The Better World Book Kickstarter (May 2019)

I have reconsidered my position in light of some of the observations made above.

I think that maybe, Paul, you want the voice in the books to match your speaking voice as much as possible, especially if you read the audiobook. I think it might be difficult to find someone who isn't already a devotee of yours to match your tone and fervour.

Again, just my opinion, but I would also propose that an edit, and audiobook, even, that rings with the authenticity of your podcasts might have a greater resonance. Just look at the performance of your website, and this kickstarter, as evidence that maybe you might be a key part in the branding, not just the man behind the curtain, as it were.

I might be wrong, but I think that a slight delay on the hugelkultur book, which is an incredible tool in the toolshed, may be worth it if it adds that polish that puts this effort, which looks to address your whole toolshed, over the top for you.

But I don't think you need anyone's opinion at this point; I wouldn't have offered mine had you not opened it up for discussion. I'm just saying, don't underestimate the impact of your own sincerity.

Thanks again.

-CK

At this moment, there is something like four chapters read into a podcast format.   Maybe we need to get to the point that all of the chapters are read into a podcast format.   And that could be a stretch goal.  ??

To go to the kickstarter


CLICK HERE!

Yes, yes, yes to copies for libraries! And as soon as it's ready I'm going to ask my library to get it. I'm friends with the librarian so there's an actual chance of that working. At the very least they'll have a record that someone wanted to read the book badly enough to put in an inter-library loan request when they wouldn't buy a copy for their shelves.

Super-ridiculous-over-the-top-crazy stretch goal: for $1,000,000 above the funding goal...James Earl Jones will record the audiobook. Other voice suggestions aside from Paul's own voice: Geoff Lawton, Anthony Hopkins, Matthew MacFadyen, or John Cleese. I know, not happening. Still a fun thought. :)

Other crazy ideas...a life-size cardboard cut-out of Paul or Shawn (or Paul AND Shawn) for everyone who contributed at least $1000; comfrey root for everybody who contributed at least $10; if the total amount raised tops $75,000, Paul will read us all a permaculture-based bedtime story via video.

Molly Kay wrote: if the total amount raised tops $75,000, Paul will read us all a permaculture-based bedtime story via video.

I don't always sleep well, so this one has my support!  I might need Paul to throw in himself singing a lullaby....permaculture based of course.  

Greg Martin wrote:

Molly Kay wrote: if the total amount raised tops $75,000, Paul will read us all a permaculture-based bedtime story via video.

I don't always sleep well, so this one has my support!  I might need Paul to throw in himself singing a lullaby....permaculture based of course.  

Rock-a-bye Permies, there on the 'net.
When the wind blows it helps us forget,
So much to do, and all that's not done.
But being a Permie is oh, so much fun!

Build me a berm and also a swale
earthworks are worth a sweet bedtime tale.
Only plant things that come back next year,
And help re-establish balance so dear.

Suggested lyrics only, of course.

Molly....you are AMAZING!!!

Paul, sing us that one!

I wanted to do the $80 donation for all ebooks, but you still have to pay extra for the shipping? can I pay you somewhere else? and you apply it to the kickstarter yourself? thxs

I love the idea of Paul reading the book!  But I'm also thinking if Paul reads the book into an audiobook, will that take time away from his other projects, like writing the next book?

I'm selfish and want to read the next book.

I love hearing Paul in youtube videos and the Kickstarter video.  If we can't get a famous person, I'd vote for Paul's soothing voice.

bernetta putnam wrote:I wanted to do the $80 donation for all ebooks, but you still have to pay extra for the shipping? can I pay you somewhere else? and you apply it to the kickstarter yourself? thxs

When you make your pledge, kickstarter asks for you credit card info and shipping info. It is here you click Virgin Islands as your country and the shipping charge magically becomes zero.
This was the solution since the last Kickstarter, and I don't understand it, but can confirm it works.

Paul or Shawn, please correct this explanation if necessary.

I also like the idea of an audiobook, read by Paul and Shawn as the first stretch goal.
I like the option of listening (even though I prefer a physical book) since I spend a lot of time commuting.
I think that an audiobook ought to be a straight-up reading of the book, without commentary. (not just ripped from the podcasts)
I've been listening to the podcasts, a couple of which were about the book, and while I enjoy them for all of the asides, silliness, and tangents; I think it's too distracting.

I do enjoy the NPR program "TED Radio Hour", which combines excerpts from TED Talks, and interviews of the speakers by the host. The host is asking questions of the speakers that drill deeper into the topics.
Maybe a second stretch goal could be something similar?
Where maybe Diego Footer interviews Paul and Shawn, and there's an extra "interview track" after each "chapter track" of the audiobook.

Maybe one question and a follow up per chapter? or maybe one "P.W. Eco-Scale Level 1 or 2" question, and a "Level 3 or 4" question? or maybe one "city-dweller" and one "rural" question?
If you want to listen to "just the book" you could skip over the "interview tracks", or you could listen straight through for more.

r ranson wrote:I love the idea of Paul reading the book!  But I'm also thinking if Paul reads the book into an audiobook, will that take time away from his other projects, like writing the next book?

I'm selfish and want to read the next book.

I am not saying you're wrong, nor that I disagree,  necessarily. I want to hear an updated, complete accounting of hugelkultur from one of its known advocates and experimenters, but is that hugelbook worth limiting the reach and impact of the BWB?

I am also not saying I am right. It's just what I think, despite my want for hugelresearch.

-CK

Which would you rather have:

a:  the audiobook of this book read by me. or

b:  the audiobook of this book read by somebody else, plus a new book about hugelkultur by me.

I vote for A. I realize Paul's time value might be equal to or higher than hiring someone else to read it. I am sure those numbers will be looked at.

Love the permies lullabye idea too! Thanks Mary Kay!

I backed at the Glory level-so I have 11 physical (keeping one for myself!)and 35 Ebooks (ditto) to gift. After friends and family, I can give remaining to the three county libraries I have easy access to. Maybe we can start a list of libraries and if the spirit moves those of us with extra books, we can ship them to the libraries in need?

I think physical books donated to libraries would be a wonderful stretch goal!  
(I already plan to give one of mine to a local library here and one of raven's also).
Many libraries are underfunded so new books are hard to come by even though the interest is there.
This would be such a great way to expose many new folks to permaculture.

An audio book sounds like a great idea also.  Would they come with a paper insert with the illustrations?  
I have never listened to one as my hearing is poor.

Rita Bliden wrote:
I backed at the Glory level-so I have 11 physical (keeping one for myself!)and 35 Ebooks (ditto) to gift.

I believe the Glory level is :
12 books OR 36 ebooks OR 3 ebooks for each physical book you refuse.
Full shipping charges if you order any physical books.
I'm going for all ebooks and no shipping charges.

I have another idea. It's kinda half formed.

I was thinking, if we got enough monies, that I might be willing to lead a "virtual book club" of sorts for this book. The rough idea is that it would be a fairly laid-back (casual) thing where each week we would hop on a Zoom call for maybe an hour to talk about a couple of chapters. I would share my thoughts and lead a conversation where others can share their thoughts and ask questions for the rest of the group.

I have no idea if this sort of thing interests anyone. Or what it might take to pull it off. But I thought I would throw the idea out there and see what people thought.

Shawn Klassen-Koop wrote:I have another idea. It's kinda half formed.

I was thinking, if we got enough monies, that I might be willing to lead a "virtual book club" of sorts for this book. The rough idea is that it would be a fairly laid-back (casual) thing where each week we would hop on a Zoom call for maybe an hour to talk about a couple of chapters. I would share my thoughts and lead a conversation where others can share their thoughts and ask questions for the rest of the group.

I have no idea if this sort of thing interests anyone. Or what it might take to pull it off. But I thought I would throw the idea out there and see what people thought.

Another possible variant on this could be a Secret Inner Forum virtual book club discussion where each week you could initiate and lead a thread focused on a chapter.  There could be a "prime time" of sorts where it would be agreed that you and hopefully many others would be on-line and active at the thread say for an hour or so.  After this the thread could live on as they do with occasional posts and replies as folks feel inspired to do.  This would give the discussion some archiving and life beyond just the "meeting" time as well as make the Secret Inner Forum a more active and vital place.

Bookmarks!

I got a note from someone telling me how they made copies of the bookmark and gave them out at events to promote my book!

I'm very happy!

We have some ideas about stretch goals.   And now we have to figure what "the stretch" is.  So the kickstarter is now at $41,491.   And support has slowed down a lot.  I think if shawn and I did not announce stretch goals, and if we did nothing further, it is possible that the kickstarter will not reach 50.   So I think the very first stretch goal should be 50.  

At the same time, we have things priced so low, that we don't have a lot of coin to work with.   We have run lots of spreadsheets, and they pretty much said that if we were "barely funded" then shawn and I would have to put in some more money to get it done.   We calculated that once the kickstarter hit $15,000 then we would break even - thus getting paid zero for a pretty large effort.  

Doing the audiobook thing appears to be the biggest interest item.   And the most expensive.  And more unknown territory.   Some quick research shows that a $20 book is available as an audiobook for $40.  Seems to be generally double.  

What ***I*** wish for, which is different than what backers wish for .....  (and it's okay for me to wish for things)  ****I**** wish to have my best kickstarter ever.   I wish to see a hundred people using those kickback codes to get the word out about this kickstarter.  And each kickback code is bringing in a hundred or more people.   I'm willing to work hard for the 26 days left on this kickstarter, while shawn is working hard, and a whole lot of other people are working hard too.   And this is the way to make a big, big difference.  

My best ever kickstarter was $105,000.   So I am thinking that I want to dig in and work hard and try to get past that.   With that in mind, I think the audiobook stretch goal should be at $100,000 for a whole lot of reasons.     And we set the first stretch goal at $50,000.  

Then the next question up is do we have a stretch goal every $5000 or every $10,000.   I confess that I am a little on the fence about that.  

....   But I just got an email from Erica Wisner.   She has made some new rocket mass heater plans and they are magnificent.   And she has offered them as a stretch goal!   So clearly Erica is behind this.   And Raven has offered her new book.  So for certain stretch goals, people at a high dollar level will get these excellent plans and an excellent ebook.  So it's clearly not just me and shawn.  There's a nice crowd!

There's a long list of people that are making it clear that they are here to make this bigger.  

This makes me thinks that it is wise to do a stretch goal every $5000.   But more than wise - it just feels good.   It becomes more of a thing where we get new traction more often.    And I think we have enough stretch goals to take us every $5000 until we hit $100,000 and do the huge stretch goal of the audiobook.  

I meet with shawn this afternoon to figure out the official list, and I hope that we will announce the official stretch goals just an hour or so after that meeting.   And then we get to work!  If you haven't signed up for a kickback code, now is a really good time:   https://permies.com/t/kickback

My take on stretch goals:

Start the stretch goal at $20K instead of start at $50K, and mark first few already completed.  Start the ranges being 5-10K then increase to 15-25K as get higher up the more expensive things get.

Suggestions I like (in order)
Audio book would be great, don't like Audible but whatever platform works.  Google / Apple also has audio books, but again, Google / Apple <=> Audible???  Big corporation bad type of thing?
Like a podcast about the book, or things that went into the book, or behinds the scenes of the book, or things that wanted to include but didn't fit anyplace, but make it for everyone
That book party thing and could record podcast while Shaun is there!!  
Coloring book thing added as addendum (see below for New Suggestions)
Bookmarks, maybe throw that in as a gimme if decide it, for physical copies.  Could go cheapie extravagant route and have signatures printed on them too...
Draft copies of future books be OK too

Suggestions I dislike:
Autographed copies.  Maybe add in as a reward, don't include as a stretch goal AND a reward.

New suggestions:
Add addendums to the book, maybe not by you but by guest author's (little late for this though idea for next one(s))
Add other e-books covering topics in more depth, like the $50 house one (Mike Oehlor?) by working a deal with the author.  Give them a few bucks and include their full book.
Add couple pages of color photographs (in an addendum) to illustrate important topics, such as the Wofati, or Rocket Mass Heater, recycling 4.0, micro-hydro, etc.
A course (weekend?) at Wheaton Labs on some principles contained in this book.  Not a PDC but more like a "how can I be a better city dwellar steward" course.
Create YouTube short video series on different chapters that the average person at Wheaton Eco Scale 1 or 2 can do to bump them up a notch or two
Hard cover edition (looks like this is soft cover?)
Blank page(s) at begin / end of chapters / book for notes
Make sure e-book is printable
A meet the author's weekend at Wheaton Labs, with the book stuffing party included (add weekend as a reward?).

After having read all the thoughts and comments, Im at a point now where I want Shawn and Paul to ensure they get some slet of reward themselves for doing all this. Breaking even on a project this big isnt appropriate. They shiuld be wildly rewarded for all this. All of us backers are being wildly rewarded already, especially with all of the early bird rewards.

I think that any stretch goals from here should be ones that dont require a ton of output from pail and shawn. Perhaps once the kickstarter reaches some serious money something like an audiobook, or other specific new content.

If other people are offering content, thats great. Maybe other stretch goals can be discounts on existing content or something. With all the talk about an audiobook, maybe include the complete gob of podcasts somewhere as a stretch goal. Or maybe seeds or cuttings from somebody to soread around. Or something from the ants at wheaton labs. Or more thoughts from Jocelyn. Or months of PIE on permies.  But I think that overall Paul and Shawn should be engerized from this experience and not worn too out so that they can still love all this and work on future things.

Perhaps some of the stretch goals can be specific projects at Wheaton Labs and to have then documented for everybody. I heard a well mentioned. Im sure there are dozens of others ones big and small. I know that some neat projects are planned for the pdc and appropriate tech course this summer. Some of those might need funding as a stretch goal. Im sure that by projects being funded at wheaton labs, we can all learn from it in the process.

Another thought is promoting the idea of birthdays and winter holiday gift giving as a theme. All of the material already has multiple gift codes with it, so maybe some sort of marketing talking about xmas in april or something. However it proceeds I think that Paul and Shawn have already exceeded my expectations. So thank you greatly!

Richard Kutscher wrote:Start the stretch goal at $20K instead of start at $50K, and mark first few already completed.

Please help me to understand this strategy.

Like a podcast about the book, or things that went into the book, or behinds the scenes of the book, or things that wanted to include but didn't fit anyplace, but make it for everyone  

Would this be a decent stretch goal?

Bookmarks, maybe throw that in as a gimme if decide it, for physical copies.  Could go cheapie extravagant route and have signatures printed on them too...  

I was thinking of cracking open some of the permaculture playing cards and stuffing them in as bookmarks.  

Suggestions I dislike:
Autographed copies.  Maybe add in as a reward, don't include as a stretch goal AND a reward.  

First, I was told that this is a super important thing.   We decided that if we were only barely funded, then it would be fair to leave it out.  

Second, yeah, we're thinking it won't be a new reward.  We'll just include it for one book at the $100 level.

Add addendums to the book, maybe not by you but by guest author's

Not a bad idea!  But yeah, that would have to be for next time.

Add other e-books covering topics in more depth, like the $50 house one (Mike Oehlor?) by working a deal with the author.  Give them a few bucks and include their full book.  

We are a couple of steps ahead of you on this one.  The first batch of stretch goals will include two books like this.  At stretch goal #3 is raven's book about edible cleaners.   And at #5 is Michael Judd's book about edible landscaping.  In both cases, the whole book.

Blank page(s) at begin / end of chapters / book for notes

People write in books like that?  

A meet the author's weekend at Wheaton Labs, with the book stuffing party included (add weekend as a reward?).

That is stretch goal #2, complete with the scribble in the book thing.

A behind the scenes of all this as a how to duplicate some of the success would be a good goal.

People do like to write and make notes in books like this. Definately.

And the permaculture playing cards are exactly perfect as bookmarks in my opinion. Love it!

Bryan C Aldeghi wrote:A behind the scenes of all this as a how to duplicate some of the success would be a good goal.

Please tell me more about this idea!

Dave started a thread for the book - with emphasis on reviews for the people that read the earlier versions.  

https://permies.com/wiki/109851/World-Book-Paul-Wheaton-Shawn

Bryan C Aldeghi wrote:Perhaps some of the stretch goals can be specific projects at Wheaton Labs and to have then documented for everybody. I heard a well mentioned.

A long time ago I thought it would be cool if the project did well and we could use the funds to put in a well at the lab.  But then we got a bit caught up in the idea of giving more and more and more for a lower and lower price.  All in the name of infecting more brains with this stuff.   So now it turns out that our margins are quite thin.  

I think shawn and I might get minimum wage somewhere around $120,000.   And to get enough for a well will be somewhere around $250,000.

I know that some neat projects are planned for the pdc and appropriate tech course this summer. Some of those might need funding as a stretch goal.

We do need to sell more tickets to the PDC and ATC.   I've neglected that while working on the kickstarter.   We are currently offering a 30% kickback on ticket sales if anybody is interested.

 However it proceeds I think that Paul and Shawn have already exceeded my expectations. So thank you greatly!

You're welcome!  I'm looking forward to infecting your brain and thousands more!

paul wheaton wrote:

Richard Kutscher wrote:Start the stretch goal at $20K instead of start at $50K, and mark first few already completed.

Please help me to understand this strategy.

My primary thought behind this was to give some things that are easy (like blank pages in books), or a permaculture card as a bookmark, as low hanging fruit easily done and doesn't cost much, if anything.  This way there is some sort of logical path to the stretch goals.  If just jump in at first stretch goal being $50K (~6x funding value), then next at $60K, etc., it seems a bit disjointed, almost as if you weren't planning on stretch goals to begin with and included as an afterthought.

paul wheaton wrote:

Richard Kutscher wrote:Blank page(s) at begin / end of chapters / book for notes

People write in books like that?  

Ummm, yes, with a reference book of sorts.  Creativity, sparks ideas, yada yada yada.  I don't but have seen a lot of people do, think back to college text book days...  Don't you wish could've written in the book without forgoing the measly trade-in allowance?  Maybe a few blank pages at the end is all you need but would say definitely some.  Or even 1/2 page at end of each chapter.  Something to scribble ideas.

I think the podcast would be an OK stretch goal if added something to it, or maybe a podcast and a short (< 5 minute) video.

Edit: fixed type

paul wheaton wrote:

Bryan C Aldeghi wrote:A behind the scenes of all this as a how to duplicate some of the success would be a good goal.

Please tell me more about this idea!

I was thinking that there are two stories with this project. The first is infecting minds with permaculture and everything that is related to the content of the book.

The second is just as interesting if people wanted to duplicate the success of this project for another project. In my mind, that includes how you guys concieved of the book, what the evolution was. How did you come up with a list of chapters and content? How were all those topics fleshed out? What it took to go from kitchen table discussion to actual product? What were the challenges? What are the specific tools you used in creating the book ( as in what programs/ apps/ websites helped you to create the actual thing)? How does one make a book a legit book that can be sold in a bookstore? What about cover art and interior artwork- how does one make that happen? Once the product was finished, how did you concoct this kickstarter and make that successful? How do you intend on marketing the book after this?

All of these details are important things to others learning how to create such works.

I think a podcast or a video could cover those topics with show notes. I dont think it needs to be written or anything too formal. Just how does one follow the path you paved without starting from the very begining. All of this would be the HOW of making this project.

:)

This is a slight tangent, but this is an article which supports why I think this book is important, and why I invested my time helping with early drafts of this book. It might be useful in advertising or giving people confidence in this approach. It was in my local paper on Apr 5, 2019:

"Environmental psychologists are making efforts to help change people's behavior in constructive, non-belittling ways....." Doesn't that sound like permies and this book?

"If you tell people climate change is here and we need to sacrifice, they are less willing to change, but if you tell them climate change is here but they can be a block leader/hero/helper they are more likely to do something positive." I'm sure the drafts I read included the idea that people can choose luxuriant lives that support change and conservation *and* how to do so in the real world.

"If people can see that this is a human problem, caused by humans and it will have to be humans who solve it, and not just governments, scientists, and engineers, that we all have to contribute and pitch in together, that will help." Many humans feel powerless to solve the "big" problems, but Paul and Shawn's book focuses on small but significant things real people can do that aren't just green-washing.

The guy being quoted was Professor Robert Gifford, an environmental psychologist from the Univeristy of Victoria, BC.

Shawn if this isn't the thread this belongs in, please speak up and I'll happily move it - some nice permies have been trying to teach this dinosaur some new computer tricks, so I think I can manage that without tripping up!