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Panasonic GH2 Extra-Tele Video Mode Revealed
Sometimes There Really is a Free Lunch
Video capable DSLRs have sensors vastly larger than camcorder sensors – even the expensive semi-professional models. They also feature much higher resolution, between roughly 12 and 24 Megapixels. This is desirable for still photography, but not so much when shooting video, because the highest current resolution video format for consumer and broadcast use is just 1920X1080 pixels, which translates to about 2 Megapixels resolution.
When shooting video a DSLR must reduce the images shot from maybe 16 MP or so to 2 MP. This is done in a variety of ways, all of them proprietary and so-far secret on the part of manufacturers; but including line skipping, binning, compression, and digital interpolation. As we know all too well this can produce a range of undesirable artifacts, including compression artifacts, moire, aliasing, and bayer pattern anomalies.
So why do an increasing number of pros shoot with video DSLRs? The answer is simple – shallow Depth of Field, as recently discussed in my essay on Convergence and earlier essays.
So – wouldn't it be great if we could have a large sensor, but with only about 2 million pixels? No artifacts, right? Indeed the new Sony CineAlta F3 offers just that, though at a mere US $23,000 with three lens set. (Really large low noise pixels as well.)
But how about something a bit less expensive – say, the just released Panasonic GH2, which sells for less than $1,000 (body only)?
Indeed something very much like this is the case, though Panasonic seems to have gone out of its way to hide the existence of this exciting new feature. Let's find out more.
First The Confusion
Buried on page 67 of the GH2's English language user manual is a confusing and poorly written description of something called Extra Tele Conversion (EX Tele Conv). This is discussed together with a function called Digital Zoom, both of which work in JPG stills mode. There's a 2X mode, a 4X mode, a 4.8X mode – Oh, I give up.
It's a confusing mess, and since these either reduce image quality (Digital Zoom) or reduces the size of the stills files (EX Tele Conv), and don't work with raws, I simply ignored the whole thing when I previewed the GH2 back in October, 2010.
What It Is?
But as the GH2 started to come into the hands of early users it became clear that there was something very special going on – a video mode called EX Tele Conv. Since this as such an awkward name I'm simply going to call it ETC from now on.
When shooting in 1920X1080 HD (including 24P Cinema mode) and when ETC mode is engaged, the GH2's 4608 x 3456 sensor is "cropped" to 1920X1080. In other words, only the central 2 Megapixels of the sensor's overall 18 Megapixels is recorded.
This has significant implications, almost all of them positive. Firstly, no line skipping, binning, or digital interpolation are needed. It's as if the sensor was only 2MP rather than 18MP. As a consequence the image recorded has a crop factor of 2.6X over the full Micro Four Thirds format. The best way to think of this is being akin to the crop factor of APS-C over full frame 35mm; which in that case is either 1.5X or 1.6X.
As a consequence, any lens put on the GH2 when shot in ETC video mode has an effective focal length of 2.6X of what's marked on the barrel. The new 100–300mm zoom therefore becomes a 260–780mm, with no loss of light! It's like shooting with a 2.6X teleconverter but without the image quality loss and without the light loss. There is essentially no IQ loss because the original sensor output is used; just a cropped portion of it. There is no light loss, because though it acts like a teleconverter, it isn't. There are no optical elements involved and no upressing or downressing.
SIDEBAR. Since a Four Thirds sensor already produces a 2X field of view as compared to full frame 35mm, this means that in ETC video mode the focal length marked on the lens is actually 5.2X what it would be in full-frame 35mm terms. So the long end of the new 100-300mm zoom is equivalent to 1,560mm in Extra Tele Conv video mode. Wildlife cinematography anyone?
Please also note that this review only applies to when shooting video in ETC mode. In stills mode there is degradation due to a smaller area of the sensor being used.
Sample Footage
Below is footage showing the effect of using Extra Tele Conv mode vs. optical magnification at the same optical focal length. There are four segments, shot at ISO 160, 320, 640 and 1250. Each segment has a shot taken at 100mm, the same in ETC mode, and the third at a matching 260mm focal length.
Aperture was set at f/8 and shutter speed was automatically varied as the ISO was changed. Since there is no intended motion in this sample the use of a variable shutter speed was deemed irrelevant.
Shot in Cinema Mode – 1920 X 1080/24P with Cine Gamma.
To download the original 1920X1080 footage (213MB)
and properly see what this looks like, click here and then select Download.
Is There a Quality Gain or Loss?
The answer is both yes and no. When just the pixels covering the center HD area of the sensor are used, two things happen. Once is that there is no compression or interpolation required, so theoretically at least the image quality should be superior to when the full raster of the sensor is reduced to HD video size. Frankly, in my limited testing so far I am unable to see any differences in this regard, so either Panasonic is doing some pretty good downward interpolation, or something else which I'm unaware of is going on.
On the other hand downresed images from the full frame have an advantage over Extra Tele Conv pixels because they have the potential to be less noisy as a consequence of the image's reduced size. This is the same as when one views a small image or print rather than a large one. Any noise that might be present is reduced when reproduced at a smaller scale.
NB: A exchange with the factory in this topic lead to Panasonic claiming that there should not be any image degradation in Extra Tele Conv video mode. While this may be the case (and who are we to argue with the Panasonic engineers) we do indeed see a bit more noise in this mode, almost certainly due to the lack of compression / interpolation done when the whole sensor output is reduced in normal shooting mode.
Consequently what we see is that in ETC mode at ISO 160, and up to 320, there is no discernible noise degradation visible. This is likely because the GH2 is so clean at low ISOs to begin with. Above ISO 320 in ETC mode images are somewhat noisier than full raster images. I would judge about one to two IE noisier, mostly visible in the shadows and quarter tones. Given that this appears to be the only downside of ETC video mode, it's a small price to pay.
Oh yes, and if you're using a lens like the new Panasonic 100-300mm f/4-f/5.6 you lose a stop when going from the short to the long end optically. By using ETC mode instead you don't lose that stop, which can mean being able to shoot at a lower ISO, making up for any real or perceived noise degradation when ETC is used. Also, with a lens like the 14-140mm you can now reach out to 364mm, which provides an equivalent full frame 35mm range of 28 – 728mm, all with a single pocketable lens.
Why Is Such a Great Feature Hidden?
Digital zooming and similar effects are mostly so much gimmickry. Most serious photographers pay as little attention to these as to the Sally's Birthday Party shooting mode on the dial. That's likely why most reviewers and early users have been unaware of the ETC feature when shooting video. Its presence is hidden on the user manual page about digital zooming, and Panasonic makes no mention of it in their product promotion.
Why not? Good question. This should have been a banner feature for the GH2, something that those shooting video would see as a huge differentiating feature. Being able to shoot uninterpolated ETC output from the sensor, and have what is effectively a 2.6X tele-extender with no light loss and no image degradation – all available at the press of a button – is quite a big deal to my mind. (Put it on one of the GH2's three programmable custom function buttons and it's literally a button press away – though regrettably not while actually filming. You need to stop shooting before engaging this mode.)
Did the engineers at Panasonic not tell Marketing about this feature? If not, why not? Or, did Marketing not understand what this was all about? We'll likely never know the truth. But now you know, and if like me you find this to be an exceptionally useful capability – pass it on.
The Bottom Line
ETC (Extra Tele Conv) video mode on the Panasonic GH2 is indeed a free lunch. One gets a built-in 2.6X teleconverter, with no light loss and no image quality loss, by simply pressing a button. Bon appetit.
December, 2010


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What's Changed and What's Stayed the Same
Blogger: Rachelle Gardner
I began blogging as an agent in January of 2008, and it's remarkable to look back over my past posts and notice how much has changed in six years. When I started, I didn't even have a Kindle. Now my family owns five Kindles plus iPads and various other electronic devices, and I wouldn't want to do this job without them.
I wrote posts back then about how there was a stigma to self-publishing and I warned writers against it— if they wanted to be taken seriously. Now self-publishing is a normal and accepted option for writers.
I wrote about how e-books were a minuscule percentage of any author's total books sold.
I was not even on Twitter until a year after I started the blog (January, 2009). Facebook and Twitter were still optional and sort of curiosities.
What else has changed in the book business?
- The closing of Borders was an epic blow to the industry, many independent bookstores have closed, and pundits frequently discuss the future of Barnes & Noble.
- Walmart and the big-box stores continued their rise and dominance in non-internet retail.
- Amazon became the proverbial 600-pound gorilla in book retailing (600-pound gorilla doesn't even begin to capture it); made it possible for self-published authors to compete with publishers; and began competing directly with publishers by starting to "traditionally" publish themselves.
- Several small publishers went out of business; even larger publishers are at risk with the bankruptcy filing of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in 2012.
- E-books grew substantially in terms of their proportion of overall book sales, and the percentage of people owning e-readers is continuing to rise.
- The popularity of the iPad vastly increased the number of people buying e-books.
- The price of books became a huge issue as the low cost of self-published e-books and low publisher promotional prices began to affect consumers' willingness to pay full-price for books.
- An ideological war broke out between some proponents of self-publishing and those who still advocate for traditional publishing.
- Small independent publishers have proliferated, as thousands jump on the bandwagon to help authors publish their books.
- Writers are expected to use every avenue of social media to promote their own books.
What hasn't changed?
- People are still reading books. Despite the proliferation of options for our leisure time, the book still stands strong.
- Traditional publishers are still publishing books. They're tweaking their business models and adjusting the way they do business, but the Big 5 publishers (and many others) are still bringing books to the marketplace, with no plans to stop.
- Being a writer is the same as it ever was. It's still hard to write well, and hard to find success in publishing. You still have to spend the time in the chair. You still have to figure out how to balance writing with the rest of your life. You still have writer-insecurities and craving for affirmation. You still have to study the craft and write and write and write to become any good at it.
What other changes have you noticed over the last few years? What else has stayed the same? As a writer, how much does it matter to you?
What's changed, and what's stayed the same in publishing? Click to Tweet.
People still read books – and other things that haven't changed in publishing. Click to Tweet.
10 things that have changed in publishing, and 3 things that haven't. Click to Tweet.
By Rachelle Gardner on Mar 5, 2014 in Blog, Business of writing, Writing Life | 49 Comments
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It brought a smile to my face to read of all the changes in the past few years. Even reading how your thoughts about self-publishing have changed. Self-publishing is much more "acceptable" now than it was even two or three years ago.
A couple things that have stayed the same are 1) agents and editors (and presumably publishers) still look for a great voice in a story. The genres may come and go, but a great voice will always be noticed. 2) Though e-readers have become much more common, I still know a lot of people who prefer a hard copy book as opposed to an e-book.
Thanks for the walk down memory lane, Rachelle.
I'm one of those who prefer hard-copy. I don't own a Kindle, and probably never will.
Hard copies are time capsules for me – I generally remember when and where I bought a book (usually I stick the receipt in – that helps). And I'll use most anything as a bookmark, and some of those bookmarks – boarding passes, ticket stubs, and the like – mark the path of my life.
Cain't hardly do THAT with a Kindle!
Your jaunt down memory lane made me smile. As a tween, I saved up every penny to buy an entire series of historical fiction that I loved. The bookstore owners got to know me since I came in every few weeks to order the next installments.
I worked in a used bookstore for five years, and so I understand your comment about creative bookmarks. Amidst the musty smelling pages of the books we readied for the shelves, I found love notes, pictures, dried flowers, and even a few squares of fresh toilet paper.
I once left a couple of hundred-dollar bills in a book to ensure they wouldn't be stolen by the maid while we were on temporary duty at Los Alamos National Labs. Unfortunately for me, I then forgot that I'd done so, and I went the next six months thinking the maid had stolen my money. Sent her a quiet mental apology when I was packing up to go home over Christmas and two crisp Franklins fell out of that same book.
At home, though, all my bookmarks migrate to a sheet of toilet paper, mostly because that's what is available in the location where I do a majority of my pleasure reading. Hey, it's a quiet spot.
I was fortunate to discover your blog soon after I started writing, in 2008. You were the first agent I queried, and you sent back a pass, but one that was personalized, and complimentary.
I never forgot that, and never will. I'm honored to have traveled this far with you, as it were.
I miss Borders, but they failed at what Barnes and Noble seems to be good at – turning their stores into something like community centers, where people can come to hang out in an open, friendly 'town square' built around the cafe. Borders had the cafes, and the comfy chairs…but they were in the wrong place. Corners, near the heads.
Bad feng shu?
The changes really don't affect me. Adaptation to changing circumstances is a part of life, and having to learn social media and marketing specific to Christian fiction is simply part of the game.
If I were Stephen King I suppose I'd have to learn to drink mai tais on a Caribbean beach. Life is hard for everyone.
What I would never have foreseen was that while I was an engineering professor in 2008, with an interest in writing…
…that six years later I'd be a full-time writer with a blog that's gaining increased attention…
…on MARRIAGE.
Proof that God has a sense of humor.
Darn. Feng SHUI.
I think.
I picked up a Kindle in 2008 and have not purchased a print book since, even if, ironically, some e-books are more expensive than the paperback versions. Carrying my entire library on such a small device everywhere I go around the world encourages reading. I also read more quickly and therefore consume more books, which translates into more purchasing. I'm always kind of shocked when I still see people reading paperbacks. But they have become fewer and farther in between.
I like hardbacks, myself.
I've been reading eBooks since my first Palm Pilot in 1999, but when I got my first Kindle in 2010, I've only read one dead tree edition since (Stephen King's Joyland). I don't miss paper books – especially hardback books. Too heavy and cumbersome. They take my focus away from the story, and isn't that what books is all about – the story?
I've also been reading more classics and can read several books in parallel. Right now I'm reading A Feast for Crows by G.R.R. Martin, Moby Dick, and the new bio of Jony Ive. I couldn't carry all those in my message bag very easily if they were paper. I can also synch the books between my Kindle, iPad Mini and iPhone so I can read in many more places than I could lug a big hardback to.
All great info, Rachel. Thanks.
Great material, maybe today we call it great content, is still the driver.
It's interesting to see how rapidly the industry has changed in just five years!
I think the most interesting thing is readers' mindsets…especially when it comes to willingness to pay for a book now. One author I know had a coworker ask when her book was going to be offered for free so she could download it. It's as if readers feel entitled to the free versions now. I'm not sure if that's because the market has been flooded with so many free books or not. I mean, free books are nothing new — the library has always offered that. (And I'm not opposed to libraries at all!)
I'm not saying getting an occasional free book is bad — I know that's a whole different topic. I just think it has been interesting to watch how readers' perspectives have perhaps shifted in this regard. As a reader, I love free books. As an author, it makes me wonder how their prevalence has affected profitability, etc., to both publishers and authors.
Anyway, one cool change in the industry is how accessible agents and editors are now thanks to social media. It's pretty incredible that we can interact with all of you Books & Such agents here on a daily basis thanks to this blog. And one of my friends had an editor request through Twitter — and that's how her debut novel got published!
In my eyes, there are pros and cons, same as with any other age of publishing.
Lindsay, I agree with you about the accessibility of agents and editors. Add in a few conferences, and meeting in person becomes a reality. Very thankful for these opportunities.
Hi, Lindsay!
Since you're the first to mention LIBRARIES in your thoughts, my two penn'orth seems appropriate here …
I have the honour and privilege of living in the Centre of the Known Cultural Universe (Liverpool, UK), pop c 500,000 (growing steadily, according to the latest Census). To this, add a 'floating population' of c. 20,000 students at one or other of this great city's 4 [yes, Manchester, read THAT and weep!!!] UNIVERSITIES and you get some idea of how much there is going on here.
The downside. Our wonderful(?) caring (??) progressive, forward-thinking (???!*^£$%!!???) London-centric Government is doing everything possible to HINDER Liverpool's growth, the latest being a £250 MILLION CUT in Central Funding for the region. This represents 52% of the funding the region received last year,
One of the proposed (and almost certain to be implemented) CUTS forced upon us looks like being the (permanent) CLOSURE of about 30 [75%] of our Public Libraries. For the last 3 years, Liverpool has been made to suffer bigger cuts in national funding than any other city in the UK, and there are simply no more options available. I sometimes think the National Government (irrespective of party 'colour') is trying to force this city to file for bankruptcy
Very interesting post, Rachelle. I like your description of how Being a writer is the same as it ever was.
I self-published my first novel in 1999 when there was definitely a stigma attached, and my fifth in 2013 when it's acceptable to be an "indie author".
What else has changed in addition to the points you mention? It costs much less for short print runs of paperbacks, and Print on Demand opens up a much wider market.
What hasn't changed? For all the free help out there, there are still lots of people aiming to part aspiring authors from their money with over-hyped promises of fame and fortune! -
Rachelle, as always, an insightful and helpful post. You mentioned traditional publishers tweaking their business models and adjusting the way they do business. As an agent, have you noticed changes in their approach to rights reversion, royalties, or any of the other things e-published authors continually mention?
Great post–that reflects the years I've been writing/submitting/etc. I would say that when I jumped in, blogging was the "new thing." Every author was advised to blog. Nowadays, there aren't as many blog readers and not as much push to blog 3x a week or more. I think part of this is the explosion of Pinterest and FB author pages, which allow us to connect in other ways.
So platforms are now more all-encompassing, and if an author has worked hard in the interim to develop a platform, it makes it easier if said author decides to go the indie route, which is now a MUCH more viable option, and one increasing in recognition. I think the indie revolution is one of the biggest changes I've seen…authors taking control of their own platforms/career paths/publication schedules. If you asked me five years ago (or even 2 years ago!) I would've said I'd never self-publish. Times have changed, and I'm really thankful for this e-book era.
I'm not sure that there's less blog-reading; if one posts consistently and stays on-platform, readers will remain, and more will come. It's been working for me, though it did take a while, and I had to learn that the blog wasn't about what I wanted to say – it was about what my readers wanted to hear me say.
Blogging does seem to be the best way to build platform, since we're working with words and ideas. I use FB and am starting to use Pinterest, but they ultimately direct people back to my blog.
(For those who might be interested and have not yet gotten this far – you can create an 'intro slide' for a particular blog post using Powerpoint, and then upload it on Pinterest (saved as a PNG, TIFF, or JPG) and link it to that post's web address. The beauty of doing it this way is that you can create boards specific to different topics you cover – for example, you can have a board for writing that contains the intro slides for your posts on writing, and one on family, set up the same way. It's one way to get around the fact that Pinterest does not let you set up sub-boards (boards within boards) at this time.)
Oh, yes, I totally recommend HAVING a blog, Andrew. It's how platforms are built! I just think now authors (esp. fiction authors) have more options to build their platforms around, such as books, etc. I honestly loved blogging (especially interviewing!) but now I'm self-pubbing I barely have time to keep up with it weekly. I do still check in on blogs I enjoy (like this one), but I check far fewer blogs these days than when I started out. And congrats on increased traffic to yours (on the topic of MARRIAGE! YAY!).
I think something that has also changed (somewhat) is the attitudes toward self-published authors. I think there's still a stigma, but I think as the quality of self-published books has risen and more traditionally published authors are testing the waters, it's lessened. So I guess this falls into both categories.
I totally agree, Dina…and the ones who jumped in and self-pubbed a few years ago have learned so much they are willing to share with newbie indies like myself. It's a wonderful, highly-informed community to be part of. Just like this Books/Such community.
Mark me down in the column for the popularity of the iPad. I still don't own a Kindle, but my Kindle app is overflowing.
I so much appreciate your comment, Rachelle, that people are still reading. I don't claim to have any statistics. It could definitely be just wishful thinking. But from what I see in news articles about how children shouldn't have hand-held devices and studies on the negative impact of video games as well as in my admittedly limited sphere on social media, I wonder if people are reaching their personal tolerance limits in social media and finding again the value of a book. I'm not saying that social media is losing ground. Not at all. But I wonder if the romance of reading is being rekindled as we search for depth and value in our lives.
Re-Kindled, Meghan? Good one!
I've noticed a distinct drop in the use of social media by my wife's large family, and her circle of friends. It seems (from some cryptic comments posted on FB, which is ironic) that they have begun to realize that their friends lead pretty normal lives, and that a lot of the status updates are almost generic. Not a scientific sampling, but perhaps representative (they are from Indiana, after all).
Kind of like watching reruns.
Dedicated social media's a tool – FB is a bit like writing letters, and Twitter's an enhanced form of text messaging. Pinterest…perhaps an analogue for postcards?
When I got my first electric drill (I was five, I think), I drilled holes in EVERYTHING, because I loved the novelty (and because I was, well, five).
The novelty's long since worn off, and I use the drill to put holes in the 'right' things.
And, occasionally, my own hand, held in the wrong place behind a workpiece. (Hint – when you do this, DO NOT reverse the drill, or you'll be in worse shape than you can possibly imagine. Back it out s-l-o-w-l-y and without power.)
"Normal"? "Generic"? That's what makes Indiana such a great place to live…over twenty years now for me.
And your hand? OUCH.
Wow. Good story, and an excellent way to drill down into today's reality of social media.
Well, that's why God gave us two hands. So we can use one as a backing block for drilling.
It's amazing how so many things can change SO fast. I was always the last to do everything–get a Facebook page, get on Twitter, start a blog, get an iPad…Now I can't imagine NOT having those things!
I know I will ALWAYS prefer having a book in my hand to reading an eBook, though. The one thing I did get when it first came out was a nook, and I only read on it a year before I went back to hard copies.
. . . If there is a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, you must be the one to write it.
–Toni Morrison
Another thing that's changed is the breadth of stories available. With ebooks allowing greater variety of size without affecting the printing costs, I see shorter books, longer books, serials, and adjuncts to series. Veronica Roth sells scenes from her Divergent series done in an alternate point of view. Ninety-nine cents for 16-30 pages. I've also seen some fiction authors trade in the social media time for "kicking out content" by providing the "extra" short fiction so readers can continually be immersed in a favorite author's stories rather than their personal lives. It makes sense to build your fiction brand by writing fiction, more so (I think) than by writing blogs. I think we will see more of this in the future. Indie authors will tell you, content drives content. Of course, you need to make sure the content is quality enough to drive TO rather the FROM your next work, but the regular flow of content is key.
Connie, your comment about building 'your fiction brand by writing fiction' intrigued me. Blogging on NF topics isn't irrelevant, but I need to get better at building and sharing snippets of historical fiction since that's what I write. Have you personally seen authors do this well? If so, please share.
Yes, there are lots of authors who are dabbling in in-between stories to their series. It keeps the readers hooked on the series and the author's name on their minds. I've also seen authors with a first novel they keep at free (or very cheap) to drive readers to the others in the series–stories that are strongly hinted at in the first.
With Historical, I've always felt these authors should target the homeschooling crowd and offer things that could be added to a student's curriculum to help them understand a time period better. That's how I got hooked on history–seeing how it impacted lives!
These extra "shorts" also provide a way for new readers to sample your work. I'm fortunate to have a publisher who supported me when I wanted to do this for an existing series. It's an interesting tool – one of many in the writer's proverbial toolbox.
The blogging bit is a very valid point. I've read several blogs about writing by writers who write that writers shouldn't be blogging about writing but should instead be writing.
Yeah, I had to read that a couple of times, too, but it's correct.
All that said, I enjoy, myself, the free-form nature of my blog. It's not necessarily drawing the crowd in to my fiction as it should, granted. At some point I'll have to make a business decision about that, granted also.
Anyway–as for the kicking out smaller content part, yeah. That worked like a charm for Jasinda Wilder, along, of course, with other promotional activities. Other authorpreneurs are using the shorter fiction to their advantage, too. That's another stick I need to get on, whatever that happens to mean.
Some things haven't changed. The traditionally published author still has a big advantage over indie authors from Day One because their books are sent directly to multiple brick and mortar stores. Today's indie author had better know their social media tools and be willing to be their own publicist, propagandist and flag-waver. I'm fourteen months in and I've secured some strong endorsements and reviews for my first novel. A major voice talent is eager to narrate the audiobook, so I'm doing a crowdfunding campaign this month to pay her. I'm not complaining about these multiple roles: I'm new to this and have never known different. I do know that no major publisher would have put as much time and energy on a new author's novel as me, myself and I. Before logging on at mid-day, I've managed to write a second novel — a 200,000-word manuscript. I only wish I had the time to morph into Indie Editor Guy, to tackle the revisions!
Well written, and I agree with pretty much everything you wrote. One thing struck me in your latter paragraphs, though, when you mentioned the Big 5 still publishing as they ever have. I remember getting into writing and reading your blog regularly in the early months of 2011, and back then I heard about the Big 6. "Who're they?" I asked, and I learned, and the MBA in me started examining the playing field and the players on it.
Anyway, it's interesting that just a few years later, the Big 6 is now the Big 5. Oh, and the big evil box bookstores that we so loved to hate as we watched Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks bicker over big vs. small, well, they're now our beloved friends we're so desperately hoping to save against the big evil online store. Funny, how the world changes.
And yet, as you said, the core of the industry remains the same: readers read, and writers write.
I note all that with open-eyed wonder directed toward the future and no real irons in that fire.
Thanks as always for continuing to give us your insights!
My first book was published in 2010 – a mere 3 years ago. Books 9 and 10 release this month and it's AMAZING the difference in marketing from our publisher's pov. Where did book trailers go? Ha! And while I sell more books now than I did then, my first book with Harper Collins was given a book tour … I don't see THAT happening again.
The only thing constant is change.
Best to hang on for the ride. -
Great list, Rachelle. I love how, for every door that closes, another opens. We live in a world of technological advancement and opportunity. How wonderful!
Denise Willson
Author of A Keeper's Truth, (and now) GOT -
I appreciate your re-cap, as I've witnessed it from the sidelines and jumped right in as well. I started blogging in 2006 and toyed with the idea of pursuing traditional publishing until I read more on what would be involved. I choose to self-publish "Impact My Life" and 25,000 plus downloads later, I'm happy with the result.
Much to my surprise, I found myself in the traditional publishing track last spring, with an agent and a proposal adventure, and experienced the roller-coaster of "love it…but" refusals from publishers.
I may throw my hat in the ring again at another time, but for this season, I'm about to launch another self-published project — a study for teen girls and will see where that goes.
There's pros and cons to both self-published and traditionally published. I appreciate you pointing out the changes and also what's stayed the same!
Elisa -
I believe that the heart of the writer has remained unchanged – we still want the e-mail or call from an agent or traditional publishing house that says, "Hey, let's talk". In the time during submissions, queries, and waiting, there is the option of self-publishing. Self-publishing as a major change in the writing industry has in and of itself changed. It can be used as a platform builder like the coffee shops and back street pubs that musicians frequent night after night hoping to make a name for themselves or be discovered. It may seem a little shady to parts of the world, but to the artists, it's a road that can be taken in order to build that following until that awaited day when the call does come. I'm totally speaking as one who had to push down my pride and realize that self-publishing was a good place start. Maybe the pride welled up because I had once heard that I wouldn't be taken seriously, or maybe it's because I am old fashioned at heart and was holding on to tradition. So now we have the hybrid – the self published author who is still seeking traditional publishing. Won't it be interesting to revisit this topic in ten years?
Rachelle, What an informative post of all the changes in publishing in only six years. It will be interesting to see what publishing looks like six years from now. I'm thankful for your faith that people will continue to read books. I hope that proves true.
My son and I have a constant debate (and somewhat heated on my part) over fan fiction. He especially likes stories using JK Rowling's Harry Potter characters. I believe it's piracy. He a big "fan" and thinks it's great that he can read for free online. Although he reads more than his peers, I think he's typical among high school and college students in wanting free entertainment online. I don't know if this generation will support the big 5 publishers. My son sights the popularity of "Wool" as a path for success. I hope the ever-increasing presence of cheap/free e-books will not crowd out the market for traditional, royalty-paying publishers.
It's not piracy; it's more homage. It's "we love your story world so much, we must have more and more of it." I've read some dreadful fan fic and some fan fic so well-written that I assumed the persons writing it might be pros (or soon to be) who are fans. When a show or novel series is done, the fan fiction keeps the characters alive in new adventures, canonical or not. I would be highly flattered if I created a world that fans then wanted to run with in new ways because they really cannot get enough of those "people" and worlds.
And the cheap books are a boon to readers and their budgets. More books for fewer bucks. I, who used to pay 25 bucks for hardcovers or 14 for paperbacks now won't pay more than 8 or 9 bucks for a book unless it's a top 5 author of mine. I wait for the price to come down, especially since it's the publisher, not the author, making most of the moolah from the ebooks. I don't have space in my home for more books–I have thousands–so ebooks are a lifesaver–and space-saver. I tend to shop for books in the 2 to 6 dollar range. Above that, I need to really be grabbed by something in the sample or have many friends offering word-of-mouth praises. And I need a lot of selling for a price above $10.00, unless it's a text or reference work or is loaded with images.
I used to spend thousands a year in local bookstores. I rarely step foot in a bookstore these days…and I own 5 ereaders, four of them Kindles. I don't see the trend favorable to pricey hardcovers and paperbacks.
I'll add that with my aging eyes and incipient cataracts, ereaders with built-in lights and adjustable font size are a huge help. No extra cost for "large print."
If trad pubs wanna survive, they're gonna have to adapt, innovate, and be forward-thinking–and more author-friendly. WAY more author-friendly with much better contracts and fewer rights grabs. All it takes is for some visionary in trad pub to break away from the pack with some fabulous new ways and ideas to breathe new life there. I'd be excited to see what sprouts in this new environment.
You touched on this, but what first came to mind is that in the past few years writers have more POWER & CHOICES that ever before re: how they want to be published and that's FANTASTIC!
It's beautiful to know some things haven't changed with books, I love books.
An excellent article, Rachelle!
I love my ereader, and I do buy most of my novels as ebooks, but my research library continues to grow, and usually I buy research books in traditional paper format, and mark and tab and beat the heck out of them, bless their hearts! (If books have hearts,and sometimes I think they do.) At first the changes frightened me, but now I realize that the current market opens so many possibilities,and I'm grateful for the options.
Thank you so much, Rachelle, for continuing to guide and advise!
With change comes opportunity!
A quick aside – just noticed I managed to misspell my NAME in an earlier post (having a 'rant' about Libraries).
Recap: due to SAVAGE Government cuts, Liverpool (pop. c. 500,000 +/- 30,000 'floating population' of students at one of our FOUR Universities) is almost certainly going to have to close about 30 [75%] of our Public Libraries in the coming year.It's easy to believe the Government WANTS to create a generation of mindless robots who will obey without question every edict they decide to impose … Am I wrong to think of the 'auto-da-fé' bookburnings carried out by the Spanish Inquisition?? -
Something worth noting is the shift in importance away from the writer as craftsman to the writer as technician. Success stories abound about self-published authors, and most of these writers are capable. But that's not the key to their success–lots of poor writers are succeeding as well. Either successful writers enjoy the support of technicians and social media wizkids, or are themselves adept in these fields. Necessarily, the skills are strongly related to generational factors: young people are growing up with high tech/social media, and are able to use it with ease. But without this knowledge or easy access to it, the good or even very good writer is not likely to get far. Commercial publishers now require the writers they take on to have developed tech "platforms." All this can be thought of in Darwinian terms: the young prevail, the old go to the wall. But it should be said that none of it has much to do with writing itself.
I too "mark, tab and beat the heck" out of my books. In fact, I may go a bit overboard. I sometimes tear down corners and fold them out to leave a little stub sticking out.
Sometimes I will draw in pencil a small ">" on the edge of the outside pages to point to a certain page with a small line on a particular page where the point in the ">" points.
I once loaned a new book I'd just bought to a friend and she chewed me out because I'd simply folded down a couple of page corners!
I told her I considered a book to be a useful tool, intended to be kept and used, cherished, perhaps, but not kept pristine, locked in a safe, handled only with kid gloves.
I am so excited I found you and your wisdom with all this publishing business. What a BLESSING! I first set out to publish, and realized that self publishing an ebook was completely the way to go. Although my first book was a 'practice run', I do feel empowered that this niche is growing and when the time is right- I will publish again on such 'fertile ground'.
I dream of a publishing and actual paper book though. I still want to hold the books and turn the pages… I will ALWAYS purchase the 'real ones' and my bookshelves will forever grow.
The question I want to ask is not, "How has the industry changed?" but, "What are the next changes?" I have an idea along those lines that I'll discuss with you over our next manuscript meeting.

subset: commoncrawl


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Photos: Facebook friend answers to "You know you're from Colorado when...."
Last week, we shared our ten favorite item from the You know you're from Colorado When Tumblr. When we shared the post on the Westword Facebook page, we asked for your favorite ways to complete this sentence -- and you definitely came through. In fact, many of your answers were arguably better than those in the first batch. Look below to check out our choices for the cream of the crop.Big photos below.
Number 10: Alone in a crowd
"You're surrounded by 70 percent of people that didn't grow up here."
Number 9: Formal wear
"Dressing up is putting on the expensive fleece."
Continue for more of our Facebook friend answers to "You know you're from Colorado when...."
Sponsor Content


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text:
A resource for reliable information about significant people, places, events, and things in Minnesota history.
Interior of Commercial Club gathering space, Commerce Building, 1912.
Interior of the St. Paul Commercial Club in the Commerce Building, 1912.
Watercolor painting of an interior view of Fort Snelling, c.1853.
Woman at Munsingwear knitting machine.
Interior, Detention Hospital Ward, Fergus Falls State Hospital, Fergus Falls, c.1923.
M. A. Gedney Compnay workers and vinegar barrels, c.1912.
M. A. Company workers constructing vinegar barrels, c.1912.
Interior, St. Peter Claver Church, St. Paul, c.1916.
Downtown St. Paul at the intersection of Eighth and Robert Streets, c.1932.
Interstate 94 construction at Dale Street and St. Anthony, c.1966. Construction of I-94 in St. Paul displaced African American residents.


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Sadly, no.
Here is a link to another thread.
Sadly, no.
Here is a link to another thread.
I saw that and was dissapointed. I look forward to a new fact each day and the games on the weekends.
I always buy the Disney boxed desk calendar each year, but didn't realize Lou had a Trivia calendar out, too. Sorry I'll never get a chance to buy one now.
Lou, are there any print on demand options or electronic versions that would make sense $ wise?
Founder of TestSherpa LSAT Test Preparation
The LSAT is not as fun as the Haunted Mansion, but just as scary.
This makes me sad! I just started listening and reading this year!
Sad I just started listening this year too
Hello! I haven't bought this year's calender yet, but previously i bought two of 'em in 2009. See you around people.


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chakitai will be there
WendyRHey Barry...I can never RSVP....I did once and that was it...When I log on it lets me see everything but the RSVP...Grrr!!!
pokerbrat_41Abel and I will be there on the 1st.
BHurdthanks for posting here. But try using the RSVP system next time so that everyone can see who is coming to the game. Plus I don't have to go add you to the list. If you need help give me a call. Just go to the FIND tab above and click Poker EVENTS... you will see our latest event posted and at the bottom is an RSVP button. You have to include something in the comment section of that dialog..... THanks!9/30/2010
Dolores WilliamsOkay director you're the bomb.......
Dolores WilliamsI found the error. Last nights score has not been added to Thomas' total. If I am correct he should be in 5th place with a total score of 31.53. Thanks.
Dolores WilliamsWe should be also be documenting this on paper and on the computer because it looks like things are not accurate.
BHurdI have back ups of the database, so there should be no problem in the end...But I can have some transfer errors to this system..But thatLs why everyone should be logging in and checkig things...9/25/2010
Dolores WilliamsHey Barry, I noticed that Thomas only has 5 games scored, he has played 6 like me. I hope this system is accurate.
BHurdthe system is accurate as for as holdng on to hat I gve it. But it only knows what Tell it. Tournament Director, the softare I use to ru thngs is the real database. I will check things out and see what did't get reecorded.9/25/2010
Dolores WilliamsWe wil be there.
roxy redBut I had Kings !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!9/4/2010
T-RevOh i just moved down by LA. A suburb called Brea. So going to Modesto would be some work lol
BHurdwell, I am certain you will find a game down there without much trouble!~7/22/2010
Thanks to your service, I now have some live leads to check into. I have already been invited to two local games in the Bay Area and played in one last night"Topeka - Home Poker Player
Topeka - Home Poker Player


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Hello, My home was built around 1965 with a brick fireplace that has an ash dump door on the floor of the fireplace. I would like to start using this, however it is filled almost to the top with ash. My issue is that I do not have any cleanout access door in the basement or outside. My neighbor's home was built at the same time by the same builder and is pretty much identical. He has a an ash dump with a cleanout door in the basement. When I look at the same wall in my basement it seems like the access door may have been removed and cemented over. A few questions for the forum: Why would the door have been removed in the past? Can a new cleanout door be installed? What issues might I encounter with the installation? Should I just have the ash vacuumed out from the top every few years? The chimney has a cap and water rarely drips down. Every so often after a heavy rainfall we get the ash smell coming from the fireplace. This happens even if the fireplace is clean. Could this smell be coming from the ash dump? Thank you all for your assistance. |
Follow-Up Postings:
- Posted by akamainegrower (My Page) on Tue, Oct 2, 12 at 5:32
There's no real way to tell why the cleanout door was removed - perhaps a conversion of the fireplace to gas? Anyway, installing a new cleanout door is not difficult. The only tricky part is cutting the opening. This usually entails using a diamond cutting blade to score the outline, followed by work with a chisel. It does not have to be a perfectly precise opening - mortar can patch any irregularities around the new cleanout door. If you're going resume burning wood, it's important to have the chimney cleaned and inspected by a certified chimney sweep. A sweep would very likely be able to install a cleanout door as well if you'd rather not do it yourself. The creosote smell after a rain is probably due to the ashes in the chimney, but may also be an indication that there's a lot of creosote lining the chimney above the fireplace. Another good reason to have the inspection and cleaning. |
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Clippings by positano |
Sort by: Last Updated Post Date Post Title Forum Name | |||||||||
Custom Roman shades for less?
posted by: janine09 on 01.04.2010 at 01:29 pm in Home Decorating Forum I got an astronomical quote for custom roman shades..700 per window (and they are small windows). If I purchase the fabric, is there anywhere reliable that can make a custom standard roman shade for me?
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clipped on: 01.04.2010 at 06:08 pm last updated on: 01.04.2010 at 06:08 pm
tub niche and pencil rail questions
posted by: doctj on 12.19.2009 at 04:54 pm in Bathrooms Forum Hi
for a tub wall niche, do the tilers do it when they're installing the tile board or does it need to be framed out first? I'm ordering tiles on line and I'm not sure where pencil rail or chair rail should be. Should I put chair rail in the front of the tub and pencil rail where the shower tiles abut the wall? I also have a knee wall between the shower and the tub do I need pencil rail there? Thanks in advance NOTES: <none>
clipped on: 12.29.2009 at 07:06 am last updated on: 12.29.2009 at 07:06 am
Finito! one more white/marble/soapstone kitchen
posted by: segbrown on 12.06.2009 at 01:55 pm in Kitchens Forum I've posted in dribs and drabs, so this isn't exactly an unveiling, but we are 99% done. Thanks to everyone; I've been reading this forum for years, even in the "pre-model" we did a few years back (minor update). I am also greatly indebted to my wonderful designer and contractor; I lucked out there.
Before pics: we moved the kitchen into the family room, the dining room into the kitchen, and the breakfast area into the dining room. (The living room turned into the family room, and the office will soon turn into the living room ... more to do around here.)So these photos are not exactly classic before/afters. (And it's a snowy day, so bright outside, not the best for pics. Oh well.) Old dining room (both visible walls are now gone) I was previously opposed to knocking out both walls, but I am glad we did. For the way we live, it works much better. Entertaining is a cinch now. Because the kitchen is vaulted but the other ceilings are low, it doesn't feel like a huge empty space (that's what I was worried about). And I liked my "other" house, just not the kitchen. It was awful. I'll post details here, and more specific photos in a subsequent post. -Cabinets- -Appliances- -Counters- -Hardware- -Sinks- -Faucets- -Lighting- -Island stools- NOTES: <none>
clipped on: 12.15.2009 at 06:04 am last updated on: 12.15.2009 at 06:04 am
Finished Kitchen~White, Marble, Soapstone
posted by: katieob on 12.04.2009 at 02:57 pm in Kitchens Forum Hi all.
A huge thank you to everybody on this forum who helped graciously with advice, photos, experience & info. What an incredible resource this is. Shout outs to Erikanh & marthavila for hood help, willowdecor for tile, all the stoners, and many more. We moved in last week-bottom trim on fridge & dw are still missing, excuse the messy bottoms. I'll be happy to provide details if anyone wants them. Thanks for looking! Marble Close Up Soapstone Close Up NOTES: <none>
clipped on: 12.04.2009 at 08:01 pm last updated on: 12.10.2009 at 06:01 am
Bathroom done - photos
posted by: monicae on 09.27.2009 at 09:52 pm in Bathrooms Forum I didn't do much posting but did take in a lot of the advice from the various threads (this is a great resource. This is a relatively small master bath and the toilet is in a tiny alcove so you'll just have to trust me that there is a toilet in the room. :-) Please excuse the before photos, I think I was so sick of the room I gave up on tidying it up.
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clipped on: 11.03.2009 at 06:22 pm last updated on: 11.03.2009 at 06:23 pm
Please post your pics of 2x8 subway tile backsplash
posted by: mybrowneyedgirls on 10.12.2009 at 03:07 pm in Kitchens Forum I am considering Adex 2x4 crackle subway tiles in the Hampton collection. I was on the phone with a local tile shop that carries these today, and the salesman told me the tiles also come in 2x8. He said a lot of costumers are requesting this size and I should consider this as well. I think it sounds interesting and would be a little different than the usual, but would still be the subway look I was going for. I am having a hard time visualizing this, though. Does anyone have this, and if so, could you please post pictures? Or if you have inspiration pictures of a backsplash in this size, that would be helpful, too.
Thanks! NOTES: <none>
clipped on: 10.13.2009 at 06:05 am last updated on: 10.21.2009 at 05:48 am
Best Granite Sealer
posted by: stpindell on 05.03.2009 at 10:22 pm in Kitchens Forum We need to seal our granite countertops. What is the best sealer out there that is user friendly?
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clipped on: 07.06.2009 at 08:38 pm last updated on: 07.06.2009 at 08:38 pm
What color shutters would work with the yellow siding?
posted by: positano on 06.13.2009 at 03:51 pm in Home Decorating Forum The shutters are an ugly brown color and the roof is orangey brown. The roof has a few more years in it, but I would like to change the shutters now. What color would work with the yellow and the brown roof? I was thinking a Sag Harbor grey color or maybe white?
OR should I just wait a few years till the roof becomes a grey color? Any photoshop help?
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clipped on: 06.23.2009 at 08:08 am last updated on: 06.27.2009 at 07:15 am
Duron Tobacco Road ~What looks good with it?
posted by: caramia on 03.29.2009 at 08:34 pm in Home Decorating Forum I think I have the formula for Tobacco Road and really like it! I am planning to paint most of my 1st floor with it. I need something for my LR tht looks really good with it. The room is an empty slate. All that;s staying in there is a white sofa and a piano. Any suggestions? I'm open to anything! (well most anything!)
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clipped on: 03.31.2009 at 12:09 am last updated on: 03.31.2009 at 12:09 am
Finished Kitchen-warm white cabs, marble, wood counters
posted by: blakey on 03.29.2009 at 04:58 pm in Kitchens Forum I can't believe it's complete, except for a bit of decorating, but it's so nice to be able to cook again. Thanks to everyone on this forum for the great questions, advice, photos, suggestions and support. I feel like I got so lucky when I stumbled upon this website just as we were getting started. It helped me tremendously and so many of the kitchens served as inspiration(you'll know who you are!)
Cabinets-Wood Mode NOTES: <none>
clipped on: 03.29.2009 at 08:43 pm last updated on: 03.29.2009 at 08:44 pm
99% Finished Kitchen--creamy white w/soapstone
posted by: jbrodie on 03.01.2009 at 06:59 pm in Kitchens Forum Finally! Our kitchen is finished! I never thought the day would come, and boy am I enjoying it. I owe so much to this forum. I can't tell you how much you all helped me. Thank you!!! I hope I can help others in return.
Hope I'm not putting too many pictures! Quick description (feel free to contact me if you have questions) Happy kitchen designing to all! Thank you again! NOTES: <none>
clipped on: 03.24.2009 at 07:20 pm last updated on: 03.24.2009 at 07:20 pm
99% done cottage kitchen
posted by: jrdip on 04.28.2008 at 07:31 pm in Kitchens Forum I just wanted to thank everyone for letting me vent and ask questions over the past couple of months. Did I thank everyone enough for letting me vent? We are almost done with our complete house remodel of a 1929 bungalow and just in time for baby! It has been a long process filled with many headaches but I wouldn't change a thing and am so glad we decided to do renovate this house. It is a very small kitchen but through careful planning and editing it is a very efficient kitchen for us and how we live and cook, and somehow I managed to stay within my 22K budget. Here is a list of all products used and I hope yall enjoy.
Thanks, Jen wall and trim color: sw alabaster white NOTES: <none>
clipped on: 03.12.2009 at 07:00 pm last updated on: 03.12.2009 at 07:00 pm
colorcharts.org- Cant get onto this site anymore
posted by: snickysnacker on 03.04.2009 at 12:40 pm in Home Decorating Forum I found colorcharts.org (the actual web address is colorcharts.org/ccorg/) while browsing here on this site a while ago and I love it. You type in the paint color name and then this site tells you other paint brands that match it or are close to it. Now, I cant get onto it, what gives??
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clipped on: 03.05.2009 at 09:10 am last updated on: 03.05.2009 at 09:11 am
Do these pendants work with my kitchen? pics
posted by: positano on 01.29.2009 at 03:04 pm in Kitchens Forum Well, we still have a lot to do. But I'm trying to figure out the pendants, so the electrician can finish up. My BIL is doing a lot of the finishing work, so we are at his mercy when he can get to it. Still need to put up the hood(stainless), pendants, light over table, backsplash, trimwork, crown molding to the ceiling and toe kicks.
I found these Kichler pendants in Old Bronze. They are similar to the Hudson Valley ones, just a much better price. They don't come in satin nickel, just polished and olde bronze. I kind of like the dark element to go with the stools and dark table, but not sure if it's too much in a small kitchen. And the ceilings are only a little over 8 foot. BIL thinks we should do recessed above the island, but I really like the ambience the pendants could give. And they would be on dimmers which I love. If you think I should forget the pendants let me know. I don't want it to be too busy. Here are some of my choices: Kichler olde bronze pendant Crate and Barrel extension table I like the idea of this striped pendant to bring in some color. Or maybe something like Mamadadapaige's in bronze or just a drum shad over the table Here is my kitchen with the darker stools
This is part of the living room that you see from the kitchen
This is a picture from cottage living that I loved the darker pendants in. Thanks for the help! Here is a link that might be useful: orange striped room and board pendant NOTES: <none>
clipped on: 03.04.2009 at 03:06 pm last updated on: 03.04.2009 at 03:06 pm
New Cream cabs installed....feel like I went too creamy!
posted by: positano on 01.10.2009 at 07:51 am in Kitchens Forum They are beautiful, but I wish I had gone a little whiter. It looks terrible with all the white primer and I know once we paint the trim and the walls it will help. The lighting isn't done either, so I'm hoping that will make it less creamy.
Anyone else feel this way when they had the cabinets installed? NOTES: <none>
clipped on: 03.04.2009 at 03:06 pm last updated on: 03.04.2009 at 03:06 pm
dlm2000....Can you tell me about your staircase runner?
posted by: kitchenkelly on 10.27.2007 at 09:41 pm in Home Decorating Forum I love your staircase runner and was hoping that you could tell me about it. It is exactly what I am looking for. Do you know the manufacturer? Is there a padding under it? How is it attached? Can I just have yours? :)
Thanks. NOTES: <none>
clipped on: 01.30.2009 at 07:51 am last updated on: 01.30.2009 at 07:51 am
Come take a peak at my Costa Esmeralda!
posted by: positano on 01.16.2009 at 09:05 am in Kitchens Forum Well, it went in yesterday and I have to say I just love it!! Definitely feels a little more green than I thought, but there is also lots of grey/blue too. Really looks beautiful and a breeze to keep clean. Doesn't show fingerprints and crumbs. Sorry these aren't the best pics. I have to work on my camera. You can click on the pictures to see them bigger and more of the album.
So, now onto paint, backsplash,pendants, chairs and stools. The paint is going on the big wall behind the island and around the table/window wall.We are having all new trim put up, and crown molding over the cabinets/I would like that wall to stand out a little from the granite. Not sure what I'm going to do there yet. Thinking of Espresso bar stools and table...unless you think black would be better.
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clipped on: 01.20.2009 at 06:11 am last updated on: 01.20.2009 at 06:11 am
Looking for Bill V!! Tile grout and sealer question for you (pics
posted by: positano on 01.18.2009 at 07:32 am in Kitchens Forum We had our mudroom and bathroom tile installed yesterday. I went with the Mirage Slate Military Green tile like Kitchenkelly. It's a porcelain that looks like slate. I absolutely love it, the pictures make it look more brown and gold than it is. More of a green/gray with touches of brown. I went with natural gray sanded grout from Laticrete. A last minute pick up at Lowes. Last night the grout looked perfect, but this morning it looks much lighter. I was told to seal it, not sure with what. I happen to have Tile Guard's Enhance and Seal or TG's Penetrating Sealer. Got these back when I was testing granite samples.
Can I use these or do I need something special, will the enhance and seal darker the grout? I've seen a post about making grout darker. Thanks so much, I remember Kitchenkelly posting that you helped her with her decisions.
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clipped on: 01.18.2009 at 04:01 pm last updated on: 01.18.2009 at 04:01 pm
Metal shelf on Brothers & Sisters kitchen
posted by: redroze on 11.23.2008 at 07:46 pm in Kitchens Forum So we've figured out what to hang above our cooktop, on the subway tile backsplash. It went in today by the way...it looks fabulous but some of our electrical isn't working so I'll have to post pics some other time.
I love the idea of hanging a metal ledge for various things. The Something's Gotta Give kitchen has it for smaller items such as spices, but the Bros&Sisters kitchen has larger items. I like the look of both but prefer the wider one from B&S. Does anyone know where I can find this metal shelf? SGG kitchen we all know and love: B&S kitchen: The B&S ledge looks an awful lot like this one from Ikea, but I'm not sure if the B&S one is a metal grid like this. It is 10.6" in depth, 31" in length, which seems similar. Has anyone who watches the show gotten a closer look at it? NOTES: <none>
clipped on: 01.06.2009 at 09:07 pm last updated on: 01.06.2009 at 09:07 pm
ultimate layout challenge - odd island in gorgeous kitchen
posted by: celticmoon on 12.02.2008 at 06:44 pm in Kitchens Forum Hello layout folks!
My sister wants to fix her troubling island situation. She calls her kitchen "a range and hood surrounded by cabinets". Kitchen has lovely Peacock-ish custom cabinets exploiting every inch, and she wants to leave the perimeter alone. Given that, the cabinet to cabinet open space in the middle is 11'4 sink run to shallow cabinet and only 9'3" from fridge wall to the step dropoff.
Here is the floorplan with counters shaded - much of cebinetry is full depth to the ceiling. Here's view toward family room: View back toward DR and hall to the right And the step 'issue' So what do you suggest????? I think I have an idea but want your "fresh eyes". Thanks! Here is a link that might be useful: my sister's beautiful dysfunctional kitchen NOTES: <none>
clipped on: 12.03.2008 at 01:17 pm last updated on: 12.03.2008 at 01:17 pm
Off-center table & DR chandelier
posted by: linley1 on 10.27.2008 at 09:10 pm in Home Decorating Forum We are finishing the remodel on our new house and I'm trying to decide on lighting. In the DR, we added a set of 4 panel French Doors which open are centered in the room and are directly across from the arched entry. The current chandelier is also centered in the DR.
I have a breakfront I love which I want to use in the DR but it will mean that the DR table will then be off-center. I know that normally the chandelier is centered over the DR table but will this look bad since the French Doors are such a focal point in the DR? NOTES: <none>
clipped on: 10.28.2008 at 10:02 am last updated on: 10.28.2008 at 10:02 am
99% finished. Off White kitchen. So HAPPY!!
posted by: mamadadapaige on 05.29.2008 at 02:43 pm in Kitchens Forum Will write more about particulars later, but wanted to post some pictures. There a just a few small things left to do and I haven't totally moved back in (note: no cookbooks, display pieces, utensils, coffee maker, etc) but I will get to that this weekend.
I included a picture of the Sharp microwave draw that someone had wanted to see. Also, included close-ups of the backsplash (very plain but to my taste), and spice rack which I can't wait to use! [IMG]http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn62/mamadadapaige/frombar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn62/mamadadapaige/fromdoors.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn62/mamadadapaige/backsplash.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn62/mamadadapaige/sharpmicrowave.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn62/mamadadapaige/spicerack.jpg[/IMG] NOTES: <none>
clipped on: 10.24.2008 at 03:52 pm last updated on: 10.24.2008 at 03:52 pm
Cambrian Black Owners (or stone experts) - please help!
posted by: bungalowdawn on 10.08.2008 at 12:09 am in Kitchens Forum So we finally got our countertops installed today. Went with Leathered Cambrian Black. The guys who installed it did not want to seal it, recommended against it, said you would have to really work hard to apply it right or it would be a mess (not instilling confidence here), etc. They are having to re-do one piece so they did seal that for me to demonstrate how it would change the color, be streaky. I couldn't tell much of a color difference.
Anyway, the question is, should Leathered/Antiqued Cambrian Black be sealed? And if so, with what exactly? I have to say that it seems like the oils of a hand are leaving long-lasting marks on the unsealed portion of the countertops which makes me worried that unsealed is not the answer. However, I don't want to have problems with it clouding up on me either. I'd love to not have to seal, but what I'm seeing so far makes me think maybe it needs it??? Also, maybe one of you stone experts can help me on this part. When I saw the slabs in the yard, there were some whitish drippy marks all along the top half of the slabs. Looked like maybe limey rainwater residue or something. I told them I couldn't approve it that way. They assured me it would come off. I said, show me. They had a guy get some "sealer" and he wiped a big spot and it looked clear (in broad daylight, sealer still wet). So I signed off. They said it would all be cleaned off before fabrication. So they get through the grueling install today (days off my life, I think) and what's one of the first things I notice? Faint, but very noticeable streaky drippy marks in multiple places on the countertop. What do I do? The top is now glued on, sink undermounted. They have to come back for the one fix they need to do and I want to be ready to tell them what I expect. Obviously, I'm not going to settle for this, but I want to be sure they don't screw it up more. How can we take care of these marks? Will sealer help? They are in the section that wasn't sealed. Can they buff it out or something (doubt it with leathered finish)? A poultice? Have you seen this before? I'm freaking out a bit. Any advice on either or both of these topics would be appreciated. Thanks in advance, NOTES: <none>
clipped on: 10.08.2008 at 01:31 pm last updated on: 10.08.2008 at 01:31 pm
Undercabinet lighting dummy - decision decision decision!
posted by: snowang on 07.29.2008 at 06:03 pm in Kitchens Forum Ok, I did go to HD and Lowes and check out their displays, but most of them don't work. I will have cream cabinets, UbaTuba countertop, white subway tile backsplashes and the existing ceiling mount fluorescent lighting remains. It's a 10X10 gallary kitchen. I'd like something fairly low cost, with a warm yellowish hue. The ceiling light is pretty bright for whatever kitchen task I have, so these undercabinet lights will mostly for ambience purposes. I already purchased several to start with:
GE T5 Fluorescent Lighting sorry, have to run, will finish this posting later................... NOTES: <none>
clipped on: 09.15.2008 at 07:16 am last updated on: 09.15.2008 at 07:16 am
my xenon undercabinet lights are too hot!
posted by: nomorebluekitchen on 09.13.2008 at 06:38 pm in Kitchens Forum Please let me know what kind of undercabinet lights you love and why.
For our upstairs kitchenette (finished in May, just being used now as the main kitchen is being gutted) I put in these Xenon under cabinet lights: http://www.pegasusassociates.com/products/UnderCabinetLights/XenonLineVoltTaskLights.html Yowza, they are HOT! I had them on for a few hours this afternoon and then turned him off; several hours later the bottom shelf of the cabinets is still warm to the touch. That whole section of the room just radiated heat. I had assumed I'd do these in the main kitchen, too, but now that I've actually used them, I wouldn't buy them again. I read a few threads of people saying they had xenon and didn't have a problem with heat. Mine are enclosed which might make a difference, but even if they're open that heat is still generated, it is just dissapating through the room instead of staying trapped under the cabinet, right? I read several references to flor. t-2 lights but when I google that, the only hit I get is right here on the forum. Anyone know more about these? And Anita NOTES: <none>
clipped on: 09.15.2008 at 07:02 am last updated on: 09.15.2008 at 07:02 am
Can I see pictures of your D shape sink ?
posted by: positano on 09.11.2008 at 01:58 pm in Kitchens Forum I only have a 27 inch cabinet. A D shape sink will give me a little more room. I'm looking at the Ticor S405. Have any pictures with the faucet off to the side? It doesn't have to be Ticor, just want to show DH what it will look like.
Thanks! NOTES: <none>
clipped on: 09.12.2008 at 09:55 pm last updated on: 09.13.2008 at 06:45 am
Does anyone have a gas slide in range that they love?
posted by: positano on 07.27.2008 at 08:06 am in Kitchens Forum I was looking at GE Profile with convection, but some of the reviews were not great. Anyone have it?
Any other suggestions, seems like there are not too many options for slide ins. I need to put a microwave over it too. I posted on the appliance forum, but thought I'd try here. Thanks! NOTES: <none>
clipped on: 07.27.2008 at 10:34 pm last updated on: 09.11.2008 at 07:24 am
Walk-in pantry -- can I see yours?
posted by: jeannie_kitchen on 05.24.2008 at 06:35 pm in Kitchens Forum We have a walk-in pantry, and I'm trying to figure out the best way to configure the shelving.
We have moved the door from where it was in our old kitchen, and it now opens into the mudroom. Our mudroom is very small, and always a mess. So I'm thinking of possibly having hooks on one wall of the walk-in pantry for coats, and the other wall for food. We have a second step in pantry that is off the basement stairs that we will probably use for bulk storage items. NOTES: <none>
clipped on: 09.01.2008 at 09:37 pm last updated on: 09.01.2008 at 09:37 pm
Help !!! Kitchen Pantry
posted by: tahoe3 on 08.15.2008 at 01:19 pm in Kitchens Forum We are working on on new walk in kitchen pantry. I need help building the shelving, what is the normal distance between the shelves, another words how far apart should my shelves be????? Any ideas or comments from people who already have these pantries, what they like, don't like, wish they had???
Thanks NOTES: <none>
clipped on: 09.01.2008 at 09:35 pm last updated on: 09.01.2008 at 09:35 pm
Stonegirl and others, Cambrian Black Antique and enhancer
posted by: jb1176 on 07.06.2008 at 07:41 pm in Kitchens Forum I've been searching for something I thought Stonegirl wrote about either using an enhancer or not enhancing Cambrian Black Antique. I think I also recall that the enhancer had to be a certain type - I think there are two types and I can't remember what Stonegirl said. I've done a search on this here and can't find what I read - wonder if it was on StoneAdvice.com? If she or anyone else can recall what the recommendation was I would like to know.
My salesperson at the kitchen and bath shop is trying to talk me out of Cambrian Black in an antique finish and going with an engineered stone of similar look. I am resisting the recommendation. I'd like to have a professional's opinion about using an enhancer on Cambrian Black Antique or on Nordic Black Antique before a final decision about this issue is made. Thanks for the help. JB NOTES: <none>
clipped on: 07.06.2008 at 08:20 pm last updated on: 08.07.2008 at 08:18 am
help needed! ebony stained hardwoods
posted by: lleet on 06.06.2008 at 10:08 am in Flooring Forum Since the day we started our remodel, I knew I wanted very dark hardwood floors. Now that we are at the point of staining the floors, the floor guy is telling me he can't do it.
They put down one coat of minwax ebony stain, and while it is dark, it's no where near the look of ebony floors I have seen in pictures, ect. (I know every picture looks different in lighting, etc - not trying match exactly, just the spirit of...) We have quarter-sown red oak, so I do understand about the grain and know it probably won't ever look exactly like the pictures. The floor guy is saying he's never had anyone say they didn't think ebony was dark enough, and that he NEVER use two coats of stain on a floor. Am I being unreasonable to ask for ideas on how to achieve the look I want? Does anyone else have a recommendation? Thanks in advance! NOTES: <none>
clipped on: 07.27.2008 at 08:13 am last updated on: 07.27.2008 at 08:13 am
where is everyone buying their Title 24 recessed lights online?
posted by: jeng on 07.24.2008 at 12:06 am in Kitchens Forum Any leads on some good deals? I need to buy 10...
Thanks! NOTES: <none>
clipped on: 07.24.2008 at 05:58 am last updated on: 07.24.2008 at 05:58 am
Names of hard soapstone
posted by: pluckymama on 07.15.2008 at 06:35 am in Kitchens Forum I see mention of people having hard or soft soapstone, but don't know which ones are which. Can you list the names of soapstones that are known to be harder and less prone to dings? Pics would be great too. Thanks.
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clipped on: 07.16.2008 at 06:27 am last updated on: 07.16.2008 at 06:27 am
Tell me about your favorite kitchen faucet !!!
posted by: momomomo on 07.13.2008 at 11:05 am in Kitchens Forum Hi
I am renovating my kitchen now and it goes towards to the end finally. I bought brand-new appliances, sink, counter top and so on. I feel happy about my decision so far. But I can't make up my mind on kitchen faucet. Please share your experiences and thoughts of your faucets with me. Single or triple hole? Pull-out faucet vs wide spread? which brand? Please tell me anything about faucets for me!! Thanks! NOTES: <none>
clipped on: 07.14.2008 at 06:12 am last updated on: 07.14.2008 at 06:12 am
under counter lighting and reflexion
posted by: yolande_1951 on 07.08.2008 at 09:10 pm in Kitchens Forum I have an odd question. We went looking for under counter lighting and realized that on black (Volga Blue or Angola Silver)shiny granite, we could see the reflexion of the florescent under counter lights. This is disturbing to us.
Is there a reflexion with all undercounter lights? Any comments. Thanks, NOTES: <none>
clipped on: 07.08.2008 at 11:36 pm last updated on: 07.08.2008 at 11:36 pm
Essen faucet or other from galaxy tool supply?
posted by: jessie21 on 07.08.2008 at 09:06 pm in Kitchens Forum I ordered my sink today from galaxy tool supply and the woman I talked to said I would get a discount on a faucet if I chose one of theirs. Although their website is still on the fritz so I couldn't see much, on ebay they have an Essen faucet that looks nice. I was wondering if anyone has ordered their faucets from them and if so, what kind? Are you happy with it? Anyone have an Essen? thanks!
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clipped on: 07.08.2008 at 11:35 pm last updated on: 07.08.2008 at 11:35 pm
jodi in so calif---your tile backsplash?
posted by: pupwhipped on 03.13.2008 at 07:58 pm in Kitchens Forum Jodi, your tile backsplash is gorgeous. Can you please tell us all the name of it? Wouldn't mind knowing where you got your spice rack either. HA! Thanks for any info.
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clipped on: 07.07.2008 at 09:00 pm last updated on: 07.07.2008 at 09:00 pm
Finished (for now) kitchen photos - modern victorian
posted by: mrslimestone on 02.24.2008 at 12:46 am in Kitchens Forum I posted my soapstone photos a few weeks ago but Im finally getting around to posting finished* photos. (*I'm not truly finished as I still have to get glass shelves made for the upper cabinets, get a window treatment and put in that missing lightbulb but lets call it finished for now)
Thanks everyone for tremendous resource this board has been! Its so helpful to have a panel of experts there 24/7 at the ready. Here are all the specs NOTES: <none>
clipped on: 07.06.2008 at 09:01 am last updated on: 07.06.2008 at 09:02 am
My finished kitchen!
posted by: greta17 on 07.05.2008 at 11:39 pm in Kitchens Forum Hey everyone! I've only posted here a handful of times but read tons of information to help with our kitchen. This entire house was a complete gut and redo and a year after moving back in, we finally finished the kitchen. Pretty much the only thing we had left to do was the backsplash, but you know how that goes. Anyway, I thought I'd share some pictures because I always liked seeing people's finished product. Some of the pics are a tad blurry...I was having camera issues.
Pantry and oven wall Island top Close up of island granite Details Thanks to everyone who shared their information. Overall, we are very pleased with it. There are a few things I'd do differently but they are pretty minor. If it wasn't for this site, I'm not sure it would have turned out as nice as it did. NOTES: <none>
clipped on: 07.06.2008 at 06:39 am last updated on: 07.06.2008 at 06:39 am
Finished Small Kitchen
posted by: lily1342 on 04.10.2008 at 12:13 pm in Kitchens Forum Well, it's 98% finished. The new fridge was just installed the other day and looks so much better than the old top-mount-freezer textured almond thing (didn't wanna post pics of that). It was pay-as-you-go and also partially DIY, so it has been a long long looooong process since demo last May. We didn't have a GC, did our own demo, stripped wallpaper, painted. I learned how to install light fixtures, tile a backsplash, use a compound miter saw. DH and I built the banquette out of birch plywood. We bought and added the decorative legs and bun feet and bought all the molding separately instead of ordering with the cabinets. I added the beadboard, brackets and shelf to the little "hutch" area. The floor plan is still the same as before - didn't change location of plumbing or tear down walls or anything major like that, only moved a doorway a few inches. Also, we didn't get new flooring, didn't even refinish the old hardwood (kind of regret that). All in all, the cost came to $26,513, and that includes everything. I say this for anyone who might be like I was before we started - I had no idea how much what I wanted to do might end up costing. In the very beginning, the idea stage, that was a worrisome unknown. I could have kept the total under $20K if I'd chosen another door style in the same line of cabinets and not splurged on the backsplash and also could've bought much less expensive fabric for the banquette cushions.
Now that it's done, I'm almost sorry I don't have a second kitchen to do, because I made tons of mistakes with this one. Also, I'd bought a few things way in advance and before I found this website. If I'd found GW a little sooner, I would've made a few different choices here and there. Still, this is the first new kitchen I've ever had and by far the best. The tall utility cabinet is the same old one, with new paint, new door and added crown and baseboard: NOTES: <none>
clipped on: 06.26.2008 at 09:40 pm last updated on: 06.26.2008 at 09:40 pm
Need help with creamy cabinet colors
posted by: positano on 06.20.2008 at 03:37 pm in Home Decorating Forum Anyone used these colors? BM Creamy White, BM Lancaster WHite , and BM Monterrey White.
I'm looking for an off white that doesn't have too much yellow or pink. I tend to gravitate to the grey/greens too. This was my inspiration picture...I'm scared to go that dark, but I love it. Not sure on the color in the picture. NOTES: <none>
clipped on: 06.21.2008 at 07:17 am last updated on: 06.21.2008 at 07:18 am
where to buy knobs and pulls?
posted by: waime54 on 06.18.2008 at 06:45 pm in Kitchens Forum Anybody have a reputable website for knobs and pulls?? Been trying to call "simply Knobs and Pulls' but no one answers or calls back.
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clipped on: 06.19.2008 at 07:19 am last updated on: 06.19.2008 at 07:19 am
How did you decide on your white paint color for cabinets?
posted by: shortycake on 04.22.2008 at 03:54 pm in Kitchens Forum We are having our cabinets painted white. There are so many choices! We are thinking of a creamy white, slightly off white.
How did you decide on yours? Please post any pics of white cabinets and the name of paint used. Also, what paint sheen do you use on cabinets? NOTES: <none>
clipped on: 05.23.2008 at 07:18 am last updated on: 05.23.2008 at 07:18 am
Which white to use for cabinets
posted by: snickysnacker on 10.24.2007 at 11:05 pm in Paint Forum Hi,
I have all white appliances and I am going to be repainting my currently honey oak cabinets with Cabinet Coat. I have looked at a vast array of whites. Does anyone have any suggestions on BM whites to use? I was considering BM Dove White but I really like SW Greek Villa a lot on the swatch that I have. I am in the process of painting my walls SW Fired Brick, if that matters. Thanks for any suggestions or input. NOTES: <none>
clipped on: 05.22.2008 at 09:16 pm last updated on: 05.22.2008 at 09:16 pm
painting cabinets
posted by: danaoh on 05.22.2008 at 04:01 pm in Kitchens Forum I have read the posts on this forum as well as the painting forum. I still am not real clear on what to do -
So - I have dark wood (real wood) cabinets. I use TSP, or do I use liquid sandpaper, then primer, then paint. Do I have to sand or take the cabinets down to bare wood? If I have to take it to bare wood, I quit- LOL. Husband says he will help, but I know that means he will carry the doors down to the garage for me, then fix me a coke while I work. Thanks NOTES: <none>
clipped on: 05.22.2008 at 09:03 pm last updated on: 05.22.2008 at 09:04 pm
Any Pics of Painted Cream Cabinets??
posted by: netshound on 07.12.2006 at 05:53 pm in Kitchens Forum I'm painting my kitchen cabinets from a horrible knotty pint to a Swiss Cream. Do any of you have any cream cabinets in your kitchen that you could post pics of? Color is something I am horrible at! I never know what looks good with what. Should I contrast the cabinets with a darker counter-top? I am NOT good at this!!!
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clipped on: 05.22.2008 at 08:33 pm last updated on: 05.22.2008 at 08:33 pm
What are your favorite sites to purchase kitchen stuff?
posted by: mygar on 04.09.2008 at 09:25 pm in Kitchens Forum I love to see the posts where people list various sites that they like to browse or have purchased from with good results. I was hoping everybody would list them here so they would all be together.
I'll start: faucetdepot.com NOTES: <none>
clipped on: 05.21.2008 at 02:49 pm last updated on: 05.21.2008 at 02:49 pm
A bit OT: what flooring for mudroom
posted by: kelleg on 04.01.2008 at 07:56 pm in Kitchens Forum I know this is the kitchen forum, but since these areas are often close together, I would love input on this. My kitchen will be hardwood. What do you have in your mudroom???
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clipped on: 04.09.2008 at 07:12 am last updated on: 04.28.2008 at 06:27 am
Looking for Kitchenkelly
posted by: positano on 04.08.2008 at 11:42 am in Kitchens Forum Hi there,
I love your kitchen floor, the mirage military green tile and I'm trying to locate it in NJ or NY. Do you have any contact numbers I could try? The website doesn't say where I could find it? Are you happy with it? Does it clean easily? Show dirt, footprints etc? It looks great in your kitchen and I love the 12x24 size. I think it would be perfect for my kitchen and mudroom area. Thanks so much!! NOTES: <none>
clipped on: 04.09.2008 at 06:54 am last updated on: 04.09.2008 at 06:55 am
Need a good kitchen designer in the Bergen County, NJ area
posted by: positano on 03.10.2007 at 08:26 am in Kitchens Forum Anyone have a good KD that they can recommend? I'm in Bergen County, NJ. Was thinking of going to Home Depot Expo and having them do it. Any thoughts?
NOTES: <none>
clipped on: 03.10.2007 at 10:13 am last updated on: 03.10.2007 at 10:14 am


text:
Human Relations Calculator: Does Your Relationship Add Up?
This might look like an ordinary calculator on the surface, but if you dig deeper, you'll discover that this oddity from Japan not only can do math, it can tell you and your significant other what your future will hold. If you believe that sort of thing, of course.
Just punch your date of birth into Bandai's new Human Relations Calculator, press a button, and it'll tell you your fortune. And if you add a couple of birthdays together, you can find out what sort of a relationship you have with the other subject of your math problems. Divide, and you'll get fortunes for your neighbors and family; subtract the dates and you'll find out how you jive with co-workers; add 'em and learn about your friends; or multiply and learn about your love interests.
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Comments (1):
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Refugees International hosted its eighth annual Washington Circle event, Protect People First: Eyewitness Reports from Afghanistan and Pakistan, last Friday in front of a captivated Georgetown audience with one message --- make civilians the priority.
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App Hall of Fame Inductee Words With Friends
Words With Friends
by Newtoy Inc.
Inducted into the App Hall of Fame on December, 2010Originally released 2009-07-06
Category: Games :: Board
Not currently available in the iTunes app store.
"These guys did what EA can't. Offer multiplayer Scrabble" - James Isabel
*** NEW FEATURE ADDED: Now you can link your account with FACEBOOK to make it easier than ever to play with your friends! ***
Play the AD-FREE version of Words With Friends, the game more of your friends are playing than any other word game!
Experience for yourself why more than 20 million people are addicted to the word building, triple score seeking, chat bubble sending goodness of Words With Friends.
Not ready to buy? Try Words With Friends Free.
If you already have the free version, switching to the paid version is easy as pie. Your existing account, games and friends will carry over automatically to this ad-free version.
"Delightfully addictive." GeekSugar
"Social gaming at its finest." Fox News
"Everyone who owns an iPhone or iPod Touch should have this game on their device." Touch Arcade
Simple and familiar gameplay you know and love
Turn-based design lets you play up to 20 games simultaneously
Play with your friends or match-make instantly with a random opponent
Stay in touch with friends and family with in-game chat messaging
Push notifications tell you when its your turn
Access your games across your iPhone, iPad and/or iPod touch
If you like Words With Friends, try Chess With Friends. And iPad users, check out Words With Friends HD.
Already a fan of the game?
Like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WordsWithFriends
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/WordsWFriends