Thursday, July 3, 2008

Internet Authors aren't losers

Ask the majority of so-called 'gurus' to talk about business or self-improvement, and here's a funny thing. They start talking about sport. That's odd. Sport isn't the same as life. It's completely different. As Brian Tracey says, in sport you get three chances to hit the baseball and then you're out, but in life you can go up to the mound as many times as you've got the energy and the inclination, try hitting the ball, miss and still keep coming back for more. Or, to be precise, keep on swinging until you hit the home run. That's not allowed in the actual sport. They're very strict. Three strikes and you're out.

Yes, if sport is definite about one thing, it's this. It has rules. It says that you have to pick up the bat and try to hit the ball. It defines how many people can play at one time, where they stand and what they have to aim to do. That's not like life. In life you can choose anything as an aim, you don't have to aim for 'the goal' that everyone else is looking for. After all, don't forget, the only reason we have a new game called Rugby in England is that a young schoolboy picked up the ball in the game of soccer and started running with it. Wow, he invented a new game. They came up with some rules to allow for handling, and now England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and France battle it out every year for a metal cup (plus fame and honour). That's fine, but guess what would happen if someone decided they didn't like running in the same direction as their team mates now? No, they wouldn't have invented a new game. They'd be ruled out and sent to sit on the bench. Those are the rules.

Having one agreed goal gives the game a major advantage. You can tell who's doing well and who's doing badly. You can measure success. You can tell who's won. That's not like life. The glossy magazines are full of stories of rich and famous people who are having miserable lives, divorces and diets. Have they 'won'? Your neighbourhood is full of people, some of them in big houses and some in small. Who's winning? The only way you could tell is if you made it into a game, with the rule that the person in the biggest house is the winner. Of what? Well, the 'biggest house' game, of course. Okay, that's true. But it makes no sense. Would that 'league table' tell you if they were happy? Or if their kids were doing well and going to college? Or if they weren't ill?

In the world of publishing they've invented a game too. The rules are that authors have to send their manuscripts to posh people in smart offices in the middle of big cities, and these business people then decide which offerings get printed and put into bookshops and which don't. Any writer who gets taken on by a publisher is 'a winner', which means that every author without a publishing deal must be by the rules of the game a loser. But what if that writer puts their book up on the internet and signs up with a print-on-demand publisher? That's not in the rules! But they've got their book printed, and, if they pay extra, they can have an ISBN issued, which means it gets listed in catalogues. As far as readers are concerned, there's no difference. These shoppers go into a bookshop and ask for a particular author. If that person is an Internet Author, the bookshop is unlikely to have the book on its shelves, but they can order it from the publisher, (someone like Lulu.com). Even stranger, if a reader goes to an on-line bookstore like Amazon, they can flip through the novels on offer and not be able to tell which ones come from Traditional Publishers and which don't! If they order a book that's listed, they'll pay for it and have it delivered to their door whether it's 'won' the race to get to an old-style publisher or whether it hasn't.

Let's sum up. Authors who have their work published on the internet and their books available on the web only are considered to be 'losers' by Traditional Publishers and their cronies, traditional critics and journalists. These writers are people who have failed in the race to land a publishing contract. The fruits of that contract printed work, advertised books, sales are the same on the web, of course, and some 'successful' authors find this out too, when their books first go into bookshops and then end up on the publisher's own website as well! Internet Authors don't get the 'benefits' flowing from Traditional Publishers, but they do get published. They've scored a goal, they've won a point, it's just that they weren't playing the same game. By the same rules.

Which means they haven't 'lost'. The only way you could possibly think that is if you truly believe that you are playing the only game in town. No, Traditional Publishers are having to wake up to the fact that now there other people in the arena too. Trouble is, they aren't playing by the same rules.

Mike Scantlebury currently lives in Manchester, England, home of football and Morrisey, the eclectic singer. He is an Internet Author with books, stories and education material to his credit, including videos. He has 5 novels listed on Lulu.com but you can find more about him on his download site, try http://www.mikescantlebury.biz and see what's on offer.

http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.http://www.franchiseindia.com
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.http://www.franchiseindia.com
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.http://www.franchiseindia.com
http://www.http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.http://www.franchiseindia.com
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/

posted by aks95217 @ 6:02 PM 0 comments

Preparing Your Dog For It's First Competition

Planning to enter your puppy or dog in a competition of any kind is a bit nerve wracking, especially if you have not competed before. A great idea is to plan to attend several events prior to your competition and talk to some of the handlers, trainers and owners that are at the event and are showing dogs in the same type of competition that you are entering. Most dog owners and lovers are very willing to help out and provide information on how to get started in the various competitions. Getting advice from people that are actively involved in showing dogs is a wonderful way to get your questions answered and to get some practical tips on preparing both yourself and the dog for the event.

Tips for Preparing Your Dog

Often dogs have trouble concentrating on the event or competition the first few times that they are in the ring. There are so many new and different activities going on that the dog may be distracted or even a bit frightened of all the people, noises and even the lights and design of the ring or event course. Taking your dog, as a spectator, to several competitions can help with normalizing them to the environment that they will be in during the competition. Some of the larger competitions do not allow dogs in that are not entered, but as the owner you can still attend, get an idea of what is happening within the venue and then create similar environments for your dog.

Some ideas for similar events for your dog to get used to crowds and noises is to take the dog to:

Parks

Beaches

Walking through downtown areas

Going to various community events

Walking the dog with other groups of dogs

Be sure to gradually introduce your dog to these events and make sure that they are confident in large crowds, with other dogs, and even with noises and bright lights. Be sure to check in all areas for any prohibited areas to take your dog before starting this desensitization process.

Consider hiring a professional trainer or handler to work with you and your dog for a few weeks prior to the show or event. The professional can help prepare you to work with your dog in the ring or during the event. If you are planning on using a handler rather than working with the dog yourself begin allowing the handler and dog to work together several weeks before the event so they are comfortable with each other.

Bathing and Grooming

The day of the event can be very hectic and chaotic, so bathing and grooming the dog as much as possible in advance can help prepare for the event. Consider bathing the dog the day before and just doing minor touch-ups the day of the competition. Shine products and any specialized grooming should be done immediately before the competition. Be sure to walk the dog and allow them to use the bathroom before the competition and avoid feeding them just prior to the event. Always allow plenty of fresh water but be careful to control the amount or water consumed within an hour of the event.

Always be as positive towards your dog as possible during the event. Most dogs quickly learn the fun of competing and soon are just as eager to go to events as the owners.

Kelly Marshall is a popular contributor at http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com - where you can find dog beds, dog steps, pet ramps, and more unique dog gear that you'll never find at your local pet store.

http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.http://www.franchiseindia.com
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.http://www.franchiseindia.com
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/
http://www.franchiseindia.com/

posted by aks95217 @ 9:09 AM 0 comments