Category Archives: Businesses supporting independent filmmaking

The Allusive Treasure

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“The royal road to a man’s heart is to talk to him about the things he treasures most.” ~ Dale Carnegie

To a bibliophile, collecting rare books is a very serious matter. There was a time when collectors would drive all over the country pouring over cartons of old books piled high in dark, dingy, dusty attics, barns and shops. Great finds came from off the beaten path, and unexpected treasures were often found by just stumbling upon them. Today, through the power of the internet and e-commerce, locating that “prized” antiquarian book and other things of rare value are often just a few keystrokes away.

Serious bibliophiles are willing to pay very high prices for a book they have been searching for. Their reasons for collecting rare books are as eclectic as the publications that they collect. Some collectors buy strictly for the paper, vellum or parchment that the words are printed upon, others restrict themselves to the writings of a particular author, genre or field. Some bibliophiles even place  high value on unfinished pieces, in various stages of publication, such as advance review copies or galley proofs.

Abe  Books www.AbeBooks.com has reported some of their most expensive sales in 2010, and you will be greatly surprised to see that given this economy, rare book collectors have not lost their interest in paying top dollar for a much sought after publication. Here were the most expensive antiquarian book sales last month from Abe Books.

1- A collector paid $19,500 for an Ottoman Atlas containing 39 hand colored maps. The publication had been printed by the Royal School of Military Engineering in Istanbul.

2- A first edition copy of Titanic and Other Ships fetched $11,742 in the marketplace. What made  the book unique was that it had been signed by the Second Officer on the Titanic’s maiden voyage.

3- An antique version of “The Greatest Story Ever Told” – The Bible, reprinted according to the authorized version of 1611 sold for $7500. It was printed on unbleached rag paper.

As the Keno twins on Antiques Roadshow have proven time and time again, one never knows what treasures can be found in the abyss of the  most unlikely places. I have some antique cigar molds, darkened with age and tannin, that still reek of tobacco that I have put away for safe keeping. I often wonder if there is really any value to them.

 What do you have lurking in your basement, attic or garage that could be of great value of someone else?   Have you ever taken the time to explore what gifts you may have that could be of value to someone else?

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Packaging for the Artist

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“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” ~ Winston Churchill

Over the months, I have received many rewarding comments about our blogsite.  Although I can not share all the comments with you, I would like to share a few because they have led me to my thoughts for this day. But first, I would like to preface this blog by saying that for as many artists as my comments apply to, there are an equal number of artists that these comments do not apply to. I am posing this question all for my own clarity in understanding the wonderful world of artists.

  • Melody the artist said “She appreciated my attention to the arts.”
  • Nicole said she “appreciates my business direction.”
  • Businesssprouts said ” I enjoy seeing people who are passionate and confident in their work.”

Artists  are known for their dedication and strong belief in their creations and their work. Why then, do many artists often think of themselves as “only artists.” Artists are business people and professionals, too!

Just as you consider your artwork as having high value and worth, are you putting yourself forward as a VIP? I am not referring to “lofty attitudes.” I am referring to presenting yourself to the world as a professional.  Your art work, and the presentation of yourself needs to be in sync, a complete professional package. It can be the very thing that sets you and your artwork apart from all the others.

It is more important to your success than you may think!

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I’ll Support You, You Support Me

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“All government, indeed every human benefit and enjoyment, every virtue, and every prudent act, is founded on compromise and barter.” ~Edmund Burke

What do you think of this idea of comunities printing their own money? I find the idea interesting, if you live like an ant – working and playing all within a tiny, little microcosm.

Back in my Grandparent’s day, their whole world existed within a several mile area. They did business locally, almost exclusively. There was the local hardware store, the “Five and Dime”, the local pharmacy with soda fountain right down the block. They bought their groceries only at the Corner Store and phoned in their twice weekly grocery list first thing in the morning. By mid-day, a store clerk “came round”, as my Grandmother used to say, with the groceries. The foodstuffs were toted in cardboard boxes and meat was wrapped in brown paper packaging, tied up with string. Once or twice a week,  my Grandmother’s egg lady “came round.” She’d bring fresh eggs from the farm. Before sunrise, the milkman left out on the front stoop, in all seasons, glass bottles of milk, with heavy cream on top. They paid the local vendors at an unspecified time, when the bills had accrued to a sizeable amount, and always in cash.

My Grandfather would save “S &H Greenstamps” all year long. I remember him licking the stamps and filling his “Greenstamp Book” with his eye on the prize of collecting enough by Christmas to buy my Grandmother and his daughter-in-law (my mother) a new kitchen gadget! One year, my Grandfather amassed enough value in “S & H Greenstamps” he was able to buy two easy chairs with them. He was proud as a peacock!

Most all sales transactions were between local establishments. Alternative methods of payment, such as “Greenstamps” and barter was frequently used. For instance, my Grandfather sometimes would use his carpentry skills in trade for what he bought at the hardware store or to pay off his barbershop bill.

The concept of communities printing their own money, is a way of encouraging people to shop locally. Locally printed currency would have no value at all in other communities. But the truth is, times have changed, like it or not! People are transient, forward thinking and have a much larger world at their dispose.

Do you like the idea of using local currency? Share your thoughts with us!

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More Weekend Indie Publisher News

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Calling All Independent Publishers! Enroll Now!

The 2010 Colorado Independent Publisher Association “College” is on the Calendar for March 26 and 27. The two track “College” is designed for those just getting started in the publishing world and looking for the basics and for those who have already published but are looking for the most current information in the publishing world.

Attend the two day event or a one full day of publishing education is available too! Visit with vendors and learn from seasoned professionals in the publishing world. Hurry, there is a discount available if you register by March 1.

For more information on this “College” presented by one of the largest, most active statewide publishing associations in the country, go to

www.cipabooks.com/college.htm  

See you there! And stay for the outstanding EVVY awards to learn who this year’s award winning Independent Publishers are!

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Weekend Indie Publishers News

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Fulfill your dreams of becoming an independent publisher! Attend the 26th Annual IBPA Publishing University 2010. This is the one of the best events of the year for independent publishers.

Save the Date!  May 24 – May 25, New  York City

This is an important experience if you plan on launching  a new publishing venture or for bringing your publishing business to new heights. Keep your eye on the website www.thepublishinguniversity.com  as more information becomes available. Mark your calendar now!!

Bring it On Home!!

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“If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude.”        ~ Colin Powell

Have all of you been watching the Olympics? I have! I have been loyal in following our hometown boys from Steamboat Springs, CO. As I have heard the personal stories of the athletes from all around the world, it has occurred to me that successful artists and athletes have so many things they strive for in common. Really, athletes are artists too- in the field of physiology and kinetic energy.

The list of what it takes to be successful artists or athletes  is strikingly similar. In fact, there are few things that set them apart!

  • Artists, like athletes, are known for their passion and strong belief in the work they do.
  • Both challenge themselves to “reach for the stars.”
  • Athletes and artists must achieve a high level of performance day after day and continually improve.
  • Both types of artists are faced with internal and external challenges but still must perform.
  • Goals and the mastery of those goals are essential for success.
  • Both must be very disciplined and practice
  • Belief in one’s own self, of all things, must rule!

Our United States Olympians are “doing us proud!” They have all subscribed to “right thinking.” It is what has gotten them to where they are in the first place. As for our hometown boys from Steamboat Springs, CO they will be adding their names to the roster of all the other champions from this town and will have a little “bling” around their necks to prove it.

Bring it on home, boys! Bring it on home. Share with us the result of your passion for your sport!

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Bright Inventions

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“All the world is a birthday cake, so take a piece but not too much.”       ~ George Harrison

There is a birthday all independent publishers need to celebrate today!If you can not remember whose birthday it is, I will give you a few hints:

  • Without this landmark day, my life would not be nearly as fulfilling.
  • This birth paved the way for public communication in the fields of education, entertainment, journalism and more
  • The result of this birth has brought unlimited joy to myself and to others.
  • The creator of this invention probably never anticipated  how it would develop and grow!
  • This person was born in Vermont

Whose birthday is it? On this 25th day in February, in 1837, Mr. Thomas Davenport patented the first US Electronic Printing Press.  Mr. Davenport, born in Williamstown, VT was a blacksmith by trade. He received only three years of formal education, yet he was an avid reader. After a visit in 1831 to  the Penfield Iron Works, he became intrigued with the field of electromagnetic energy. He went on to invent the prototype for every electric motor used today.  He invented an electric railway, electric telegraph, electric piano and the electric printing press upon which he printed his newsletter Electro-Magnet and Mechanics Intelligencer.  Mr. Davenport was a pioneer in the field of independent  publishing and the result of his work paved the way for more than he could ever fathom.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention one more birthday today – the trivia clues mirror closely those of Mr. Davenport, but at the risk of being scolded and hearing “Oh, Mom, what did you do that for?”, I won’t mention any names!

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Staying True Blue

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“Besides pride, loyalty, discipline, heart and mind, confidence is the key to all the locks.” ~ Joe Paterno

Over the weekend, I had the pleasure of attending my first Kiwanis International Conference. It was a conference of Kiwanians from the Rocky Mountain Division. I could go on at quite some length about what the Conference covered, but it really isn’t necessary to give you all a minute to minute accounting of the weekend. I would much rather expound on the virtues of it’s members.

A shared belief in living one’s life according to ethical principles has brought personal fulfillment to the lives of each Kiwanis member I spoke with. How can you not be inspired by a group of individuals who display:

  • Courage in leading
  • Imagination in creating a vision for future generations
  • Integrity in the way they live their lives
  • Great hope for the future of our world

I traveled around the conference rooms, speaking with members, trying to get a sense of some of the projects each club is involved with. The information of the fundraising projects each club is engaged in was useful and interesting. But, what struck me most was the loyalty and fellowship that it’s members share. I spoke with members that have had allegiance to the club for as many as 30, 40 and 50+ years!  I met a wonderful woman who was 97 years young, and still actively involved. She spoke with me about her years of commitment to fighting for and improving the lives of children. She expressed her concern at the vast numbers of “latchkey” children. Now, if still being actively involved at age 97 is not loyalty, I don’t know what is!

Besides a great sense of loyalty to their fellow man, why do Kiwanians stay involved for 30, 40 or 50 years? It is simple! They all have great confidence that their service organization is making an “international difference one child at a time.”

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A Return on Investment

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“While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.” ~ Angela Schwindt

I am headed this weekend to the Rocky Mountain Kiwanis International Mid-Winter Conference. www.Kiwanis.org. Although I have never attended a conference of this fine organization before, I am excited! All signs lead me to believe the weekend will confirm many of my deep-seated beliefs about raising children.

  • Leading by example is more powerful than words
  • Mentorship can change the outcome of a child’s experience in life.
  • Expect a lot from kids, and you will get a lot.
  • Children are our future. Investing in them is in our best interest.
  • Every child deserves a chance in life.

The weekend agenda looks educational, inspiring and fun. There are so many things that I look forward to learning about. I want to hear about some of the projects Kiwanis International is involved with around the world, how Kiwanis is revitalizing neighborhoods, about their youth leadership programs, how to grow local clubs and about the Kiwanis Children’s Pediatric Trauma Institute. Another attraction of the conference for me is the opportunity to see the documentary film Children of Peace International “A Necessary Journey,” which will air on PBS in April.

How fortunate am I to be a member of this worthy service organization?

Until Monday, have yourself a fulfilling weekend. I know I will!

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You Can’t Run, You Can’t Hide

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“Common sense is the knack of seeing things as they are, and doing things as they ought to be done.” ~ C.E.Stowe

How did we ever survive without cellphones, I-pods, laptop computers, I-Phones, Blackberries and all other things that connect us 24/7 to the virtual world? And what makes us think we are so important that our circle of friends, business associates and family must be aware of every ounce of energy that we exert throughout the day?

Several months ago, I stepped out for a meeting for an entire day. I was indisposed! A friend, who knows I do not have a cellphone or blackberry or any of those things, had apoplexy because she could not reach me all day long. She called several of our joint friends, and had them all stirred up because she couldn’t reach me. By late afternoon, she was seriously ready to call the police to report  that I was MIA, all because I did not answer my office phone or return her emails immediately! I appreciated her care and concern. I said that “next time I decided not to be at her beck and call, I would report, to her before I left, my ETD and ETA back in front of my computer . ” Yeah -right!

I applaud Oprah for her declaration of war on texting or talking on the phone while driving. What did we used to do in the olden days when we needed to communicate with someone while in the car? We waited until we found a payphone to make a call or waited until we got to our destination, then we called. What a novel idea!!

There is nothing more valuable in life than a life! That is a no-brainer! So, why would you put yourself and others in jeopardy by texting or talking on the phone while driving? Have we as human beings evolved into such weak creatures that we can not deal with a little inconvenience or some self control?

Of all things, please do not text and talk on the phone while driving!  Are you listening my son? Your life is more precious to us than you can ever, ever imagine! Please, don’t do it!!

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