Chapter 2013

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C#
JavaScript
Comics
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Books
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Do You Want To Trade Books?

I cleaned out an office yesterday, and discovered I had about 30 un-read books. Looks like I have enough material for about a year, not including the 10 or so un-read books on my Kindle and graphic novels.

I also have a large pile of books that I've read and probably won't read again. If you are interested in any of them, can we trade for something you've read and probably won't read again. Here is my list:

7th Son: Descent
The 4-Hour Work Week
The Rise of the Creative Class
Now, Discover Your Strengths
Beyond The Call of Duty
Just a Geek
Linchpin
The Dip
The Power of Charm
Trust Agents
Blue Kingdoms Shades & Spectors
Pirates of the Blue Kingdoms
Rework
Twittfaced
Notes from a small island
The why of Work
The Narrow Road
Killing Giants
Eat People

I'm interested in any political thrillers, science fiction, fantasy, comics and graphic novels, and business books. I could even go for something in photography that isn't camera specific. Thanks.

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Kindle Is Convenient But Not Always The Best Choice

I know that’s a bold statement, not cost affective. Why am I saying that? Let’s look at a few things. Utah author Brandon Sanderson (who, by the way is finishing Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series), has The Well of Ascension (Mistborn, Book 2) for sale on Amazon in paperback for $7.99. The Kindle version of this book is, $7.99. No savings, and I don’t get a physical book. Why is that important?

In my opinion the Kindle is a great Green appliance. It allows you to read a book without killing trees and eventually ending up in a land fill. However, I like the ability to resale, or even donate, a book once I’m through. With a Kindle book, you can’t. I’m also at the mercy of the Kindle having a power issue, and then I can’t read a book. And the Kindle doesn’t have limitless storage, which limits my library.

I guess I’m struggling paying eight bucks for a digital book. I believe the digital version should be a lot less. I know many Kindle books have a cheaper price than their paper counterpart, but those books tend to be older. Give us new releases for at least half the cost since it should only take half the effort to produce, stock and ship.

I really like the Kindle. In fact, I love the iPhone version (iTunes link). It’s convenient, and I find I’m reading more because I have the book with me all the time.

If you’re an Author, and I know this may buy me some heat here, urge your publisher and Amazon to reduce the price of your digital works. I know I will.

Share with us your view on Kindle books, and if you have one, either the Kindle device or the iPhone application and how you like it.

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Book Review: It's Your Ship

My personal trainer recommended a book the other day called It's Your Ship, by Captain D. Michael Abrashoff. As a former United States Marine, I try and read leadership books written by those who served in the military. I connect with them. I understand their leadership styles and I always learn something.

Leadership comes in many forms. Good leaders make adjustment to their surroundings and the people they are working with. But the principles remain the same. Captain Abrashoff is the kind of leader hard to find in the corporate world.

The style most identifiable, and the one he uses as an example over and over, is giving those that work for him the responsibility, authority and resources to make things happen. He knows you build people up and give them what they need to succeed, and your own success will follow.

There's plenty of example situations, and he does a good job of dissecting both wins and losses. I happen to consume this book by audio CD, and I must admit by the 5th CD I was a little bored. The references to Navy process and protocol was a little much, and it felt like he was losing focus on leadership, and instead droned on about the Navy and his crew.

I whole heartedly recommend this book. Aside from the military flavor, he does play both sides of the isle, indicating how a business can use the same leadership principle he did in the Navy.

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Learning The Value Of A Hot Story

Today was Breaking Dawn day. One of the hottest days in the book business. A day that compares to a Harry Potter day. Stephenie Meyer, author of the Twilight series, released book four today. Just to give you an idea the number of people who wanted to stand in line to get a copy, my wrist band said number 800, and that was just at one book store.

Needless to say, I was not going to stand in line while I watched 799 other people complete their purchase. So I did some reconnaissance. I found that several smaller stores were carrying the book, and so early this morning I trekked to a Wal-Mart and purchased 4 copies, and there was no line, and no one to fight.

The reason it was so important for me to get this book, was a daughters insane attachment to the story characters. The male character, Edward, is apparently hot. Every woman whose read the book wants their man to be Edward. It's hard to live up to.

The reason I'm telling you this story, is that word of mouth has basically driven the success of this book series. In the tween age group its a hot story. Vampire love stories are all the rage. Every author should be so lucky as Stephenie Meyer. Don't get me wrong, she is a very good writer, and tells great stories. But the readers have created the frenzy. Its been truly amazing to see it happen.

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A Twitter Book Club

This is an interesting idea, connect Twitter users, assign a book to read and then post a review via the Twitters 140 characters. The group was started by Drew (http://twitter.com/digitalmaverick) and he also created a Wiki to follow the progress of the book.

If you want to get involved, friend Twitter user @bookgroup and visit the Wiki.

Januarys book is The Three Evangelists by Fred Vargas. Have fun and don't forget to post your synopsis on Twitter when finished.

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The Cipher By Diana Pharaoh Francis

In September I attended MountainCon III where I met author Diana Pharaoh Francis. At the time of MountainCon her new book The Cipher hadn't been officially released but she was able to read some of the book to us during one panel discussion. I purchased all three of her published books, Path of Fate, Path of Honor and Path of Blood. I was very excited for The Cipher to come out, and today I picked it up at Barnes and Noble. It's been out for about a month but this is the first chance I've had to pick it up. I would recommend getting all four books, but especially The Cipher.

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I Won A Book - For Parents Only

A while back I left a comment on the blog In Reba's World because she was giving away a book called For Parents Only. The title of the book is what peaked my interest seeing how my 4 teenage children keep me on my feet. I received the book in the mail today (thanks Reba!) and I will read it as quickly as possible and write up a review. In the mean time please stop by Reba's blog and get to know her a little bit.

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New Books For Me - Pirates Of The Blue Kingdoms

I picked up a couple of new books from Utah author Paul Genesse. Of course Paul has short stories in each one.

Sail enchanted seas and cross swords with a crew of award-winning fantasy authors in this first book of the exciting new Blue Kingdoms™ world! Within these pages, you’ll find enchanted islands, angry sea gods, mysterious magic, and pirates galore in a treasure trove of tales by Robert E. Vardeman, J. Robert King, Lorelei Shannon, Lester Smith, Marc Tassin, Kathleen Watness, James M. Ward, Paul Genesse, Brandie Tarvin, Steve Winter, Dean Leggett, Jason Mical, Kelly Swails, and Jean Rabe & Stephen D. Sullivan.

 

Between twilight and dawn, half-glimpsed things lurk in the swirling sea mist, long-dead things that have clawed their way out of the darkest abyss, things that were better left entombed.

In this second volume of Blue Kingdoms™ stories, you'll find a host of specters, ghosts, monsters, and more... guaranteed to shiver your timbers.

Sail the Azure Sea with our ghoulish crew of tale-spinners: Robert Verdeman, Paul Genesse, Lorelei Shannon, James M. Ward, Dean Leggett, Jason Mical, Kelly Swails, Marc Tassin, Brandie Tarvin, Kathy Watness and Jean Rabe & Stepehen D. Sullivan

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Book Party For Red Dragon Codex

I'm excited to announce that on January 12, 2008, Rebecca Shelley will host a release party for her new book Red Dragon Codex. Here is an excerpt of the email I received from Utah author Ken Rand:

You’re invited to the launch party for Red Dragon Codex by West Valley City writer Rebecca Shelley (writing as R.D. Henham), Saturday, January 12, 4-6 p.m. at the West Valley Fitness Center, 5415 West 3100 South, West Valley City. This delightful YA fantasy in the Dragonlance world (Wizard’s of the Coast) is Rebecca’s first book. Party plans include fun, prizes, and games for kids—bring the whole family. Details and more information: www.rebeccashelley.com or www.reddragoncodex.com.

Come by and meet a great local author. You might even get a discount on the book if you're lucky. See you there.

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Amazon Purchases Hand Written Book From Author J.K. Rowling

Amazon.com has paid £1,950,000 at an auction, approximately 4 million US dollars, for a hand written book from the Harry Potter series Author J.K. Rowling. The book, entitled "The Tales of Beedle the Bard", also includes original hand drawn illustrations, leather cover and sterling latches. Ms. Rowling donated the money to a children's charity in the U.K.

The only thing I can say about paying 4 million for a book is I'm glad the proceeds went to charity.

With the recent stamp of approval J.K Rowling gave to fan fiction writers, there will continue to be a large number of spin off story arcs coming out. Harry Potter fans are fiercely loyal but want more. I think fan written stories will give readers what they are looking for. There is a huge Wizard world waiting to be written.

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The Writers 10% Rule

A few weeks ago I met a really great Writer named Ken Rand. Ken has been a writer for a very long time. He's written everything from newspaper articles to short stories to novels. One of the really cools things about Ken's writing is he covers a broad range of genres. If you want to learn from a writer who has done it all, Ken is your man.

While I was at Mountain Con III I bought a book from Ken called The 10% Solution. One of the panels Ken was on he talked about how you can self edit your writing using several passes to cut out all the fluff, or as he called it, the 10% reduction. Every time you read through your manuscript find areas that can be compressed using smaller or fewer words or removing entire paragraphs. When you're done you will have a more concise story and something more pleasing for Editors to read.

You can apply this same solution to writing blog posts. I try to reduce what I write by 10%. Some times its just not possible to reduce what you've written but I would at least try.

Side note here. Ken didn't ask me or pay me to say anything about this book. I have truly gotten a lot out of it and just wanted to share it with all of you.

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The Bourne Ultimatum opens today

A movie that I have been excited to see opens today. The Bourne Ultimatum, the 3rd and final chapter in the series, opens in theaters across the US today. I'm a huge fan of the trilogy, both the books and the movies. I realize the books and the movies are considerably different, but for some reason I don't mind it. Matt Damon has done an excellent job in the role as Jason Bourne.

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First pass at Seth Godin’s book The Dip

It's only 80 pages. It's only quarter inch thick. At first glance you may not think there is any substance to this book at all. But you would be wrong. The reason? Seth has removed all the fluff a book usually has. He gets right to the point. It causes one to reflect on the path you are on, and decide, right now, no delay, to make a change if one is necessary, or "stick" to the course, or the Dip as he calls it, and see the process through.

A couple of things really hit me as I read the whole book yesterday. One, people get scared so they quit. They run out of money so they quit. They run out of time so they quit. I've come up on all three of these. Seth also coins a phrase, Serial Quitter. Someone who is always quitting when things get tough, or scary, or painful. I see this a lot, not only with myself but from others as well. I think it's one of the reasons there are so many failures in small business today.

I'm reading it again. Will study more closely the factors and the resolutions. Take inventory of my own path. Which projects are important, which aren't.

But the best part of this while experience so far has been the question; Are you the very best at what you are doing? If not, quit, right now, today.

More after I read this book several more times. Thanks to Ash Buckles for the book. I'm glad Ash and Phil Burns are as excited about it as I am.

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Book Review: iWoz - 2 Stars

This was a mediocre book at best. I was really hoping that it was much better than it was. I had read several reviews which stated the writing style, the grammar, the pace, was poor. I have to agree. While I think a biography should include a wide range of experiences which gives the reader a real sense of the person, dragging on for pages about the same topic is boring.

I guess my expectation was set too high, and that was my fault. I was on a waiting list at the library for months. Once the book came in I was very excited. The  anticipation was quickly lowered to dismay after the first few chapters.

Anyway, read it or not, but my suggestion is to pass. There is some good material on the early Apple days, but in the end you'll be disappointed. I was.

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Book Review: The Long Tail

I just finished The Long Tail. Interesting book. I'd give it 3 out of 5 stars. There isn't anything wrong with the book, but it didn't blow my socks off. I got the gist in the first few chapters. I'm seeing Long Tail scenarios all over the place. Funny no one has ever tagged like this before. Read it, but get it from the Library.

The Long Tail: Why the Future of Business Is Selling Less of More

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It’s Official: Tech Books Are Extinct

I've been watching the technology books on the shelves at my local book store dwindle over the past few years. Especially hard core books for subjects like programming and certification. I know you can buy books online for a fraction of the price and that's where most people are buying books these days.

But in the work place who actually uses tech books anymore? With the Internet at my fingertips and the all knowing Google, do books actually have relevance any more?

Programming

Used to be when I had a programming question I would grab my Professional XML book, or the Programming in C# book. But no longer. Now, I zip over to Code Project for relevant code examples that are based on current technologies. And that's not the only site. There are hundreds of portal sites, blogs, examples, forums and so on. It's a good thing Google knows how to program, because I might not look very good to my customers without it... kidding of course.

Certification

When I started studying for my MCSD, I dusted off a couple of older books I had on the core topics like SQL 2000 Administration, Analyzing Requirements, and C# Development. But even now, I can get as much from study forums and blogs than I ever could reading a book. I can get almost immediate feed back and assistance from the community when ever I need it. A book can't give you that.

Digital Books

In the fast paced world of software development, I don't have time to thumb through a book for help. Some might wonder, if I need a book, should I even be doing this? Well, not everyone has a photographic memory, nor do I have the necessity to remember every little nuance of a programming language. I know a good amount, and don't typically need help, but when I do, it's nice to know I don't have to throw down $70 to have access to a small and typically outdated piece of information.

One more indication that tech books are becoming extinct? My local library. Where they used to have almost two entire rows of tech books, it has been reduced to half of one row. Wow... that was amazing to me.

If you write tech books are you concerned that your efforts may not get the attention it once did a few years ago? Is the effort worth it?

I'd pay for an e-book maybe. They are portable. But as I said. With technology, information becomes outdated quickly. That's why maybe book blogs would be a good idea. Sell an e-book online, then sell upgrades or revisions for a fee. Users would subscribe to an e-book. Then be given periodic updates for a set amount of time. What if an Author could continue to make money on books already purchased? I'd pay for that if I knew the information was going to be updated or improved.

Now I'm just thinking on the fly but it seems to make sense. By the way, I have a shelf full of outdated books that I don't use. Probably a thousand dollars worth. If anyone would like them, let me know. I am planning on donating them to the local library very soon. I'm going digital.

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The Four Agreements

I just finished reading The Four Agreements. Very interesting book. Don Miguel Ruiz did a pretty good job with this book. It's a little too touchy feely for me, but it gets the point across.

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