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PR: What Not to Do: Review Copies and Guilt Trips
- Posted by Johanna on February 8, 2007 at 11:45 am
- Category: Graphic Novel News
As frequent readers know, I get a lot of review copies of comics and graphic novels, and I am perpetually behind. As a result, I'm not able to review everything I've been sent… and with the greater variety of terrific books available these days, I'm not inclined to, either. Why spend time talking about something I hated (especially if it's because of a mismatch between the work and my tastes) or worse yet, something that left me apathetic, when I can talk about something that I found wonderful or a deserving book that hasn't gotten enough attention?
I also have more comics in my house than I'm ever going to be able to read, and shelf space is at a premium. As a result, I'm not likely to keep things around that I don't expect to return to. Books that I'm discarding may be donated to the library, I may trade them for things I do want to own, or I may sell them, if there's a market for them. The funds contribute to maintaining this website and keeping me interested in writing.
I mention all this as background to a letter I got yesterday from a creator. I'm keeping him anonymous because, while I disagree with everything he says and tries to make me feel, I don't want to beat on him. Instead, I want to make a couple of points about the reviewing business.
I know you've never been a fan of my work…but despite that…I took my marketing guy's advice and added you to our review copy list. I just wanted to say that I was quite disappointed when I saw not even a week later that you had both [books] up for sale on Amazon.
I waited weeks to see if you would do the right thing and either write a review (good or bad) or at least contact me to let me know that you received them. All you had to do was say "thank you but no thank you" and I would have paid to ship them back.
I'm sure you understand that all of this is done out of pocket and I wasn't sending you $40 worth of books because I had nothing better to do. I just don't understand how someone who deals with creators on a daily basis could be so thoughtless. It takes a lot of effort, time, and hard-earned money to put these books together.
I'm very disappointed in you Johanna. You should have known better.
Nice attempt at a guilt trip at the end, hunh? Sadly for him, I'm shameless. I've never before seen anyone argue against the idea that review copies become the property of the reviewer to do with what they will.
If you're worried about cost, send PDFs (after querying, please, because large unexpected email attachments are bad) or links to hidden websites. Of course, then critics get accused of fueling piracy, even though I would never pass along a file given to me in such circumstances. I've had another creator request that, if I didn't want to keep the books, to please donate them to a school or library, which I thought was a nice touch.
If you want the reviewer to see how the work looks in print (which is a big help if you're doing anything unusual with printing or presentation), then send items marked "Advance Review Copy/Not for Resale", which will cut down on the secondary market options.
Let's look at his letter in more detail. Here's the first problem: if I've never been a fan of your work, then why do you expect that I'll suddenly have a change of heart when you're sending me more of the same? It's not like you were trying a different approach or subject matter or had a radical breakthrough or change in art style.
This is why I ask people to query me before sending me books for review. These days, I am just as likely to say "no, thank you" as I am to accept. I try to do that politely, although I suppose "I don't want to see your comic" is always going to sting. In my case, it's a valuable filter to weed out projects I'm not going to like. (Zombie and horror comics, superhero books with nothing unusual or new about them, that kind of thing.) It saves creators time and money, although I doubt they're thinking about the benefits at the time.
This leads to a reminder: research the site you're planning to submit to. If you're publishing, for example, comics about a mostly-naked female hero who gets drenched in blood every other issue, I am not a good choice for potential review. If you've got a well-drawn new series about high school girls, on the other hand, I'd love to see that. If I've not liked your books in the past and you think I might be more receptive now or you're trying something different, ask first. Emails with website links to description pages with samples are best, so I can do some research.
I also try to make it clear that anything sent to me is a submission for "possible review", because I don't and can't promise to cover everything. When I receive an unsolicited package that I'm not interested in, I don't have time to contact the sender, say "I don't want these", and try to arrange for postage reimbursement. (I can only imagine how well THAT email would be taken.) I've tried sending polite "I got the books, thank you, but I'm not planning to cover them" emails in the past, and the responses are either rude ("you're stupid for not seeing my genius"), pathetic ("why not? please?"), or silent. I don't blame them. It's a tough situation to be in, on both sides.
I know that many writers would love to have this problem, and I hope I don't sound ungrateful. If I'm harsh, it's because I do envision a creator, working hard and following his dream, every time I open a cover. I've adopted this attitude in part to prevent myself from being overtaken by guilt. I need to be able to allow myself to do other things on evenings and weekends than review comics the whole time.
I really do appreciate being exposed to the wide variety of titles out there at little cost to myself. I do contact submitters when I have posted a review of their work, and if someone emails me after a reasonable period of time to say "do you have plans to cover my book?", I will update them.
As for lessons others can take away: make your promotional budget sensibly. Figure out which outlets are likely to give you the response you want, and allot the number of books you need and can afford. If you worry about how much mailings cost, look at other options — although they may not be as well-received as the books themselves. Ask ahead of time about policies if you have concerns.
I also welcome feedback from other reviewers who agree or disagree with my take on things.
61 Responses to "PR: What Not to Do: Review Copies and Guilt Trips"
- J. Teeple Says:
February 8, 2007 at 12:34 PMI'm really grateful you posted that. If I ever make it far enough to be sending review copies, I'll remember all your points. I mean, some of it is fairly obvious (Who pursues people that don't like them? Sounds like a bad date…); but it's great insight into how these things work for people who don't know. ^^
- Guy LeCharles Gonzalez Says:
February 8, 2007 at 12:41 PMHmm…that's a tricky one. I can understand the creator being a little ticked off at seeing their unreviewed review copies put up for sale (an option I haven't chosen simply because I'm lazy, but need to reconsider as my bookshelves are starting to rival my longboxes!), but at the same time, it's better that than a scathing review and having it tossed in the garbage.
I try to go out of my way to review every OGN/TPB I'm sent, eventually, simply because of the costs involved on the publisher's part, but at the same time, review copies should be factored into the marketing budget, with the understanding that not every single one is going to result in a review, much less a favorable one, so the guilt trip is pretty weak. Yet another point to add the marketing discussion, I think!
- Johanna Says:
February 8, 2007 at 12:52 PMJ, that's why I do this, so that hopefully, one person's experience becomes of use to more people out there. These days, there are so many outlets and so many options that a publisher has to make some difficult decisions… and forewarned is forearmed.
Guy, yeah, I understand it from his perspective as well. Books aren't cheap. I do wish I could cover more of what's out there, but at a conservative estimate, I think I have around 200 books waiting for review. And once you consider the stuff I bought myself and the free copies of things I was thrilled to receive, things that make me go "oh, him again" are way down the list.
That reminds me of another story: I got review submissions from someone who wasn't thinking when they sent me their books. (They were little more than an excuse to draw scantily clad women.) I thought of that person as a friendly online acquaintance, so instead of reviewing them, I mentioned them at the site in kind of a "not for me, ha ha, here's a link to their promo site." I thought that was a nice compromise, but they later scathingly slammed me on an email list, because they wanted praise and anything else was seen as a betrayal of our "friendship". That kind of experience teaches me better not to say anything in some cases.
- J. Teeple Says:
February 8, 2007 at 1:01 PMPsh. Very VERY few people you meet on the net are real friends; the net friends I have I consider people that I like to discuss things with and, at best, meet on occassion somewhere public.
That said, friends don't give friends good reviews out of loyalty. Friends give friends truth out of loyalty. Last time I said "Ronnie, does my comic suck?" she said "Yeah." *That's* a good friend, and that person should be grateful for what you did.
- Johanna Says:
February 8, 2007 at 1:08 PMYou're my kind of creator, J. :)
- James Schee Says:
February 8, 2007 at 1:20 PM"And once you consider the stuff I bought myself and the free copies of things I was thrilled to receive, things that make me go "oh, him again" are way down the list."
And don't forget those things sent by friends in trade, as a "I think you might like this!" either. I'm still waiting for you to cover Death Note lol! :)
Anyway while I'm sure there are probably people out there thinking "She's complaining about getting free comics? Is she insane?"
After being on the DC comp list for a time and then taking a brief stint as a reviewer (where I couldn't even keep up with the handful of review copies I got) I learned that free comics aren't the be all. And most importantly it taught me that not everything deserves time and attention. (especially came to light when I read a month's worth of Our Worlds At War years back and got an intense headache)
- caleb Says:
February 8, 2007 at 1:53 PMI've been a professional reviewer in a couple of different media for…God, eight years now?…and I've never, ever, ever heard of someone saying they'd like you to ship review copies back or that they'd pay to have the review copies shipped back.
On the other hand, they have a point about being miffed seeing you sell 'em on Amazon.
Generally, review materials are yours to do with what you please once you get them (as long as you're not talking about DVDs and maybe CDs, where there's this big piracy fear), so I don't think you're in the wrong with not returning them or whatever. I guess you'd want to be careful about how you get rid of 'em though, the less public a way the better.
I worked at a newspaper as a film critic for five years, and I amassed a ton of promotional swag, but I waited until after I had left the position to ebay it all (you can only personally wear so many t shirts with movie logos to movies you hate emblazoned on 'em, after all), for fear of seeming tacky.
Regarding the "do the right thing" comment about responding, unless you specifically requested the review copies, then there's no reason to get in touch and say you got them. An unsolicited graphic novel or unsoliticted comic book is essentially junk mail, right?
Any creators worried about this sort of thing though, yeah, just make PDFs. They're super cheap, easy to send around, easy for critics to read and impossible for critics to re-sell.
- Paul O'Brien Says:
February 8, 2007 at 2:09 PM"I can understand the creator being a little ticked off at seeing their unreviewed review copies put up for sale…"
Sure, so can I, insofar as it shows how little interest the reviewer had in the book. But it's unreasonable to send out unsolicited review copies and then protest that the reviewer has somehow come under a moral obligation to read and review a book that they didn't ask for in the first place.
- Guy LeCharles Gonzalez Says:
February 8, 2007 at 2:15 PMPaul: Definitely! I hope I didn't give the impression that I thought Johanna was in the wrong here. Just looking at both sides of the question.
- Rivkah Says:
February 8, 2007 at 2:18 PMI have to admit, as a creator, I'm much more appreciative of a non-review than a bad review! I assume that if somebody didn't write a review, then that meant that didn't like what I created, and I'm fine with them keeping quiet about that! I get enough input from close peers, artists, and writers to know where the faults and flaws are in my creations. :)
As a former publisher, I've always assumed that the people I send review copies to are going to sell them. It feels like practically a given, because it's either payment for taking the time to write a review or payoff for NOT reviewing if the book wasn't quite to the reviewer's taste. Just about every reviewer I know sells the bulk of their review copies! I don't see any reason why not to.
Instead of attempting to send review copies themselves–therefore taking on both the cost of the book and shipping–creators should contact their publisher to send out review copies, instead.
Of course, in a slightly different vein, there are some places I wish my publisher wouldn't send review copies to, like gaming sites and magazines. I hardly feel that books about young, female, coming-of-age stories are in the same fare as World of Warcraft and whatever else kids are playing these days.
Though I have to admit . . . I've gotten some positive reviews in some fairly odd places I wouldn't have expected. Sometimes you don't know and just cross your fingers, hoping for the best. And if nothing gets said, then don't bitch about it and move on.
- Augie De Blieck Jr. Says:
February 8, 2007 at 2:22 PMRecently, I've been getting more books in the mail with labels on the envelope/box that say "Review Copies/Not For Resale." That's fine by me, since eBay is such a gigantic pain in the butt. But there's a lot of stuff that comes my way that I wouldn't even give to the local library. Why pollute their comic pool like that? And since I can't store it all on shelves or even in my storage unit, a lot of stuff winds up in the dumpster. (A friend at work has kids who are into Star Wars. They are particularly fond of Dark Horse's freebies.) I used to give stuff away through the column, but that became a minor pain to do, as well.
There's no winning.
Thankfully, more and more people have PDFs they're willing to send. It's not the best way to read the work, but it allows for advance reviews and less clutter. (My hard drive is a mess, but I can always search through that easily enough.)
And I agree with you completely on one point — always make it clear that you'll accept books for "possible review." I promise to look at every book that crosses my desk, but I can't promise a review. I write one column a week in my ever-shrinking spare time. I don't want to make comics too much like work. This is all supposed to be fun.
Getting "free" comics seems like an awfully cool thing at the time, but it only pays off about 33% of the time, really.
- Jason Rodriguez Says:
February 8, 2007 at 2:27 PMYeah, this is a tough one. We talked to several people who bought promotional copies of Elk's Run #1 that we sent out to comic shops (the only copy they'd have on the shelf), a month or so before the book came out. That stung a bit, at first, but these people were buying the book, enjoying it, writing us, and buying the follow-on issues.
A sale is a sale and a customer is a customer – if you sell a copy of someone's book that would normally waste away in your closet, you're doing some good, at least, for the book. Even if my book isn't reviewed I'd like to know you passed it on instead of trashing it.
I'm at the point where I get a good amount of free books at cons – I also get some mailed to me. I'll try to read most of them, try to give feedback where I can – but eventually most of the books, whether I read them or not, go to someone on Freecycle. I'd try to sell them but I honestly don't think people would pay enough for them to make the extra work worth it.
- Rob Staeger Says:
February 8, 2007 at 2:57 PMI used to work in a bookstore, and on occasion a Philly-area movie critic would stop in to "return" a book — the one I remember was a hardcover bio of Charlton Heston. Of course, he wasn't really returning it, since he'd never bought it in the first place. He was just looking to make a little extra cash, and we couldn't really refuse him, even though it was clear he was scamming us. (My friend at the video store across the street said he was there almost every week, dumping unwanted stuff as returns.)
Of course, this is entirely different than what you're doing (which is, IMO, fine — you're getting the material into the hands of someone who wants it and chooses to buy it). But it brought the story to mind, anyway.
When I was a reviewer, I got a ton of CDs — the ones I didn't care for I sold to a used CD/DVD store.
- John Says:
February 8, 2007 at 3:10 PMJohanna –
The person who complained to you seems to not understand the concept of review copies. I am an arts and entertainment editor at a daily newspaper and I get sent all sorts of things – I have also been on the other end of the deal back when I did comics in the 90s and with a book I wrote. There is no guarantee that just because you send someone a freebie they will write about it – that is never part of the understanding anymore than if you buy an ad, everyone who views that ad will purchase your product. The idea is that you are sending things out in order to make your work known. It is publicity, which is the professional side of advertising.
Now, we certainly could have a system where everytime some sends something you have to write about, but that's not very ethical nor desired. How can trust a writer or reviewer or blogger or publicaton that has no discrimination in what they cover?
Furthermore, I'm unsure what you are supposed to do with these freebies that show up if you don't sell them, trade them, or give them away. Are you just supposed to recycle them? Send them back?
As an editor, I have a simple policy. If someone is pushy, rude or demanding, their chances of being covered by my newspaper is very diminished and the bar for how interesting the work is becomes suddenly raised. The idea is that the most helpful of the talented are the ones who get coverage because they understand that any given publication/blog/whatever only has so much time and so many resources to give coverage and creators are literally competing for those. It's very easy to tune out the rude when you have people also trying to be covered who seem to understand the concept of professional courtesy.
Leastwise, when I was in the position, I would NEVER send out rude or smarmy notes if the place didn't cover us. I just continued to send things out and send nice notes and more often than not, coverage would follow. If it didn't, I understood that either our comic wasn't appropriate for the publication or no one there took a liking to it enough to write about it or the hook of our story wasn't terribly interesting. That's the way this all works.
Keep sticking to your guns about these things. You are totally in the right here – and while you should be gracious and courteous to these creators, you should never feel guilty for doing the good job you do.
- Johnny Bacardi Says:
February 8, 2007 at 3:22 PMUsually by the time I get around to moving piled-up review comics (the ones I don't add to my collection, that is), they've been out for months so the risk of having them out in the marketplace early is non-existent. I tend to give them away to friends, since trying to sell anything on eBay gives me migraines and there's not much of a market in south central Kentucky for most of the comics I have that I don't want.
I try to review everything I'm sent, or at least have so far. Guess if I was an a-list comics blogger/reviewer, getting tons of free stuff from everybody, having more to review than I it would be a bigger problem than it is. So I can sympathize, even though I can't really relate…
- Rich Johnston Says:
February 8, 2007 at 3:54 PMI don't even review books and I get tonnes. eBay for me over Amazon though.
Occasionally something breaks through and I find reason to mention it. Getting the galley of Lost Girls for example, or the latest Andi Watson photocopies. But generally… I don't review comics!
- Johnny Bacardi Says:
February 8, 2007 at 4:43 PMOh, but in regards to the subject at hand, I've been fortunate in not having too many creators go to the trouble of emailing me because of a pan, and the ones that have have at least been cool about it and have agreed to disagree.
Must not be doing something right, I guess…
- Richard Marcej Says:
February 8, 2007 at 4:54 PMI can't really say it any better than most have said already.
I'll just add that when I sent Johanna a copy of my book late last year and didn't see a review I just figured that:
a) she didn't have time/too many other things to read
b) or didn't care for itBut that's fine. I realize that a reviewer doesn't have to review everything they read.
Though what gets me from the person who complained was that they looked up what you were selling on Amazon! They were your property and like what's been said before, whoever buys it will read it.
And isn't the reason why anyone writes a book or draws a comic is that so someone will read it? By this sale on Amazon, this creator could have themselves a new reader.
- Matthew High Says:
February 8, 2007 at 5:14 PMAnecdotal story. Early in Antarctic Press's history (before I worked there), they would send out review copies of all of their comics to the Comic Buyer's Guide, with huge "NOT FOR SALE" slathered across the covers. Instead of getting a review for the comic book, the reviewer mostly commented on the big "NOT FOR SALE" notice.
- Lyle Says:
February 8, 2007 at 5:34 PMYeah, this is a tough one. We talked to several people who bought promotional copies of Elk's Run #1 that we sent out to comic shops (the only copy they'd have on the shelf), a month or so before the book came out. That stung a bit, at first, but these people were buying the book, enjoying it, writing us, and buying the follow-on issues.
That reminds me of one time when I purchased an issue of Electric Girl well in advance of when it was supposed to arrive in stores (#2, I think). Later, I realized that I purchased a review copy the store owner put on the shelf.
In that case, it kinda worked out for the publisher since I ended up posting on rac.misc wondering how the comic ended up on my store's shelf a couple months early and talking about how much I liked the title. I'm not sure if the review copy got the store owner to buy more shelf copies of Electric Girl, but I'd say the publisher got a worthwhile amount of publicity for the cost of printing and mailing a review copy.
- Comics Worth Reading » Am I Being Bribed? Says:
February 8, 2007 at 7:01 PM[…] In an interesting followup to my most recent post, I came home to find another review package […]
- Johanna Says:
February 8, 2007 at 7:14 PMWow, lots to respond to! Thanks for such great discussion.
James, good point. It can be like making oneself sick with free reign at the candy store. (And the problem with manga series is that once you get behind, it's ever harder to catch up.)
Caleb, yeah, point taken about keeping it quiet. This is the first time I've mentioned Amazon selling on the blog for that reason.
Rivkah, you have a rather different attitude from many creators I've seen, and I think it's related to how different your path was from the more traditional small self-publisher. It's refreshing.
Jason, I like that hope, that at least the books are going to people to want them. And it's worthwhile for me to sell only because we're also cleaning out books we've purchased in the past, giving us a good amount of stock, and because KC is such an excellent packer.
John and Rob, thank you for providing additional professional viewpoints.
Matt, I can imagine that that caused comment! There's communication, and then there's the message getting in the way.
Richard, you should have said that that was Action Figure.
And I want to thank everyone for not telling me I'm being ungrateful and for engaging the topic in so many interesting ways.
- Nat Gertler Says:
February 8, 2007 at 7:36 PMWhile there certainly are some unreasonable things about the note, I can certainly understand someone having problems with the review copies ending up on Amazon.
For one thing, it puts that copy of the book in direct competition with the publishers copies that are for sale there. This isn't the case of a copy that ends up on the shelf of a B&M second hand book store, where someone might find it as a discovery — it goes right where people are already looking for that specific book.
The practice of selling review copies also puts publishers in the position of looking askance at requests for review copies – is this someone who really wants to review the books, or is this just someone looking for product for their online book sales?
(And the production of books marked "advance review copy/not for sale" might limit access to some sales markets… but in other cases, it could be viewed as a collectible and thus worth more.) - Don MacPherson Says:
February 8, 2007 at 11:35 PMInstead of buying a house, I'm building one entirely out of review copies of comics.
Sometimes, my mail makes me cry.
- J. Kevin Carrier Says:
February 9, 2007 at 12:55 AMI'm always kind of amused/apalled when I see a creator trying to browbeat a reviewer into giving them (better) coverage. Who in their right mind expects that to work? "Ha, I sure told her off! Now she has no choice but to shower praise upon me!" Yikes.
- Journalista - the news weblog of The Comics Journal » Blog Archive » Feb. 9, 2007: Sex secrets of American comics-shop clerks Says:
February 9, 2007 at 4:55 AM[…] Johanna Draper Carlson presents a textbook example of how not to get a critic to look kindly upon your work. […]
- Johanna Says:
February 9, 2007 at 7:02 AMDon, so, worse than Augie's 33% success rate, then?
JKC, giggle. I suspect in this case the note was more of a write-off.
- Blog@Newsarama » Please may I have the books that Johanna doesn't want? Says:
February 9, 2007 at 8:56 AM[…] thinks about what's wrong with publishers giving away comp copies: Here's the first problem: if I've never been a fan of your work, then why do you expect that […]
- K. Thor Jensen Says:
February 9, 2007 at 9:43 AMThis is an entirely necessary and hilarious post. Yes, every book is somebody's baby, but you're not running an orphanage.
- Andrew Wickliffe Says:
February 9, 2007 at 9:55 AMOnly a couple of publishers have sent me review copies, the first one floppies and the second one trade-ish stuff…
I think I told the second guy I'd be doing an honest review and he said something along the lines of "thank you" and it turned out to be all right, certainly not something I'd eBay…
The floppies started good and went bad and I ended up getting dropped from the comp list for some unknown reason. I figured it was better just not to review something I got for free than a post about it being a bunch of crap. Interestingly, when the publisher started linking to reviews, they linked to all the reviews, good and bad, but then they stopped linking to any bad ones. I understand it from the marketing angle, but the change was awkward…
- Bill Sherman Says:
February 9, 2007 at 9:58 AMI only sporadically get unsolicited review copies, so I tend to try to and say something about 'em all – even if it's just a two- or three-sentence capsule paragraph. That said, I don't have any problem with how you handled the material: unsolicited mail – whether it's an envelope from Publishers Clearning House or a review comic – is still unsolicited mail that we are free to respond to as we wish.
As someone who's also done regular music reviews, I've noticed a stamp that many music companies place on their CD booklets – or occasionally on the CD itself – which reads something like, "For promotional use only. Sale or other transfer is prohibited. Must be returned on demand of recording company," though I've never had a company ask for a copy of their disc back after I've reviewed it. Go into any used CD store, though, and you'll find a bunch of these promo discs, though. . .
- Chris Arrant Says:
February 9, 2007 at 10:01 AMAlthough I don't write comic revieIWhile in my case they bring attention to work that I might write an article about at a future date.
But I too am at an empasse as to what to do with review copies when I'm done with them. Some I like enough to keep, others are in a box to be given out. I let my friends go through the box and take whatever they want. While selling the books isn't illegal, it feels out-of-bounds — especially online on Ebay or amazon. At the most I'd just trade them in at a local shop taking used books.
- Andrew Wickliffe Says:
February 9, 2007 at 10:04 AMBill,
Your comment just reminded me (well, it also reminded me I used to buy reviewer's copies of CDs at a used music store and of The Strand's basement of reviewer's copies, but more on topic), I used to get sample print copies, which would be a little different from the eventual published copy.
I'm not sure if it was artistic or some way to notate a reviewer's copy, but my first instinct in noticing I had something rare was to think "eBay."
- Johanna Says:
February 9, 2007 at 10:14 AMK. Thor: brilliant phrasing!
Andrew: That's the kind of comment that makes me want to ask which publisher you're talking about (because I know of at least two that have behaved that way).
There are plenty of publishers out there who seem to think "comp list" means "freebies for those who already like us" instead of "distribution to relevant press outlets". Sure, if someone seems to dislike everything you do, cut them off… but please don't try to cast it in terms of reward or punishment.
Chris, I think something glitched in your comment.
Oh, and one more thing about ARCs — the ones that only include part of the book are useless for their intended purpose.
- Tom Stillwell Says:
February 9, 2007 at 10:20 AMWow, I'm kind of amazed that someone would behave in that fashion.
I feel if someone reviews one of my comics they are really doing me a great kindness. It's free press and if I've done my job as a creator, a review that will make people want to buy my comics.
When did creators become entitled to a review?
- Guy LeCharles Gonzalez Says:
February 9, 2007 at 11:32 AMWhen did creators become entitled to a review?
You didn't get the memo? It's not just reviews they're entitled to, but GLOWING reviews. Anything less simply demonstrates that the reviewer is an idiot who just doesn't get the brilliance of the creator in question and should writing about anything, anywhere, ever!
But yeah, there's one comp list I seem to have recently fallen off of, presumably because the majority of my reviews were either not favorable and/or had a tendency to point out their blatantly made-for-Hollywood concepts, frequently to the detriment of the comic itself. Too bad, because I genuinely liked some of their stuff and it was often a title I wouldn't have picked up my own.
- Tales from the Longbox » Blog Archive » I agree with Graeme… Says:
February 9, 2007 at 11:33 AM[…] thinks about what's wrong with publishers giving away comp copies: Here's the first problem: if I've never been a fan of your work, then why do you expect that […]
- Andrew Wickliffe Says:
February 9, 2007 at 11:48 AMGuy,
I'm pretty sure you and I are talking about the same publisher… (everyone else can infer).
I actually feel better now, knowing it wasn't just me who got the boot.
- Mark Fossen Says:
February 9, 2007 at 12:20 PMI remember back when I was just a wee lil' blogger, 'bout knee-high to a grasshopper I posted here after Johanna had noticed a review and given some important encouragement.
As some point in the comments thread , I mentioned that comps sounded like a nice perk.
I was told "be careful what you wish for". :)
Now I understand that sage advice.
I just look at it from my perspective as someone who has produced theatre. When I set up a comp for a critic, I don't figure I'm buying anything with that ticket price. I hope for some press – all press is good press. If they dislike it or don't review it, I'm disappointed … but I don't feel abused or cheated.
- Neilalien Says:
February 9, 2007 at 12:23 PMHi Johanna,
I don't disagree with your post. Being sent an unsolicited review copy certainly does not obligate you to review it, or review it positively, or not sell it on Ebay, etc. The creator who was so disappointed in you will hopefully switch to emailing PDFs or secret websites, for their own mental and financial health.
It's a tough situation all around; that's the real world. The proposed solution of trying to get creators "asking before sending" sounds like a good one for avoiding bigger ruffled feathers later on.
That said, contrary to most other commenters and people I guess- there is something about this post that rubs me the wrong way. I have a lot of respect for you and what you're trying to do on this website. But I think that you do sound a bit ungrateful here at times, Johanna. I've often thought so.
Every comic is someone's baby, and while review websites are not running orphanages, they have kinda offered to plug themselves into a "system" in "exchange" for free books, and there should be some level of a professional attitude/approach to it.
It must suck for a creator to visit this website and read you complain that you're really behind on your such-a-pain-in-the-ass huge pile of unread free comics, or that the books s/he sent to you are being sold, no publicized help to them, to financially support yourself.
I can't recall a time when you have ever expressed a joy at the free comics you've received. But I seem to be able to recall a sense that you have expressed what a chore it is to get them. (I'm sure, like everything in life, it's a mixed bag.)
Maybe it's just that I don't have the shamelessness or guts or comfort level for the review game, or it's my stern Ditko-like vision of blogging. In my blogging history, I've been offered free review comics a million times from PR or at Cons, and rarely (just to cover my butt, I won't say "never", maybe I'm forgetting something) accepted a free/submitted comic for review, and have turned down all queries.
I'm happy to pay for a book, and support the creator directly with the cash, and then I feel like I've bought the right to say whatever, positive negative or nothing, that I want to about it. If I got free books, then I would feel obligated to review them, and review them positively, and then (a) what I say on my blog would be compromised, (b) I've turned my fun blog into work, and (c) my small city apartment would get filled with piles of comics I never wanted.
I hear that there are websites out there that refuse to review a book if they didn't get it for free- but for me, every book that I've ever braindumped about on my website, I've bought.
My method isn't a paradise- I don't get free books (jealous?), I probably end up not helping the good small-press books that could use more exposure half as much as I'd like to- and maybe it sucks all the same for a creator to read on my website that I don't accept any submissions at all. But then, it helps me avoid writing ungrateful-sounding blog posts (or writing positive reviews because I got a book for free, which we all know happens, especially to new bloggers frozen in the headlights of the first free comics they've ever gotten).
Just my two cents. Each of us is simply trying to handle a difficult situation the best we can in our own different way.
Few people seem to agree with me, which is fine- and why should anyone agree with me, regardless of their comfort level with the reviewing process, when a wonderful avalanche of free books is the alternative?
- Chris Mautner Says:
February 9, 2007 at 1:44 PMMy own policy is that if I request a copy of your book (or whatever), I'm somewhat obligated to review it, though I've broken that rule more times than I care to count (mostly due to lack of time more than anything else).
If it's an unsolicited copy though, all bets are off. I will try to read your book and if I really like it and think it's worthy of review, I'll go the extra mile, but there's no promises given. Your anonymous creator has a lot to learn about the way the world works.
A BIG NO-NO, however, is reselling comp copies, either at stores on online. That kind of thing can get you fired at most newspapers real quick. Matter of fact, I believe a reporter at a big paper was pink slipped recently for ebaying a bunch of books and CDs.
I give mine to either friends or the local library.
- Comics Worth Reading » Another Argument Against Review Copies Says:
February 9, 2007 at 8:12 PM[…] In a comment on my post on review copies, Neilalien provides a counter-opinion: I think that you do sound a bit ungrateful here at times, […]
- Alan Coil Says:
February 10, 2007 at 6:41 PMChris Mautner wrote:
"A BIG NO-NO, however, is reselling comp copies, either at stores on online. That kind of thing can get you fired at most newspapers real quick. Matter of fact, I believe a reporter at a big paper was pink slipped recently for ebaying a bunch of books and CDs."
True, but this is not a newspaper. It is a personal site. If I were a reviewer and had tons of extra stuff hanging around, I'd certainly try to get money for it. If I worked for a newspaper or for a television or radio station, I'd act differently. - David Oakes Says:
February 11, 2007 at 2:25 PMIt's been a while since I worked at a paper, and I didn't do reviews. But the "No Resale" rules come down to two things, both of them money:
1) The paper needs to impresion of impartiality. If the reviewer is making money "on the side", they lose that appearance. (Same reason food critics can't announce who they are in a restaurant.)
2) The objects for review were sent to the reviewer because they work for the paper, or sent to the paper itself. Hence they are the property of the paper. The paper already gives the reviewer just compensation for their work, and they are not entitled to more. (As on the recent "Dirt", such objects – and even more direct bribes – are often given away as incentives to employees. Not that companies don't get pissy about that, too, as witnessed by "Comp-gate" at DC.)
Since most blog reviewers are self-employed (at best), both of these are impossible. Any "gift" will be of greatly more value than any money they are making for the review, calling it into question. Even if they throw the items out afterwards, it's still more money than it costs them to maintain their site. And since they are both reviewer and publisher, there can be no "firewall" bewteen their commerce and their credibility.
But in the end I think the point is completely moot. You only send out review copies in an attempt to get your name heard. It is part of your advertising budget, period. You send it out, you hope for the best, and you get what you get. (And if you don;t like what you got, you don;t have to do it next time.) Asking for anything more is like demanding that CBS refund the cost of your Super Bowl ad because you didn't see an increase in sales for February.
- Blog@Newsarama » Matty told Hatty about a thing she saw. Had two big horns and a wooly jaw. Says:
February 13, 2007 at 10:46 PM[…] blog seems to the center of a lot of controversial subjects lately. Her first post in response to having too many free comics to review led to a response from NeilAlien in the comments. Then Johanna pulls the blog equivalent of […]
- Joshua Hale Fialkov » Blog Archive » Things to do with stuff you don't want… Says:
February 16, 2007 at 1:13 PM[…] copy, it's theirs to do with as they like. The real interesting part for me is back in the original post the guy says: I know you've never been a fan of my work…but despite that…I took my marketing […]
- Wide-Ranging LinkBlogging » Comics Worth Reading Says:
February 5, 2008 at 10:13 PM[…] ever made. Remember last year when we had lots of discussion about whether or not I should sell review copies? One of the two books that emailing creator was understandably upset about has been listed since […]
- Joe Procopio Says:
July 10, 2008 at 2:06 PMAs others have pointed out, both the book and music industry use systems that involve sending out review copies in a way that prevents or discourages them from being sold. Book publishers often send out galley versions of books (sans covers, etc.), and music labels send CDs with the bar codes destroyed and often with the words "protional copy," not for resale, or even in extreme cases, this copy remains the property of X. When a reviewer such as yourself places a copy of a book up on eBay/Amazon, you are actually stealing a potential sale from that publisher/creator. I would suggest that anyone sending you a copy of their book for review should consider defacing it in some way that would allow you to review the contents without being able to resell the book for your profit (and the publisher's loss). Hiding behind the stance that this blog is your "hobby," doesn't really change the ethics of the transaction.
- Joe Procopio Says:
July 10, 2008 at 2:16 PMDavid Oakes Said:
February 11, 2007 at 2:25 pm"But in the end I think the point is completely moot. You only send out review copies in an attempt to get your name heard. It is part of your advertising budget, period. You send it out, you hope for the best, and you get what you get. (And if you don;t like what you got, you don;t have to do it next time.) Asking for anything more is like demanding that CBS refund the cost of your Super Bowl ad because you didn't see an increase in sales for February."
You are mistaken, David. Review copies are not "comps" and they don't get budgeted under advertising, but rather marketing (of which advertising is a subset). There are distinct ethical rules for the use of review copies. This is a symbiotic relationship between publisher and reviewer, and both get something out of the relationship (publsher/label gets new potential customers, blogger/writer/newspaper gets readers and thus revenue). Part of the bargain is not, and never has been, supplemental income for writers in the form of selling review copies.
Ms. Carlson can do what she wants; she's an adult and has to live with her own choices. But she can't pretend that this is either accepted practice or ethically defensible.
- Johanna Says:
July 10, 2008 at 10:39 PM"I would suggest that anyone sending you a copy of their book for review should consider defacing it in some way"
I said the same thing in the original post, over a year ago. If the thought concerns those who submit review copies to me, they're welcome to send galleys or mark books Not for Resale.
But if you think it's not an accepted practice, you've never seen how many ARCs are in stock at the Strand (a big NYC used book store).
- Joe Procopio Says:
July 11, 2008 at 12:07 AM"But if you think it's not an accepted practice, you've never seen how many ARCs are in stock at the Strand (a big NYC used book store)."
After visiting Forbidden Planet, I actually spent three hours browsing in the Strand last Saturday afternoon and didn't come across a single advance review copy. But that's neither here nor there — I'm well aware that review copies get sold on the secondary market all of the time. That doesn't make it "accepted practice," but rather indicates that many reviewers have no compunction about rationalizing the choice to sell this material provided to them for review consideration. I'm sure no publisher/label would find it "acceptable." The book/CD/whatever wasn't sent to you as a "gift," and for a writer to think otherwise suggests an unwarranted sense of entitlement.
- David Oakes Says:
July 11, 2008 at 12:39 AMThe book/CD/whatever was sent as a bribe: "Hey, look at us, we deserve your attention, tell the world". Any publisher who thinks differently is simply trying to rationalize their own sense of entitlement.
If the Critic didn't already have a ready made audience for them to present to, they would be of no value to the Publisher. (Except perhaps as a singular focus group.) You talk about a symbiosis, but in the end no Publisher as ever made a Critic. And any Critic that thought they needed a Publisher would be too biased to be of any value.
They may come from a different line item in the budget, but they *are* advertising. They are no different from a sample given to a shop owner in an attempt to get them to buy, or a sweepstakes prize given out to promote public awareness. If these efforts don't generate future sales, then don't repeat them. But don't complain about what happens to your product once you give it away.
- Johanna Says:
July 11, 2008 at 7:02 AMJust out of curiosity, what would be acceptable to do with these books, in your opinion? I can't keep them all. Is it ok to give them to the library? That would prevent another sale, perhaps, which you find unacceptable. Should they just go into recycling? (Seems a waste to me, to treat books that way.)
- Joe Procopio Says:
July 11, 2008 at 10:44 AMDavid Oakes said:
"The book/CD/whatever was sent as a bribe…"
No, David, review copies are not bribes. A bribe would be if they slipped a fifty dollar bill into the review copy. I think the missive Johanna quotes in her post makes it very clear that when review copies are sent out, they are not intended to be traded in for cash by the reviewer. If Johanna didn't like the "guilt trip," she shouldn't have crossed that ethical line. No publisher/label ever includes a little note with the review copy saying, "Hey, please feel free to dump this on Amazon and undermine my potential sales."
"If the Critic didn't already have a ready made audience for them to present to, they would be of no value to the Publisher."
No critic is born with a ready made audience. If Johanna was forced to only review the books she had to go out and spend her own money on, then I'm venturing that she'd review a lot fewer books, and thus have a lot less interesting blog (and thus a smaller audience).
"And any Critic that thought they needed a Publisher would be too biased to be of any value."
It's not that they need or are beholden to a particular publisher, it's that they need or rely on a *system* in which publishers furnish — gratis — products for review (see my response to the above point).
"…They are no different from a sample given to a shop owner in an attempt to get them to buy, or a sweepstakes prize given out to promote public awareness….don't complain about what happens to your product once you give it away."
They aren't "giving the product away" to potential customers when they send out review copies, they are furnishing critics with a copy of their product for review consideration. That is a difference that seems lost on you, so I really don't know what else to say…
- Johanna Says:
July 11, 2008 at 10:54 AMI find it very (unethically) amusing that you're accusing me of "undermining sales" when we're talking about a book that didn't sell after being listed for over a year. I apparently wasn't the only one who didn't want it. :)
And you're assuming too much. Even with all the stuff I'm sent, I still spend more of my own money on buying comics than the value of what I'm given. So your snide comment about fewer reviews > lower audience isn't true either. (Especially considering that non-review posts, like this one, get more response and more traffic.) I reviewed for years before I got on any comp lists, and if everyone stopped sending books tomorrow, I'd keep doing it.
Are you going to answer my question about what I should do with these books to meet your standards of ethical behavior? I am still curious.
- Joe Procopio Says:
July 11, 2008 at 11:00 AMIn response to Johanna July 11, 2008 at 7:02 am:
That's a good question, and I thank you for not reflexively being combative in your response.
I think giving review copies away to a library is a common and acceptable way of disposing of the material. First, any revenue from the sale of the book goes to the public good. Second, anybody who picks up a graphic novel at a library sale for $3 probably was never going to buy the book under most other circumstances. Other options would be to give stuff to a local school or maybe even a battered women's shelter. Hell, giving the stuff away to friends would be less questionable than selling it on Amazon and pocketing the money yourself.
Ultimately, in the grand scheme of ethical dilemmas, I don't want to pretend you've committed some mortal sin. But you did publicly take somebody to task when you yourself weren't on very defensible ground…I also want to say that, as a reviewer myself at various times in my life, I understand the temptation, even the need sometimes, to find ways to increase our compensation. Writers/reviewers generally make squat. And that sucks.
- Joe Procopio Says:
July 11, 2008 at 11:05 AMHmmm…oh well, so much for the non-combative discourse.
- David Oakes Says:
July 11, 2008 at 11:31 AM"No critic is born with a ready made audience. If Johanna was forced to only review the books she had to go out and spend her own money on, then I'm venturing that she'd review a lot fewer books, and thus have a lot less interesting blog (and thus a smaller audience)."
If you think that the system exists to benefit the reviewer, I really don;t know what else to say…
As Johanna points out, she did buy her own books, and still does. And it was only after she had built a reliable audience that was interested in what she had to say that people gave her freebies, *in an attempt to co-opt that audience to their product*. All semantics and ethical posturing aside, it is no different than buying ad time during "Friends".
Except that NBC is allowed to take the money. And reviewers are expected to "remain pure", I guess, so as not to taint the sacred Creator/Critic bond with the taint of Capitalism. As bad as it is for Publishers to split hairs bewteen Advertising and Marketing, Critics would be delusional to think that they are somehow apart from the Marketing of the product as well.
The "ethics" here seem to boil down to the reviwer getting something for nothing, making money off of a gift. But the Publisher is asking for free advertising. (And no, no matter how many times you invoke "symbiosis" or "the System", the Publisher benefits more than the Critic ever could. No one ever became famous as a result of being allowed to review "Batman".) And when the Publisher starts taking the Critic for granted, then yes, I think Johanna has a legitimate gripe.
- Johanna Says:
July 11, 2008 at 12:13 PMI'm sorry my tone seemed combative; not intended, and I hoped the smiley would lighten it, but strong disagreement might read that way.
You might also want to read the followup to this post, which addresses some of your complaints, or my much more recent post on the subject in response to reader questions.
- Joe Procopio Says:
July 11, 2008 at 12:39 PMIt's obvious you don't know what else to say…you keep saying the same things over and over again.
I never said the system exists to benefit the reviewer. The practice exists because it is mutually beneficial to both publisher/label and critic.
And you can't dismiss the "semantics" of the debate when you fail to see the difference between a "gift," a "bribe," and a "review copy." The person Johanna took to task OBVIOUSLY did not see it as a gift, and his view is not anomalous, as has been amply demonstrated by both my examples (from lots of experience on both sides of this exchange), and a handful of others in this thread (e.g., Nat Gertler's post on Feb. 8, 2007). No publisher/label/whatever would ever call this a gift. Take, for example, industries that send out stereos or even cars for review. They ask and expect for those items to be returned. And the professional publications employing the critics also demand them to be returned to protect themselves from being accused of being shills. They don't give the reviewer a $500 product and say, "hey keep it! And while you're at it, feel free to sell it to your neighbor and pocket the money." When it comes to a CD or book, the cost to have it returned might not be feasible to publishers (who already work with sliver-like profit margins), but that isn't the same as tacit permission to sell it on Amazon.com.
That's also why an organization like "Consumer Reports" exists. They completely insulate themselves from the ethical dilemma by *purchasing* all items they rate and review.
Despite your insistence, selling of advertising space on a television network is not an equivalent analogy. Publishers aren't buying advertising when they send review copies. TV networks, to use your frequent example, make a product, and then to make money off of that product, they sell air time to advertisers. Companies know they are buying a slot of time, not a guarantee of increased revenue. The business model for newspapers/blogs/magazines isn't one that relies on revenue generated from selling discarded review copies on the secondary market. Your analogy is reductivist and simply doesn't work.
You can try to dismiss this as a semantics debate or "ethical posturing" (which I found personally insulting), but the practice of sending review copies is not the same as bribes, gifts, or "buying air time on 'Friends.'"
- Joe Procopio Says:
July 11, 2008 at 12:46 PMJohanna…thanks for the links to other posts on this subject. I'll definitely check them out.
I can see how the tone of my first couple of posts was strident enough to elicit some defensiveness. My apologies if I was too aggressive. And though I know Mr. Oakes is your friend, please don't confuse the tone of my response to him as being intended for you.
Thanks for the thoughtful exchange…


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text:
TYPE OF RIFLE: Russian Mosin Nagant M44 Mosin Nagant Folding Bayonet Carbine
DATE: 1954 dated
MATCHING PARTS: Barrel, receiver, butt plate, floor plate. Bolt DOES NOT match
IMPORT MARKED: Side of the barrel
WOOD CONDITION: Fine, factory refurbished as evidenced by markings on the butt stock.
BORE CONDITION: Bright and shiny with very strong rifling.
This is a Russian M44 folding bayonet carbine. The carbine is in really nice condition. The stock is a newer stock. It has proof marks all over it and some scratches in the finish but no cracks The blued condition of the metal is about 80%+. The carbine has an import marking on the front of the barrel behind the bayonet lug. It is dated 1954 and has the Hammer and Cycle on the barrel as well. The tang date looks like it could be an 1896 receiver but it is not clear so we are going to ask for a C&R or FFL on this one.


text:
Known by his title, "the Gerer Rebbe," and by the names of his Torah and Talmud commentaries (both called Sfas Emes, "the language of truth") Rabbi Yehuda Aryeh Leib Alter (1847-1905) earned a reputation as an extraordinary personality within and outside of the Hasidic world. Through his gentle, sensitive personality and his brilliant writings, the Sfas Emes made an impact on the Jewish world that has not only continued until today, but can even be said to be growing. While the Sfas Emes is surely one of the most beloved Jewish leaders in recent centuries, he is also one of the few traditional rabbinic leaders to have inspired a significant and growing number of admirers and students from outside of traditional circles. In this volume, Moshe A. Braun, the author of several books that bring the wisdom of the sages to contemporary readers, describes the life of the Sfas Emes, and has translated many profound and uplifting examples from the works of the great Hasidic Rebbe.
by Moshe A. Braun
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Athens Marathon & Half Marathon
Athens, OH • Sunday, April 13, 2014 •
Course Map
Between 900 and 1,000 runners cross the finish line in both races combined each year at this race along the banks of the Hocking Canal, which connects the river by the same name with the Ohio River in southeastern Ohio, as the Athens Marathon & Half Marathon unfolds along a gorgeously scenic route that takes runners from the green, tree-lined campus of Ohio University on an out-and-back trail along the canal.
The 13.1-mile course for the half-marathon, much like its 26.2-mile counterpart, is mostly fast and flat with the exception of a fairly steep downhill that descends from the start of the race at the university campus (at Court & West Union Streets) to the second mile marker. From there, the race flattens out all the way to the turnaround point on the canal at the 6.45-mile point, where runners then turn around and head back along the course they've just run.
Runners get a mix of springtime sun -- as well as often still-chilly temperatures -- along with a mix of semi-urban course through town with the backwoods bicycle trail known locally as the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway, a 19-mile biking trail along the Hocking Canal named for the Adena Native Americans who lived along the river more than 2,000 years ago. Both half- and full-marathon participants begin their run along the trail just after the 1.5-mile point in the race, and stay on the trail for approximately the next nine miles.
The bikeway takes runners along what was once a railroad bed used by the Columbus and Hocking Valley Railroad lines, though today it's known for entirely different varieties of vehicles -- mountain bikes, rollerblades, wheelchairs and non-motorized scooters, in addition to lots of walkers. In the springtime, when the race takes place, the open fields and greenspaces along the trail come alive with many kinds of blooming wildflowers, including wild Geranium, Dutchman's Breeches, Large-flowered Bellwort, Phlox, Virginia Bluebells and many others.
The last mile and a half of this out-and-back race splits off from the rest of the course at the same spot where runners first entered the bicyle trail, and takes participants along the intown stretch of the bikeway all the way to Schafer Street, which funnels the field along the final few hundred yards of the race toward the finish line at Ohio University's Pruitt Field, at the track around the football stadium.
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Located in the southern half of the state, about an hour's drive southeast of nearby Columbus, the city of Athens generally experiences mild to sometimes still quite cold weather in the early spring, with relatively even precipitation year-round.
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I think having our technology function off wireless transmitters is great. I love not having to tackle cords or worry about falling over all the wires I used to have connected to everything.
For those of us who love our wireless gadgets and plan on keeping them around, you can improve your signal performance by keeping your gadgetry away from anything metal. If you have a sleek metal bookcase, do not try and stand next to it and get a good signal, it really interferes.
The same thing goes with walls in a lot of cases. Nothing is worse than turning a corner and having your tablet cut out in the middle of your work.


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Here you will find a collection of the projects and initiatives I support and the work I do in the world.
I am a conservation adventurer, professional speaker, an advocate for wild peace, a mountain wilderness guide and a writer.
I work in collaboration with innovative conservation NGO projects, businesses and individuals to make a difference.
I bring insight, value action, profit and vision to the projects I engage with. Ecological science, conservation corridors and an integrated ecological worldview is what I am passionate about, and my aim is to leave the world a wilder and more peaceful place.
Through my direct experiences, I share insight and help move projects forward, be they conservation related, business focused, or leadership orientated - I help create unique once-off trail and expedition experiences and employ the arts of storytelling and poetry to help groups of individuals, organisations and leaders access their individual points of insight to guide and transform the work they are inspired to do.
Galeo Saintz
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Boston's Web Innovators Group
We are entrepreneurs, developers, creatives, startup geeks, and technology executives – all inspired by web and mobile innovation.
Demo to the Crowd
Stay Connected
Constant Contact
Platinum Sponsor
Silicon Valley Bank
Gold Sponsor
McCarter & English
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NorthStar Insurance Services
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About the Web Innovators Group
The Web Innovators Group (aka "WebInno") started as an informal gathering of a dozen people in 2005, and it has now blossomed into a regular event which draws nearly 1,000 people from Boston and beyond. United by an excitement about internet and mobile innovation, our community is a varied set of entrepreneurial-minded attendees with a shared interest in seeing the latest startups and in networking together. Our open quarterly events also provide a forum for entrepreneurs from early-stage startups to present new services to their peers, as well as an opportunity for everyone in the community to share and exchange ideas. The organization has been featured in publications such as The Boston Globe, Boston Herald, Xconomy, Network World, BostInno, and Mass High Tech / Boston Business Journal. WebInno was founded and is led by David Beisel of NextView Ventures.


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Quality, schmality? Who really cares about video quality?
Everyone says they want the best quality, high-def video, but it's all just talk. The Audiophiliac wonders why most folks seem oblivious to awful, poorly setup video.
High-definition, 1080p, Blu-ray, blah, blah, blah. There's a lot of talk about quality--manufacturers, consumers, and yes, and maybe most of all, by reviewers--but out in the real world, does anybody really give a crap about quality? The rush to HDTV is all well and good, but last night in a trendy midtown bar, I was appalled by the picture plastered on their 60 inch plasma. It was in eyeball searing mode, faces were an intense shade of orange, and of course, the aspect ratio was off, so even the skinniest TV hotties were fat and wide.
OK, it was a bar, but I remember that at one of last year's TV manufacturer line shows, they had commissioned a famous photographer to do high-rez portraits of movie stars, and despite all the hype about how much they cared about quality and resolution, the hosts proceeded to show a room full of consumer electronics journalists a parade of bloated faces. Right, every single one displayed incorrectly. I sat there squirming in my seat.
Point is, it's easy to talk about quality, but without the desire to follow through, it's just talk. Most of the HDTVs I see at major manufacturers showrooms in New York City are horribly out of whack. It's the rarest sight, seeing a well setup TV, so it's no wonder most people get it wrong. It's easier to just sell the latest and greatest new tech, and whatever the consumer experiences, well, they're on their own.
Of course, audio is in even worse shape. Good quality sound is harder to find, but only handful of audiophiles would ever claim to care about sound. Good enough audio is good enough for everyone else.


text: Image Collection create a gallery browse galleries advanced search « (Image 4 of 77) <Prev | Next> small ( log in to see larger image) ©2003 Project for Public Spaces, Inc. All rights reserved. (no caption) Image Details Title: small streets paving [Simplified URL] Image ID: 19785 Rank: What's this? Location: Photo Credit: Fred Kent Contributed by PPS Keywords: Netherlands small streets paving residential street kids playing Categories: Alleys Decorative Sidewalk Paving Residential Streets Sidewalk extentions & neckdowns Traffic Calmed Streets Galleries: Galleries in which this image appears: (none) Like What You See? PPS images are available for purchase. Click here or call our office at (212) 620-5660 and speak to Ethan Kent for details. PPS members receive a discount on images. Become a member today!


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Mobile APM is finally coming of age, current tooling allows for crash management, or synthetic transactions delivered via SaaS models. These are critical in determining application availability, but provide limited data when determining performance. Keynote Systems has made heavy investments moving from a traditional synthetic monitoring company to mobile making up over half of their revenue (as of Q4 2012), they are able to simulate mobile devices, and even test using real devices within their POPs. Compuware's Gomez offering has technology emulating and using mobile browsers, along with many other vendors who have various synthetic testing capabilities.
IT Operations groups are still buying synthetic monitoring tools, but the market has remained flat for most vendors. This is due to the fact that there is a lack of detail mobile application operations teams need. Typically in most organization these mobile apps are offshoot projects which are often times managed by developers or an application support team within the business unit. In many organizations there is little to no formal operations or best practices around the mobile apps which are often developed by 3rd parties. The new breed of products must appeal to this new buyer, and ensure that developers are present to implement embedded mobile APM instrumentation.
True mobile APM technologies are embedded within native mobile applications, and instrument the code to provide not only mobile perspective, but many provide linkages into infrastructure and application delivery. In the past 2 weeks you have seen several announcements in this market moving it from a synthetic based market to really understanding mobile end user experience and usage details.
AppDynamics will be delivering (not available in general release today) a hybrid APM solution including on premise or SaaS delivery including mobile APM. This allows the solution to show a complete end to end picture from the device into the hosting infrastructure.
Crittercism was previously a crash detection tool, tracking crashes and app launches (look for more research covering them shortly). They are now monitoring the network from a mobile perspective and getting much deeper into the performance from a mobile perspective. Crittercism has a head start on this new market, since the SDK they use is embedded within thousands of native mobile applications today.
Finally yesterday we saw New Relic release their mobile APM offering, which similarly to AppDynamics links the mobile performance with infrastructure and application performance. New Relic is delivered via SaaS only, and has the largest APM as a service deployment footprint today, hence making it a natural path for customers who would like to add mobile capabilities.
Price points vary between the offerings, but normally are based on the number of active users (launching applications) in a given month. The price ranges quite a bit between solutions, and more analysis on the models will be performed in upcoming research in the Moible APM research I have planned for the coming months.
This will be a fun year, and a fun ride indeed, so hold on.
If you have questions feel free to reach out via email or @jkowall on twitter. Feel free to comment here
Category: APM IT Operations Mobile Tags:


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Chamber Mission The mission of The Del Rio Chamber of Commerce (DRCoC) is to promote and stimulate economic development, and to create and stimulate opportunities among members, corporations, government agencies by facilitating and engaging each other in cooperation to promote and build the Del Rio area. We accomplish our mission by providing and supporting economic development and opportunities though interactive communications, member services, and established partnerships. |
Our objectives are as follows:
To play an appropriate role in the Del Rio area, monitor and engage in local, state, and national policy;
To coordinate the efforts of members, corporations, and government agencies in maintaining and strengthening a sound and healthy business climate in the Del Rio area.
To sponsor aggressive programs of work and stimulate activities that will provide for full development of our economic resources.
To create broad understanding and appreciation of the opportunities in the Del Rio area, and to promote advantages and assets within the area, state, and world.
To promote US-Mexico trade and cooperation and contribute to economic development for the region.
Laughlin, whose total economic impact is $183 million plus each year, is aided year-round by the activities of the Del Rio Military Affairs Association. They welcome new personnel, host graduating classes and their families, recognize outstanding enlisted men and NCOs, and honor incoming and outgoing commanders and other dignitaries. |
Tourism, generating over $1 million per year in local tax revenue, is promoted by the Convention and Visitors Bureau. CVB recruits and assists conventions, tournaments, sports and travel writers, trailer and bus tours, and sports and travel shows. In addition, CVB publishes all tourism material, places all Del Rio advertising, and answers all tourist inquiries.
Industry, generating more than $30 million in salaries spent in Del Rio, is recruited and served by the the Del Rio Area Development Foundation. These trained volunteers tour prospects, provide local information, and meet with support facilities for prospective industry.
The Chamber of Commerce has the only in-place and ongoing programs supporting Del Rio's three largest industries. This is accomplished by the dedication of the staff and membership. Committees are made up of business owners and their employees who volunteer their time and expertise to further the goals of the Del Rio Chamber of Commerce.


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A friend of mine recently served me a raspberry lemon drop martini. He is always tinkering with new drink recipes and he insisted that this was one of the best that he had tried in months.
He was right. The lemon and the raspberry go great together without being overpowering. You might be expecting the drink to be as syrupy sweet as a daiquiri but it was not at all. I think James Bond would even drink one.


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A Place to Bury Strangers Announce New LP With Thunderous 'You Are the One'
'Worship' due out on June 26 via Dead Oceans
Underneath effects-pedal whiz Oliver Ackermann's industrial-grade squalls of distortion, A Place to Bury Strangers have always tucked away shimmery goth-pop songcraft. Both aspects of the New York band return in equal measure on "You Are the One," the advance MP3 from the group's upcoming album Worship, which Dead Oceans will release on June 26. Building on last year's Onwards to the Wall EP, it's the first album from Ackermann and the crew since 2009's Exploding Head.
"You Are the One" has more of the ear-rending sonics on which Ackermann has built his Death by Audio business, though he always seems to keep the shrillest settings to himself. At the same time, the song is a simple plea for a lover who's gone, with Ackermann almost whispering at points atop the lockstep, krautrock-tinged pummeling. When he mentions an engine, though, he might as well be describing the sonic backdrop here, which sculpts something unexpectedly elegant out of the type of din you'd expect to hear on an airport tarmac.
A Place to Bury Strangers wrote, recorded, mixed, and mastered Worship. "Every sound on the album is made by us and our tools," bassist Dion Lunadon says in a statement. "Tools created by us, used on no other recordings, and purposefully built for this project … We are not trying to reinvent ourselves, but simply push ourselves further in all aspects of our music." So far, so loud.
Worship Track List:
- "Alone"
- "You Are The One"
- "Mind Control"
- "Worship"
- "Fear"
- "Dissolved"
- "Why I Can't Cry Anymore"
- "Revenge"
- "And I'm Up"
- "Slide"
- "Leaving Tomorrow"


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Experience the lifestyle
Welcome to Eye of Africa Golf & Residential Estate, one of South Africa's best masterplanned residential communities.
Eye of Africa is more than a location; it's one of South Africa's best lifestyles. Only a short distance from Johannesburg's CBD, Eye of Africa is a world away from the city's busy streets and offices. At Eye of Africa, the community and superior leisure facilities ebb and flow with the rolling hills and undulating landscapes. Beautiful homes weave their way through the woodlands and hug the Greg Norman designed championship golf course. It is a place that provides a family orientated and tranquil way of life. Visit Eye of Africa and you'll find a place that you'll want to call home.
- Eye of Africa Golf Course now ranked 40th in the Gold Digest 2014 Golf Rankings
- Eye of Africa Golf & Residential Estate received the award as joint winner of the 2011 Midvaal Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year.
- Voted Best New Golf Course 2011 – Golf Digest
- Gold Award from the SA Landscapers Institute for landscape construction - 2010
- Silver Award for landscape maintenance from SA Landscapers Institute - 2010
Visit our Coenbuild/Tasol Showhouse


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Posted: Apr 19, 2010 7:59 AM by Andrea Fontenot
Source: Associated Press
Lafayette is getting ready for the annual Festival International de Louisiana which returns to downtown Thursday through Sunday.
There will be an increased focus on children's activities Saturday and Sunday.
New technology will also help you keep up with this year's musical lineup with a free Festival International iPhone application.


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Great Langdale campsite
- Mumsnet Reviews
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- Show on map
Your Reviews
"Great site in brilliant location. Staff were very friendly and…"
Great site in brilliant location. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Big family camping field with play area and small stream (more of a draw for my dcs than the play area). Facilities basic, but clean. Good drying room and well-stocked (if pricey) shop.
Expensive - cost usRead moreLessMumsnetter Dandi
2Number of total reviews contributed on Mumsnet2Number of Travel reviews contributed2 reviews posted
1 Mumsnetter found them helpful
"Pretty good site, with the usual drawbacks of being in…"
Pretty good site, with the usual drawbacks of being in the central Lakes
Shop is not the best value, but they know you have to travel for more; can become overcrowded during the peak season - but it is all worth it for those clear mornings & the viewRead moreLessMumsnetter LottisDad
- LottisDad has been a Mumsnetter since 2005
- Number of Children: 3
34Number of total reviews contributed on Mumsnet6Number of Travel reviews contributed34 reviews posted
10 Mumsnetters found them helpful
"Fantastic location, clean facilities. Totally spoilt by a group of…"
Fantastic location, clean facilities. Totally spoilt by a group of drunken youngsters turning up in a car at 11:00pm - they noisely erected their tent by car headlight, then got the guitar out. After 2+ hours of drunkedn singing and lots of abuse from other campers they did finally shut up. The wardens do't seem to be about at night to stop this sort of thing although they were kicked off the site the next day. There is a small shop on site. You pitch where you want which I prefer.
Read moreLess1 person found this review helpful.
"Fab National Trust campsite with lovely views and a children's…"
Fab National Trust campsite with lovely views and a children's playground, dedicated family field.
Shop was quite dear but camping fees reasonable, and no fixed pitches so ideal if you have a large tent. Only problem with it is you can't book, so get there early if you aren't prepared to go elsewhere in the event of it being full!
Facilities are fairly basic but clean showers (free) and quiet.Read moreLess1 person found this review helpful.
Mumsnetter giraffeski
1Number of total reviews contributed on Mumsnet1Number of Travel reviews contributed1 review posted
1 Mumsnetter found it helpful


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this is me confused about unwittingly having written best ~rock~ song lol dork https://t.co/wQlKkZAXjL
— Lorde (@lordemusic) May 19, 2014
Plenty of people in my feed were also asking why Lorde, with her electro/trap/art-pop sound, would be considered "rock." (Her debut album Pure Heroine was also nominated in a rock category.) The answer eventually came from Billboard's charts director Silvio Pietroluongo, who tweeted, "Alternative and Triple-A [Adult Album Alternative] are considered rock. Lorde had No. 1's on alternative radio." The BBMAs don't have a "pop" category, and Lorde has to go somewhere, right? It can't be country, R&B, rap, or Latin, so…yeah, rock...? But, I would actually rather quibble with that other word that Pietroluongo introduced into the conversation.
Alternative. Hello, old friend. You're still here, huh? Still hanging around like a patchouli-stained flannel after all these years? We tried to ignore you, tried seeing you in a different light. And yet, some people just can't seem to make a clean break with you, as though you even mean much of anything anymore. Alternative. Followed by the word "energy," it's a nice idea. Followed by "lifestyle," it's mildly pejorative. But, followed by "music?" It's just kinda tired.
But, naming a genre after a cultural rebellion was always a dicey proposition, and while "alternative" quickly took off as a thing, it was also a nebulous thing. The snotty Green Day, the earnest Pearl Jam, the dreamy Smashing Pumpkins, the snarky Sublime, the smoked-out Cypress Hill, the "conscious" De La Soul and Arrested Development — alternative served as an umbrella for them all. It spawned a traveling festival, dubbed Lollapalooza, and a long-ago music channel called MTV showcased the scene on Alternative Nation. But then, something happened to the term.
By the time the TRL era rolled around, with its nü-metal, boy bands, Britney, Christina and the like, "alternative" had come to refer to a far more specific kind of rock: the skate- and pop-punk synonymous with The Warped Tour. The rise of emo-punk in the early 2000s came and went, and while that heyday of My Chemical Romance and Fall Out Boy may be behind us, there's still something called Alt Nation. It's a channel on the satellite network SiriusXM, dominated by acts with a signature blend of guitars, emotion, and bombast. It's where you'll find Imagine Dragons, Bastille, and Paramore — what SiriusXM calls "New Alternative Rock."
So, the term means something to radio programmers and apparently to some awards shows. The American Music Awards have an "alternative" category (recent winners: Imagine Dragons, Linkin Park and Foo Fighters, hardly edgy, out-there bands) as do the Grammys, who brings its famously fuzzy way of explaining things to the description of what constitutes "alternative:"
This category is intended for recordings of a non-traditional form that exist (at least initially) outside of the mainstream music consciousness. Its avant-garde approach may utilize new technology or new production techniques and contain elements of rock, pop, R&B, dance, folk, or even classical musical styles.
Modest proposal: Why not dispense with "alternative" already, and call those artists what they are? Why aren't Imagine Dragons just a rock band, as opposed to "alt rock?" What is "alt R&B," anyway? Why aren't The Weeknd or How To Dress Well simply R&B artists, no better or worse, or at the end of the day all that different from R. Kelly? Conor Oberst is a towering talent, but folk or rock will suffice — the "indie" designation just seems dated.
The UK seems to get it. Britain has never been as hung up on the "alternative" label, perhaps because music there has traditionally been far less balkanized. "Pop" in Blighty has long incorporated a multitude of sounds, and to this day the still-relevant BBC Radio 1's playlist includes Arctic Monkeys and Tiesto, One Direction and London Grammar, Jake Bugg, CHVRCHES, Katy Perry, and Lorde. Such an eclectic embrace on radio is much harder to find in the States. While people seem to be moving in a more inclusive direction — my most-played records of the past year include Foxygen, Kendrick Lamar, Parquet Courts, Lady Gaga, Disclosure, Swans, Sky Ferreira, and Chance the Rapper — but American programmers don't think like that. Good luck finding a radio station that will play Mac DeMarco next to Ariana Grande. For their purposes, segregation works.
"Alternative" may not actually mean anything anymore, but because it's still useful to outlets and awards shows, they'll likely cling on to it as long as they can. For the rest of us, maybe it's time to engage in another tired expression and hit Ctrl+Alt+Delete on the term.


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Dentistry that looks great, feels great, and lasts a long time!
At Utica Dental, we promise an unforgettable experience. You'll know from the moment you arrive at Dr. Hinkle's office that he has created a very special practice!
Dr. Mike Hinkle's drive for continuing education coupled with his genuine concern for each of his patients allows him to provide truly exceptional dentistry. Our entire team is dedicated to your comfort and attention. Life-changing dentistry is our passion and daily goal!
Dr. Hinkle has created a stunning Zen spa atmosphere, artistically designed with your relaxation in mind. Comprised of warm, soothing colors and plush décor, our waiting and treatment rooms put even the most anxious patients at ease. Cozy up with a warm blanket in our memory foam massage chairs or enjoy your favorite music or television program while we cater to you.
As a leader in Tulsa cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Hinkle balances exquisite technique and compassionate care to deliver truly amazing smiles. He proudly utilizes the very best equipment and materials to deliver the highest expectations in patient care. Not only is he a talented dentist, he is an artist with a desire to give you a smile so natural and beautiful, you're sure to be delighted. It's not everyday a patient can say "My dentist won an International Award for Invisalign!"
At Utica Dental, we aim to provide superior dental experiences and the fantastic smile you want and deserve. Visit our office and you'll quickly discover why Dr. Mike Hinkle is the premier dentist in Tulsa for all your restorative and cosmetic dentistry needs. We look forward to welcoming you to our family!


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The Big Picture
Erich Kunzel & Cincinnati Pops Orchestra
1. Theme from Mission Impossible 1:36 2. Suite from Batman Forever: Main Title and Fanfare 1:43 3. Suite from Batman Forever: Fledermausmarschmusik 4. Suite from Batman Forever: Gotham City Boogie 1:53 5. Suite from Batman Forever: Batterdammerung 1:29 6. The Apollo 13 Mission (SFX) 1:36 7. Re-Entry and Splashdown from Apollo 13 4:36 8. Express Bus To L.A. from Speed (SFX) 9. Main Title from Speed 3:40 10. Roll Tide from Crimson Tide 4:55 11. F-16 Fighter Squadron - Into The Battle from Independence Day (SFX) 12. Suite from Independence Day 5:46 13. End Credits from Braveheart 4:49 14. End Credits from Cutthroat Island 5:14 15. Tornado Terror from Twister (SFX) 1:34 16. The House Visit from Twister 5:21 17. Main Title from The Last of the Mohicans 3:04 18. Finale from Dragonheart 6:00 19. The Remora from Executive Decision 2:25 20. Going Home from Stargate 3:28 21. Library Stampede from Jumanji (SFX) 1:29 22. Suite from Jumanji 7:12 23. Main Theme from Gettysburg 4:00 24. Bovine Barnstorm (SFX) 1:52
The latest release by Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops features sonically-enhanced versions of themes and incidental music from a variety of recent hit films including Mission Impossible, Apollo 13, Speed, Independence Day, Braveheart and more.
Superb Telarc sound effects include the killer tornadoes from Twister, the animal stampede from Jumanji, and the flight of the F-16s from Independence Day. The release is recorded in Surround Sound, and the cover artwork will include an audio warning sticker because of the powerful levels of the digital sonic effects.
Find out more about Erich Kunzel & Cincinnati Pops Orchestra


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Some health insurers make you wait until your 2nd or 3rd month to get your 1 month free. Not Frank. Frank doesn't like waiting and knows you don't either.
Instant gratification. That's how Frank rolls.
Get a quote and join Frank today!
1st month free is only available for new members on new memberships. And can't be used in conjunction with any other offer. Kind of obvious, but the legal guys wanted us to make sure you knew.
Here's 3 good reasons to take out hospital and extras cover:
It's as easy as getting a quote for cover, then joining online.
Don't forget, this ends on February 28, so be quick.
Frank understands that having a baby is an exciting time in anyone's life. But it can also leave you with many unanswered questions. Knowing where to start and having a good plan can put your mind at ease and increase your chances of having a healthy pregnancy.
Frank wants to help and has put together some tips and explanations on things you should know pre, during and post pregnancy.
Frank, like other private health insurers can cover you for Pregnancy & IVF related services. Medicare also covers some of the costs. Unless you remove the pregnancy cover, Frank's Best Hospital covers:
Some of the above services will be partially covered by Medicare.
What's covered and what's not is explained on Frank's Best Hospital cover page.
Week by Week – Better Health Channel Read More
Health Insite Read More
Pregnancy Birth & Baby Read More
Parental Leave Pay – Department of Human Services Read More
Baby Nursery checklist – Kidspot Read More
Obstetrics and Private Health Insurance – Private Health Insurance Ombudsman Read More
Waiting Periods – Privatehealth.gov.au Read More
The medical cost of having a baby – Kidspot Read More
Pregnancy Care Choices – Better Health Channel Read More
Healthy Eating During Pregnancy – Nutrition Australia Read More
Healthy Eating when you're pregnant or breastfeeding – EatForHealth.gov.au Read More
Pregnancy and Diet – Better Health Channel Read More
Foods to avoid – Pregnancy Birth & Baby Read More
Should you drink during pregnancy? – Drink Wise Australia Read More
Raising Children Network Read More
Safe Sleep Space Read More
Sids and Kids Read More
Supporting Working Parents: Pregnancy and Return to Work National Review – Australian Human Rights Commission Read More
Returning to work – Fair Work Ombudsman Read More
Back to work post maternity leave: How new mothers can manage their return – Women's Agenda Read More
Back to work after baby – Body & Soul mums Read More
Baby Name Meaning – Huggies Read More
Due date calculator Read More
Frank Health Insurance is sharing this information to assist members during and after their pregnancy, but does not take any responsibility for advice or actions taken from the above mentioned websites.


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Narrow your search
Russian authorities are launching an investigation into the appalling example proliferated by Captain America and friends.
After pressure from an online petition, Target Australia agrees to stop selling Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto V.
#WhyIStayed trended yesterday, after the release of a new video featuring NFL player Ray Rice and his then fiancee. DiGiorno Pizza decides to tweet a joke on it. Apology accepted?
After activists try to organize a general strike through text messages, the country's telecommunications ministry deems SMS a security threat.
In the aftermath of the Santa Barbara shooting that left seven people dead, a campaign to halt gun use in the US gains momentum on social media.
A study finds that video games may cause aggressive behaviour, but the trigger isn't violent content, it's frustration.
As lethal protests wrack the country, the government becomes more heavy-handed with censorship.
Star investor Ron Conway is among those behind a series of $1 million challenges aimed at using technology to improve gun safety. The key? Find ways to make sure only guns' owners are able to fire them.
The Australian Government's Classification Board, which determines ratings on video games and decides if they can be sold in the country, lays down the ruling.
Following the tragedy in Newtown, a group of entrepreneurs led by Ron Conway resolved to use technology to help stem gun violence. Their debut effort is an incentive challenge to create smarter, safer firearms.


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Preston Campus houses NMIT's administration and management head office. A major attraction of the Preston Campus is St Georges Restaurant, a fully licensed restaurant and bistro, considered one of Melbourne's premier hospitality training facilities.
Preston Campus offers first rate facilities in Tourism and Hospitality as well as courses in Visual Arts, Information Technology, Electrotechnology, Design & Drafting, Koorie Services, Health & Community Studies, Office Administration, Work Education, Language Studies and Commerce.
NMIT's Preston Campus is nine kilometres north of the CBD and a five minute walk from fully staffed Preston station. The Preston campus is also close to Preston Market and Preston's High Street shopping strip, full of cheap and healthy eating choices from around the world.
Preston Campus Redevelopment
NMIT's Preston campus has recently been redeveloped, with the construction of a brand new three storey building to house many of NMIT's courses and facilities, which opened in July 2013.
Contact Details
77 - 91 St Georges Road, Preston VIC 3072
Facilities & Services
Need directions?
Link here to Public Transport Victoria and find the quickest way to get to your NMIT campus.
Plan your Journey


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Shyla Stylez Naked Next to a Bear!
Not much going on here. It's just busty hunter Shyla Stylez getting naked next to a FUCKING BEAR!! I don't care how well trained or docile this bear is, this makes Shyla the most badass adult model of all time and if you disagree, I dare you to swing your dick next to a bears face the next time you go to the Zoo.
Pictures from: Bare Maidens
Bare Maidens is all about swords, magic and bare boobs!


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- Details
- Last Updated on Tuesday, 25 November 2014 16:28
We are delighted that you have found the Washington County (of Texas) Genealogical Society. Our goal is to use this site to help researchers discover their past in Washington County.
The purpose and mission of the Washington County Genealogical Society is to promote interest in family history and in genealogical research. With this in mind, much of the focus of the Society is on transcribing burials within the county, helping to maintain Washington County cemeteries, and in assisting researchers with burial locations. In addition part of the on-going effort includes writing and publishing histories of these cemeteries.
Let us know how we can help you.
2211 South Day St. Suite 105
Brenham, TX 77833
Contacting us by email is preferable than by phone. However, if you do call, provide your email address in the message.
Here's a link to the General Land Office Resources provided to us by Patrick Walsh at our September meeting.
All our genealogy books have been put on sale. And to make it even better, shipping is FREE.
Visit our Book Page to find one that will be a valuable asset to your research library.
Proud Member of


text: EUGENE, Ore. — It was standing-room only during a lecture given by Muhatma Gandhi's grandson Thursday night. A few hundred people filled a lecture hall at Lane Community College, waiting to hear from Arun Ghandi, who shared with his audience life lessons he had learned from his world-famous grandfather. Arun Gandhi, who now lives in … Continue reading »