The Geoff Lawton Podcast and Paying for Things

I just bought the Designer's Manual, hard copy. £70. Ouch.

I have on my computer a scanned copy of it. It was sent to me by a friend and the temptation was so great that I couldn't resist downloading it. I'd resisted the temptation to do just that for the past 7 years. But it was right there, available, and I was weak...

When I started reading it, I felt amazing: I was having a conversation about permaculture and its implications with someone who had thought about it for far longer than I have. My brain hurt because it was so good.

Listening to the interview with Geoff Lawton today reminded me that there is nothing I care more about than spreading permaculture. That there are people like him and Bill Mollison who do it much better than I do. That I owe them something for the ideas they have given me. That I had an unpaid-for copy of Mollison's book. That the said book is absolutely mind-blowing. That I'm a student, I'm supposed to buy books. That I'm on a scholarship and I can afford books.

That's why I bought the book. Just thought I'd share that with the forums.

In the early days of software, I struggled with what the software companies wanted me to do, and my budget. I too had software, so I made a deal with myself. If I got a piece of software, and found that I liked it and used it, I would pay for it. But, I wouldn't pay for software to merely try it.

To test my theory, I actually sent to some software companies to get their opinion. They agree that they had no problem, and actually sent me copies to try, and the ones I liked, I bought, they ones I didn't, I sent a letter explaining why.

Paying for what I use I am for, paying to merely see if I am going to use it, not so much.

I borrowed it and a couple dozen other good books on forest gardens and perennial veggies etc from the library last year and read them and took notes..

just got through reading through my notes again this week..so much fun..I agree..great reading.

I've never regretted paying an arm and a leg for the Designers Manual, since I refer to it frequently.  I feel it will take a lifetime for me to implement all the ideas in it.  So, $100 or whatever it was, a bargain! 

where, oh where, is the second half of the podcast? Did I miss it somehow? Did it happen?

Pam your telling me
I've refreshed this site every hour on the hour since 9am this morning. I even double checked the time in australia to see if it might still happen today.
I'm so itchy, where's paul? I can't beleive I'm borderline demanding something that's free with more ferocity than a christmas shopper. I don't want saturday to end without a midnight podcast to chomp on.

Greedy greedy never get's don't I know my manner's yet.

Yup, my hubby and I are trying to set some $ aside here and there to get the books and DVD's we have on our list.  Sure, there is a ton of FREE info out there, but I agree that we need to help spread the movement and in the world we live in it usually starts with the $.

I've asked Suzy Bean to hold off on the podcast until we get moved over to the new forum software.  If you pop out to the tinkering forum, you can find out how to help test so we might get there faster.

Thank You People
for you positive comments.

I look at buying the design manual as buying a school book. I paid $260 for a chemistry book and $280 for my biology book. I could argue that the design manual has both chemistry and biology in it. Selling for less than $500; wow what a bargain!

Besides, I'll be thumbing through the manual for the next 40 years and the information changes lives. The chemistry book...not so much. I would get the book even if I had to donate plasma for the money.

I have both the hard copy and the scanned pdf version of the Designer's Manual. I like to support the causes I care about, but having a pdf is pretty handy in many instances, so I don't feel bad pirating something I already own.

Lori Leigh wrote:I look at buying the design manual as buying a school book. I paid $260 for a chemistry book and $280 for my biology book. I could argue that the design manual has both chemistry and biology in it. Selling for less than $500; wow what a bargain!

Besides, I'll be thumbing through the manual for the next 40 years and the information changes lives. The chemistry book...not so much. I would get the book even if I had to donate plasma for the money.

Brilliantly said!

Geoff Lawton wrote:Thank You People
for you positive comments.

No Geoff, Thank you! for all that you do, and have done for permaculture and humanity. As a teacher I know that sometimes you don't see the immediate impacts that you have on students, especially since you don't always get to meet your students. So I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for the impact that you have had on me. I have had a number of teachers in my 12 years of primary school and 5 years at two different universities, and I can honestly say that you are the most inspiring one I have ever had. I would also rank you as one of the most effective teachers that I have had, which if you don't have educational training shows how much of a natural you are. If you knew me you would know that I am not one to throw around undue praise or compliments. This is just one of those opportunities to thank someone who has had a positive impact on me, and I felt I needed to take it. Thank You!!

Also if I ever get a chance to meet you I hope you’re not weirded out if I ask for your autograph, you’re kind of a rock star to me. I'll do my best not to squeal like a tween at a Justin Beiber concert, but no promises....

As for as the piracy issue I see it as a double edge sword. The information age has allowed tons of information and media to reach people that would have otherwise never been exposed to it, thus helping spread the message of Permaculture. On the other hand if no one pays for this message to be produced it will cease to be and stop spreading. Much in the same way music fans still buy CD’s, iTunes singles, and go to concerts of their favorite bands, even though the music could be “found” for free. Fans of the permaculture message should support their favorite artists to ensure they keep on composing. Though some people are leaches and will take with no regard for others, if they can get away with it. Just my 2 cents on the issue.

Geoff talks to Paul again (part 2) in this podcast: Podcast 090