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50,000 Monkeys at 50,000 Typewriters Can't Be Wrong

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WIL WHEATON dot NET
WIL WHEATON dot NET

50,000 Monkeys at 50,000 Typewriters Can't Be Wrong

i haven’t felt so alive in years

Posted on 2 December, 2003 By Wil

Yesterday, (well, today, actually. I’m composing this at 8:16pm on Monday, while Anne and Ryan assemble a desk, because I won’t have time tomorrow to write this up) while I was digging a hole in my yard, I thought to myself, Man, there’s been a big build up to this. People are expecting a major announcement, and there’s no way it will live up to expectations.
One of these years, I’ll find some way to not be so goddamn insecure. It’s in my nature. Just part of being a nerd, I guess.
So, without (much) further ado . . .

WIL WHEATON dot NET PRESENTS
The Epic Announcement!
brought to you by Slurm

There’s been a lot of speculation about the epic announcement. Ideas have included:

  • Anne and I are hatching a kidlet of our own.
  • Several different variations on the “Wil’s gonna be back on Star Trek” theme.
  • I’m doing a voice over for a television show, like The Simpsons.
  • I’m doing a voice over for a Pixar Movie
  • I discovered a bunker in my backyard, and it’s filled with a thousand cases of Guinness.

There were some who thought it was acting related, and a few who thought it was literary related.

If you were one of the very few in that last group, you totally win a pizza and a trophy, because . . .
I have totally signed a three book deal with a major publisher. O’Reilly & Associates, to be precise.
Okay, I’m totally trying to play it all cool, but . . .
HOLY MOTHER OF CRAP!! WOOOO!!!!!! ROCK!
YEAH!!! KICK ASS BABY!!! UNGH!!! UNGH!!!

*pant*
*pant*
Sorry. I’ve been getting those massive rushes of excitement with alarming frequency. I hope you all understand.
This is a very exciting relationship for me, for several reasons. First, I am a huge geek, and without O’Reilly, I wouldn’t know HTML from LMNOP. I never would have been able to get Linux running, and Perl would be one of the not-quite-as-good-as-Mrs.-Garrett replacements on Diff’rent Strokes.
This means I will be able to get my books into more stores than I ever was with Monolith Press. It means I’ll be sent out on a real book signing tour. It means I’ll be on national television and radio to promote my work, and maybe even get a review in major newspapers or magazines.
Dancing Barefoot sold 3,000 copies in less than five months, without any of that, and I can’t wait to see how it does when it’s got the power and budget of a major publisher behind it.
It also means that I will never royally screw up days worth of orders again, and I will be free to work like crazy on Just A Geek because I won’t be running the business any more.
I spoke with my editor at O’Reilly this morning (” . . . my editor at O’Reilly!” that sounds so cool!), and he told me that O’Reilly is so excited to carry Dancing Barefoot, they’re going to have a printing available in time for the holidays. They are currently working on a plan with Powells to get it out there right away, and I understand that they are in talks with Amazon as well. If you’ve been kicking yourself in the pants, or punching yourself in the back of the head because you wanted Dancing Barefoot for a holiday gift and missed out, you can stop the madness right now!
It should be in most major book stores very soon and y — Oh my god! I’m going to walk into Vroman’s and see my book on the shelf!!! AHHH!!! That RULES!
RAWK! \m/
Oops. There it goes again. 🙂
O’Reilly will also publish Just A Geek in Spring of next year, and I’m going to write a currently untitled technical book on personal website design that I think will come out in Summer.
So, you see, when I made my audioblog post back in July, I had just gotten off the phone with Brett from O’Reilly, who had called to tell me that none other than Tim O’Reilly himself had come back from OSCon talking about “the Wil Wheaton phenomenon” and instructed Brett to tell me that he wanted to be my publisher. Since that day, we’ve been working out the details. They were actually finalized a few weeks ago, but we all decided to wait until today to release this epic news, because I guess December 2 is a good day to release news, and there’s a good chance some mainstream media outlets will pick this up.
I want all of you who read WWdN to know that none of this would ever have happened without you. Many of you have been here since the early days of Where’s My Burrito?. In this strange, impersonal-but-personal way, you’ve gone with me through the ups and downs (mostly downs) of my Sisyphean struggles in the acting world. You were excited with me when I was added to Nemesis and cried with me when I was cut. You have been there when I’ve loved, and when I’ve lost. I’ve introduced you to Ryan and Nolan, Ferris, and Anne, who is more than my world . . . she’s my entire universe.
You’ve supported me so much . . . I can’t tell you all how wonderful it feels to share my tremendous joy with all of you now. Everyone who has read Dancing Barefoot, or come to see me at a show, or left a comment on this site, Soapboxers, Farkers, Slashdotters . . . I’m sure I’m forgetting people . . . but every single one of you owns a piece of this amazing new chapter in my life.

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  1. =^) says:
    2 December, 2003 at 9:29 am

    Yay Wil! You rock! Congrats!

  2. jakjt says:
    2 December, 2003 at 9:29 am

    Because I’m such a selfish swine the first Guinness is all for me. The second Guinness tho is all for you. Here’s to ya mate, well done!

  3. Clay says:
    2 December, 2003 at 9:31 am

    You go! That’s awesome!!!!
    Congratulations!
    But I still want to see you do a Pixar movie. ;D
    Clay

  4. Vickie says:
    2 December, 2003 at 9:32 am

    And yet another comment to add to the multitude of congratulations ! ! ! I can get the book, you can write more books! ! ! OUTSTANDING !
    Um, yeah, This is your news, why do I feel so jovial? I know why, Becasue your a damn good writer who knows how to draw his reader in and make the reader care about who or what their reading. I love to read, I have read mostly non-fiction and I am very very picky about the fiction I do chose. I can’t wait to see your do book tours and interviews.
    And did I tell you I’m so excited ! ! I can get a copy of Dancing Barefoot! ! WHOOHOO I have not missed the last train….::does a little dance off to work::

  5. Jennifer says:
    2 December, 2003 at 9:32 am

    That is incredible news! Congrats!!!!! I can’t wait to see the finished products on shelves in Northwest Ohio!

  6. Gayla says:
    2 December, 2003 at 9:35 am

    ::g dusts off favorite tag line and types::
    Good on you Mate!!
    g

  7. Rudy says:
    2 December, 2003 at 9:35 am

    Congrats…. I know it has been echoed many times, but congrats!

  8. Mark says:
    2 December, 2003 at 9:35 am

    Congratulations… and don’t be self-conscious about the dances of joy. I did several when my book proposal was first accepted, and still experience occasional bouts of giddiness when an article gets accepted.

  9. Teahater says:
    2 December, 2003 at 9:35 am

    CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

  10. Len Pal says:
    2 December, 2003 at 9:36 am

    Woot! Grats Wil.

  11. vern tessio says:
    2 December, 2003 at 9:38 am

    Congratufreakinlations, Wil! that is so utterly cool i got a lump in my throat! can’t wait until christmas when i open my copy of db, and then again when i open jag fro my birthday!! again congratulations! well deserved!
    vern

  12. Zach says:
    2 December, 2003 at 9:39 am

    I know what I’ll be spending my money on.

  13. tj says:
    2 December, 2003 at 9:43 am

    awesome. hopefully your tour will swing you through the DC/northern virginia area!

  14. Leah says:
    2 December, 2003 at 9:44 am

    Congratulations, Wil! You deserve it! I might just have to buy myself another copy from The Man now to go along with my Monolith Press version. Way to go!

  15. Laura says:
    2 December, 2003 at 9:47 am

    I work as a substitute teacher and I had to steal a child’s computer log on password to get to your website and see what the EPIC announcement was this morning! It was well worth it though! I’m so happy for you!! Can’t wait to share you with the world!! Congrats, Wil!!!

  16. Robert says:
    2 December, 2003 at 9:47 am

    Great joerb there, Wil!

  17. Marie says:
    2 December, 2003 at 9:49 am

    Congrats Wil! I am honestly so happy for you that is so damn cool. I can’t think of a more deserving person than yourself. I am sure your whole family is so proud of you, and perhaps it will keep the boogyman at a distance now. Having read Dancing Barefoot and hearing a reading of it personally, it is truly an amazing piece of work. I am looking forward to JAG, and more work from the soon to be literary works of Wil Wheaton. I admit I am not really into geeky books (nothing against geeks of course, just not my thing), but I do find your books as an all inclusive read, and can’t wait to experiece that again. Again, I can’t think of a more deserving person!

  18. Grace says:
    2 December, 2003 at 9:49 am

    Holy shyze :O
    Congratulations, Wil!!11

  19. sergio says:
    2 December, 2003 at 9:52 am

    It couldn’t have happened to a nicer an more deserving person, Wil. Congratulations. Now I’ll be able to order your books and have them delivered in Mexico! How cool is that?
    You rock, man.

  20. robbie says:
    2 December, 2003 at 9:54 am

    Good work man, we’re behind ya 1000%!!!

  21. Daniel says:
    2 December, 2003 at 9:56 am

    I can’t belive the number of comments! Almost 200 in less than 2.5 hrs. And you haven’t even sent out the email to your subscribers.
    See all the fans you have!
    wtg Wil
    Let us all know what we can do to get you to come to our state/country. You need petitions, you want us to write to O’Rilly, we will.

  22. Carol says:
    2 December, 2003 at 9:59 am

    Congratulations Wil, I can’t think of anyone who deserves it more. 🙂

  23. redrhino says:
    2 December, 2003 at 10:00 am

    Congratulations Wil.
    “Just when I thought I was out,They pull me back in”!
    Michael “Don” Corleone

  24. ej says:
    2 December, 2003 at 10:02 am

    Congratulations Wil!
    *wonders if he will get through 170 odd comments*
    Thanks for letting us share this wth you (eventually ;P )
    Oh and an international tour would be cool, get on to your publishers about that!
    Erica

  25. bop says:
    2 December, 2003 at 10:04 am

    good work. i haven’t posted a reply before but i have been reading for a while, and i just wanted to say congratulations. that’s it i guess. keep on keeping on, brotherman.

  26. Elizabeth says:
    2 December, 2003 at 10:06 am

    Felicidades, Wil! I am so happy for you!!
    You definitely deserve this.
    Anne

  27. Roy says:
    2 December, 2003 at 10:07 am

    Awesome. Nothing more to say as that sums it up.
    I want to see “Barefoot Dancing” and “Just a Geek” in Barnes & Nobles now.

  28. Scott says:
    2 December, 2003 at 10:10 am

    Congratulations Wil,
    I doubt this could have happened to a more deserving fellow. I can not wait to get my hand on your next literary efforts. If they are as entertaining as your first work, then it will be money well spent.

  29. Andrew Crocker says:
    2 December, 2003 at 10:11 am

    “the Wil Wheaton phenomenon”
    best-phenomenon-ever! this is such cool news! i can’t wait to see your books all over the place! yaaaaaay! 🙂
    I :heart: O’rielly/WWdN

  30. Linda says:
    2 December, 2003 at 10:16 am

    Like they all have already said, that is AWESOME!
    And, by the way, did you notice just what a great COMMUNITY you have created online?? THAT is quite an achievement as well. Not everyone can do that!

  31. Wil says:
    2 December, 2003 at 10:17 am

    Wow.. this is good news!
    I just got my signed copy yesterday in the mail. I was under the impression for the last few weeks that my wife swiped it to “hide” it until christmas so I was a little off kilter when I saw the envelope.
    I decided to start reading it last night, since it was 11pm I figured one or two stories then off to bed.
    Next thing I know I was finished and reading spongebob for the third time laughing my ass off.
    I then rushed off to bed since it was midnight and 5:30 am comes fast.
    Thanks for writing it.. and grats again!

  32. Rachel the Unready says:
    2 December, 2003 at 10:17 am

    Yay Wil! WOO! Now I can finally buy your freakin’ book!
    You know, I’ve only been reading your site for about the last month. I’d heard about it, of course, but brushed it off because who wants to hear some guy yak about himself?
    Well, I do, apparently. It’s fun to hear about you, and it’s fun to cheer you on. I’m mad when some Trekkie fanboy (ex-Trekkie here) makes fun of you, and reach for the hankies when you talk about your wife. And you’re a big dork, always a plus in my book.
    You and Jon Stewart should talk, man. You two should combine your powers and start your own 18-34 army.

  33. Cordelia says:
    2 December, 2003 at 10:18 am

    Years and years ago, I knew you briefly as a part of the Mindvox community, where I lurked around (both on the bboards and on irc) as d-lia, a friend of leaf and templar and a few others. I barely knew you then, but liked you. Only recently (last year or so) did I find my way to your blog, and I’ve loved reading it, and I’ve loved your book.
    I’m really so pleased at this wonderful news. I admit I was sort of hoping you and Anne were having your own kidlet, but it’s clear from your writings that the two boys already in your household are in all ways that matter your shared children, anyway.
    It’s so easy for me to see my life and adventures paralleled in your writings. I really appreciate the honesty and wit you are willing to share with us all.
    Again, way to go!
    – Cordelia, New York

  34. Kreg Steppe says:
    2 December, 2003 at 10:23 am

    Congrats…Look forward to seeing your books! I want to see the obligatory ‘Wil Wheaton Author’ b/w picture on the back of the book… and you better wear your TNG uniform…

  35. Jacqueline says:
    2 December, 2003 at 10:32 am

    Yay! Please come to Seattle on your book tour.

  36. Dave Westbay says:
    2 December, 2003 at 10:32 am

    Best.
    Epic.
    Announcement.
    Ever.

  37. Demi says:
    2 December, 2003 at 10:33 am

    Wil, Congrats on the new publisher! You Rawk! I love your site. I love your writing. You deserve this.

  38. Shauna says:
    2 December, 2003 at 10:34 am

    Oh, my God!!!! Congratulations, Wil! Just try to remember, I don’t like mushrooms on my pizza and try to spell my name right on my trophy…….. seriously, I couldn’t be more proud of you if you were one of my own kids (which would be odd since you’re older than I am). This couldn’t have happened to a more deserving guy, good work and I can’t wait to see your book on the shelves at Barnes and Noble!

  39. master0fpuppets says:
    2 December, 2003 at 10:35 am

    d00d – you r0x0r.
    congratu-friggin-lations man!
    you definitely deserved a deal – and it’s a Christmas present and a half! (I’m not gettin’ all religious on ya, but Christmas is still kewl, and a perfect time for this to go through!)
    Let us know about all the signings, especially any in NYC/NJ/PA, cause I’ll be there with a fresh Guiness for ya!

  40. :: jozjozjoz :: says:
    2 December, 2003 at 10:37 am

    Congratulations again on the great news!
    It’s been great to share the ride with you… thanks for sharing it with us!
    -Jocelyn

  41. Barb says:
    2 December, 2003 at 10:40 am

    Congrats Wil!! You deserve it!!

  42. Adele says:
    2 December, 2003 at 10:42 am

    Congratulations, Wil! That’s wonderful!

  43. Robin says:
    2 December, 2003 at 10:43 am

    Congratulations, Wil!
    It couldn’t have happened to a more deserving guy.

  44. Jacqueline says:
    2 December, 2003 at 10:44 am

    Oh, and promise us your books will be better than the TekWar series. 🙂

  45. Draken says:
    2 December, 2003 at 10:47 am

    Did anyone else ask what animal they’ll put on your book cover? Are monkeys taken already?

  46. Patty says:
    2 December, 2003 at 10:49 am

    CONGRATS, WIL!!!! Lucky bastard!
    Is that a DM reference in the title?

  47. Kaihea says:
    2 December, 2003 at 10:52 am

    Congratulations! Your journey as a writer has inspired me. 🙂 Thank you for putting yourself out there.

  48. Bob says:
    2 December, 2003 at 10:56 am

    While your blog is entertaining and I enjoy reading it…
    …why would I want a book about web design by you when your site – design and development wise – isn’t that great?
    Content wise it’s great, but come on….

  49. Ness says:
    2 December, 2003 at 10:59 am

    Awesome!!!! I’m so happy for you, Wil.

  50. Jana says:
    2 December, 2003 at 11:07 am

    Congratulations Wil! You have been entertaining me for years, and now I can buy your books and help you take your awesome wife out to dinner. Wait a second, what in this for me again?? Anyway, congratulations, you so totally absotively deserve this.

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