#84: Writer Communities & Author Websites

I must say that I have neverr contacted a favorite author or any author. I have noticed that alot of authors have their websites underneath their photo on the back inside cover or just underneath the breif info. of that peticular author. I have always been satisfied with knowing just that small piece of information about them. If I like their writing then that is all I need to know. The idea of a book being published based on popular vote does not make me have less faith in the material, but does make me question it a bit. If it still sounds interesting to me then by all means I would still read it. I have read books before that many people would tell me how excellent the story was and then when I read it I find it to be very boring. I have also read many books by the same author and have found many of them to be excellent and then some that I can't even finish reading because the story is not holding my interest.

# 83: Paper to Pixels (or e-ink)

I totally prefer paper over pixels. There is just something comforting about have the book in hand while reading a story. I can totally put myself into the book when I am reading it, verse's through some other device. For some reason it just doesn't work for me. I have tried and can never finish reading the entire story. As for, price or availability I would rather wait a little longer for the requested material then to pay more for sooner and I would not pay the same price for a digital book as I would for a paper copy. Once again, it is about having that book in my hand.

I visited iFiction and I do like the idea of previewing before I pay. That way I know if it is something that I would really be interested in or not. I would be more likely to make the purchase knowing that it would be something that I would like to read. BUT...........I still like the real thing, call me old fashion : )

#82: Print on Demand

After visiting the sites I found that some of the books can be cheaper and some are about the same. I liked what Xlibris had to offer especially the "take a look inside". It gave you a sneak preview of the contents of the book. I must say that I have never read any of books from either of the sites and I don't think that I ever would. I say that because my time is linited to how much I can read ever day, therefore I would prefer not taking my chances on something that has not gone through the traditional route of a company's financial backing.

I did enjoy what Lulu had to offer with publishing your own calendars, cookbooks, & photo books. NOW..........that is something that I would like to do. I also, thought that POD (print on demand) would be the way to go cost wise (especiallly if you where just starting out).