s Recipes is reaching new heights of Vietnam greatness as Sheraton’s newly appointed ambassador

Undetectable by Sight: DNA Might Soon Replace Barcodes to Tag Valuables

Easy-to-remove barcodes and QR codes used to tag everything from T-shirts to car engines may soon be replaced by a tagging system based on DNA and invisible to the naked eye, scientists said Thursday.

No Mercy: Leaked Documents Reveal How China ‘Handles’ Uighurs

Leaked government documents outlining the need to prevent escape, double lock doors and constantly monitor detainees in China’s network of internment camps in Xinjiang refute Beijing’s defense of “vocational education centres” in the region, experts say.

Zhu Fang: The Matchmaker of Beijing Helps Find Love in Modern China

Zhu Fang’s living room walls are plastered with hundreds of headshots of hopeful singles, some of them faded and featuring bouffant hairstyles and outdated outfits.

China Disinfects and Lock Away Banknotes to Stop Virus Spread

China is disinfecting and isolating used banknotes as part of efforts to stop the spread of the new coronavirus that has killed more than 1,500 people, officials said Saturday.

The Constant Battle Against Asia’s Air Pollution

How is Asia grappling with ever-increasing levels of toxic smog in its busiest cities?

Pandas Finally Mate in Privacy While Theme Park Shutdown

Stuck at home with no visitors and not much else to do, a pair of pandas in Hong Kong finally decided to give mating a go after a decade of dodging the issue.

Diversity, Streaming Reshape Video Games for a New Generation

In the quarter of a century since Sony launched the groundbreaking PlayStation, video games have exploded into the biggest form of entertainment in the world, and analysts say the growing diversity of billions of players is reshaping the industry.

Off the Air: Top Philippines Broadcaster Shuts Regional Stations

Anchor Dhobie de Guzman has been the face of a popular news show in the northern Philippines for more than a decade. Now the closure of his regional station — and dozens of others countrywide — has left him out of work.

Asia: Innovative Ways to a Greener Planet

Save the world and forever cut plastic out of your life with these innovative measures

Late K-pop Star Goo Hara’s Ex Jailed for Sex Video Blackmail

The ex-boyfriend of late K-pop star Goo Hara was jailed by an appeal court Thursday for blackmailing her over sex videos that played a part in her apparent suicide.

Australian Celeb Health Guru Adds Fuel to ‘Infodemic’

One minute Australian “wellness” personality Pete Evans is posting a barbecued prawn recipe to 1.5 million Facebook followers, the next he’s claiming the coronavirus pandemic is an elaborate global hoax.

Singapore’s Hottest Nightclub Finally Opens

Take a peek at Singapore’s most anticipated club Marquee opening of the year

TikTok Owner Says Will Abide by ‘New’ Chinese Export Rules

The owner of popular video app TikTok said Sunday it will “strictly abide” by China’s new export rules, which could potentially complicate a sale of the business as demanded by US President Donald Trump.

Malaysian Mill Preserves 90 Year-Old Method of Making Coffee

A Malaysian worker pours roasted coffee beans into a pot of bubbling, melted sugar as an ageing machine stirs the ingredients into a sticky black mixture over a crackling wood fire.

China Ordered a Temporary Ban on Wild Animal Trade

China on Sunday ordered a temporary ban on the trade in wild animals as the country struggles to contain a deadly virus believed to have been spawned in a market that sold wild animals as food.

US Seeks Monet, Warhol Art Linked to Malaysia Scandal

The United States is seeking to seize another $96 million in assets allegedly linked to Malaysia’s 1MDB corruption scandal, including Claude Monet and Andy Warhol paintings, officials said.

Hong Kong Gamers Made Their Own Protests Video Game

A group of Hong Kong activists have developed a homemade computer game that uses virtual reality to recreate what it is like to take part in pro-democracy protests sweeping the financial hub.

Masayoshi Son Steps Down from Alibaba Board After Jack Ma

SoftBank Group founder Masayoshi Son announced Thursday he was leaving the board of Alibaba as Jack Ma, the charismatic co-founder of the Chinese e-commerce giant, also leaves SoftBank’s board.

Paris Ballet’s Foreign Dancers Achieving the ‘Impossible Dream’

Watching YouTube as a child in Australia, the idea of one day joining the ranks of the hallowed Paris Opera Ballet seemed nothing short of an impossible dream.

Unpacking Fear: Why Do Japanese Horror Movies Work?

Is Sadakaya the pinnacle of modern Japanese horror? We hope not.

Meicai: China’s Unicorn Farm-to-Table Startup

Meicai is a website-slash-phone application that allows users to get produce delivered from a farm straight to the comfort of their homes. It was established in 2014 by owner Liu Chuanjun.

The World’s Largest Pink Diamond Mine has Shut its Doors

The world’s largest pink diamond mine has shut its doors after exhausting its reserves of the expensive gems, global mining giant Rio Tinto said Tuesday.

China To Launch The World’s “First 5G Railway Station”

China is now ready to launch what is touted as the “world’s first 5G railway station” at the Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, with China Mobile and Huawei at the helm of the project.

Japan School Lunches Rated Most Nutritious Among Developed Nations

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Thai Women and Pride Activists March for Democracy and Equality

Thai feminists and LGBTQ activists marched to one of Bangkok’s nightlife districts on Saturday, insisting the fight for equality goes hand-in-hand with a broader push for greater democracy.

The Practice of ‘Drunken Boxers’ in China Lives On

Liu Xuliang lunges menacingly as if spoiling for a fight after too many drinks. But he is in fact stone-cold sober and an expert in an ancient Chinese martial art known as drunken boxing.

Malaysia Bans Hit Stripper Movie ‘Hustlers’

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K-Pop Festival: Contestants Ultimate Showdown

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The Fight Against “Fake News” In Asia

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New Filipino Superhero Joins Marvel Comics

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Japan Seeks Dominance In Global Renewable Energy Race

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The Richest 1% are Responsible for Twice the Carbon Pollution as the Poorest 50%

The richest one percent of people are responsible for more than twice as much carbon pollution as the poorest half of the world’s population — 3.1 billion people — new research showed Monday.

Bali Sea Turtles Set Free after Poacher Arrests

Around two dozen green turtles were released back to the wild in Bali on Wednesday after the endangered creatures were rescued from poachers on the Indonesian holiday island.

Sexual Assault Case in China Sparks Outrage

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Hundreds of Animals Died at Pakistan Pet Markets due to Lockdown

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Aboriginal Artist Wins Prestigious Australian Prize for First Time

An Aboriginal painter won Australia’s most renowned arts prize for the first time in its 99-year history Friday for a portrait of indigenous footballer and activist Adam Goodes.

World’s First Albino Orangutan Spotted in Borneo Rainforest

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Indian Officials Capture Rare Snow Leopard

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Denise Sung Reaches Finals in Amazon Small Business Awards

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Hong Kong National Security Law: Five Key Facts You Need to Know

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Bird’s Nest: The Caviar of the East

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Bríd Smith TD speaks in the Dail regarding Dublin Fire Service

Dublin Fire Service ambulance crews deliver 40% of the service for 7% of the funding. And they do a great job. But the burocrats are not happy and want ‘reform’. Why don’t they listen to people who do the work?

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Mulan: A Tomboy Princess?

Most little girls grow up watching Disney movies, particularly Princess movies. When you think of princesses most people would probably think of, Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Ariel and Belle. Mulan is often overlooked, and she is different than most of the other princesses. She doesn’t have a big finale scene in a big ball gown, she defies the princess norms, by being more “boy-like.”. In the clip below, this depicts the scene in which Mulan chooses to disguise herself as a man in order to go to war instead of her father, who is old and ill.

This is a big change for her family, who wanted her to be a wife and a mother, and somebody who is feminine, which is seen in the song, “Honor to Us All.” When Mulan goes to fight for her father, she has to conform to act like a man. In the song, “I’ll Make a Man Out of You,” there are many lyrics that suggest that you must be a man to be strong. For example, he says “with all the strength of a raging fire.” It also repeatedly says, “Be a Man.” Throughout the song, the singer, Li Shang, is giving instructions on how to be a man, and if you are a man, you will be a good fighter in the war. After her identity is exposed, she is expelled from fighting in the war. But when Mulan ends up being there when they come to fight the Huns. She fights the leader in a solo combat and defeats him.

Mulan, defies the gender norms possessed by the majority of the beloved Disney Princesses, she possesses, “tomboy” qualities. In Keywords for Children’s Literature, “tomboy” is defined as, “a girl who behaves like a spirited or boisterous boy; a wild romping girl” (220). Mulan can be compared to Jo March in Little Women. Both characters have tomboy qualities, and are not like their peers. Jo is furious that she can’t go fight along side her father in the Civil War and Mulan goes and disguises herself as a male to fight in the war. These characteristics set themselves apart from their peers.

Often in Disney Princess movies, the protagonist of the princess is very feminine and obedient. In Keywords for Children’s Literature, Michelle Ann Abate, discusses that now in the twenty-first century, more and more girls are possessing tomboy qualities, like playing sports, wearing pants, and having short hair (224). But yet, the majority of young girl’s role models, and the princesses they grow up watching don’t possess many tomboy qualities. Mulan is a great example for young girls, who might not see the other princesses as relatable. She is strong, bold, and courageous.

6 thoughts on “Mulan: A Tomboy Princess?”

  1. I completely agree with your post! When we think of the Disney princesses, Mulan is usually not one of them to pop into our heads. She often is not considered a classic Disney princess, such as Snow White or Cinderella, mainly because she doesn’t wear a fancy ball gown or act proper and ladylike like she is supposed to. Excellent point!

  2. I think this brings up great points about gender roles and how even though people are making efforts to reduce them they are still brought up in popular culture through this need to hide ones identity to do something ‘masculine’ even though they are equally capable. I also think the idea that Mulan is a “tomboy” princess is interesting. When I thought about the Disney princesses one thing that came to mind is that the only princess that I can think of who ever wears pants is Mulan when she is dressed as a male.

  3. I think what’s also very important when thinking about Mulans story, is just how much it means for Mulans parents to have their daughter run away to join the all male army. She is their only child. In their culture it would be expected that Mulan would care for them in their elderly years and tend to their spirits in the after life just as she is already practicing to do in the scene where she prays for her ancestors. For them to have the risk of losing their only child, especially in a dishonorable (tomboy) way, would have been absolutely horrifying to them. If this had been real life and not just another Disney movie, I wonder how accepting they would have been of her once she returned. I suppose that it did help that she saved the entire country and all but still.

  4. You make an awesome point with this. I never think of Mulan first when asked to name a Disney princess, and I love that you call everyone out on that. I definitely see Jo and Mulan possessing similar personality traits, but Jo ends up falling to gender norms, as she slowly stops acting as such a “tomboy.” After seeing how well Mulan matures, while still being a “tomboy”, do you wish that Jo had done the same? Reading this, and comparing the characters, definitely made me wish Jo had stuck to her “tomboy” roots.

  5. I completely agree with your post as well! It really got me thinking about all the other disney movies, and one that popped in my head is Frozen. Even though Elsa dresses very girly, she breaks down stereotypes in a different way by being a really independent and strong female character that doesn’t have a love interest.

  6. This brings up the very controversial topic around the world of women fighting in wars. Many countries do not allow females to fight in the war, or if they do, the women are not allowed to fight in combat but are only allowed to do things behind the scenes, out of harms way. Women are often seen as defenseless and weak, needing to be protected from physic danger. I believe this sense of extra protection of girls and toughening up of boys is where this begins in society. Being a “tom-boy” and fighting in the war are seen as extremely dangerous and dishonorable solely due to her gender.

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