tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56259673736063145552024-03-05T10:42:05.007-08:00Bonnie BlogsBonnie Kaufmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03186811444082601701noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5625967373606314555.post-82738617486987183122011-05-11T18:01:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:33:50.267-07:003 Generations of (E-)ReadersHi there. How are you feeling? I only ask because I <span style="font-style: italic;">just</span> finished the BK Staff CPR Certification course, so I am officially qualified to save your life. Or, at least, more likely to give it a try. So, just give me a shout or a hand signal if need be.<br /><br />Moving on: Happy Post-Mother's Day! I hope you all had a nice time with family and friends. I was lucky enough to take a trip down to Los Angeles, where I spent the holiday with my parents and my 99-year-old grandmother. Yes, 99, you did read that right...and she is a pistol. While I was home some interesting technological developments took place. After many months of frustration with an almost-defunct cellular phone, I finally entered the world of The Smart Phone.<br /><br />Given my positive experience with the iPod Touch and its various apps, I made a smooth transition to my new iPhone. In addition to having a phone, camera, and amazing 3G capability, I was happy to learn that I could easily transfer all of my music and, most importantly, my growing collection of iBooks. An avid BART/bus reader, I first started e-reading on my iPod Touch, and found myself quickly adapting to the device. Having always been vocal about my love for the tactile sensation and smell of a 'real' book, it took me awhile to make the transition to e-reading, but eventually did so for reasons of access and practicality. Not only is a reading device lighter and more portable than a book (let alone many books), but I'm able to buy and begin reading books more immediately than I could if I relegated my shopping to 'real' bookstores. (Note: I still read plenty of print books and am an adamant supporter of local and independent booksellers -- these two methods of consumption are <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span> mutually exclusive, as some would have you believe.) And, let me tell you, it didn't take long before e-reading and e-buying (is that a thing?) felt natural. And, with a bigger screen and constant internet access, it's even better on the iPhone than it was on the iPod.<br /><br />So, one generation down. Next up, my mother, who not only received my hand-me-up iPod (oh, how the tables have turned!) -- and don't worry, I got her a real and new present, too -- but a new <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/nook/index.asp?r=1&isIndexPage=1&cm_mmc=Google-_-Nook%20Top-_-Nook%20General%20-%20Exact-_-Nook&cm_mmca1=11f81738-374e-8e28-d2c7-0000238030d1&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_term=nook&utm_campaign=Nook%20Top">Nook Color</a>, as well. While I think she may have been temporarily overwhelmed by the abundance of new technology (a feeling that, as Digital Community Builder, I have experienced often), I genuinely believe she'll soon be hooked. In an attempt to give her some usage tips and tricks, I played around with that Nook to familiarize myself, and let me tell you, that is quite a device. Not only is the color display incredible, but with the wireless connectivity and the built-in tools and apps, I think the new Nook presents some serious competition to both the iPad and the Kindle. By the time I stepped away from the table, my mom was already getting the hang of it, and I don't doubt that she'll be wielding it like a pro by my next visit. So, two generations down, one to go.<br /><br />And that one might be "to go" forever. While all of this was going on, my grandmother sat in (relative) silence -- which, for her, is pretty rare. As we subscribed to magazines, filled out crossword puzzles, snapped and shared pictures, and even answered some text messages, Grandma looked on with eyes wide, like someone who had gone to sleep and woken up in an episode of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Jetsons">The Jetsons</a>. She was genuinely amazed at the ease with which I was able to intuit the devices and, I have to admit, I was too. Not in the sense that I was impressed with my own unique capabilities (because, at this point, unique they are not), but because one family so easily represented the stages of technological change. There we sat, three generations of book-lovers, all coming to terms with the future (or, rather, the present) of book publishing -- both the good and the bad.<br /><br />Have you experienced anything like this? If so, I'd love for you to share it in the comments. And, as always, thanks for reading.Bonnie Kaufmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03186811444082601701noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5625967373606314555.post-10271069566715003732011-04-26T16:35:00.000-07:002011-04-26T17:12:29.059-07:00A Special (B)Earth Day!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN_uXS0SLU8GTWYVGSb_WYE5K_FlRSV2zgL7G4G4Rb2WGrZznSNVue5AVPnrOmyOyIw2sE8SPJec39oHGv36Xj00Cohd4rZhh4I3lfzjML89ZD7ulH-HR9FHi879Xh6ISO8VtqNDfjVAU/s1600/animal_earth_poster-p228039450580398156t5wm_400.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN_uXS0SLU8GTWYVGSb_WYE5K_FlRSV2zgL7G4G4Rb2WGrZznSNVue5AVPnrOmyOyIw2sE8SPJec39oHGv36Xj00Cohd4rZhh4I3lfzjML89ZD7ulH-HR9FHi879Xh6ISO8VtqNDfjVAU/s200/animal_earth_poster-p228039450580398156t5wm_400.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600049533552990610" border="0" /></a><br />Hello, Dear Readers. Happy Earth Day! I know, I know, it was actually last week, but I'm a big fan of the 'Better Late Than Never' life philosophy. And, really, considering everything the natural world has done for us, the least we can do is extend the celebration beyond one, single, solitary day.<br /><br />**Speaking of extending the celebration, allow me to inform you of <a href="http://www.bkconnection.com/Earth_2011.asp">Berrett-Koehler's Earth Day Sale</a>. Until May 12th, you can get up to 50% off of our Top 10 Sustainability titles. What a deal!**<br /><br />Okay, that's that. Sorry to shamelessly plug our wares, but if we don't do it, who will? But, really, that sales ties in to something bigger than book-selling, I swear. We at BK are making a genuine effort to embrace Earth Day and it's message and to do our part to create change. As such, we're currently hosting an<a href="http://bkcommunity.com/group/celebratingearthday2011"> Earth Day 2011 group on BK Community</a>, where we are inviting members to share their thoughts and feelings about Earth Day, as well as their hopes and concern's for our planets future. I even started things off with <a href="http://bkcommunity.com/group/celebratingearthday2011/forum/topics/im-in-it-for-the-animals">my own approach to environmentalism</a>, and I encourage you to join and do the same.<br /><br />Now, we aren't the only ones making a big deal about this day, either. The other evening, I was lucky enough to happen upon a special television program, a 2-hour (commercial free!) PBS documentary called <a href="http://video.pbs.org/video/1463378089/#">American Experience: Earth Days</a>. To be honest, the documentary was created last year in celebration of Earth Day's 40th Anniversary, but it seems like an appropriate thing to <span style="font-style: italic;">recycle</span>, no?<br /><br />The PBS website describes the program like this: "<span style="font-style: italic;">It is now all the rage, but can you remember when everyone in America was not "Going Green"? Earth Days looks back to the dawn and development of the modern environmental movement through the extraordinary stories of the era's pioneers.</span>" Now, this is an accurate description, but it doesn't quite do the program justice. Made up of current-day interviews with ecological pioneers, as well as incredible archival footage, the documentary shed a lot of light on a celebration and overall consciousness I had previously taken for granted.<br /><br />What particularly stuck out in my mind is the role that technology has played in the environmental movement. Now, I came into the program a little bit late, and I don't have the time to re-watch right now, so forgive me ahead of time for any rampant paraphrasing or false information. What was news to me was the fact that in the early days of the American environmental movement (we're talking '67-70), most activists were ardently anti-technology. As such, this same movement very much opposed the works of NASA and the Space Race of President Kennedy. It was not until French explore <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacques_Cousteau">Jacques Cousteau</a> (respected marine conservationist) extolled the potential learnings of space exploration that the movement was able to converge more easily with the mainstream. Around the same time, the highly-popular image of the Earth from outer space was taken and made public, which had a major impact on the growth of the environmental movement. Once people were confronted with the reality of finite space and finite resources, they opened their eyes and their minds to the importance of sustainable living.<br /><br />So, like I said, I probably botched that time-line in some way, but you get the idea. This story may not be news to all, but I think it provokes some interesting thoughts regarding technology today. Sure, there are still many ways in which technology is working against our planet's future, but at what point do the benefits begin to outweigh the costs?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Midmarket/Earth-Day-Turns-40-as-Technology-Gets-Greener-783437/">This article</a> highlights the ways in which organizations big and small are greening their technological processes. But, on a more personal level, this resonates with <a href="http://bkcommunity.com/group/celebratingearthday2011/forum/topics/im-in-it-for-the-animals">what I wrote</a> on BK Community. You can go read it if you like, but I'll summarize: My commitment to environmental conservation stems directly from my love for animals. And, while that compassion is the reason behind my 6+ years of being a vegetarian, that decision had far more to do with not wanting to eat my furry friends than it did with any larger connection between conservation and factory farming and/or any other existing arguments. It wasn't until I began watching high-quality nature programs (in particular BBC's Planet Earth) that I began to connect the dots between large-scale sustainability and the animal kingdom I so wish to preserve. So, while I'm sure there are those who would argue that bringing cameras and camera crews into a remote jungle area is an example of technology encroaching on nature, it's also an example of how that practice created a more dedicated environmentalist, and I wouldn't be surprised if I weren't the only one.<br /><br />So, as always, there are two sides to this coin. And, as always, I'd love it if you shared your thoughts, either here, or on the aforementioned <a href="http://bkcommunity.com/group/celebratingearthday2011">BK Community forum</a>.Bonnie Kaufmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03186811444082601701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5625967373606314555.post-84771912928519326682011-04-13T17:00:00.000-07:002011-04-13T17:47:52.124-07:00Designing Woman: A Woman's World That Works for All - Volume 3<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXuN7Oc6kzmPxh4RNPdug14ro8OnoVKDPL7Wj6ZMNtEIcS2dTIZbLDLt1Mr4Md41NnRIWZnPOPIb2KSJECZnboVoveXifp9hhyphenhyphenQ7hMWBIjqf9ZCMPVMuEOP2Hsklgd8KOcqdP8E44C7Eo/s1600/Zaha_hadidA.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 140px; height: 186px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXuN7Oc6kzmPxh4RNPdug14ro8OnoVKDPL7Wj6ZMNtEIcS2dTIZbLDLt1Mr4Md41NnRIWZnPOPIb2KSJECZnboVoveXifp9hhyphenhyphenQ7hMWBIjqf9ZCMPVMuEOP2Hsklgd8KOcqdP8E44C7Eo/s200/Zaha_hadidA.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595234537162997330" border="0" /></a><br />Well hello, readers. Is it time for another blog post already? I suppose it is. That being the case, I'm pleased to report that I can inform of you of an exciting new development: I have a new apartment! Starting in May, I will be a proud resident of San Francisco's Mission District, and I could not be happier. After a tireless and months-long search, I have finally found a place to live, and I think that the space I have found justifies all the work put into the hunt. While I'm sure that you're pleased on my behalf, I wouldn't be surprised if you were a bit confused as to how this is relevant to publishing. But, have I ever strayed too far off topic? I think not!<br /><br />For the last few months I've been focused on securing an apartment. Now that I have found one, I can move on to something more exciting: designing and decorating it! And, in beginning my conceptual research, I was reminded of a lady I quite admire: architect and designer, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zaha_Hadid">Zaha Hadid</a>.<br /><br />I first learned of Hadid in May of 2010, when she topped the list of 'Thinkers' in <span style="font-style: italic;">Time Magazine's</span> 100 Most Influential People in the World' issue. In reading that article, and following-up on the internet, I was impressed with Hadid's vision and accomplishments. Born in 1950 in Baghdad, Hadid received a degree in mathematics from the American University in Beirut, after which she moved to study at the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London. In the 40+ years of Hadid's career, she has established her own practice, as well as held numerous faculty positions at prestigious institutions around the world. In 2004, Hadid became the first female recipient of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pritzker_Architecture_Prize">Pritzker Architecture Prize</a>, an award which honors a living architect "whose work demonstrates a combination of...talent, vision, and commitment" and who "has produced consistent and significant contributions to humanity and the environment through the art of architecture."<br /><br />What's that? Did you someone say "significant contributions to humanity?" A phrase like that automatically sets off of my BK mission-match alarm, and once that alarm rings there's no stopping me. Ladies and gentlemen, it looks like we have our third author in my imaginary BK series, '<span style="font-style: italic;">A Woman's World That Works for All</span>'!<br /><br />While Zaha Hadid is already the author of a number of beautiful <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Zaha+Hadid&x=0&y=0">design and architecture books</a>, she has yet to put words down on paper in an attempt to share what she has learned through her years of experience. In over 40 years of design -- in the fields of architecture, product design, interior decorating and furniture-making -- what sort of evolution has Hadid seen? More importantly (for the purposes of our series), what more evolution does she see in our future? What, to the passionate and unabashedly womanly Zaha Hadid, does a world that works for all really <span style="font-style: italic;">look</span> like?<br /><br />In <a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1984685_1984745,00.html">Time</a>, clothing designer Donna Karan had this to say about her friend and collaborator: "However you view her work, Zaha is a visionary. Her style is legendary and completely original. Zaha is a woman and an artist of her time -- and yet she is very much ahead of it too."<br /><br />I rest my case.Bonnie Kaufmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03186811444082601701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5625967373606314555.post-2116498864864326452011-03-30T16:07:00.000-07:002011-03-30T17:11:53.627-07:00Publishing with PopHello Readers. You guys will be happy to know that I've been working on improving my brainpower lately, attending the weekly Pub Trivia at a local drinking establishment. This event appeals to me, because I am able to learn and grow, while also showing off my insanely good memory and my great skill at celebrity face recognition.<br /><br />However, last night I learned something at trivia, completely unrelated to any of the questions. I returned from a brief trip to the bar downstairs to find my 3 team members (all very smart and attractive young men, just in case you were wondering) in an animated conversation about <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slavoj_%C5%BDi%C5%BEek">Slavoj Zizek</a>, a person (turned out to be a man) who I'd never heard of. They halted their rapid-fire admiration-session just long enough to tell me that Zizek is a 21st-century philosopher best known for a) being crazy and b) using examples from modern day popular culture to explain philosophy and psychoanalysis. Um, what? I feel like someone spoke in a magical language made just for me. I'm a big fan of crazy (from a distance, obviously), but I'm an even bigger fan of dumbing-down tough material (especially philosophy, which I've never been able to really wrap my brain around) with stuff I can actually understand, i.e. movie stars, musicians, and other mainstream memes. At that moment I made a vow to further research this mystery man, and research I did. Don't worry, I'll share.<br /><br />Slavoj Zizek is a Slovenian philosopher and critical theorist who works in the traditions of Hegelianism, Marxism, and Lacanian psychoanalysis. He's also made some major contributions to the fields of political and film theory, as well as theoretical analysis. He is currently a senior researcher at the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia, and has held professorial positions at a large number of Universities all over the world. Back to the interesting part: Zizek uses examples from popular culture to explain the theory of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacques_Lacan">Jacques Lacan</a>, and uses Lacanian psychoanalysis, Hegelian philosophy and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marxist_economics">Marxist economic</a> criticism to interpret and speak on current social phenomena, such as the current global financial crisis. Zizek writes on many topics, including subjectivity, ideology, capitalism, racism, human rights, ecology, cinema, and religion. Seeing as I only found out about this guy last night, I haven't had the chance to read any of his work just yet, but I plan to do so, posthaste.<br /><br />Now, you may be thinking, "This is a great story Bonnie, but what exactly does it have to do with Berrett-Koehler?" Perfect timing on your part, because that is the subject I was just about to address.<br /><br />As an aspiring acquiring editor here at BK, I've been tasked with brainstorming ways in which BK might branch out and reach a younger audience. Young Adult (YA) literature is the fastest growing genre out there, but so far most publishers have been hard-pressed to get non-fiction material into the hands of those youngsters. Vampires and werewolves don't exist in real life (or do they?), so that option is off the table. Good thing I came up with another idea. What if BK were able to re-purpose some of our existing books so that they'd be more accessible to young readers? Sure, <a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.bkconnection.com/ProdDetails.asp?ID=9781576757635&PG=1&Type=BL&PCS=BKP">Theory U</a> is a complicated read, but maybe less so if 'The U Process' were somehow related through the lens of Serena Van Der Woodsen's character arc on Gossip Girl. <a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.bkconnection.com/ProdDetails.asp?ID=1576751635">Macroshift</a> is difficult for me to fully comprehend, but I imagine I'd give it more thought if 'The Breakdown' (i.e. destruction) were represented by Lindsay Lohan and 'The Breakthrough' (i.e. productivity) by Natalie Portman. I'm obviously just throwing things out right now, but I'm hoping that you get the idea.<br /><br />And working on the assumption that you do get the idea, what do you think of it? Am I being crazy or am I being crazy smart? Because, really, this is about more than selling books to a new crowd. BK books are important, mostly because they're full of ideas aimed at creating a better future. Well, who better to invest in our future than those who will be around to see it? I'm taking this lesson from Zizek and running with it. Now, if only I could find a suitable author...Bonnie Kaufmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03186811444082601701noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5625967373606314555.post-49021814303897152332011-03-16T15:58:00.000-07:002011-03-16T16:56:42.118-07:00A Woman's World that Works for All - Volume 2<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUm9kST3Dkq-MXqu25qDU8uwaQyvS_izlIUliRANsZn-XYV7zIlhQlmp68KTQeaWrVKQ6yAeK74IASEe2_lZupGYhoc3FR5Epv0RzSMOHiw73h6x6q0jKE_ugxMKaI60WkqS3DbYPTNIA/s1600/edna_foa.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 168px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUm9kST3Dkq-MXqu25qDU8uwaQyvS_izlIUliRANsZn-XYV7zIlhQlmp68KTQeaWrVKQ6yAeK74IASEe2_lZupGYhoc3FR5Epv0RzSMOHiw73h6x6q0jKE_ugxMKaI60WkqS3DbYPTNIA/s200/edna_foa.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584830932018718610" border="0" /></a><br />What? You didn't think I'd give up on my <a href="http://bckblogs.blogspot.com/2011/02/womans-world-that-works-for-all-volume.html">ladies-only line of BK books</a>, did you? Just needed a quick break to share my thoughts on the future of book-selling (as I am wont to do), but let's get back to this game-changing series of products, shall we?<br /><br />As you may recall, the first work in the 'A Woman's World that Works for All' collection came from bestselling dystopian YA author Suzanne Collins (and, if you can't recall, you can re-read <a href="http://bckblogs.blogspot.com/2011/02/womans-world-that-works-for-all-volume.html">here</a>). This second book will go in a different direction, just to make sure we cover all of our bases. While Collins' BK book imagines, and works toward, a world without trauma , the next book in the series is aimed at overcoming and dealing with the trauma that already exists. Who better to pen this prescription than acclaimed psychologist <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edna_B._Foa">Edna Foa</a>?<br /><br />As human beings, we are taught to fear those things that are harmful to us. If and when those fears are realized, the damage can be hard to undo. In extreme cases, the pain associated with these experiences is known as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition consisting of depression, anxiety, anger and isolation. The viciousness of PTSD is matched by the severity of the things that can provoke it: sexual assault and abuse, natural disasters, and of course, war. (Take a moment to to check out <a href="http://ptsdcombat.blogspot.com/2006/04/ptsd-statistics-wwii-to-iraq.html">these statistics</a>.) Many people have difficulty addressing this condition, and far too many sufferers cope by working too hard, drinking too hard, and keeping the pain to themselves. This doesn't sit well with Edna Foa.<br /><br />Foa, who studied first at Bar-Ilan University in Israel and then in the U.S. at the University of Pennsylvania, began studying post-rape trauma 30 years ago, cobbling together a therapy based on related anxiety disorders. In 2000, Foa and her husband visited Israel, arriving five days before the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Intifada">Second Intifada</a> began. What Dr. Foa witnessed changed her focus from post-rape trauma to combat-related PTSD, from which point she developed a therapy known as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prolonged_exposure_therapy">Prolonged Exposure</a>, or PE. PE involves identifying thoughts and situations that trigger fear and then gently exposing sufferers to them, the thought behind which is that facing the memories strips them of power. And it works. The U.S. military is embracing PE, as is the Department of Veterans Affairs.<br /><br />To Foa, spreading the word is what is most important. "If you develop a wonderful protocol, it's useless if nobody uses it," she says. Well, what better way to spread the word than to write about it, Edna? While Dr. Foa is already the author of numerous psychological texts, I think she could branch out with a book for Berrett-Koehler, taking on more than just the medical aspects of the condition. Namely, to help create a world that works for all, how can we apply what she has learned from PE to other trauma that exists? How would she do it? Do you, readers, have any ideas? Feel free to share below.Bonnie Kaufmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03186811444082601701noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5625967373606314555.post-52857456014776111632011-03-02T15:54:00.000-08:002011-03-02T17:14:48.452-08:00BK at Banana Republic?Well, well, well....Publisher's Weekly has struck my brain-bone yet again, this time with an article on a fancy new book-selling chain. The 'Retail Nation' section of this week's PW features an interesting <a href="http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/bookselling/article/46097-bookmarc-bookstore-as-luxury-brand.html">article</a> on Bookmarc, the new book-selling (and publishing) brand of the Marc Jacobs fashion empire.<br /><br />Now, I had heard about Bookmarc stores popping up, but it wasn't until I read this article that I understood what the shops were all about. Marc Jacobs has opened Bookmarc stores on both coasts, as well as added branded Bookmarc sections to a handful of MJ stores both in the U.S. and Europe. Additionally, stand-alone Bookmarc stores are in the works for Washington, D.C. and Shanghai. These shops function under the mentality that, "Fashion is about lifestyle. Anything can be fashion," and, as such, books fall into that category. The store is filled with both paperback and hardcover titles, most by and about rock stars, cultural revolutions, erotica, fashion, art, photography, and history. The man behind Bookmarc, Jacobs's business partner Robert Duffy, says that Bookmarc is "fun, and its profitable."<br /><br />Fun and profitable, you say? Where have I heard this before? Oh yes, only a few days ago, in a related article in the <span style="font-style: italic;">The New York Times</span>! '<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/28/business/media/28bookstores.html?_r=1&src=me&ref=business">Beyond Bookstores</a>', published February 27th, tackles similar subject matter, but broadens the landscape. Using trendy Los Angeles boutique Kitson to illustrate a theme, the NYT addresses a growing trend in book-selling: non-book retail. "In a town that is all about flash, Kitson is finding a surprising source of revenue that is not from its fashionable shoes or accessories. It is from books." And Kitson isn't alone. "A wide range of stores better known for their apparel, food and fishing reels have been adding books. Anthropologie has increased the number of titles it carries...Coldwater Creek, Lowe's, Bass Pro Shops and even Cracker Barrel are adding new books." (FYI, I checked - you can get MadLibs at Cracker Barrel, a winning combo if ever there was one. )<br /><br />So, what's the deal with these new book-buying outlets? Both articles point tellingly to the failings of traditional booksellers.<br /><br />A big part of what drove Bookmarc's creation was Robert Duffy's frustration with seeing so many bookstores close and with being able to find content online more easily than in print. This sentiment is echoed - and further emphasized - in <span style="font-style: italic;">The New York Times</span>. "Publishers have stocked books in nonbook retailers for decades. In the last year, though, publishers have increased their efforts as the two largest bookstore chains have changed course." As smaller shops close and big stores like Barnes & Noble dedicate more and more real estate to e-readers, games, and other multi-media products, they lose significant power as traditional sales channels. "Having a physical outlet for books is extraordinarily important for. While online and e-book sales are huge channels, lesser-known books can get lost...if they do not have a physical presence to spur interest."<br /><br />Indeed, interest has been spurred, and to the benefit of publishers, retailers and, I would argue, all readers. For <a href="http://www.perseuspromos.com/distros/">Perseus Book Group</a>, sales at nontraditional retailers beat out sales at Borders for the first time in 2010. Michael Jacobs, CEO of <a href="http://www.abramsbooks.com/">Abrams</a>, says that nontraditional retailers made up over 15% of their business in 2010 and he expects that number will grow to 25% in the next few years. Big publishers like Random House and Houghton Mifflin are now seeking specialty retailers as well, all of which is welcome business for stores.<br /><br />The books are profitable for retailers, as they tend to drive other purchases. Patti Price, Lowe's Senior VP of Merchandising, says books on subjects like cooking and home projects "inspire and and inform customers to purchase goods that will allow them to...complete home improvement projects." Very clever, Patti!<br /><br />While I have a negative gut reaction to anything that harms independent bookstores, as a literature lover and publishing professional, my loyalty lies with 'the reader' on this one. And, as such, I think these are exciting developments. The more we thrust books into all areas of the community, the better, and we might as well go where the people already are. Placement in popular stores can drastically widen the audience for books, appealing to someone who wouldn't necessarily browse bookstores, or even Amazon.<br /><br />What say you? Do you support the sale of books at nontraditional outlets? More importantly, could this work for Berrett-Koehler? Use the comments section of this blog post to let us know where we should start selling our titles.Bonnie Kaufmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03186811444082601701noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5625967373606314555.post-14522662706972438672011-02-16T14:59:00.000-08:002011-02-16T16:23:07.008-08:00A Woman's World that Works for All - Volume 1<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUp8VBs3qHMaPr0nN2my88_2b9XU-MotI-5zSwuiugAxg8dvK2BnxQi48tmVv521lXyfqxgsf_exppZ-o7ShVMyVXYYGGIO6Ev_MTofeRXbs-XCSg6Fp8H8WmUWxtdJ72Fv71B0tKKD30/s1600/suzannecollins.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 140px; height: 146px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUp8VBs3qHMaPr0nN2my88_2b9XU-MotI-5zSwuiugAxg8dvK2BnxQi48tmVv521lXyfqxgsf_exppZ-o7ShVMyVXYYGGIO6Ev_MTofeRXbs-XCSg6Fp8H8WmUWxtdJ72Fv71B0tKKD30/s200/suzannecollins.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574437329132281186" border="0" /></a><br />Hi guys. How's it going for you? It's been pretty quiet around here this week, with many staff members out of town or out of the office for various reasons. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining. The relative tranquility has given me a lot of room for thought, the result of which is this very blog entry. Hours of silent seclusion have led me far into the realm of the fanciful, and I'm about to propose something a little bit strange. However, this blog is one of few arenas in which I exert total control, so...go with me on this.<br /><br />At Berrett-Koehler we talk a lot about creating a world that works for all and opening up new space, both ideas rooted in our mission statement. Like everyone else on staff, the energy I bring to work is motivated by these ideals (and, sure, the occasional free lunch), but I recognize that this is easier said than done. We may not always be ready or able to <span style="font-style: italic;">create</span> that world that works for all but, in the meantime, couldn't we <span style="font-style: italic;">imagine</span> what that world would be? As such, I'm imagining a series in which we invite others share their visions of a world that works for all, opening up new space with original, short, digitally-distributed pieces.<br /><br />And, because this is extra-imaginary, I'm making all of the authors women. Now, my feminist leanings are no surprise to readers who know me well, but this aspect is as much a personal challenge as it is a political statement, so let's see how it plays out. In this series of short pieces, which I'm calling '<span style="font-style: italic;">A Woman's World That Works For All'</span>, smart, talented, and accomplished ladies from various fields will envision our best possible futures, giving readers the motivation to figure out what it would take to get us there.<br /><br />First up? Suzanne Collins, bestselling author of <a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hunger_Games">The Hunger Games</a> trilogy and <a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Underland_Chronicles">The Underland Chronicles</a>.<br /><br />Full disclosure: I have not ready any of <span style="font-style: italic;">The Hunger Games</span> books, but they have been recommended to be my numerous well-respected friends, and are nearly next on my to-read shelf.<br /><br />Published by Scholastic in 2008, the first book in this young-adult science fiction series introduces sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives in the post-apocalyptic country of Panem, formerly North America. In Panem, a powerful government working in a city called The Capitol holds power, hosting an annual televised event (The Hunger Games) in which one girl and one boy from each district are chosen and forced to fight to the death. The Hunger Games exist to show that not even children are beyond the reach of The Capitol's power. <br /><br />Whoa, right? If Suzanne Collins can so handily (and successfully) envision our demise, just imagine what she could do on the opposite end of the spectrum. We already know that she's a hugely talented writer, and her readers are so loyal they couldn't help but follow her to Berrett-Koehler. As I type, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Hunger Games</span> is being adapted into a movie, which means Collins is about to 'blow up' (as they say), making her one of the most influential figures in youth and pop culture. Katniss Everdeen is a strong role model for young women, and I think that Suzanne Collins is a good one for all of us.<br /><br /><br />*It should also be noted that Collins was a writer on the beloved (by me) television show, Clarissa Explains It All.Bonnie Kaufmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03186811444082601701noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5625967373606314555.post-91750823576410250362011-02-02T16:53:00.000-08:002011-02-02T17:56:45.091-08:00Ooh La La Ooligan: Creating Books AND Publishers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7hLnptj7Id0774_Ye3sOdN_sHvJVAWJwcKp6tMCdKJVClE7VD8tlNMpTBmeYXQURyJ_U9J-SdX7lfMwrQkMjOCtL2YtWJ8FZnqe9VQZgHVkk4SoRZUY5k1qH-X6cfn3PF35E9nccZGc/s1600/Ooligan_Final.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 87px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7hLnptj7Id0774_Ye3sOdN_sHvJVAWJwcKp6tMCdKJVClE7VD8tlNMpTBmeYXQURyJ_U9J-SdX7lfMwrQkMjOCtL2YtWJ8FZnqe9VQZgHVkk4SoRZUY5k1qH-X6cfn3PF35E9nccZGc/s200/Ooligan_Final.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569276318142802082" border="0" /></a><br />As part of my new role as Editorial Associate here at Berrett-Koehler, I've been dedicating more time to keeping up with industry news, which mostly means that I take advantage of my weekday commute by bringing along the office copy of <span style="font-style: italic;">Publisher's Weekly</span>. Not only is this a great way to distract myself from the <a href="http://www.munidiaries.com/">sights, sounds, and smells</a> of a too-crowded SF Muni bus, but it's an easy and entertaining way to stay on top of book deals, projects that other publishers have in development, and those models that are or are not working in today's changing landscape. While most articles in PW do much to inform, one feature in the January 10th issue had me <span style="font-style: italic;">inspired</span> and, as such, I'd like to share it with you.<br /><br />As I flipped through the pages of the most recent PW, the profile on page 9 struck my eye. Perhaps it was the noble drawing of what I would later learn is a type of smelt known as candlefish, or maybe it was the giggle of delight I let out upon pronouncing the word 'Ooligan'. The world may never know what initially drew me to this story, but I do know that I'm glad it did.<br /><br />Founded in 2011 by Dennis Stovall, Ooligan Press is a teaching press "dedicated to the art and craft of publishing." Affiliated with Portland State University, the entire house is staffed with students pursuing masters degrees in English, so that these young people can enter the professional environment with real-world publishing experience. With 25-30 students working on each Ooligan Press title, the entire publishing process - from development, to editing, production, and design - is handled by the students. "I'm the publisher of Ooligan," says Dennis Stovall, "but in reality, the students are the publishers."<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"Ooligan Pressis a general trade publisher rooted in the rich literary tradition of the Pacific Northwest. A region widely recognized for its unique and innovative sensibilities, this small corner of America is one of the most diverse in the United States, comprising urban centers, small towns, and wilderness areas...From this wealth of culture, Ooligan Press aspires to discover works that reflect the values and attitudes that inspire so many to call the Northwest their home."</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The sentiment conveyed in Ooligan's mission statement is further evident in the 25 titles Ooligan currently has in print. To name a few:<br /><ul><li><a href="http://ooligan.pdx.edu/?page_id=54"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">42</span> by M. Thomas Cooper</span></a> - This unconventional thriller set in Portland, Oregon, follows George Olson as his life is thrown into chaos and his mind into a possible state of psychosis. Looking down at the city from his office in the <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/200-market-building-portland">Black Box Building</a>, George tries to make sense of a string of disappearances, strange disasters, and the recurrence of the number forty-two.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://ooligan.pdx.edu/?page_id=1937"><span style="font-style: italic;">Brew to Bikes</span> by Charles Heying</a> - </span>Dissatisfied with passive consumption, many residents of Portland, Oregon take matters into their own hands. Urban Studies Professor Charles Heying noticed these local artisans and set out to study their thriving economy. A treatise to local, ethical business practices, <span style="font-style: italic;">Brew to Bikes</span> positions Portland as a hub of artisan ingenuity. </li><li><a href="http://ooligan.pdx.edu/?page_id=70"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Dreams of the West: The History of the Chinese in Oregon, 1850-1950</span></a> by Portland State University - This distinctive account of Chinese immigration is detailed in a well-researched text and photograph collection, many never before seen by the public. <span style="font-style: italic;">Dreams of the West</span> presents brave stories of men and women who made America their home and kept China in their hearts.</li><li><a href="http://ooligan.pdx.edu/?page_id=99"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Ricochet River </span>by Robin Cody </span></a>- Set in a fictional Oregon town, Ricochet River is a coming-of-age story about teenagers preparing to break away from their small-town lives. The river rushes past the town, linking three friends with their pasts, their plans, and the world beyond.</li></ul>Ooligan offers a great selection of titles like these, all of which are available on their comprehensive <a href="http://ooligan.pdx.edu/">website</a>, which also explains their name and logo, the aforementioned candlefish. "The name Ooligan is adopted from a Native American word for a smelt otherwise known as the candlefish. The ooligan was an abundant natural resource in Pacific Northwest rivers." Ah, got it!<br /><br />So, why exactly am I so enamored of Ooligan? At the end of the day, I think it comes down to pure mission-match. While Berrett-Koehler is busy 'creating a world that works for all', it seems that Ooligan is doing the same -- for the world of publishing --, and I see a lot of overlap in the way we do business.<br /><br />Ooligan currently features a category of books that they call the <a href="http://ooligan.pdx.edu/?page_id=2021">OpenBook Series</a>, which is aimed at highlighting the press' commitment to transparency on the route towards sustainable publishing. "We believe that disclosing the impacts of the choices we make will not only help us avoid unintentional greenwashing, but also serve to educate those who are unfamiliar with the choices available to printers and publishers." Like Berrett-Koehler, Ooligan has been offering its titles in both print and e-book formats for the past couple of years, and Stovall is working with authors to get digital rights to backlist titles, a process with which Jeevan is all-too familiar. Another thing I love about Ooligan? Their <a href="http://ooligan.pdx.edu/?page_id=987">blog</a> - which features interesting and informative posts like "Making Yourself Marketable", "Launching Digital Publishing", "Paper Design", and much more. Servicey!<br /><br />As you can tell, Ooligan has a fan in me, and I think there's a lot we can all learn from this model. Thanks, Ooligan, for being an inspiration to publishers both present and future!<br /><br /><br /></div></div>Bonnie Kaufmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03186811444082601701noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5625967373606314555.post-52841838141606403982011-01-19T16:28:00.000-08:002011-01-19T17:23:01.031-08:00Cooking the Books - BK Goes Gourmet<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqHFVgbRLvS3X7ZeKRfJs_lC8tdYFu6ohld_EcKVKdp9gOl7xjjKCthEDvB8Qpn1nm_7Vz39BTs12jVacLjuViLImFs273EdneYijTyJ4dvVltPWokyYkBe-BlFSTkAgITjRpfPZNVe8/s1600/seanbakergather1.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 140px; height: 93px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqHFVgbRLvS3X7ZeKRfJs_lC8tdYFu6ohld_EcKVKdp9gOl7xjjKCthEDvB8Qpn1nm_7Vz39BTs12jVacLjuViLImFs273EdneYijTyJ4dvVltPWokyYkBe-BlFSTkAgITjRpfPZNVe8/s200/seanbakergather1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564071605429113122" border="0" /></a><br />Are you hungry? How about hungry for a good read? Either way, I think you'll enjoy this idea for a book I'd love to see from BK. Now, it's no secret to staff members here that I've long argued in favor of bringing some food to our editorial bill of fare, but a cookbook might not be entirely what anybody had in mind. However, what I'm here to propose is something more than your average volume of recipes. What I'd like to bring to the table (and, by the way, all puns are intended) is a guidebook for gathering all kinds of eaters in pursuit of personal, environmental, and economic health and happiness. Or, to stay on message, 'To Create a Menu That Works For All." And, stick with me, because I really do mean <span style="font-style: italic;">all</span>.<br /><br />Now, as handy as I am with a Tofurky (and believe me, I am), I have an author in mind a bit more suited to this task - <a href="http://www.gatherrestaurant.com/index.php/about/more/sean_baker">Sean Baker</a>. Never heard of him? Well, get familiar, because he's making quite a name for himself as Executive Chef of Berkeley's <a href="http://www.gatherrestaurant.com/">Gather Restaurant</a>.<br /><br />I can thank my longstanding love of men's magazines for my initial introduction to Baker (<a href="http://www.esquire.com/features/food-drink/best-restaurants-2010/gather-berkeley-1110">Esquire's Chef of the Year, 2010</a>), but I've been hearing and reading about this local food-celebrity (foodlebrity?) since then. After graduating from Le Cordon Bleu, Baker worked for many years in the kitchen of <a href="http://www.millenniumrestaurant.com/">Millenium Restauran</a>t (admittedly, a favorite vegan establishment here in San Francisco), then at Zibbio and Google's kitchens, before taking on the role of Executive Chef at <a href="http://www.gabriellacafe.com/">Gabriella Cafe</a> in Santa Cruz, CA.<br /><br />While these are certainly great credentials and accomplishments, it's Baker's approach at Gather (opened in December '09) that makes him the right man for this job. These days, it's nothing new to support local food producers and offer an organic menu, but Sean Baker and his team really do honor their "unwavering commitment to choosing foods that are cultivated safely, justly, and sustainably." All sources are meticulously researched, and Gather's menu is driven by the labor and interests of the farmers, ranchers, and cheese makers they support, working in direct conjunction with the providers to ensure a favorable relationship for all involved. (Hmmm. Sounds a bit like <a href="http://www.bkconnection.com/static/story.asp">stewardship</a>, if you ask me.) This respect for the community ("There is no such thing as an individual," their <a href="http://www.gatherrestaurant.com/index.php/about/more/more_about_our_values">mission statement</a> asserts. "We are all connected.") is reflected in the restaurant's ambiance and general attitude, but nowhere is it more apparent than on the menu.<br /><br />This, dear readers, is where I get excited. As a vegetarian, I'm frequently frustrated by what dining establishments have to offer. Most general restaurants cook up only one or two things I can eat in good conscience, while the places that specialize in veggie or vegan fare are too preachy and unappealing to meat-eating friends and family. For Baker and Gather, this is a non-issue. "We really want to show enthusiasm for any dietary preference. There are so many...and we really just want to embrace that and give vegetables the same attention that we give to meat," Baker <a href="http://www.thefeast.com/sanfrancisco/restaurants/Gather-Turns-One--112021504.html">explains</a>. And do they ever! From the carnivore-satisfying Prather Ranch Burger to their famous <a href="http://insidescoopsf.sfgate.com/paololucchesi/2010/10/11/sean-baker-of-gather-was-the-last-person-to-find-out-he-is-esquires-chef-of-the-year/">Vegan "Charcuterie"</a>, this is a restaurant (and a potential cookbook!) that really does offer something for everyone. As Baker <a href="http://www.esquire.com/features/food-drink/best-restaurants-2010/gather-berkeley-1110">says</a>, "Most of all, we just want people to have a good time eating."<br /><br />And I just want people to have a good time reading!<br /><br />Now, before you think I'm just getting whimsical, there are actual practical and publishing-related reasons to embrace this piece of work. Berrett-Koehler strives to be at the forefront of the digital revolution, and nowhere are the opportunities for innovation greater than in cookbooks. Foodie culture has exploded in recent years, and food and cooking-related content has surged the internet. But despite the free content presented online, cookbook sales continue to grow. Why? Because cooking and eating are community activities, and nothing works to build community like digital and social media. Cookbooks and recipes present an unparalleled platform for enriched content, be it photo, video, or the opportunity for user interaction. Just imagine the possibilities, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/david.paul.marshall">David Marshall</a>!<br /><br />So, what do you think? Would you buy this book?Bonnie Kaufmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03186811444082601701noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5625967373606314555.post-1392856288160642262011-01-05T15:55:00.000-08:002011-01-05T16:33:16.500-08:00Ringing, Reading, and Reviewing in 2011Dear Readers,<br /><br />It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the first Bonnie Blog posting of 2011! Not only is this a new year, but an entirely new decade, as well. Now, as cheesy and scientifically unsubstantiated as it may be, I'm a firm believer in the symbolic power of the 'new beginning' and, as follows, hold the (somewhat dangerous) belief that how you spend the earliest part of the new year is somewhat and somehow indicative of the entire year to come. Sure, this theory may not be comforting for all but, at the moment, it's <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> working for me.<br /><br />As you know, it is my great ambition to one day work (successfully!) as an acquiring and developmental editor. As such, you can imagine my delight in having spent the first full week of 2011 mired in the thick of the editorial process.<br /><br />Let me back up. Some time ago (really, at least a couple of months), Jeevan approached me with the request to complete my first-ever in-depth and full-length manuscript review for Berrett-Koehler, specifically working on <a href="http://www.barbaramcafee.com/">Barbara McAfee's</a> upcoming book, <span style="font-style: italic;">Full Voice: The Art and Practice of Vocal Presence</span>. Having attended the meetings in which this book proposal was first presented to the editorial team, I jumped at the chance to contribute to the work in a fundamental way, especially compelled by the challenge of bringing <span style="font-style: italic;">voice</span> to the printed page.<br /><br />Now, when I say 'jumped', I mean that in terms of the opportunity, and not so much the actual pursuit. As those who are familiar with my work already know, I have a slight tendency to engage in procrastination. Therefore, while I was given my material well before the end of 2010, I performed the entirety of the project the following year. And what a project it was! Never before have I approached a written work in quite the same way, armed with deep thoughts and strong feelings, not to mention notepaper, highlighters, and many many pens. I spent hours upon hours locked in my room, exiled from the revelry taking place elsewhere in the apartment.<br /><br />And do you know what? I loved it. Sure, I may have moaned and groaned a bit, frustrated at the cramming situation I had brought upon myself once again. But, overall, I really really enjoyed it. While I wasn't sure what I was doing was necessarily correct, nor could I be sure that it would be helpful, what was important was that I was <span style="font-style: italic;">doing</span> it. I worked hard, I cared, and I got it done. And the best part is that delivering my review was really just the beginning of the experience.<br /><br />Only two days after I sent the review in, Barbara McAfee was in the BK office to meat with our staff and to give her Author Day presentation. Having worked on the manuscript, I was invited (along with the other on-staff reviewers, extremely talented interns Brad Casenave and Sam Calios) to attend all of the author's meetings with her editor, Neal Maillet. While I've been privy to the editorial process ever since I first began working at Berrett-Koehler, this marks the first time that I've been involved at such a crucial and constant level. And, let me tell you, it makes all of the difference. Not only seeing, but <span style="font-style: italic;">contributing</span> to the creation of a piece of work, inherently binds you to it in an emotional capacity. Or, rather, it does that for me. And that feels good. No, that feels great. So, while it remains to be seen if I'm actually any good at being an editor, I can tell you at least one thing for sure: I really really enjoy it.<br /><br />So, there you have it. This may be more like a journal entry than a blog entry, but I needed to get it out. And, as further proof of my New Year's hypothesis, I've already been given my next editorial assignment!<br /><br />And, of course, here's to wishing you all a 2011 as exciting and fulfilling as mine is shaping up to be. I really really mean it!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><object height="335" width="280"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4xf40oVyx3Y?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4xf40oVyx3Y?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="385" width="480"></embed></object>Bonnie Kaufmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03186811444082601701noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5625967373606314555.post-87867877930154523602010-12-01T14:23:00.000-08:002010-12-01T16:11:36.363-08:00Environmentalism in Office<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJZlxemxbboEd79oh6Ug34RhfvwC3gVVf6-lyZ9tqRTXlqTC7RYzAljbjQw19NUvV9m2Mxkc1i-bQ_yICyuwTTUhe9EoU9qt87VT6w1ctxc4-l-Qm7RNR7Qg6zeHb2EYOW1b3P8esrDg/s1600/jackson1.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 172px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJZlxemxbboEd79oh6Ug34RhfvwC3gVVf6-lyZ9tqRTXlqTC7RYzAljbjQw19NUvV9m2Mxkc1i-bQ_yICyuwTTUhe9EoU9qt87VT6w1ctxc4-l-Qm7RNR7Qg6zeHb2EYOW1b3P8esrDg/s200/jackson1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545870707341676882" border="0" /></a><br />In keeping with the theme of this week's BK Communique, I've set my sights on a truly accomplished environmental activist: EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. Let's get to know this potential BK author, shall we?<br /><br />Born in Philadelphia in 1962, Lisa Jackson graduated <span style="font-style: italic;">summa cum laude</span> from Tulane University with a B.S. in chemical engineering. Jackson then earned an M.S. from Princeton University, also in chemical engineering, before beginning her career with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at its Washington, D.C. headquarters in 1986. During her time at the EPA, Lisa Jackson contributed greatly to the federal <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superfund">Superfund</a> (otherwise known as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act) site remediation program, developing numerous hazardous waste cleanup regulations, overseeing hazardous waste cleanup operations in the state of New Jersey (shout-out to my Garden State heritage), and eventually directing multimillion-dollar cleanup projects throughout the country when she served as Deputy Director and Acting Director of agency's enforcement division.<br /><br />After 16 years with the EPA, Jackson joined the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection as assistant commissioner of compliance and enforcement, heading numerous programs involving land use regulation, geological survey, and water supply, standards and monitoring, and water use management. Under Jackson's leadership, the state Department of Environmental Protection developed and implemented the landmark <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highlands_Water_Protection_and_Planning_Act">Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act</a>.<br /><br />In December of 2008, Barack Obama officially designated Lisa Jackson as the nominee for Administrator of the EPA. She was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in January of 2009, and started right away on a U.S. campaign to tackle greenhouse gas emissions. She's certainly got my support.<br /><br />How could you not want to read the work of this amazingly accomplished woman? Sure, there are <span style="font-style: italic;">countless</span> books on environmental protection and related policy, but this one would be different, drawing upon a truly experienced perspective rooted in scientific understanding and years of bureaucratic government experience.<br /><br />It has long been believed (and with good reason) that the EPA's authority is drawn primarily from its regulatory power, giving the agency a public image as being ineffectual and untrustworthy. Since her earliest days at the agency, Lisa Jackson has worked diligently towards an <a href="http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1984685_1984745_1985493,00.html">essential task</a>: restoring public trust in the EPA. Well, this book is her opportunity to put it all into writing! In a time when government mistrust continues to grow, a compelling work by Lisa Jackson could combine history, science, and vision to give the American public (and our industries, businesses, and even other sectors of government) confidence that she and her team are serving <span style="font-style: italic;">all</span> of our best interests.<br /><br />Amazingly, Ms. Jackson has yet to write a book, and you know I would just <span style="font-style: italic;">love</span> to sign the first-ever African American woman to serve in her position as my first-ever author.Bonnie Kaufmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03186811444082601701noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5625967373606314555.post-16950718198962719992010-11-10T16:00:00.000-08:002010-11-10T17:36:19.180-08:00Good Will Writing<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSKnheVmtBLPcyT1S0xLJjfAq2AJIhK13qYuvnR6K0CmvfAh7GeLy5V-BRjpkdwa-ZswkW7QBKOnD0yannzu6YK3DMP7o-VS0rPXMp2tie9SsmBDYcqit-4aiacpsDpJijOTJHSFKovo/s1600/matt_damon.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 162px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSKnheVmtBLPcyT1S0xLJjfAq2AJIhK13qYuvnR6K0CmvfAh7GeLy5V-BRjpkdwa-ZswkW7QBKOnD0yannzu6YK3DMP7o-VS0rPXMp2tie9SsmBDYcqit-4aiacpsDpJijOTJHSFKovo/s200/matt_damon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538099889054775746" border="0" /></a><br />Here's a fun fact: Despite the enthusiasm with which I perform my role as Digital Community Builder, my ultimate goal in the world of book publishing is to one day be a big-shot acquiring editor. Or even just a regular-shot acquiring editor, but if you're going to dream you might as well dream big, right? As part of the editorial team here at Berrett-Koehler, I'm already on a solid path towards my intended profession, with a passenger-seat view of the acquisitions and editorial processes. However, there's a considerable difference between watching and doing, and I'm ready to start thinking like an acquiring editor, even if I'm not yet acting as one. As such, the Bonnie Blog is taking on a new form. From here on out, this space will be dedicated to my ideal Berrett-Koehler book projects, signings made even sweeter because they aren't hindered by the constricts of reality. In that vein, I present you with the first of many imagined manuscripts: A memoir by my dream celebrity author, Mr. Matt Damon. (Remember what I said about dreaming big?)<br /><br /><br />As many of you already know, I have an unabashed and unending interest in celebrity and popular culture. However, my enthusiasm for Mr. Damon goes beyond the normal excitement garnered by popular performers. On top of being a very good actor (and why not just say it -- a very good looking guy), I have come to the solid conclusion that Matt Damon is also a very good person. BK's mission to create a world that works for all seems to be something the actor also supports -- he just doesn't know it yet.<br /><br />Born in Massachusetts in 1970, Matt Damon is an actor and screenwriter, whose career really took off following the success of the film <span style="font-style: italic;">Good Will Hunting</span>, from a screenplay he co-wrote with longtime friend Ben Affleck (who will, of course, be contributing both foreword and endorsement).<br /><br />Damon's Wikipedia page points out that he grew up near historian and author <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Zinn">Howard Zinn</a>, with whom he developed a close personal relationship. I can't help but believe that such early proximity to a noted progressive thinker had a major impact on the young Damon, who is also a political activist and a major philanthropist. These roles, more so than those he takes on in film and television, are really what draw me to Damon as an author.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.parade.com/celebrity/2009/10/matt-damon-gives-back.html">Interviews with Damon</a> reveal that he has taken part in philanthropy since the ripe old age of 12, when he started putting his allowance to work. "I got $5 a week when I was a kid, but I never spent much money on anything. My mother was involved in all sorts of causes, and when I was about 12, I started sending a little bit every month to one of them. I learned then that you find one thing that matters to you, and it changes your whole mind set," he told Parade magazine in 2009. To this day, it's clear that Damon still ascribes to that philosophy. The actor founded <a href="http://www.h2oafrica.org/">H20 Africa Foundation</a>, which has since merged with WaterPartners to create <a href="http://water.org/">Water.org</a>, a nonprofit committed to providing safe drinking water and sanitation to people in developing countries. Together with other well-known actors, Damon founded <a href="http://notonourwatchproject.org/">Not On Our Watch</a>, an organization that focuses global attention and accumulates resources to stop and prevent mass atrocities such as in Darfur. The list of Damon's philanthropic contributions goes on and on, from his support of the <a href="http://www.one.org/us/">ONE Campaign</a> to fight AIDS and poverty in Third World Countries, his ambassadorship on behalf of<a href="http://www.onexone.org/"> OneXOne</a>, a non-profit foundation committed to improving the lives of children around the world, and his position as spokesperson for <a href="http://feedingamerica.org/">Feeding America</a>, the largest USA-focused hunger-relief organization.<br /><br />While working to better the lives of those around the world is admirable enough, I'm also impressed by Damon's commitment to the well-being of his family, especially his attitude towards raising responsible women. "I think what's important for kids to know is that your decisions here on earth matter, your behavior matters, and how you treat other people matters. If I had a bucket list, I'd say raising my four girls to be strong, good women would be number one," he <a href="http://omg.yahoo.com/blogs/goddess/matt-damon-i-want-to-raise-my-four-girls-to-be-strong-women/525">said recently</a>.<br /><br />Ladies and gentlemen, this is a man actively working to create a world that works for all. Even though he's only 40 years old, he's lived a life full enough to fill more than a single book, so why not give one to Berrett-Koehler? The content will be great, he's got a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQgtJF2byqI&feature=related">wicked sense of humor</a>, and we already know <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_Will_Hunting">he can write</a>!<br /><br />You heard it here first: I'm <span style="font-style: italic;">signing</span> Matt Damon!Bonnie Kaufmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03186811444082601701noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5625967373606314555.post-5147494100634743832010-10-26T16:02:00.000-07:002010-10-26T16:50:01.547-07:00Creating a World That Works For Me!Dictionary.com (the new authority in word-explanations, at least as far as I'm concerned) defines the term 'affiliate' (n.) thusly:<span style="font-style: italic;"> "A person who is affiliated; associate; auxiliary.</span>" Hmm. Helpful.<br /><br />Many years ago I was told by a professor of English that one's thesis statement should never begin with a dictionary definition. However, I'm about to break more than one rule of blog-writing, so I may as well embrace error and start out on the wrong foot. Ah, rebellion. Take <span style="font-style: italic;">that</span>, Professor Lewis!<br /><br />Now, wouldn't you like to be a "person who is affiliated" with Berrett-Koehler Publishers? Wouldn't you like to say, casually, -- perhaps over cocktails? -- "Why yes, I am a Berrett-Koehler associate. An <span style="font-style: italic;">auxiliary</span>, if you will"? It's no "Bond, James Bond" but it's pretty darn close.<br /><br />Well, now is your chance! Here is where I break another writing rule (this one from Jeevan): Tell, don't sell. Because, my friends, I am about to sell.<br /><br />Have you heard of The BK Affiliate Network? If you're on one of our mailing lists, chances are that you have. However, if you're reading this, chances are that you haven't signed up. (Because not many have -- get it?) Normally, I'd agree with Jeevan -- this is not the forum for marketing -- but I'm framing this differently. I'm not pushing this for Berrett-Koehler, I'm pushing it <span style="font-style: italic;">for myself. </span>The BK Affiliate Network is my program to grow, so you can chalk this song and dance up to awe-inspiring and motivational go-getting initiative! Right? Or, sure, selfishness. Whatever.<br /><br />The good thing about this selfishness is that, in the end, it will benefit you too! If you have a website (or if your organization, friend, or family member has a website), you can use the BK name and catalog to make yourself (or your organization, friend, or family member) some money, and it will save those website visitors money too! When you join the BK Affiliate Network (have I repeated myself enough? are you getting very very sleepy yet?), visitors to bkconnection.com from your website receive an automatic 20% discount on any and all of the 700+ Berrett-Koehler Products. On top of that, you (or your organization, friend, or family member) receive 10% in thanks for the referral. You get money, we get money, and new customers get the greatest gift of all -- their own invitation to the program! No, I'm just kidding. What new customers really get is a wonderful introduction to a world of information and entertainment that they never knew existed. Win, win, and win!<br /><br />Don't believe me? Follow the BK links on one (or all) of these sites:<br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.margaretwheatley.com/books.html">Margaret J. Wheatley</a></li><li><a href="http://www.courageousfollower.net/about-the-books/">The Courageous Follower</a></li><li><a href="http://www.larrydressler.com/fire.php">Larry Dressler</a></li><li><a href="http://www.windsofchangegroup.com/">Winds of Change Group</a><br /></li></ul><br />Notice anything? These happy BK Affiliates are providing their web visitors with discounts on <span style="font-style: italic;">all</span> of our products, not just their own books. On top of the 10% referral bonus they receive, they're also getting a high-profile shout-out from yours truly. Thanks guys! Want to be part of this elite group? I thought so.<br /><br />Beyond all of us, the BK Affiliate Network really does serve our mission of 'Creating a World That Works for All' by spreading the new ideas presented in our books to a wide-reaching audience, stimulating thought processes far and wide!<br /><br />Alright, I've had enough crass commercialism for one day. If that debonair image of your cocktail-party confession really resonated, check out <a href="http://www.bkconnection.com/BK_Affiliate_Network.asp">this page</a> for more information on the program. You can also use the comments section of this blog posting to pose any and all questions, but also feel free to email me at <a href="mailto:bkaufman@bkpub.com">bkaufman@bkpub.com</a>. After word hits <a href="mailto:jsiva@bkpub.com">a few offices down</a> that I've been breaking rank, I may have a lot more free time on my hands.<br /><br />Now, back to your regularly scheduled programming. More Twitter treats and Facebook findings to come next time.Bonnie Kaufmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03186811444082601701noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5625967373606314555.post-7029681756021993992010-10-12T22:07:00.000-07:002010-10-12T22:26:38.178-07:00VOTE! Seriously, do it.Whoa you guys - look at your calendars! Mid-October already? I've got some serious thinking to do, as a very important day is coming up. What's that? No, I am NOT talking about Halloween, I'm talking about the upcoming November 2nd Midterm Elections! Have you heard about these? Because, honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if you hadn't. As someone who very well remembers the fervor surrounding the 2008 Presidential race, I'm nothing short of shocked by the relative silence surrounding the upcoming general elections. What to make of all this?<br /><br />As I've said previously, I generally get all of my information via the internet (with a little bit of TV-watching and magazine-reading in my spare time) and, while I rely on these mediums for news updates and -- almost more importantly -- the related commentary, I also rely on the media (both social and traditional) to remind me when action is necessary. I'm not kidding: If it hadn't been for the collective online groan last tax season, I'd currently be on the wrong side of the law. So where are the people telling me to get out and vote? I see nothing!*<br /><br />Well, that's not entirely true. I <span style="font-style: italic;">see</span> plenty. The internet is ablaze with political stories, most notably those that aim to entertain. I know all about Carl Paladino's homophobic remarks, Christine O'Donnell's studies in witchcraft and wizardry, and even the shocking Sexy Santa pics of Virginia congressional candidate Krystal Ball. "Scandals" such as these reach my eyeballs each and every day, but what's missing is the imperative towards action. Yes, please point out and detail the perversions of our potential representatives (cough cough Meg Whitman cough cough), but then urge us to <span style="font-style: italic;">do something about it</span>. I know, I know -- we should be able to propel ourselves in these matters, but why risk it and take that chance? All of us -- but young people, especially -- increasingly rely on the imperatives mass media present to us. So, come on, and tell us to vote! In this regard, I really have to hand it to my friends fighting for the legalization of marijuana; not only to they consistently couple their message with a specific measure (cough cough Prop 19 cough cough), but their campaign also targets youth voters. Even if you disagree with their aspirations, you can't argue with their execution.<br /><br />So, Tweet this, post this, forward to friends and family with <span style="font-style: italic;">this</span> in the subject line: <span style="font-weight: bold;">VOTE! </span>No mixed messages, no hidden agendas, just an honest and proper plea to go out and do your civic duty!<br /><br />In the words of my man, <a href="http://twitter.com/Barack">@BarackObama</a>, "I need everybody here to commit to vote. I need you to talk to friends, neighbors, co-workers, aunts, uncles, and tell them -- November 2nd matters."<br /><br />There, BO -- I did it!<br /><br />*This is actually not true, since I am blessed with a mother who is both political-minded and exceptionally helpful. This blog post is dedicated to her!Bonnie Kaufmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03186811444082601701noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5625967373606314555.post-17541762762754838762010-09-29T17:35:00.000-07:002010-09-29T18:05:06.494-07:00For Twitter or WorseOh, hello everyone reading this blog. How are things going with you? Pretty good? Well that's nice to hear. And with me? Well, to be honest, I've got a lot on my plate right now. The days are just packed, and I've had scarcely a moment to stop and smell the blog fodder, if you will. Yesterday, in an attempt to nail down some fascinating topic, I went to the ever-handy <a href="http://www.tweetdeck.com/">TweetDeck</a>, my go-to source for all that is of the moment and happening. As I browsed my various feeds, clicking links and trying to mentally mold multiple articles into one coherent subject, I realized that I was looking a gift horse straight in the mouth. Right? I've never been great at decoding proverbs, but I'm going to assume that's close enough. What I'm trying to say is this: I use Twitter all of the time to inspire blog content but, this time, Twitter <span style="font-style: italic;">is</span> the content. That's right, I'm going to break the mold right here and declare this posting In Defense Of Twitter.<br /><br />Like many people, I used to hate on Twitter, frowning upon the assumed self-centeredness of each and every ridiculous-sounding <span style="font-style: italic;">tweet</span>. Ever the innovator, I made completely unique wisecracks about egomaniacs posting pictures of their breakfast cereal and the play-by-play of daily minutia that followed. But, I have since had to eat (and also to tweet!) my own words.<br /><br />When I was hired by Berrett-Koehler as Digital Community Builder, I made a promise to spread the word about BK's books, authors, and mission through the use of social media. Getting us up and running on Facebook was no biggie, as I'd already been using "the social network" (as <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1285016/">Aaron Sorkin</a> would say) for years. But Twitter? This, I knew, was going to be a significant undertaking. Not only would I have to learn to simply <span style="font-style: italic;">use</span> the platform, but I'd have to embrace it, as well. As such, I did my reading, tackling any and all Twitter guides I could find, then downloaded and immediately implemented TweetDeck, the personal real-time browser that was crucial in organizing my feeds.<br /><br />As I learned more and more about Twitter, its add-on applications and -- most importantly -- its users, I had to come to grips with the reality of the situation: I liked this. I liked this a lot. Because, while there will always be those people posting TwitPics of their morning meal, I don't have to follow <span style="font-style: italic;">them</span>. Instead, I can follow those users who choose to share meaningful information in order to create conversation, controversy, or just old-fashioned entertainment. I follow BK authors, staff members, and other publishing professionals to keep track of what's going on in my field. I follow tech specialists and communication gurus, so that I can learn from and eventually become one of them. I follow my favorite bloggers and major news media outlets, so that I know as soon as any story breaks. I follow celebrities -- actors, musicians, and mostly comedians -- to feed my love of all things pop culture. On top of all that, I follow my friends, especially those who are far away, because the snippets they share make it feel like they're sitting at work right next to me.<br /><br />As you can imagine, this constant influx of information really does keep me in the know. Just today, I learned of the tragic passings of comedian <a href="http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1649015/20100929/story.jhtml">Greg Giraldo</a>, Texas teen <a href="http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/7220896.html">Asher Brown</a>, and Rutgers student <a href="http://gawker.com/5651367/the-tragic-story-of-tyler-clementi-rutgers-webcam-voyeurism-victim?skyline=true&s=i">Tyler Clementi</a> (true, Twitter really has a knack for breaking obits); I engaged in conversations surrounding both America's <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/sep/19/freedom-jonathan-franzen-review">current</a> and <a href="http://blogs.publishersweekly.com/blogs/PWxyz/?p=2570">next</a> Great American Novel; wished <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cervantes">Miguel de Cervantes</a> a happy 473rd birthday; and first heard what might be my <a href="http://azizisbored.tumblr.com/post/1211117312/kanye-west-ft-bon-iver-lost-in-the-world-this">new favorite song</a> - all via Twitter. And the best part is, I was able to instantly share this with millions (okay, <span style="font-style: italic;">maybe</span> hundreds) of people!<br /><br />So, that's my spiel. The fine folks at Twitter HQ aren't paying me to say this. It is my genuine belief that I am a more intelligent, more informed, and more involved person because of the direct influence of this particular micro-blogging platform. So, quick, get out there are tweet what it's all about!Bonnie Kaufmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03186811444082601701noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5625967373606314555.post-89900681607616894382010-09-15T12:33:00.000-07:002010-09-15T17:31:37.521-07:00Hating on HuffPoListen up: I am a HUGE user of the internet. At this point, it is most certainly my main source for three things in particular: News, Information, and Entertainment. In these particular arenas, I am never hesitant to take advantage of the web's inherent shareability and, as they say, follow the crowd. Early on, I learned to trust (or at least <span style="font-style: italic;">try</span>) these single-click recommendations. As soon as <a href="http://www.facebook.com">Facebook</a> was available to students at Boston College, I signed right up. When all of my friends began sharing funny posts from <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/">BuzzFeed</a> and <a href="http://www.lamebook.com/">LameBook</a>, I added those sites to my bookmarks toolbar. Cool kids I know here in San Francisco follow local blogs like <a href="http://missionmission.wordpress.com/">Mission Mission</a> and <a href="http://sfcitizen.com/blog/">SF Citizen</a> and, as a direct result, I do too. I trust these people and, as such, I follow their leads. But there's one popular site where I draw the line, and that is what we're here to discuss.<br /><br />Stated matter-of-factly: I HATE The Huffington Post. Yes, we all know that "hate" is a strong word, but that's the kind of ire this ridiculous hodgepodge of fact, fiction, and general farcicality provokes in me. What is it about this site that has everyone going once and then, horror of all horrors, going back for more? If they love it so much, why do I feel such the opposite? What is it about this site that gets me so riled up? Well, that's actually a question that I can answer.<br /><br />Let's start with the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/">homepage</a>, if you can focus your eyes long enough to even see what's going on. I am a product of the so-called 'ADD Generation' -- you know, those of us who text, type, listen to music and read all at the same time --, and even I'm overwhelmed by the mixing and matching of widely divergent subject matter, distracted by the blown-up, unnecessary, and viciously unflattering photographs. While the areas of interest are clearly listed at the top of the site, they are muddled and inexplicably interspersed in the body of the page. And let's take a minute to look at those areas of interest, shall we? It seems The Huffington Post wants to cover everything, eschewing the simplicity of sticking to easily related topics like politics, business, and the media, and scrounging to cover style, living, college, and even arts and religion. Yes, I understand that, in the grand scheme of things, it's <span style="font-style: italic;">all</span> related. But, this isn't the grand scheme of things; this is one website, and I simply don't trust the same outlet that promotes Kate Gosselin's Bikini Workout to adequately address America's broken housing market.<br /><br /> In an attempt to help HuffPo justify such incomprehensible coverage, I searched the site for some sort of statement of purpose, a mission that could make their motives clear. It wasn't in 'About Us', nor did it play into the FAQ or anywhere else -- I found nothing. What I did find, quite easily, were enlightening and photo-rich articles like<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/doug-lansky/most-challenging-traffic-_b_714469.html"> Most Challenging Traffic Signs Ever</a>, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/the-stir/fast-food-ads-reality_b_716161.html">Meals That Don't Live Up to Their Ads</a> and <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/09/13/the-most-homoerotic-polit_n_714346.html">The Most Homoerotic Photos of Politicians Ever Taken</a>. Great!<br /><br />Now, before you dismiss me as a square or a spoil-sport: I'm really not. I'm all for the trashy and the tasteless. I read <a href="http://www.textsfromlastnight.com/">Texts From Last Night</a> and <a href="http://www.thesuperficial.com/">The Superficial</a> on a regular basis. But these sites make no pretense of being anything other than what they are: scandalous and sensational forms of meaningless entertainment. HuffPo, on the other hand, commits the unpardonable sin of mixing what is actually important with what is truly insignificant. On top of that, the site both panders to and publishes people I really admire and respect, including a number of Berrett-Koehler authors. By mixing the thoughts of real visionaries with flowcharts like '<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/09/15/where-should-you-pee-help_n_718098.html">Where Should You Pee?</a>', The Huffington Post is completely diluting the power and importance of <span style="font-style: italic;">both</span>.<br /><br />I simply don't have the time or space to get into the hypocrisy of former conservative pundit Arianna Huffington hosting this "<a href="http://topics.nytimes.com/topics/reference/timestopics/people/h/arianna_huffington/index.html">digital dinner party</a> for her new liberal friends", but I will lament the success that she's had doing so, and the negative light that now shines on the 'liberal media' and progressive politics and reporting.<br /><br />So, tell me what you think. Do you read The Huffington Post? If so, why? What am I not getting? And, if you don't, please use this blog posting as a forum to voice your reasons why.<br /><br />BonnieBonnie Kaufmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03186811444082601701noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5625967373606314555.post-55285300716072282892010-08-31T21:03:00.000-07:002010-09-01T12:45:05.461-07:00In Polite Park51 ConversationHello friends. I'm sure you're all familiar with the old adage that warms against discussing two things: Religion and Politics. Well, that's pretty hard to do when discussing the proposed Park 51 Mosque. True, that warning traditionally applies to dinner parties and not blog writing, but it's a personal goal of mine to keep things 'festive' at all times. As such, we're going to stay neutral - or, at the very least, try. Lucky for me, there's plenty to discuss without getting (too) personal. Shall we?<br /><br />So, at this point, I'm going to assume that you're all familiar with the whole mosque situation. If you aren't: Wow. Congratulations on missing the most talked-about news story since they moved the cast of The Jersey Shore to Miami.* I, for one, haven't been able to <span style="font-style: italic;">avoid</span> discussion of the proposed mosque, and that's what I'm here to talk about.<br /><br />Sure, it's old news that social media has changed the face of journalism, and the most recent presidential race made clear its role and impact in the world of politics, but it's been a long time since I've seen the internet ablaze with differing opinions on one subject the way I have in recent weeks. I consume information online from a number of sources each day, and all are teeming with positions on the proposed Park 51 mosque. Facebook friends write rants and link to fresh articles; Twitter users are packing amazing amounts of attitude into 140 character bursts; commenters on my favorite blogs are going to war over precariously worded posts. Our own Executive Managing Editor -- and the mastermind behind the BK Communique --, Jeevan Sivasubramaniam, shared his <a href="http://bkcommunity.com/profiles/blogs/a-mosque-blossoms-in?xg_source=activity">surprising stance</a> on BK Community. Hell, my own parents are sending contradictory (and borderline inflammatory)** emails to their communal friends and family. This thing is everywhere!<br /><br />Now, before you get the notion that this is a complaint: It is not. Honestly, I think this is amazing. Have you read <span style="font-style: italic;">Share This?</span> A recent book from media technologist Deanna Zandt, <a href="http://www.bkconnection.com/ProdDetails.asp?ID=9781605094168&PG=1&Type=BL&PCS=BKP"><span style="font-style: italic;">Share This?</span></a> shows how (and why) people can leverage social media in order to create social change. And look, that is clearly what's happening! When have we seen citizen involvement like this? Sure, some of it could be said to be founded in ignorance and prejudice, but still, I'll take that over apathy any day. It's important for people to get involved in this - and any - conversation, and nothing spurs involvement like outright disappointment and anger.<br /><br />While I'm not going to speculate as to the outcome of the Park 51 Mosque proposal, I will say that, in these discussions, I can see Zandt's concept in action. Social change is not necessarily revolution -- it happens on a small scale. Right now, social change is the slight re-shaping of opinion; it is the moment when he first realize how much we care about something. Social change is the shock of the unexpected standpoint, the realization that a 'friend' sees something differently than you thought they might. Social change is the intergenerational sharing of Daily Show clips. And it is beautiful!<br /><br />So, share away! Take advantage of our new found access to information and opinion - just be nice to one another, okay? We're all in this together - let's keep it festive.<br /><br />*Note: This was written prior to both Obama's Oval Office Address <span style="font-style: italic;">and</span> the Emmy Awards.<br /><br />** Just kidding! I know you read this...Bonnie Kaufmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03186811444082601701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5625967373606314555.post-85108923697548346532010-08-17T18:02:00.000-07:002010-08-18T12:02:20.985-07:00One iPad, Please!Okay you guys, I'm not going to beat around the bush here. I want an iPad. No, scratch that. I <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> want a freaking iPad, and I'm ready for it now.<br /><br />Yesterday, I went to the dentist. I absolutely loathe going to the dentist and, this time, for good reason: Looks like <span style="font-style: italic;">someone</span> has to get their wisdom teeth pulled. However, this is not a blog of medical updates, so I won't get into that right now. What I <span style="font-style: italic;">will</span> get into is my waiting-room companion, a young girl of no more than 9 or 10 years. As I sat there staring at the wall and nervously chewing my bottom lip (note to self: talk to Dr. Gamboa about livening up the magazine selection), that little lady (presumably left waiting while some sort of guardian was under the dreaded tooth-polisher) was happily reading stories and playing games...on her iPad. Excuse me? Could I borrow that please?<br /><br />Later, having survived my own ill-fated appointment, I arrived at BK HQ, only to find <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/08/16/BAD81EQI50.DTL&tsp=1">this article</a> being widely circulated. Congratulations, Stanford Medical Students, you really have a lot going for you. On top of being poised to take the medical world by storm after receiving the highest-possible caliber education, you'll each be getting your own iPad! What? Will you also be lucky in love and spend the rest of your lives unintentionally happening upon amazing designer jeans sales?<br /><br />I'm kidding, really. I promise that I'm not actually that bitter, and I very much support the school's initiative to enhance learning experience and curtail the wasteful use of paper. I simply want in on the action! Just picture it: Me and my iPad. I've already started calling it MyPad. Clever, I know. But really, it just makes sense. As an integral member of the Berrett-Koehler digital team, should I not have firsthand access to our <a href="http://www.bkconnection.com/iBookstore.asp">rapidly growing library on the iBookstore</a>? How will I follow the changing face of online journalism in a way that will eventually lead me to success as an acquiring editor? On a more immediate note, how can I help to develop brilliant book-related iPad apps without regularly taking a visual stroll through the App Store?<br /><br />As if this were not reason enough to set me wanting, I was recently introduced to Flipboard. Have you guys seen <a href="http://www.flipboard.com/">this</a>? Take a few moments to watch that video and allow it to really blow your mind. This personalized magazine of personal social network updates was clearly created for someone I know personally: Me. I spend hours upon hours scrolling through Tweets, Facebook posts, and the like. With Flipboard on my iPad, I could take them all with me and read them as I would a newspaper. I don't know, say, in the waiting room at my dentist's office? Full circle.<br /><br />So, I don't care what the <a href="http://www.wired.com/epicenter/2010/07/ipad-owner-are-selfish-elites-critics-are-independent-geeks-says-study/">scientists say</a>: I'm ready for my iPad now. And wouldn't it make a nice oral surgery recovery gift?Bonnie Kaufmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03186811444082601701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5625967373606314555.post-11923948189314848062010-08-03T21:17:00.001-07:002010-08-04T12:01:34.318-07:00E-Article Overload: One Woman's Story<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">Let me start this off with a bit of a disclaimer: Yes, I am a Digital Community Builder. And yes, I do work in book publishing. As such, one can rightly assume that I am genuinely excited and intrigued by the steady stream of developments being made in my chosen field. The various new forms and means of procuring, possessing, and consuming content blow the lid off of constraints that readers have faced for years, giving a much larger number of people access to all kinds of information and in a mind-blowing number of ways. Amazing!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">That being said: ENOUGH! Seriously. Enough with the e-book, e-reader, and e-pricing articles. I just can’t take it anymore!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Let me paint you a picture, if I may: When I arrive at work each morning, my inbox is e-bulging with a heaping dose of new emails (in addition to those left over from the day, week, or month before). On average, each day, at least half of these are e-book-related articles forwarded my way. And, as much as I appreciate the genuine emotion behind their arrival (don’t want to burn any e-bridges here), there are – always- more urgent missives to attend to. So, in an attempt at organization (honestly, this has never been my strong suit), I began filing these forwards in an ‘Articles to Read’ e-mail folder. Based on my records, I’ve been doing this since February of 2010. I’ll spare you the total count, and just say this: In the last 3 months alone, I've amassed articles in the triple digits. TRIPLE DIGITS. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">The topics of these articles cover everything from e-book company launches to e-book pricing and e-rights models; e-readers compared to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">other</i> e-readers; e-reader connectivity and networking capabilities; e-book and digital copyright conundrums; all things app: app-building, app-pricing, app-marketing, and much much much more. I’ve got search results in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">thousands</i> for words like Apple, iPad, Amazon, and the like. I’ve posted pieces about Facebook book forums on my Facebook feed, and Tweeted treatises on reading group hashtags out to all of my Tweeple. And that's the worst part: When I read these articles, I send them on, as well. So now…I'm just as much part of the problem as I am part of the solution. It's a horribly vicious and seemingly unavoidable cycle! </p> <p class="MsoNormal">The thing is this: I don’t mean to sound ungrateful. Nor do I mean to sound uninterested. I am neither of those things. What I am is over-stimulated. I spend all day – literally, all day – in front of a computer screen. When I’m not reading and/or writing on said device, I’m discussing the ways in which other people read and write on their own devices. When the time comes for me to head home, that’s exactly what I do – and I DON’T bring my computer or these emails with me. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to pack the actual newspaper clippings that my mom still sends me (shout-out to Barbara Kaufman, who’s been ‘forwarding’ articles since before the internet existed) , and head over to <a href="http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/02/no-e-books-allowed-in-this-establishment/?scp=2&sq=e-book&st=cse">this</a> café.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Whoops.</p>Bonnie Kaufmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03186811444082601701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5625967373606314555.post-10925938217568320462010-07-20T10:13:00.000-07:002010-07-20T10:59:26.837-07:00A Brief Love Letter to the Internet on One of Our Good DaysDear Internet,<br /><br />We have a tumultuous relationship, you and I. To the outside world, all seems well between us. We appear thick as thieves and happy with our loot, but often there is trouble in paradise. After careful consideration, I've concluded that all of our problems stem from a single sore spot: an imbalance in our relationship's power dynamic. You don't need me, Internet, but I feel that I need you. I needed you to find work, and now I need you to do it. I need you to keep in touch with family and friends, to monitor my finances, and to pay my bills. Increasingly, I rely on you to tell me of the day's events and to verify facts and figures. Without you, how would I have gone about planning and preparing Wednesday's dinner party or purchased tickets to last night's symphony performance? As you can see, I am completely reliant on you and your abilities, a situation that the strong and independent woman I was raised to be really resents! On top of everything else, I hold you solely responsible for the rapid decline in my eyesight. I clearly need a new prescription, but since I used all of my 2009 Health Savings Account money on 300 dollars worth of contact lenses, I have to make my way through two years of blurry vision <span style="font-style: italic;">all because of you!</span><br /><br />But this is a love letter, is it not? It is. And, dear Internet, I do love you so. Never have my affections been more obvious to me than they are right now. I recently returned from a long-awaited two-week trip to New York and Italy. As planned, I used this time away to truly be "away" -- from you, Internet. While I admit to brief but necessary encounters (flight confirmation, weather reports, Google Alerts set up in my name), I spent the rest of my vacation doing things without you: talking to people in person, walking around in the world, and even reading books! I wasn't tied to my Facebook newsfeed, or the latest news on Gawker, or even the arrival of Jeevan's bi-weekly masterpiece, The BK Communique. And it felt good! I was really able to enjoy face time with my loved ones, and to see the beautiful buildings of Florence and the ancient ruins of Rome with my very own eyes.<br /><br />However, as often happens at the end of a vacation, I found myself more than ready to be going back home. I missed my friends; I missed the comfort of my very own bed; I missed the cool breezes of San Francisco...and I missed you, my beloved Internet. After time apart, I was ready to give our relationship another try. And, my darling, I'm glad that I did.<br /><br />Since returning, I have realized that our relationship is not founded on power and need but, rather, one of help and support. <span style="font-style: italic;">With</span> you, I am able to share travel experiences, stories, and photos with everyone I know. Were it not for you, Internet, when I said goodbye to my friends in Europe, it really would have been 'goodbye.' Together, with you, we have continued the conversations we started in Tuscany -- from our living rooms! Thanks to you, I was able to participate in the BK Shareholder's Meeting -- from an airplane! More than that, I've happily spent the last few hours watching the presentations I missed, using a social networking site that I even helped to build! With your guidance, sweet Internet, I have grown as a person and - more importantly - as a publishing professional.<br /><br />But seriously, all kidding aside, I will no longer take our relationship for granted. You keep me connected, informed, authoritative and - always! - entertained. I am delighted to be back in your embrace, posting pictures, watching adorable animal videos, working on the weekend and, yes, catching up on my celebrity gossip.<br /><br />I wish nothing but the best for us and, of course, for Lindsay Lohan.<br /><br />Yours truly,<br />BonnieBonnie Kaufmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03186811444082601701noreply@blogger.com4