Discussions

Get Your Name and Blog in A book

Posted by crkian • 5/03/08 • Subscribe to this Discussion [RSS] • Report This Topic

So I have written this little known book about blogcatalog and the cover is a tad crap.

So I am offering to add your name and blog to the book and on the cover for a book cover design.

I am also offering a place inside the pages to anyone that can create an advert of anysize to promote the thing

The book currently looks like this

stores.lulu.com/store.php?fAcctID=2287741

You can submit your designs here for eveyone to look at and comment on

User Comments

5/03/08

acousticguitarist

I've seen the content in the beta stage and I am impressed. I have not yet finished reading the beta copy because I'm moving house but I know it'll save hours of stuffing around. Also there is information in there about other social networks that I have never heard of. What's the next project Chris. Put me in your email list and let me know about any additional products that you are building.

AG

[reply]
1. 5/03/08
  
  crkian
  
  out of beta now
5/03/08

buikhu

Dimensions? Front and back cover, one-piece or front cover only?

[reply]
5/03/08

rearvumirr

link won't work for me

[reply]
1. 5/03/08
  
  crkian
  
  www.lulu.com/browse/search.php?search_forum=-1&search_cat=2&show_results=to...
  
  try that
5/03/08

crkian

Size is

Printed: 105 pages, 8.26" x 11.69"

but could just be an image or anything better than blokes walking

[reply]
5/03/08

Shiley

I don't have a camera handy but I have an idea. How about putting a child w/ tounge sticking out like he/she is thinking in front of a keyboard and computer with a pencil behind the ear or maybe someone can draw something like that. Insinuating anyone can blog if they have the passion for it.

[reply]
1. 6/23/08
  
  DVS
  
  Yeah....and mostly anyone does.
5/03/08

robertstevenson

I don't have a design in mind at the moment, but I'd love to be included in the book. I'm Robs Megaphone at robsmegaphone.com.

[reply]
1. 5/03/08
  
  crkian
  
  Got a quote about blogcatalog and I can add it to the quotes
2. 5/03/08
  
  robertstevenson
  
  Before I experienced all that BlogCatalog has to offer, I joined for the sole purpose of increasing traffic to my blog. That is far from motivation now as I regularly enjoy the comaraderie, support and varying viewpoints of the BC members. Sure, my blog traffic has increased, but that is just icing on the cake.
5/03/08

praning5254

May I suggest this one?

[IMG]i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn51/praning5254/ctc-3.jpg[/IMG]

[reply]
1. 5/03/08
  
  Shiley
  
  That baby is so cute!
5/03/08

praning5254

Thanks shiley!..:-)
I wonder what crkian has to say...

[reply]
1. 5/03/08
  
  Shiley
  
  might have to wait til tommorrow it's about 8:00 PM where he's at.
2. 5/03/08
  
  crkian
  
  nice, not sure about babys though
5/03/08

praning5254

what do you mean, crkian? sorry...

[reply]
1. 5/03/08
  
  crkian
  
  I get what you mean its just putting a picture of a child on a book. Dont mean to sound rude about it.
5/03/08

timethief

The following comment is a straight forward one that is not meant intended to offend.

@crkian
My honest response to baby or a young child graphic on the cover of your book is "don't do it". This is because implying that infants and young children are capable of understanding the social networking concepts in this technical manual would be entirely off base, deceptive and may even be construed by some as false advertising.

COPPA requires that bloggers be 13 years of age. Most BC members are adults and as an adult any technical manual that has a baby on it's cover may not attract adults at all.

Also note that for those of us adults, who have consciously and deliberately chosen to remain childfree, this kind of a cover would be a supreme turn-off. One glance at that kind of cover would mean that I would not even stop to examine the contents.

If you want to sell books then my message is don't limit the marketing potential by using a graphic that targets any age particular group.

[reply]
1. 5/03/08
  
  crkian
  
  Thats the words I was looking for, but I cant explain things very well
2. 5/03/08
  
  timethief
  
  I'm posting this for the purpose of clarification withe regard to my remark above "COPPA requires that bloggers be 13 years of age."
  COPPA - Children's Online Privacy Protection Act
  Websites that are collecting information from children under the age of thirteen are required to comply with Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ) Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
  What is COPPA? www.coppa.org/coppa.htm
  How To Comply with The Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule? www.coppa.org/#
  TIP: If there are children here at Blog Catalog who are under the age of 13 years (USA law applies regardless of where they reside, then it would be sensible and self-protective of them not to reveal their ages on their blogs, in the BC directory or on the BC forums. Pedophiles target these young ones so IMO there is no such thing as being too self-protective.
3. 5/03/08
  
  Shiley
  
  good point. my bad.
5/03/08

buikhu

I'm working on a cover design but I'm a bit swamped at the moment so it will take a few days.

[reply]
5/03/08

praning5254

@TT,
Thanks for the info...

@crkian and TT,
It was just a suggestion taken from shiley... :-)

[reply]
1. 5/03/08
  
  timethief
  
  @Shirley and Praning
  This is no one's "bad". We were all asked to comment and we did. I have no bad feelings and I hope that you two don't have any either.
  Peace and understanding ...
5/03/08

ender

see if you like this at all, chris:

www.coyotethunder.com/banners/socialnetwork.jpg

[reply]
1. 5/03/08
  
  crkian
  
  I like I like it I like the way you put your fingers through my hair
2. 5/03/08
  
  ender
  
  i have a 300dpi version for print purposes. if you decide to use it, let me know and i'll get you the file in the appropriate lulu format.
3. 5/03/08
  
  Anniepooh
  
  Niiice.
5/03/08

praning5254

that's a cool one ender... nice job! :-)

[reply]
1. 5/03/08
  
  ender
  
  thanks. it speaks more to writing than social networking, however, so i'm not sure that's the direction chris really wants.
5/03/08

DocNicole

I will have my designer at mattnuts.com contact you.

[reply]
1. 5/03/08
  
  crkian
  
  does he/she know my email address
5/03/08

DrBurst

ok what about this. On the front of the book, a group of roman soilders in shield wall formation with one carrying a flag witht he BC logo on it. have then face to the left. On the back, facing the right, have a group of un-organized soilders carrying flags with logos of other networks.

[reply]
1. 5/03/08
  
  crkian
  
  nice idea may look into that
5/03/08

DrBurst

or you can just have the BC logo and a wire running into a server labeled "your blog"

[reply]
5/03/08

acousticguitarist

Chris.

I WOULD NOT CHOOSE A DESIGNER TO MAKE THE DECISIONS, they should be at the end of the process stricly to work on perspective and refing of colur contrast. Only mad people allow designers to take control of anything.

1. Look to see what the REAL marketers are using...not the'visit my blog make dollar people' marketers

2. Decide on any COPY etc that is required for ther cover

3. Then let the designers decide on layout size but sticking to the guide lines of the marketers say.

Forget the kid thing...no go fro a mearketing idea

[reply]
1. 5/03/08
  
  ender
  
  hey! dammit, some of us designers can be involved from the beginning.
  
  hmph
5/03/08

timethief

@crkian
Please allow me to test your patience again by responding to the suggestion DrBurst made.
@DrBurst
Please understand that I do not intend to offend you. I wish you nothing but the best.

This is my case for choosing *NOT* to use images connoting military conquest on the cover the book.
(1) The contents of the book have nothing whatsoever to do with military conquest either past or present. Blog Catalog is certainly not being claimed and flagged by any legion of soldiers.
(2) BC is an all inclusive community and soldiers planting a flag on BC territory can have very negative connotations to many people and many members of this BC community are pacifists.

Just saying ... thanks, in advance for listening.

[reply]
1. 5/03/08
  
  acousticguitarist
  
  Ok what about let's get silly
  
  For an advertising line
  
  'BC Staff Nude Calendar Free with every purchase....
  
  but we'll have to get them to sign our petition
  
  Mr August
  
  Oh allright...the designers can have a say in it :-)
2. 5/03/08
  
  DrBurst
  
  np, I was just tossing it to the sharks. I was expecting the idea to get killed.
  
  what about my other idea...
5/03/08

timethief

@acousticguitarist
Oh allright...the designers can have a say in it :-)

You have cracked me up so many times on this forum that it's unbelievable. Sometimes the connection is almost palpable. I knew where you were coming from immediately when I read your post above. I *SNORTED*.

[reply]
1. 5/03/08
  
  acousticguitarist
  
  it will catch the eyes
  
  and then they can read the Copy
  
  I'm really quite funny in person...
  
  they can only layout the pictures
5/03/08

medicated

How about just a logo font for the book? I love making fonts. =)

[reply]
5/03/08

Anniepooh

OK, let's do the REAL deal--a fat homely person with a bowl of chips and a soda sitting on a dirty desktop next to their computer. Bloodshot eyes, ciggy hanging from the corner of their mouth, chuckling at something they're reading on the screen... teehee

[reply]
1. 5/03/08
  
  acousticguitarist
  
  funny
2. 5/03/08
  
  timethief
  
  @Annie
  *rotlmao* --- you have humor blog potential for sure.
  
  So the cool way that Nine has used the avatars and gravatars that represent us could easily become a book cover.
  
  I'm trying to find the page that has the bbackground on it in the official Blog Catalog blog while fielding household issues I'll be back.
3. 5/03/08
  
  acousticguitarist
  
  what has Nine done ??????
5/03/08

Anok

[reply]
1. 5/03/08
  
  Anok
  
  The dimensions would need tweaking, obviously. But it's just a thought.
2. 5/03/08
  
  timethief
  
  I love it!
  I love Anok's "just a thought".
  
  It's a strong, clean, uncluttered design.
  
  Edit: Let me add something please. The word "Catalog" does not pop out enough from the background for a person with my visual limitations.
3. 5/03/08
  
  Anniepooh
  
  Dude. I like it.
4. 5/03/08
  
  acousticguitarist
  
  Interesting idea lars's first cousin , but it's hard to read the text
  
  and maybe something like
  
  "How You and I benefit from Social Networking"
  
  Then twek page one
  
  a list of benefits followed by 'read on'.
5. 5/03/08
  
  Anok
  
  I agree that the text doesn't pop enough, but the brighter color looked, ick...
  
  I was just using what I had on hand, in microsoft paint. They don't have a very big pallet
  
  The other thing is this - I snagged the original image (the letter blocks) from some site. So, this really is just an idea. You'd have to start from scratch, and let the designer have a go at it, using original materials and whatnot.
  
  It's just for inspirational purposes
6/23/08

crkian

Ive had a different idea. Everyone should list their user name below if they want it on the cover.

[reply]
1. 6/23/08
  
  crkian
  
  Forgot to mention I will send one lucky person my own personal copy signed by me. If you leave a comment on my blog.
  
  I will have a revised version coming out soon so frop your ideas here about what you would like to see.
2. 6/23/08
  
  earthlingorgeous
  
  I will do something for you in my photoshop. I'll post tomorrow after I'm done.
3. 6/23/08
  
  crkian
  
  No need I had an idea and will just use usernames with peoples permission
6/23/08

BlondeSherry

Love to be included.
www.blondesherry.blogspot.com

[reply]
6/23/08

puanthanh

Put ur pics in the cover

[reply]
6/23/08

crkian

what pics

[reply]
6/23/08

Treasureblog

@Anok
Nice photo! but waste of time cos BC is famous enough

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6/23/08

puanthanh

ur own

[reply]
6/23/08

timethief

@crkian
"No need I had an idea and will just use usernames with peoples permission"
I'd be flattered if you would place my username on the cover of the BC book that you wrote.

[reply]
1. 6/23/08
  
  washwords
  
  me too, if not too late washwords.wordpress.com. happy to make up a "pithy quote" too
6/23/08

puanthanh

lol

[reply]
6/23/08

jafabrit

Is it too late to be included?
jafabrit.blogspot.com/

ps. I like Anok's cover design

[reply]
1. 6/23/08
  
  timethief
  
  @ckrian @jafabrit
  I forgot all about Anok's cover design. I liked it too.
6/23/08

wenfri

Include me if you wish. Your choice

wendysreel.com

or

wensonlinebusiness.wordpress.com/

[reply]
6/23/08

ChicaX

There are templates available for lulu isn't there? If provided a template, I'd try to rock a cover out.

[reply]
6/23/08

offendedblogger

"Ive had a different idea. Everyone should list their user name below if they want it on the cover."

Okey dokey, mine is offendedblogger.

[reply]
6/23/08

crkian

Anyone who thinks it to late it isnt, just came up with the idea today

[reply]
6/23/08

Treasureblog

Send the book first to me I bid

[reply]
6/23/08

Treasureblog

You are doing a great job! don loose heart on the way, boy. ur Idea is original and the latest.

[reply]
6/23/08

puanthanh

有一个好天

[reply]
6/23/08

Lyhwaku

Okay Friend:

Nome Blog: Mutango

Site Blog: www.lyhwaku.blogspot.com

[reply]
6/23/08

bkerensa

Last time I checked COPPA no longer is effective and cannot be enforced.

[reply]
1. 6/23/08
  
  crkian
  
  coppa for what
2. 6/23/08
  
  timethief
  
  @crkian
  COPPA (America) - Kids under the age of 13 years.
  www.blogcatalog.com/discuss/entry/read-before-posting-1#comment_350195
6/23/08

Anniepooh

Now, that would be the ultimate in cool--count me in!

Wait--do we all really want the word "pooh" on the front cover?

[reply]
6/23/08

ChicaX

Might be a bit "out there" but I gave it a shot, what I wanted to do was not use any photographs, simply because my photographs aren't appropriate for this type of book, and I've got no purchased stock readily available.

I think what you have though is already ace, you should just stick with it.

[reply]
1. 6/23/08
  
  crkian
  
  wow looks amazing I would never of thought of that or been able to do that
2. 6/23/08
  
  timethief
  
  @chica
  ♥ I love it! ♥
  
  @Chris
  Go for it! It's really cool and unique. But don't put usernames on the outside cover because that will muck up the clean design.
3. 6/23/08
  
  ChicaX
  
  crikan: I had a similar design once for a wallpaper, so I figured it could work for a book too. It's really very simple, just painting with circles. Glad ya dig it.
  
  Timethief: Aww thanks.
4. 6/23/08
  
  crpitt
  
  I love that too, looks rather cool.
5. 6/23/08
  
  focusorganic
  
  That is awesome! I agree it would look better without usernames, but if you decide to add them, I'd love t be included
6. 6/23/08
  
  PetLvr
  
  It's okay, and all that - nothing special though.
  (read: No PetLvr avatar seen :D)
  
  (oops/ referring to the image below)
7. 6/23/08
  
  ChicaX
  
  Ah but Hart, I used the avatars off my blog's recent visitor widget for an example.
6/23/08

mikeny07

You can use my user name on here if you like anyplace in the book.

Putting user names of people seems like a great idea on the cover. That would show how popular this site is.

[reply]
6/23/08

Treasureblog

@ChicaX
NIce love it alot

[reply]
6/23/08

mikeny07

Great design! Having the user names in a darker print with that graphic would add more power still to it.

[reply]
6/23/08

DVS

I'd be honoured.

halfdeadanddancing.blogspot.com/

[reply]
6/23/08

ChicaX

The usernames didn't work out so well, all that copy and paste drove me nuts, so I decided to try to use avatars, here is the result..

It was a lot easier I tell ya! lol don't think it'd print real well, but it was good for some time filling.

[reply]
1. 6/23/08
  
  offendedblogger
  
  Holy smokes that rocks, Chica!!
2. 6/23/08
  
  ChicaX
  
  Thanks, I'm going to stop now and hope others join in helping too.
3. 6/23/08
  
  earthlingorgeous
  
  WOW Chica hands down to this one... I vote this the cover...
  
  I wouldn't submit anything anymore as I promised Crkian, this one rocks... but I sure would still love to be included in your book
  
  earthlyexplorations.blogspot.com and
  thehaven-earthlingorgeous.blogspot.com/
4. 6/24/08
  
  carlgalloway
  
  That does look good!
5. 6/24/08
  
  crkian
  
  Would need everybodys permission to use the avatars though
6. 6/24/08
  
  OutsideMyBrain
  
  @Chica: This cover rocks. I love it! I would recommend that the bottom left corner avatar slot be reserved for the BC logo avatar... I don't see why they wouldn't give their permission on that.
  
  This cover totally personifies the experience of Social Networking and goes along with the article I wrote about branding your avatar.
  
  blog.blogcatalog.com/guest-blogger/7-quick-tips-for-branding-yourself-throu...
  
  P.S. Chica you now have my avatar
  
  @crkian: You have my permission to use my avatar and I would be honored to make it on the cover of your book!
7. 6/24/08
  
  earthlingorgeous
  
  you go right ahead you got my permission... oh wait lol... I don't see mine in there shucks lol
8. 6/24/08
  
  Darkblaze37
  
  Nice cover Chica
9. 6/24/08
  
  washwords
  
  wow. that's a fabulous design chicaX. of course, would be even a little morrrreee fabulous with washwords (logo attached) on it. LOVE IT!!!! You are some talented peeps out here in the blogosphere.
6/23/08

Teck

Let me see what I come with using photo shop

Also how do you add images to the your post?
I'm still new here at BC,

[reply]
6/23/08

Treasureblog

ITS easy!I'll give u the code:

why not visit my blog www.puanthanh.ismywebs.com for more tips, trick and blog post designs

[reply]
1. 6/24/08
  
  acousticguitarist
  
  Chris's book is BC specific
  
  your stuff is very different and irrelevant in this discussion ( as usual)
6/24/08

DarkAngelMe

I can't design to save a sinking ship...but this one's not sinking, so needs no saving from me! However, I can blog to entertain and wold not mind being in the book

darkangelme.blogspot.com

[reply]
6/24/08

acousticguitarist

Great Chris, you've written another book

[reply]
6/24/08

nabinkm

Wow!!!

interesting discussions,
and and and ...

WHERE WAS I?

[reply]
6/24/08

rainforestrobin

Hi Chris, I just bought your ebook and printed it out and it looks like it's going to be very useful for me. Good Job!!!

As to cover designs: I've not seen anything that I liked yet. They all look too cold, business-like, or sci-fi techy, space-age, very removed from "sociality". For me Blog Catalog is about friendship, a SOCIAL experience and the closest I've seen to that is what "ChicaX" pasted up above. And I would still increase the human/social aspect (happy faces) or larger avatars,otherwise it comes across as weird or too cold. BC is a SOCIAL directory where people connect, make friends, share ideas, etc. I think you need MUCH more of the people aspect on the cover. Even something showing people from all over the world. Even if you had to get permission from real people here at BC. But it needs some warmth and friendliness that encourages people to want to be part of something fun and exciting.

Those are just my thoughts (off the top of my head). I wish you well with project, Chris, and I think it will do very well. RainforestRobin

[reply]
6/24/08

rainforestrobin

Also what's involved for one to be included in your book? Or is that not something you want to do? Thanks Chris...was just looking more in depth into the ebook I just bought and it is GREAT!!!

[reply]