Not that I’m closely watching the sales figures to see how Sunken Treasure is doing or anything, but Sunken Treasure is doing great, and if the last two days are any indication, my Operation Crazy Idea to release more original material using this kind of POD technology and distribution is going to quickly become Operation Awesome Idea that will let me create more cool stuff for my audience than I ever dreamed possible, and actually support my family doing it. Just less than a year ago, I wondered if I could apply Kevin Kelly’s business model to my work and make a living, and though I won’t know for about a month or so if it’s really working, it has never felt as realistically attainable as it does right now.
I have a lot of Crazy Ideas that have Awesome potential, including more original works of fiction, audio and video projects, and something that I’ve wanted to do my whole life but didn’t think I could ever — well, I’m getting way ahead of myself, but I sure am excited, and I wouldn’t feel this way without your support. So thank you. You who have supported me, however you’ve chosen to do it, you totally rock, and I hope to continue earning your support until they turn the lights out on planet Earth. \mm/
A quick reminder before I get back to work: If you wanted to get the bonus audio content (a live audio performance of See a Little Light, an outtake from Happiest Days of Our Lives, which I included in Sunken Treasure, because it turns out that I liked it a lot, and shouldn’t have cut it from Happiest Days in the first place), get your order in before 3pm Pacific today, because that’s when the download link goes to the Land of Wind and Ghosts. If you pay with an eCheck and it tells you it will take 4 days to clear, don’t worry. Just e-mail me a copy of your receipt (appropriately redacted, of course) and I’ll send you the link. But do it before 3pm Pacific today, because like keys dropped into a volcano, once it’s gone, it’s gone, man.
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Bizarro, I love you!
I hope this goes forward. Reforming (or at least reaffirming) the Monkey community sounds like awfully good time, really. We’re a force, after all!
1. Heh. Someone else caught the sealab reference.
2. Hells yes reaffirming the Monkey community sounds like a good time. We’re a posse.
Does this spell the return of… teh soapbox?
The story is awesome. Wish I had been there to hear it first hand. Can’t wait for the book to arrive. Wish I had kids to contemplate passing on the geekiness to.
Nice Jack Handey reference, btw.
I’m glad that you are getting the bux to put food on your kids (and clothes on the table?) that is beyond awesome. I’m watching LuLu and you pretty closely–I’m in academic publishing (if you can show me one academic that has 1000 true fans, I’ll eat my Oxford Campion to Shakespeare) but–I’m thinking of pursuing LuLu for my nonacademic writing.
Having produced my own plays with an independent theater company for about 8 years–I got a lot of kudos but I also got a lot of “vanity production” asshat critic biotch slaps, too, so I’m always wary of ghettoizing myself and my thin skin still stings like a mothah–but you’ve got built in street and celeb cred, though, so I think it could work for you better than you even imagine, ala Ani DiFranco’s Righteous Babe label.
And then maybe someone high-ish profile like you’ll make this path even more valid for wanna-be fiction writing academics like me. You’ll get my order soon.
I’m going to write a long essay about this, but here are some brief thoughts off the top of my head:
* I got my copy of Sunken Treasure yesterday, and it looked and felt beautiful. It was very much a “real” book, and I could have picked it up from any bookstore in the world. It didn’t feel any less “real” than any of the other books I have on my shelf that I’ve bought from major publishers.
* I understand why there was once a stigma against POD and self-publishing, but the world has changed, and those reasons simply aren’t relevant now. Think of blogging as a comparison. Once, bloggers were derided as amateurs who didn’t deserve to stand next to “real” writers and journalists. If someone tries to make that claim now, they’ll be laughed out of the room.
* I know several established authors who are considering POD. Someone I know who would make you go “buh?” if I said their name, has declared 2009 the year of POD. This person is very smart and savvy and worth listening to.
In other words, *doo eeet, man.* What do you have to lose?
I ordered and am very patiently (on the computer, no one can see you lie) waiting for it to arrive.
The audio file? Was awesome, Wil. Really awesome. You’re right, you shouldn’t have cut it.
I received “Sunken Treasure” today, and so far it’s GREAT! (Loved the ST Experience section.) I can’t wait until you write a piece of fiction. Please do that soon. I’ll be one of the first to buy it!
Would you consider publishing any of your books in an ebook format? I just purchased a reader and would like to have your stuff on there. 🙂
I agree with everything you’ve said but I wonder if the rest of the world is there yet? We’re geeks so of course WE get it. But you’d be surprised. There are still a lot of people, even those supposedly in the “biz” who still refer to bloggers as people wearing their pajamas and writing in their mom’s basement.
What do I have to lose? Credibility maybe? With those who may be able to represent me/market me to a wider audience? In a more efficient manner than I could do for myself? I don’t know. You’ve got me about 86.7% persuaded. I don’t know. But I will look forward to reading your essay–I think I’ll post on it, too. I have other thoughts too long for your esteemed comment box. Thanks for responding/encouraging, Wil. Can’t wait to read Sunken. Be well. Keep selling.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Well, somebody has to be the first, so why not me? Why not you? Why not geeks in general? We’re ahead of the pack because we understand technology in a way that they don’t. The only people who still look down on bloggers are those who have a vested interest in doing so, I think.
I don’t think you stand to lose any credibility unless *you* feel that way. I could shuffle my feet and mumble about how I did this book POD, but why should I? It looks great, I believe in the technology, and I’m *proud* to do it like this. I’m *empowered*, and there’s no reason everyone who wants to do this can’t feel the same way.
You are compelling, Wil Wheaton. Ok. I’m like 92.9% there now. Ok. Maybe 92.8765% but I’m rounding up for your benefit.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Wanted to let you know I received Sunken Treasure yesterday and to say the turnaround for lulu rocks!
Giant banana laser guns?
Late to the party.
This is my first buy, but can’t wait to get the book.
Hope you plan to come out with the poker degenerates/bloggers in Vegas again sometime.
I haven’t seriously considered e-versions of my books until now. So many people are asking for them, I think it may be time to go ahead and make that happen.
Good to hear that you’ve got another project out there…One thing leads to another…And this is only getting you closer to where you want to be,
I got my Sunken Treasure this morning in the UK – its great thanks.
I think it would have been nicer smaller but you mentioned that was an issue with the printer and that is why there were two different sizes?
Content is great, a good mix yet holds together well, definitely an intro with a hook 🙂 I will be reading more. Thanks again.