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Trying something new here on the Carina Press blog! I spend a lot of time telling you things, things that are going on behind the scenes, what we're doing, what the new releases are, and all assortment of writing and editing advice.
Now it's your turn, I'd like you to tell me what you think! This week, I'm wondering: what do you think is a fair digital book price? As readers, we see all assortment of prices for digital books. Everything from free to 99 cents to $13 and up!
Let's assume we're talking about a novel-length work, a mass market size book of a word count of between 70,000 and 100,000 words. What do you think, what's a fair price? I'm really interested in your responses, so I hope you'll tell me what you think!
I still resist the ebook. One of the reasons is because I feel digital books are too expensive. For me, personally, I wouldn't pay more than $2.99 for a digital book. Maybe $3.99 if it was my favourite author.
For a full-length novel, say 60k-100k words and up, I'll pay $6-7 before I start to blink at the price, and I've certainly paid more and been happy. Pricing at $5 and under is most attractive, because I'll pay that without even thinking about it. I do like to know how long a book is, and I want to pay 30 percent less or so for a novella.
Something close to the going rate of the print edition (not the cover price) I am comfortable with 4 to 6 dollars, resent higher.
$4-5 is about right. Most print mmpbs are $7-8. Since I lose quite a bit of value going from print to e, the price for e should always be lower. Print books can be returned, given away, traded, resold etc.
I just published a post on my blog about e-book pricing and set up a poll!
If you want to check it out and vote, here it is: http://www.julianahaygert.com/2011/07/25/e-book-pricing-poll/
Btw, I do mention you, Angela, on my post =P
Now, to what I think about pricing of a novel-length work. I think I like Carina Press's prices, around $4.5 and $5.5, isn't it?
The problem I see is that, with so many 99 cents books out there, the readers are changing opinion … who wouldn't like to buy a Jimmy Choo shoes for $70 instead of $700?
Anyway, like I mentioned on my post, when I'm a fan of the author and I know the fun and the love for the story is guaranteed, I pay a higher price, even if I'm not that happy about it.
But, for a debut author, I hesitate and, most times, don't pay a high price before getting recommendations of friends.
With the knowledge that people worth their salt as writers still have to hire editors, cover artists, possibly agents and publisher and digital book seller (think Amazon, etc.) cuts as well, I'd say that these things SHOULD be taken into account.
That being said, paper and printing costs have been taken out of the equation, and this needs to be accounted for as well.
I think for novels, the price should never go above $7.99, and technical manuals can be higher, even upwards of $30.00 — why? Because they provide a more tangible service. Obviously people feel they NEED the knowledge within the book otherwise they'd never have bought it.
With a novel it's all about entertainment value, and if you, as the publisher, are known to have lower prices, people might feel less of a risk buying books from you and you're liable to sell more (If the book has good reviews, etc.).
Great question. My novel was just released on Kindle and it's selling for $2.99. The paperback edition, which came out in 2008, sells for $11.95.
I'm hoping lower prices will bring readers.
I, like the first commenter, have resisted eBooks for a long time because they're just too expensive for me to not have some sort of tangible product inhand. I feel like $2.99 (MAYBE $3.50, if I really like the author) is a fair price for eBooks because it's roughly half the price of a print book.
While you can trade print books in for ones you haven't read or donate them or any number of any things, once you have the eBook the only thing you're legally allowed to do is delete it.
For a fictional book I won't pay over $5 -$6 for a book. I don't like that some books from well-known authors are charging 7-10 dollars for digital. The entire point of e-readers to begin with was to CUT down the costs of books, making it easier for the public to buy. Amber is right, printed books can be traded, given away, etc… they have more uses than a e-book. It shouldn't cost as much to buy them.
Now, with me saying that, you have to consider the price of producing the work. I self-published a novella and kept the price on the level of words. I don't expect people to buy high priced books from somebody that is unknown but I still have to pay the person who did my cover art as well as editing my book. That isn't cheap and even though I love to write, I can't put myself in the red line for doing so. Keep it within reason, keep it withing a person's ablity to pay and keep it realistic. So many people are in such misery due to financial constraints and reading something takes them away from their problems, if only for a little while. Our job, as writers, is to make sure they enjoy the ride, not make a bundle for ourselves.
I exclusively buy ebooks, except if it's a very special book (art or landscape design or cook book with beautiful pictures, for example).
As a rule, for full-length novels, I'm happy as long as the ebook isn't more than the paper book. I pre-order books from authors I know and enjoy, or from series I've really enjoyed. I don't even think twice about books $2.99 or lower, although I only go for the 99c or freebies if the book really appeals to me. I don't have time to read everything, and I'm willing to pay a higher price if I know it's been well-edited, well-written and well though-out. At the most basic level, I expect correct formatting, chapter numbers etc, and I get very annoyed when ebooks are missing this. It's just very sloppy, and implies ebooks are not important to the publisher, and my reading needs and wants are not taken into consideration.
I have bought some ebooks which were outrageously expensive (non-fiction history) and I've always wanted to read – couple in the $16 range, and one at $36 (gulp).
Honestly, I think it is a shame that we want to charge less for a digital book than a paperback. The same time and effort goes into the book. Authors need to be paid as well. IMHO, use the same formula for determining the price of a paperback of the same size.
If we start looking at discount rates, use the same standard we would use in a standard book store when the books are moved to a "discount" table.
I think digital books are wonderful. I just wonder why some of them cost the same as a paper back. I would think it wound at least be a few dollars cheaper there is not paper or printing cost involved. Working in a commercial print show I know how much printing can cost.
If it's a full length novel…like a mass market paperback would be. I would be willing to pay about 4.99 for it. I don't like to pay the same price for a digital book as I do a print book, but I would also be more encouraged to buy the book during release week with a 30% off discount. That I would really love.
What I really hate…is when a novella length book is more than 2.99. I feel more comfortable buying these types of stories when they are under $2.
And some books should just be free…like when they are under 25 pages and are more of a teaser story than a short story…like ones that are meant to tempt you to read a series to get you hooked.
I think they should be half the price of the print book. But I also like when an author I haven't read from before, the first book in their series is 99 cents because I don't mind paying that for a book I don't know if I will like. If I end up liking it, I don't mind paying more for the rest of their books.
Less than the price of the hard copy of the book — nothing irks me more than seeing a ebook priced the same as the mass market paperback. I don't have the same rights with the ebook as I do with the MMP so why do I have to pay the same price?
Also depends on if it is a new to me author…the lower it is priced the more willing I am to try it out since if I don't like it, I don't feel I've wasted money without being able to give it to the library or sell it to the used bookstore as I would if it were hard copy.
Books in the $4-$6 range work really well for me! 8-)
I think that an ebook should be priced a few dollars less than a print book. I personally love my e-reader! I have tons of paper books that are just taking up space. I also take into consideration the number of trees saved.
I agree with many of the other comments here. For a full length novel $4.50 to $5.50 is my limit. I guess because there aren't printing costs (and yes I realize digital has other costs) that I can't justify going to high. Then as the books get shorter the prices should reflect that.
Plus, free or .99 books are great for promotionals.
Since the publisher has far fewer costs to put out an e-book (no paper, no printing, no storage, no transportation), and the product is more difficult to use than a print book, I expect the cost to be significantly lower. The most I've ever paid for an e-book was $9.99, and I only paid that because I really wanted the book and I had a gift certificate, and I still felt resentful and ripped off.
Less than its paperback counterpart.
For a complete novel between £7-£10 for a short story between £2-£5 I dont really pay any attention to the price. An ebook is normally still cheaper and just as good as a paperback if not better as you dont have to lend them out to friends! :)
What I'm willing to pay for an ebook depends on a couple things: who the author is, and what version might currently exist in print. For example, I'm quite happy to plunk down 14.99 for the ebook of the forthcoming Dresden Files novel, on account of I love me some Jim Butcher and I have to have the book NOW, and I don't want the hardback. For a trade release, I'm willing to put down 9.99 to 12.99 for the ebook. For a mass market, please to give me $5-7 and I'll call it good.
I buy almost all my ebooks for under $5.00. That said for a mass market paperback release I think $2.99-$5.99. I have to really, really want to read an ebook to pay more than that. I have new authors in non-familiar genres because they were cheap and looked interesting enough to try.(One of which was Steam and Sorcery. Loved it!) Without fail I have looked for other books by those authors.
I switched to ebooks because I was a book hoarder so I didn't believe the lack of resell ability was going to be a big deal for me, but the first time I paid $6.99 for an ebook that I hated and I couldn't sell it or give it away I felt… well ripped off. It has affected my buying habits and not in a good way for most publishers.
I think eBooks should be a few dollars less than "real" books. I was always too cheap (and clearly patient enough) to purchase hardcovers at first release, so I can only speak to full-length paperbacks. For a great book, I would pay on average 6-8 U.S. dollars. That doesn't include a few cheapies at $3 or a few luxuries at $10. I'm talking normally here. With that said, I therefore think an equivalent eBook should be $4-6, with some exceptions of course. Hope that helps. Love Carina! So excited about Craving Perfect. :)
For books that I purchase, I exclusively choose digital options, so FOR ME, digital books are just as if not more valuable than a print version. I can adjust font size (VERY VERY important for me, as my vision isn't the greatest), I can carry literally hundreds of books in my purse, I don't have to worry about storing my print books or protecting them from my young children, and, I can access hundreds if not thousands of works that would have otherwise been unavailable to me. Sure, I can't donate them or sell them or even give them away when I'm done (though I truly think that one day programmers will figure out a way to work DRM that allows just this), but on Kindle I can loan them to my friends, and in many cities, I could borrow the digital version of books from the library.
Back to the topic at hand, I'll be honest, my comfortable purchase price for eBooks is virtually identically as those for print books — if I've read and enjoyed works by the author in the past, I won't hesitate to pay what I consider to be "paperback price" — between $5.99 and $7.99. If it's an author I've never heard of, or never had the opportunity to read, chances are I won't purchase for more than $3.99 or so, unless some of the reviewers I trust have given it a very positive rating, which is exactly what I would do for a print book in the same situation.
On the flipside, I'd be hesitant to buy a full length novel (70,000+ words) for less than $2.99 because less than that, and I wonder what's wrong with it.
I agree with the previous comment that it's shame that people don't value digital as much as they do print. Yes, the physical costs for digital may be less than those of print (no paper, no ink, no shipping costs), but there are still payments to the author, the cut that the reseller takes, the cost of editors and cover artists and publicity and all of those other costs that are incurred behind-the-scenes in publishing.
There is also the fact that a LOT of readers find ebooks to be more convenient (I am certainly one of them), and in this world, you pay for convenience. If you go to a grocery store, you will pay the same or even more for the 20oz soda that's up front in the cooler than you will for the 2 liter that's in the back of the store and is still warm. I see digital books similarly — you don't have to wait for them to be shipped or to have to pay gas to go to the store to purchase it on release date, they are more portable, take up less room in your house, and often have features that print books don't have, such as text-to-speech and adjustable font size.
It's when the print book drops in price and the digital price remains the same that I balk. I've seen countless numbers of books that have been on the market for over a year, and the new print paperback from the publisher (we're not talking "used" books here, but brand new from actual bookstores) has dropped to $4.99 or so, but the ebook is still the original cover price. I really feel that while digital readers may come out slightly ahead in the world of new releases, we certainly get the short end of the stick on backlist books in general.
$4 to $6 for full-length books.
Actually I don't mind if the book is priced at $7 or even $8 so long as it's able to be discounted. I know it's just psychological, but coupons and sales make me a happy shopper.
I've had my Kindle for about a month now. I purchased books by many new (to me) authors during Kindle's Sunshine sale for under $3. There are a few I enjoyed so much, I've gone on to spend $4-5 for other books by those authors. Promotional pricing definitely drew me in.
I don't like to pay more than $6 (and it would have to be a book I'm very interested in) but prefer to spend less as I'm on a book budget. The highest I've paid is $9 but that was for a bundle of four books.
It is frustrating to see an ebook priced the same as a mass market paperback, especially considering for new releases I could pick it up at someplace like Target and buy it at 25% off. Since the cost to produce and sell an ebook should be less than a paper copy, I do expect the price to be lower and assume a publisher could maintain the same, if not higher, profit margin with a lower-priced ebook.
I am content to pay under $10 for a digital book. I see no less value in a being digital versus paper. In fact, I see more value because of the trees saved. I detest the idea that paper books are stripped of their covers and destroyed. I rarely buy .99 cents books because I wonder how it could have been professionally edited at that price? No matter how talented the author is, there is immeasurable value in a well edited book and editors need to be paid.
I wouldn't pay more then 5-6$ for a full length novel.
I feel good about the $5 price point. Going lower (whether a sale or just priced lower) is a great way to try a new author. I have really enjoyed Carina Press' lower-than-the-competition pricing.
I do buy some books at the $8 price point and even paid $12 for Kiss of Snow, which I REALLY wanted and wanted NOW. It's frustating not to be able to lend it out or pass it on, which I have done with a lot of my paper books. I can't imagine every paying $8 or $12 for an author I didn't know.
I don't do a lot of re-reading. Just every now and then. So now I have to look at the entertainment value. Is it worth the money for the ~4 hours it will take me to read the book? Is there something more entertaining I'd rather spend my money on?
I'm definitely in the camp that ebooks should be at or lower than print book prices. I do value ebooks! But there are some serious limitations. I feel good when I loan or donate a print book. With an ebook the fun ends with me.
Finally, I'll pay more for a book I know will be well written and well editted. I never used to pay attention to who a publisher was, but I've found it means a lot to me now. I know I'll get a good product with Carina Press. I know I won't get a cover with a book from Berkeley. I know I'll buy anything Courtney Milan publishes, because she did a great job with Unlocked.
Personally, unless it's a favorite author, I'm not willing to pay more than $5 for a physical copy. And since I still prefer physical copies to eBooks, when I buy an eBook I will be buying a physical copy as well, so I really don't want to be paying $15 or so for the combined.
I do have eBooks, mostly because some stories I wanted were only available in that format. Before I invest too heavily in them, I'd prefer to be able to get better organization in platforms that allow you to read them as well as a better ability to put them all on one platform. It's faster to go to my physical bookshelves (which contain some 3,000 books) and find a book I want to read then it is to open up a platform and find the same book (for those few that actually are on both) or a different book that is also of interest which hasn't been read recently. And I can only imagine how much more difficult it will get as my collection of eBooks grows.
On price. I said above, that I rarely buy books over $5 unless it's a favorite author. I still cringe at a $5 price tag though. I don't really blink much at a price tag of $3.50 and I could handle $4. I think for something that I'm not getting a physical copy of, I don't think I'd be much willing to pay more than $4. I might pay $5, but that's pushing it.
I do understand that a lot of people are still involved in the process of getting books out there, especially if something is only available in eBook form and thus they aren't getting any money for a physical form. I think perhaps if I understood more the costs behind getting a book out there in eBook form, flat costs if there are any, percentages of profits for authors, artists, editors, whoever all is getting a percentage of sales, it might change my opinion, because right now, all I see is my side of it, and right now I think #3.50 is about right. Of course I'd love less, who wouldn't, but I'd pay $3.50 without much problem.
Above Kristene Collins mentioned text books and technical manuals. I agree that, fair or not, those are in a different category. People won't be buying as many of them (unless they are trying to get all the info on one subject they possibly can) and thus for a good one will be willing to pay more. Since I don't buy those books or not any that came out this century at any rate, I couldn't say what they would be worth to me, but her suggestion of $30 sounds reasonable. I wouldn't buy dozens of books in that category if they costed that much, but I might buy one or two here and there and people who need them would likely be equally more willing to pay more for them. There's a difference between wanting something for enjoyment and needing something to fix or create something.
So there's my thoughts on the matter.
For a novel by an established Author I would go up to $5. For a new authoer or a debute author $2.99 or less. I wont evenbuy paperbacks from more than $6.99
I think $7 and under works for me. Generally keeping it a couple bucks under the mmpb price is a good inducement to entice readers to buy digital. At least it does me.
As cofounder of a small press I have to disagree with Gail and others who think it is vastly cheaper for print versus ebook.
If you want a book that is vetted, edited, and cared for by a staff, versus self published, without ouside editing, then the break even cost is about $13.
Print books are perhaps a dollar cheaper.
How do books sell for less you ask? Partially due to subsidies from books that sell really well.
The cost of print is not the issue, nor is storage in the age of on demand printing. No, Amazon, or others, for print, demand fifty percent off the suggested retail, plus the distributor demands twenty percent. Thus, the publisher has to figure those costs in…and digital then becomes almost the same price.
Fair…depends if you want publishers, or you want to sift through the over three million self published books last year…most with no outside editing.
Pardon typos in this response, it was done on an iPad with funky touch screen keyboard and auto correct.
As several others have said, a lot of my perception of the value of a book is based on market comparison. If the book is available in print for the same or less, I resist buying it. Agency pricing by the big publishers has prevented me from buying quite a few titles. I don't buy print very often, so usually that means I just don't buy the book.
I have fewer rights with digital books, so I feel I should pay less for them than the equivalent in print. Since mass market fiction tends to be $7 or $8, my comfort zone for digital is $5 -$6. Less for shorter works.
I really wish publishers would make more use of strategic pricing. When a book is below $5, I am much more inclined to buy it on impulse; below $4, I hardly think twice. For new authors, or to get me interested in a series that I haven't started, discounted price is a great hook.
Ebook limitations.
-Can't lend them, single-user.
-Must purchase something to read them on. (Some people can use a computer they would have anyway, but many of us can't stay in that position long enough to read it from the screen.)
-Electronics die and must be replaced.
-Batteries die and must be recharged.
-Format limitations. Now that Kobo's store has gone out of business, is everyone going to have to repurchase all those book in a different format? Is Barnes and Noble next? How many people can still open a word document from 10 years ago? (What about WordPerfect?)
-In essence, ebooks aren't purchased so much as rented.
Paperback limitations
-Pages prefer to be close to one another making it hard to read on the treadmill, and perhaps hard on the hand if you use thumb and pinky to hold it open.
When we buy a paperback we are not handing all the money to the author to pay for services of writing the excellent book. We're also paying the publisher for the polishing and the printing presses and the paper. E-publishers have the polishing costs too, and server costs, but without paper, production SHOULD be significantly cheaper — and it is the publishers restrictions on lending that take away many of the uses we have for paper books.
Do not point to me and say I'm devaluing the writer and the writing when you're giving me half the product (full of limitations the publisher CHOSE to add) and asking me to be happy to pay full price.
@clothdragon – I might be wrong, but my understanding is that Borders is going out of business, but kobo is not. Also, kobo sells epub books, which can be read on many devices and apps.
You do have a good point about being an early adopter of technology. With the vhs/betamax style battle still going on between epub and amazon style books (not to mention b&n) buying ebooks right now contains a risk that the devices we're reading on may go out of production. I've cast my lot with epub and I'm crossing my fingers that amazon will adopt us instead of putting epubs of business.
That whole issue is another reason I think ebooks should be cheaper than paper books.
First off I think that Carina Press steals the show with their digital pricing! So far I haven't found anything that beats it in terms of quality for both editing and packaging of the book but for the content as well.
My preferred pricing for digital is between $6 and 8$ for a novel length work. I am willing to pay up to $9.99 in a FEW instances. I think, in the almost 2 years I've had my e-reader, I have purchased two or three digital books that cost more than $9.99. Those purchases have been for my 'must have authors' that were either continuing or finishing a series. Starting a new series, even for an auto-buy author, a price point of $9.99 puts them firmly on my wish list.
For me my wish list is comprised of books that cost over $5.00. At $5 a book is an impulse buy for me. Meaning I'll click over from a blog review or a blurb on a retailer's site and buy without the flicker of an eyelash. Move that price up to $6 or $7 and I really think before I buy. Which for me means I put it on my wish list and then it gets prioritized with other wish list items. Something on my wish list could sit there for a year or more and not be purchased.
Never more than the paperback edition
I think all ebooks should be have the price of the paperback price…i have a hard time paying over $6.99 for full length novel I believe its one of the reasons i still buy paperback on my series books because they run the same price as kindle price…
paperback price reflects printing, covers, shipping etc…i would never pay the same price…
If I had my way, I'd read nothing but ebooks, so I'm happy that there are now so many available. Pricing for me totally depends on whether I know the author. If they are one of my favs. I'll go up to $10 (still won't go higher, not even for Patricia Briggs who is an autobuy for me). However, for everyone else, $6 is about my limit. If it's more than that, I'll be looking for a used paperback rather than buying the ebook. If the author is self-pubbed, I'm not usually willing to go beyond $4, unless I already know and love their books. Just out of principle, I also will NEVER buy an ebook if there is a physical book available at a cheaper price.
I think that Carina and Samhain are doing a great job of pricing their ebooks to get maximum exposure while still keeping prices reasonable. I also appreciate that Carina prices their books consistently based on length, so that I'm not tricked into paying a higher price for a novella that is only 20K or 30K words long.
5 to 7.99 seems to be fair for a normal book. As one of the above posters pointed out, technical manuals or academic works might need to be priced higher as they tend to require more in the way of act checking and multiple editing passes. Equally art books should probably be a bit more.
Once we start hitting 10 dollars however, I find my willingness to buy dropping quickly.
$6 or under. Over $6 and I start to feel vaguely ripped off. If I want the book bad enough I'll pay it, but I'm never happy with that. The ebooks that are priced at $13, $15 and up just seem crazy to me. I don't pay that for hard copy, why would I pay that for a digital copy?
I have no problems paying $10-$14 for an ebook I know I will enjoy, like a new release in an ongoing series I love. I'd prefer $10, though.
I'll pay $7-$10 for a book I'm pretty sure I'll like.
I'll pay $5-7 for a book I'm interested in reading, if the sample chapter didn't turn me off or it's highly recommended.
I won't buy a book for under $4 unless it's highly recommended, or one of the above categories heavily discounted. My general assumption is that the low-priced ebooks are not going to meet my fairly high standards, as they're looking to make income based on volume, not quality.
I categorically assume any full-length book priced between 99 cents and 2.99 is crap, the cheaper, the crappier. If it's a first-in-a-series-sale, I might be inclined to clemency but I still haven't bothered purchasing any of those.
I'll also buy an ebook version of a paper book I love at somewhere around $6 or below. I find ebooks immensely more valuable than paper books. I always read sample chapters before buying a new book and I'll sometimes borrow from the library if I'm uncertain. Recently I read the first book in a trilogy from the library, then purchased the book. Same with the second book, and for the third book I just preordered the book.
I do not have a large book budget and I do not buy a lot of books. I am extremely evangelical about books I love.
I wonder what the comparison is on the number of $10 ebooks that need to be sold to break even vs. the number of (equally well produced) $2.99 books.
I love the price of ebooks! Myself, I find them cheaper than regular books. Through my Kobo, books that are hardcover in stores can be sometimes 70% off! For me, as long as they are somewhat cheaper than book form I think it's fabulous.
Anything under $4.99 to $5.99 is reasonable. If it's more expensive than a mass market it's shady. Why pay $8+ for an e-book?
for 70 – 110K – the 4 – 6 range, preferrably under 6. I say that knowing full well that I often pay more if I really want the book because while I don't want to support agency pricing, I DO want to support digital publishing, so I always try to buy digital to send a small but important message.
I love to shop, especially for books, especially digitally, on my kindle. In fact, I have to watch because I'm completely impuslive, and I read so fast I can clear through a mountain of books in a weekend. It's easy to run up a serious tab when I hit my favorite shopping sites. So when I can get more for less, I end up buying more. I try things I might otherwise not look at.
Over at the kindle boards there are several long running threads w/reader response to novel pricing as well, and I've read through most of it, which bring out a lot of interesting thoughts. If you have not checked it out, it's worth the time, I got a lot of decent ideas about pricing and tolerance and the market from people who shop primarily digital.
Prior to releasing my last book, I did about 6-8 months research on response to price across internet boards so I could have a better idea of what the market really was about. One thing I noticed: digital readers based on response seem to be really price to word count aware, and make some shopping decisions based on quantity of read. They're also far more willing to try new authors below 5.99 (for most part) and below 4.99 (for a smaller segment). 6 bucks seems to be a threshold where less impulse and more thought kick in, and, 9.99 is the kiss of death for about 90% of those who elected to post on the topic. I also watch Kindle facebook very closely and see the same trending there through individual reader posts.
I hesitate to buy a full-length digital novel over $6.99. There had better be a lot of good hype and reviews for the book or loyalty towards the author/series. Carina is wonderful and I usually just autobuy since the prices are so reasonable. I never hesitate to buy a Carina novel- quality work and amazing prices. Publishers like Penquin, however, I only ever buy with gritted teeth and assurance that I will love the book and author. High ebook prices give me a lot of anxiety.
AI say $4 to $6 for full length. $2.99 and under for novellas, decreasing based on wordcount.
To quote Scott Eagan:
"Honestly, I think it is a shame that we want to charge less for a digital book than a paperback. The same time and effort goes into the book. Authors need to be paid as well. IMHO, use the same formula for determining the price of a paperback of the same size.
If we start looking at discount rates, use the same standard we would use in a standard book store when the books are moved to a 'discount' table."
As with music, authors receive very little from print book sales, and that's only after they get their advance. With e-books, they receive more. If you think about it, print books cost more to produce and go through more corporate hands than many e-books, which are often produced by smaller publishers and are dealt with across a smaller platform (this isn't the case for all e-books, of course, but because they're cheaper to produce there's more room for indie, small press, and self-publishing). If the same amount of money isn't being spent producing a physical product (printing books, think of all that paper and ink and labor…), why should an e-book cost the same as a print book? It shouldn't. E-books can cost less and authors can often times see more profit than they would with print. This is the beauty of digital media.
People think that they should pay more for media as if the creators see a lot of profit from sales. With traditional publishing and music (although these two industries aren't identical, obviously), that's not necessarily the case. The creators are usually the last person to see a profit from sales, after everyone else who is involved in the product's creation. Also, authors are usually paid much more by major publishing houses than houses receive in sales from an author's book, causing houses to lose money. This is why major traditional publishing houses are floundering. "Celebrity" authors like Danielle Steele need to stop getting paid millions of dollars to do barely any work and produce a product that only generally returns half (or less than half) of what she was paid
I think ebooks should be priced similar to mass market paperbacks. Most Kindle books are priced above this and it really irks me to pay more than that. I appreciate that Carina Press titles are priced based on length. Honestly, I would pay a couple more dollars per book than you charge now, but the lower prices do allow me to buy MORE.
Thanks for asking!
Digital books should be less than physical books because the expenses for producing and warehousing and other expenses aren't there. You don't have to deal with the increasingly expensive price of paper. No fuel expenses for either the production or transport of said books. No warehousing or remanding.
Frankly, if the prices remain comparable to those of physical books, I demand that the excess saved goes into increased royalties for the authors. That I wouldn't mind so much. But paying hardback prices for a digital book minus a mere 10% discount? No way in hell!
It is part of the reason that my book buying has dropped so radically, not because of the economy or the decreased paycheck I now receive.
You want me to pay over $4.99 for a digital book, show me why I should and where the monies go. Because it isn't in the pockets of the authors or editors, that's for certain.
I buy a lot of ebooks, and a lot of series books. For the first in a series, I prefer to buy it at 99 cents )or no more than $2.99), but if I fall in love with the series, I will pay up to about $5.99 for the next installments. I despise an ebook price of $7.99 or higher. Although, like someone above posted, I will still buy it if I'm in love with the author and dying for the book, but I will be pissed the whole time I'm reading it. :)
Overall, I'd say ebooks should be a lot less than their print counterparts. While the effort and time spent writing the book is the same, when you purchase a print book, you have to pay more for the packaging which is not the case with digital media.
5.50 and under. I hate paying more for a digital book than a paperback book that I could pick up at Target or WalMart.
I honestly think the Carina prices are really fair. They reflect the word length of the book and also the fact that producing digital books are less expensive than print books. I HATE the fact other publishers are trying to sell their ebooks for just as much (if not sometimes MORE) than the print book. This is why when I buy mainstream single title, I mostly still buy print books. From the online place I buy books, it's usually cheaper than the e-format, and that's including postage!
There's almost 60 comments here and I can't read through them all right now, but my feeling is this:
I don't have but a few eBooks though I'm buying more. Slowly. I am too tactile a person to fill a Nook color with them though the few I have I enjoy because they're so portable. But I miss the feel of the book itself.
That said, I have no qualms paying the same price for an eBook I pay for a paperback. $7.99 is the average rate for a paperback and that price doesn't make me balk for an eBook. However, paying $25 for an eBook because the only print edition is a hardcover? No way. I've seen that price and it's ridiculous and frankly, unjustifiable.
In general I'd prefer it to be around $7.99 or under, but my rule anymore is to never spend more than $9.99. Every time I've spent more than that on an digital book I've felt cheated. I'll also never buy the digital copy if it is priced higher than mass market. Honestly I'd be willing to pay more if I felt like more publishers respected digital consumers.
At least $2 less than mmpb print price; around $5 for full-length and absolute no more than $1 per 10k word count for novella length, preferably less.
I'd pay $5.99 at most. That's what a $7.99 mass market paperback costs when I buy it through Amazon's 4-for-3 sale.
On principle, I don't buy agency priced books at any price.
I think that a digital copy of a new release hardcover should be no more than half the price of the print copy. If the book is a mass market or softcover, the digital copy should be no more than its print companion cover price; regardless of whether it is a Frontlist or Backlist.
In the future, if and when print books are no longer produced then I could see the need to adjust the price of the digital-only book; being that the digital copy would be the only format available.
I'd like to see full-length novels priced between $5 & $7. No more … that's comparable to the paperbacks I buy; maybe a little cheaper.
The highest I've paid for a single (non-bundle) ebook is $7.99, which is the cost of a mmpb. But the 2 times I paid that much were:
1) for a sequel of a Hugo-nominated book that I already knew I would enjoy, and
2) a book well-reviewed by reviewers I knew had similar tastes as I do. (Of course a couple of weeks after that, and before I read the book, the price went down to $2.99 in Amazon's Sunshine Deals…but that's another story!)
I do appreciate that Carina books have no DRM–I feel that at least I'm not being limited as much. (Yes, I know there are ways one can find to crack DRM, but why do I need to do that? If I buy a print book, I don't have to bring it to someone to be able to open that book for me so I can read it!)
But honestly–would I pay over $5 for a book from an author whose work I've never tried before just because the synopsis sounded interesting? Unlikely.
I love e-books. I own about 500 e-books. I have a Kindle, Nook and an IPad. For a well liked author I will pay up to $12.99 if the book is in hardback, prefer to pay no more than $9.99 for the e-book when the book is hardback for lesser liked authors. For paperback editions prefer to pay $5.99 to $7.99 for the e-book edition. I can change the font size on e-books, I have tried to go back to paper but the print is too small and sometimes a mess.
An ebook should be cheaper than its paperback counterpart. If I can't enjoy looking at the cover (B&W on Kindle) and can't sell it back to the bookstore for store credit to buy more books, I refuse to pay the same price. Right now, I don't want to pay more than $2.99 for ANY ebook. For new-to-me authors, I won't pay more than $1.99 (preferably $0.99). After all, I don't OWN the ebook, just the right to READ it, so why should the ebook cost more than a movie rental?
70k – $3.99-4.99 (length of a category romance)
80-100k – $5.99 (the price MMPBs used to be *sigh*)
I don't mind "regular" prices for e-books since in this post-Agency model world, e-publishers can run sales and/or discounts.
I will hesitate to buy anything more than $13, that's my limit. Usually if the ebook is more than that I'll fork out cash to buy a hardcopy. Also depends on length as well.
I prefer books in general to be around $10 or less, but I've certainly paid $15 without blinking.
I dunno, price isn't a huge sticking point for me. I love ebooks for so many reasons that I'd never go back to print. If I buy a book, I decide if I want to buy it based on that particular title – I don't cross-check to see how much it costs in other formats.
I think that the $5-6 range, maybe up to $9 if it's closer to the 100k range, is fair. Yes, there are a few limitations to ebooks, but I wouldn't lower the price of the books more than $5.
I do worry when I see ebooks that are in the 99c range- $2.99 range for a good sized book (I'm not talking about coupons and other discounts publishers put out). I'm more of a risk taker in what books I buy if I have an idea of a: the author and b: where it came from. I know readers are gobbling up books in the 99c- $2.99 price range, but I don't want to see that become a standard pricing. I don't think it's fair.
I wouldn't, however, buy an ebook that is over $15.
I am a reader, love books, and still buy in hard cover. I just finished M. Connelly's THE FIFTH WITNESS and am reading weird with MR. PEANUT. If I think the book will be worth it, 25 bucks is fine.
I have a new Kindle and look forward to downloading, but I would be suspicious of a book for $2.99.
What Mr. Egan isn't considering about the price of e-books versus paper or hardcover is: you can loan a hardcover book. Ostensibly you can share ebooks as well but I know of no reader who does that. So you sell me Lawrence Block's A DROP OF THE HARD STUFF and I pass it around to several friends. Divide their number by 3 at least since this is a terrific book and you have about six dollars a person, the price of an ebook.
The $4 – $6 range for me. I've stopped buying most mass market because they are $7 – $8 and I won't pay that for a books I can't share with my family.
Considering the author should make some profit too, I would say about 4-5 dollar. It should be lower priced than the paperback, or I would just buy the paperback, not the ebook.
I'm most comfortable with $5 or under. Anything over that and I want to be able to share it with others, which is only possible with physical books. That being said, I won't pay over $10 for paperbacks anymore, the convenience and lesser price of ebooks is too attractive.
I bought a Kindle back when they were still expensive in part to save money on books. Now I find that the paperbacks I used to read are cheaper than the ebooks. I feel ripped off. It is insulting to be told of the percentage I'm saving off of the full price of the hard cover (I rarely bought hard covers) when it is 30% more then the paperback I would have bought in the old days.
In the old days, I'd buy and read a paperback and give it away. Or I'd recieve a used paperback and read it and give it away. Now the publishers are getting more for a book that only gets read once.
I'll gladly pay top dollar for a new release, but if there is a paperback, the eversion should be less.
Max for me is $6.99 for a novel, $3.99 for shorter. I do feel eBooks should cost $1-2 less than their dead tree cousins. I prefer eBooks, but will buy the paperback if it costs less.
If an eBook is for sale on more than one site, I always buy the non-DRM'd version when I can, even if it's more expensive (unless I have to pay via PayPal, and that's a whole other story).
paperback novels are $8 – $9.
I would NEVER pay more than $3 – 4$ for an ebook.


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WHITE PLAINS, Maryland – August 31, 2015 – "Betsy the Border Collie," an educational, interactive app for children has just been announced. The application was created by 12-year-old programmer, Mark Burnett. The app is a children's book with beautiful illustrations and interactive characters. "Betsy the Border Collie," will follow Betsy's adventures, the first called "Swim Lesson." It is about the Collie and Border Collie mix learning to overcome the fear of swimming.
This heartwarming and entertaining story can be read in Six languages, and offers English and Spanish subtitles. To top it off, Betsy will come "alive" in-character on the website to answer readers' common questions. However, before this app can go live, Mark needs help. That's why they launched this Kickstarter campaign. The goal of this project is to raise $995 by September 30, 2015. The funds raised will go toward distribution software and programs.
To help bring this innovative app to market, please visit the Kickstarter campaign or click here. Perks will be delivered by October 2015.
Please keep in mind this is an "all-or-nothing" deal, which means if the campaign does not reach the funding goal then the project cannot move forward. So know that any amount given can make a difference, and this is an incredible opportunity to be a part of a special campaign! Help "Betsy the Border Collie" reach the goal by sharing this on Facebook, Twitter, and other social networks. The more people know about this, the more support the campaign will receive.
Distributed by Crowdfundersseo
Media Contact
Company Name: Betsy the Border Collie
Contact Person: Mark Burnett
Email: email@example.com
Phone: 301-893-5039
Country: United States
Website: www.betsythebordercollie.com

subset: commoncrawl


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KB 281 - Xmas Pudding Round
Xmas Pudding Round by Kirk & Bradley
Style: KB281
Size: 4" Round
Mesh: 13
This website is to the trade, only. If you're a wholesale customer, please login here.
If you're not a store owner, click here to find a needlepoint store in your area; or contact us; or Google "Kirk and Bradley".


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The Government is proposing a countrywide fuel tax hike as part of a major shake up of the transport system.
It has proposed an extra 10 cents a litre of tax on fuel. Prices will likely rising by three or four cents a year over the next three years.
For Auckland motorists this will be on top of the expected 10 cents per litre levy from the regional fuel tax.
This means by 2021 Auckland motorists could be paying up to 20 cents per litre more in tax on their petrol.
The tax increase will not be used on State Highways. Instead the Government has reprioritised transport funding around regional roads they say have been underfunded and neglected over the past decade.
Some of the money may be used on getting cars off the road and investing in public transport, cycleways, walkways and the rail network.


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Message from the Board
As Damen celebrates 90 years of shipbuilding, it faces a challenging time in a number of markets and the rapid evolution of technological advancement. Here, the company's Executive Board, Chief Executive Officer René Berkvens, Chief Commercial Officer Arnout Damen, Chief Financial Officer Frank Eggink and Chief Products Officer Jan-Wim Dekker, voice their thoughts on Damen's recent performances and directions for the future.
Q. In this year's Damen magazine, we are looking back at the history of the group. As we do this, the growth of Damen over the decades from a small Dutch yard into a global maritime enterprise is striking. Throughout this international expansion, what has been the key to ensuring sustained development and success?
|Frank Eggink:
There are a considerable number of factors behind this. At the root of Damen's success is the standardised vessel concept introduced by Kommer Damen in 1969. This unique approach offers Damen clients a range of advantages, including the fastest possible delivery of proven, reliable vessels. Added to this is our relentless customer focus, the continual process of listening to clients and incorporating their feedback into the evolution of our products. Furthermore, within Damen there is an unwavering commitment to the spirit of entrepreneurialism. Because of this, we are willing to take the necessary risks in pursuit of satisfying the requirements of our clients.
|René Berkvens:
It's also about presenting people with the same mission and vision values. When people join Damen as an employee, they receive the same introduction to the company – all over the world. Our intranet is being rolled out group-wide, as is our Code of Conduct. We are creating our own culture and ensuring that all our people are aligned.
|Arnout Damen:
The One Damen label is important. We have the same rules of engagement, including safe working conditions, supplier coordination, compliance processes and communications policies, everywhere in the group.
|Jan-Wim Dekker:
Our core values see to this – we want to see our people enthusiastic about what they do and comfortable too. One of the key things is that we allow people to speak and to share their ideas. And, very importantly, we have a common culture across the organisation – client focus. Customer is key.
Ultimately, it's about the people – you can make all the processes you want, but at the end of the day, it's about the people.
Jan-Wim Dekker
Q. What do you think about Damen's performance in 2016 – given the economic circumstances would you consider it to be reasonable?
|René Berkvens:
We are living in the toughest of times. The Shipbuilding market is difficult on a worldwide scale, particularly in the Far East. Low oil and gas prices and low commodity prices are reducing demand for large ships. This has the knock-on effect of reducing the requirement for smaller vessels and port development. It's the perfect storm and we are affected by it. On the other hand, because we are a niche player it's not all bad news. Some markets are still performing well – fishing, yachts, defence, cruise, ferries and offshore wind are examples.
|Frank Eggink:
Although the year still came in at a profit, we cannot afford to be complacent and should shift gears to further reduce costs, improve quality and improve project execution and risk management. A number of markets we serve are being faced with rather sustained oversupply and it is going to take a few more years before new equilibriums between supply and demand will be found.
Market trends such as the oil price decline have triggered the need for a step change in industry cost structures. I am convinced this will happen and a gradual increase in activity levels will occur. Now is the time to for Damen to get into shape for when markets recover.
|Jan-Wim Dekker:
The way I look at it is; if you are active in so many markets, there are always going to be some that are performing well and some that are not doing so well. What our multi-market penetration does is ensure that the peaks and troughs are more controlled.
|Arnout Damen:
Considering the global situation, we are doing OK. These are very difficult times, but we are still doing business. This is because we offer a combination of good services, a range of financing options, good quality and good pricing.
The Maritime industry… is in the first throes of a transformation. Against such a backdrop we should take the best from our past and prepare for – and if possible help shape – the future.
Frank Eggink
Q. Last year, there was some realignment within Damen with the re-positioning of some key roles and personnel within the organisation – could you explain a little about the reasoning behind this and has it been a success?
|Frank Eggink:
The Maritime industry, and Damen as a part of that, is in the first throes of a transformation. Against such a backdrop we should take the best from our past and prepare for – and if possible help shape – the future. We should strengthen the core of our company and prepare for sustained relevance in the future; the right suite of products & services with the right specification and quality, built and offered economically and at acceptably fast delivery times. To do that, we should always have customer expectations top of mind.
|Jan-Wim Dekker:
To those ends, we have improved logistics, quality control and accountability throughout the organisation – now there is quicker decision making and clearer accountability for production and quality roles. By standardising procedures more and more we are able to pass on to all parts of the group the design and construction experience, streamlining the process and the supply chain, improving delivery time and lowering costs. At the same time, we position ourselves better to deliver customised options for our clients. The shorter lead times will ensure that, with the same capacity, we can deliver more vessels. We will also better be able to manage our stock levels and achieve better purchase agreements.
|Arnout Damen:
We are working on giving clients a better price quality ratio, developing new solutions and looking to reduce the total cost of ownership. We want to support our customers in becoming more profitable by improving our processes, being more flexible in customisation, being faster and offering more solutions for monitoring and maintenance.
Q. Clearly it's going to be some time yet before we see major improvements in the offshore industry – which markets do you expect will perform well in the coming months?
|Arnout Damen:
A number of markets look good for this year – yachting is doing well. Amels had an excellent year in 2016 with a large number of orders for newbuild and maintenance. Offshore wind is likely to improve; aquaculture and fishing are performing well.
|Frank Eggink:
Order intake in 2016 increased slightly compared to 2015 and the deal funnel contains an interesting set of opportunities. Significant resources are invested in the preparatory work for some large multi-vessel projects and the development of improved and new vessel types for a number of current and new markets. Outstanding customer service increasingly helps differentiate Damen from the competition; with an increasing number of Service Hubs close to our customers and Damen maintenance programmes, we can really add value for our clients as we help increase the operability of their vessels and reduce their costs of operation. Going forward we will look at how to use the data gathered from our vessels. Unlocking this information will help us to develop preventive and condition-based maintenance programmes.
These are very difficult times, but we are still doing business. This is because we offer a combination of good services, good quality and good pricing.
Arnout Damen
Q. What do you consider to have been the highlights of 2016?
|Arnout Damen:
A number of things stand out from last year. Amels delivered its largest yacht to date. The second Damen Offshore Carrier, the award winning Maersk Connector, was delivered and we signed one of our largest ever contracts, for an Antarctic Supply Research Vessel for Australia. And, despite difficult market conditions, we still delivered over 150 vessels.
|Jan-Wim Dekker:
The improvements we made in operational excellence and innovation stand out from last year. We made real steps towards the future with lots of new developments, including new products. The Excellerate programme saw us implement a standardised, industrial shipbuilding approach in Singapore, Vietnam and China, improving quality and control, with shorter lead times and lower costs of ownership.
|Frank Eggink:
During the year, we have enriched our arsenal of financing and insurance solutions. Increasingly we are able to find a solution for all client challenges in this regard, supported by an increasing number of financial service providers. Building on the efforts from 2014 onwards, in 2016 the Group compliance programme was further advanced into the 'muscle memory' of the organisation and stakeholders that supply and represent the group. Also, in the area of IT, substantial progress has been made facilitating a professional platform to rely and build on. To name an example, the start of the CAD PDM programme; this will add a lot of value, generating increasingly efficient engineering.
Q. What steps are you taking to ensure that Damen is ready to respond quickly when the upturn comes?
|René Berkvens:
One of the effects of the current market climate is going to be an increase in competition. This can be a good thing; as such an environment can provide real drive for innovation. What we need to do is invest in the future, developing new ideas, new products. We need to experiment and innovate. And we must always remember, our people are our best assets. We need to ensure they receive the best training and development. The better our people develop, the better we perform.
|Arnout Damen:
We have to focus on being tight, sharp, flexible and fast, ready for when the good times come. A lot is about presentation and customer interface. There is a market out there – even now – we just have to demonstrate to clients that we can offer them viable solutions. We also need to maintain our focus on R&D so that we can continue to innovate and be of sustained relevance for the future.
Q. Can you tell us anything about any new products or solutions that are planned for the near future?
|Jan-Wim Dekker:
There are a number of products in the pipeline. Amongst them the Reverse Stern Drive Tug, the Damen Decommissioning Series, versatile Utility Vessels and the Marine Aggregate Dredger.
|René Berkvens:
Marine access solutions will be an important part of product development this year. We are looking at a range of options that will make crew transfer safer, faster and more efficient.
|Frank Eggink:
Sustainability will grow in importance. We've already made a lot of progress in this area, with improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions of our products, new solutions such as the certified InvaSave ballast water treatment unit, measures to increase energy efficiency and recycling in our operations, but we will be doing more. Technical developments, such as further increased fuel efficiency, more uptime, more consistency and remote monitoring will be strong features. Also, more concepts, like the Leaseco Programme, making it easier for clients not only to purchase vessels, but to lease them. We're looking at ways to better align the CAPEX with the cashflow generation of the contracted work performed with our vessels through financing solutions.
Our people are our best assets. We need to ensure they receive the best training and development. The better our people develop, the better we perform.
René Berkvens
Q. What will be your personal focus for 2017?
|Frank Eggink:
There is a challenging year ahead. I will be aiming to ensure continued sound financials for the group and at investing in the developments from which we will benefit when the markets improve. Additionally, I will be looking at attractive growth opportunities that present themselves at the bottom of the economic cycle.
|René Berkvens:
To continue to bring the group closer together – further developing the concept of One Damen. And to do what we are here to do – satisfy our customers and make them more competitive.
|Jan-Wim Dekker:
To improve our KPIs and stock levels and to keep the team smiling, enthusiastic, and working together. Ultimately, it's about the people – you can make all the processes you want, but at the end of the day, it's about the people.
|Arnout Damen:
To show our customers that building with Damen is a headache-free way to quality products with low maintenance and low total cost of ownership.
Quick links:Damen Shipyards corporate website
Damen Shiprepair & Conversion website
Print version of this article


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An engagement ring is a symbol of commitment and love. You propose your partner with a ring that is meaningful, valuable and most importantly attractive. There is no specific plan for spending on an engagement ring. It is more to do with the budget you have and the preference of your partner. When you are ready to propose your partner, the most crucial step is just in line; choosing the engagement ring. For many men, it can be an exhilarating experience. Read on to get a few tips on how should you be spending on an engagement ring.
- What would your partner like? The engagement ring should be purchased keeping in mind the preference of your partner.
- What size stone would she prefer? Most women like a big sized diamond to flaunt it to her friends and family.
- The most important thing – What is your budget? The budget matters the most because no matter what ring you choose, you will need to have the amount to pay for it. Get a ring that is affordable, preferably a clarity enhanced diamond ring.
- Do not settle for a cheap engagement ring.
So now you have purchased the perfect diamond ring for your sweetheart. The next step that is in line is the proposal. Proposing to your loved one for marriage or engagement can be nerve wrecking. First of all, you need to stay calm because nervousness can ruin any situation. Take control of the proposal and make sure you know it is the most important part of your life. Your future life depends on this proposal so give your best shot to impress your love. We have a few tips to help you out.
- You should know your girl to be able to propose her in the best way.
- Set a romantic date that should not be too general (like a dinner).
- If your girl likes attention than propose at a place where there is a crowd.
- Make it meaningful by saying a few words.
- Don't adopt the traditional 'proposing on the knees' trick. Bring something new like proposing her on a hot air balloon, high in the sky.
Remember, proposing your girlfriend should come from the heart. Make the proposal meaningful and give your girl the best memories that she could cherish forever.


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I was 45 years old when I was divorced. I hadn't had sex in over 4 years and although it seems crazy to write this now, I thought I was over the hill and that sex was no longer on the agenda for me. At the time I was okay with that. I just didn't know what I was missing.
A few years back, whilst I was doing some research for my book 'Best Knickers Always: 50 lessons for midlife' I asked a number of friends about their deepest fears for midlife. The visible signs of ageing were high on the list, followed quickly by 'SEX'. This wasn't just single friends of mine but those who were married too.
Getting naked with a new partner terrifies some people. It did me. I still remember the first time I kissed someone after my divorce. It shocked me. I felt giddy like a teenager. I was so nervous my teeth were chattering and my whole body began to shake. There was a mix of excitement and real fear. What was I scared about? Well, would I remember what to do? Although blessed with good genes, my body shows signs of wear and tear! Would I make a fool of myself? Would my partner be turned off once my clothes were off? Would I ever stop shaking?
The thing is, for those of us dating again in later life, we have a lot of thinking to do about who we are both physically and emotionally. Everything seems different. We've all got judgments about our bodies and our past experiences. Yet, if we can put all that aside and allow our bodies and mind to go with the flow and experience the moment it can be magical, even if that's with chattering teeth.
Here's what I've come to appreciate and celebrate about sex in my 50s:
I take myself less seriously — sex is a funny business and the more you can laugh about it the better. Manoeuvring with a dodgy hip or getting cramps just adds to the hilarity of it all. Getting revved up and then promptly falling asleep before getting started is no big deal, it says nothing about me or my partner other than the fact we've had a busy day.
Self-confidence — I know my body and I like my body. It's taken me over 50 years to get to this place. Our bodies are incredible machines and something to celebrate and not berate. I'm much more able to say what I want and what I like and be confident with it. Self-confidence and self-awareness are sexy!
Enjoyment and pleasure — there is nothing worse than when sex feels like a chore. This has certainly been my experience in the past. Age does wonderful things to us. Sex isn't simply penetration, orgasm isn't the goal. Gone is the performance anxiety of the past. Enjoyment and pleasure bring us a closer and deeper connection with our partner. I've found I've mellowed a lot.
Intimacy — this to me is the best thing about sex in later life. To be truly intimate with our partners is such a joy. To enjoy each other in the moment, letting go of all the worries of the day, the lists, and current affairs. Being together mindfully isn't something I had ever experienced before in my sex life. Being completely absorbed in the moment, in the touch, in the feeling with nothing else on my mind is, in my opinion, the joy of sex that comes with age.
Following a divorce, Rebecca found herself a single mother to three children and 45 years old in 2008. She hadn't dated since her early 20s and found that much had changed! After a number of years of good and bad dates she met her guy (online naturally) and fell in love just before her 50th birthday. Midlife has taught her to be more open-minded, to take more risks, to worry less and live by the motto, 'If not now, when?'
Rebecca is a qualified wellbeing and resilience coach and has worked with individuals and groups across all ages and sectors. Her passion is getting right to the heart of what her clients want for their lives, helping them see beyond what they currently believe is possible.
Rebecca is co-founder of Irresistible Dating which she set up with award winning dating photographer Saskia Nelson. Their expertise lies in guiding clients into the right mindset for dating success as well as helping them create a dating profile that stands out.
Rebecca is also the author of Best Knickers Always: 50 Lessons for Midlife. Her latest book, co written with her daughter, Recovery from Within: A mother and daughter's journey through anorexia will be published in the autumn. Rebecca has appeared on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour, BBC London and writes regularly for Medium where she was featured as one of their top writers on mental health.


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Sap-sucking insects may combat Kenyan cactus plague
Speed read
- Prickly pear cactus is an invasive plant that threatens grazing areas in Kenya
- A trial now shows that a species of bug can be used to control the cactus
- But further safety testing and approvals are needed before rolling it out
The cochineal bug, known as dudu in Swahili, for biological control has been released on farmland in Kenya's Laikipia region, which is used by Maasai for livestock herding. The trial showed that the bug feeds exclusively on the Opuntia stricta cactus, better known as prickly pear, which has invaded grasslands and drives out local plants used to feed cattle.
The Maasai community in Laikipia partnered with the Centre for Agriculture Biosciences International (CABI) to conduct the trial and halt the spread of the cactus. According to CABI, an non-profit science organisation from the United Kingdom, the trial, which concluded last month, has shown that the dudu bug will not be harmful to native and non-harmful imported plants in the region.
"The cochineal has not been found on other cactus species such as Austrocylindropuntia subulata and Cereus jamacaru that are growing in association with Opuntia stricta," says Arne Witt, the coordinator of the invasive species programme at CABI-Africa. "In a nutshell, there is no risk."
"So when times are good it will continue to displace local plants and make more valuable pasture inaccessible."
Arne Witt, CABI-Africa
The prickly pear cactus was introduced in Kenya during colonial times as an ornamental plant capable of living in arid regions. Since then, the plant has colonised thousands of acres of fragile rangelands in northern Kenya, putting at risk the livelihood of animal herders.
According to CABI the cactus is also suspected to have caused the death of baby elephants after they consumed its fruit, meaning it poses a threat to local wildlife and related income from tourism.
The cochineal bug, which is related to the cicada, was imported from South Africa, where it has been used in Kruger National Park to tackle prickly pear infestations. The insect sucks the sap from the plant, which ultimately kills it.
In Kenya prickly pear infestations have previously been addressed with herbicides and manual removal methods, which are expensive and often create additional environmental damage. Lusike Wasilwa, a researcher at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Institute (KALRO) says the cochineal bug could be a safer alternative.
However, she adds that the bug will not be released more widely unless it is absolutely certain that it will not kill local plants. "This research must be followed by exhaustive trials to ascertain that any foreign species brought into the country will not negatively impact on local biodiversity," she says. "Necessary approvals must also be sought."
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But Witt says that work done since has shown that prickly pear would not make a viable alternative to conventional animal feed. Instead, feeding the plant to livestock would greatly increase its spread through defecation and propagation of plant fragments, CABI found.
"It would mean that when conditions are favourable the weed will continue to spread and only when there is a drought will it be utilised," Witt explains. "So when times are good it will continue to displace local plants and make more valuable pasture inaccessible."


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The T.C. Williams football program has missed the playoffs for 20 straight seasons.
Each of the last two years, the Titans have come painfully close to ending the drought, only to fall short. In 2009, TC needed to beat Lee at home on the last day of the regular season to secure a postseason berth. The Titans came out flat, fell behind 20-0 and failed in their attempt at a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback.
Last season, TC posted its first winning record since 1995, won five of its final six games and finished 5-2 in the Patriot District, but a 6-4 mark wasn't enough to get the Titans in the postseason.
For whatever reason, TC wasn't able to get over the hump the last two seasons despite rosters oozing with talent. Injuries to key players, including quarterback Joe Hargrove and Division I linemen Jay Whitmire and Joe Massaquoi, hindered the team, adding fuel to the what-could-have-been fire.
This year, TC again appears to have the talent necessary to make a run at the postseason, but the Titans need to find a way to rise above mediocrity. If leadership was lacking amidst past failures, TC might turn the corner in 2011.
Along with an offseason conditioning regiment that left coaches praising the Titans' work ethic, junior quarterback Alec Grosser took it upon himself to organize work sessions with receivers to help build camaraderie among those in charge of putting a spark in the Titans' passing game.
"I called some of our receivers and just told them to be out here an hour and a half before our [team] workout," Grosser said. "We worked on routes, we worked on little things [and I was building] chemistry with my guys."
Running back Za'Quan Summers took part in the Grosser-organized workouts.
"It says a lot" about Grosser's leadership ability, Summers said. "He can lead the team, I can tell you that. He's very vocal."
Grosser showed off his cannon arm as a sophomore when he took over the starting job four games into the season. He helped TC average 31 points during the final six games of the year and finished the season with 1,240 passing yards and twice as many touchdown passes (14) as interceptions (seven) in TC's potent spread offense. He also scored a pair of rushing touchdowns.
Grosser has the physical tools to be successful, but it's his willingness to learn that helps make him a well-rounded signal caller.
"He listens. He gets it," TC head coach Dennis Randolph said. "He knows that he has to pay attention to what I'm telling him. Whether or not I'm the best coach in the world or the worst coach in the world, he's got to trust me and he's got to listen to me and listen to the things that I'm teaching him — and he does. He listens to everything I say. … I'm really happy that I have somebody that wants to be good, that wants to listen, that wants to be successful and he's trusting me to teach him the right things."
Grosser will have plenty of help this season. Big things are expected from Summers, who rushed for 830 yards and eight touchdowns last year while averaging more than 6.5 yards per carry. The speedy running back said he wants to rush for 2,000 yards in 2011, reach the end zone at least two times per game and return at least one kickoff for a touchdown each contest.
"We hand off to him and you watch him and he's so fluid and he seems to make the right decision every time," Randolph said of Summers. "Then when you hand off to another guy who's a good back, it's not the same."
Mohamed Sesay and Dealo Roberson could also see carries this season.
At receiver, Percy Haskins, Jamal Williams and Raquan Brunson are playmakers. Julius Cooper, a transfer from Paul VI, has the size and skill to be a difference-maker.
There are questions along the offensive line, which lost DI contributors Whitmire and Massaquoi to graduation. However, both missed significant time with injuries last season, meaning the Titans were forced to adapt. Left tackle Jose Urrutia, left guard Michael Crockett and center Aaron Tovsky, a four-year starter, bring stability to the line, but the right guard and right tackle positions are still up for grabs.
Urrutia said the offensive linemen need to be aggressive.
"Any guy we go against," he said, "we've got to punch first. We've got to hit them in the mouth."
Tovsky said the Titans are working with a higher level of intensity.
"I feel like everyone knows what it takes to win now since we were so close last year," Tovsky said. "We know we have to take the next step."
Defensively, Demetry Johnson, Malik Hackett and Urrutia could make an impact along the line. Linebackers Ed Massaquoi, Sesay and Roberson, and defensive backs Najee Surratt, Deamonte Rice and Jalani Winbush should be major contributors for the Titans.
On special teams, Manuel Benites is once again a weapon for the Titans as a kicker and a punter. Randolph is confident in Benites' ability to put kickoffs in the end zone and connect on long field goal attempts.
"If we cross the [opponent's] 40-yard line, we're not punting," Randolph said. "I'm not going to punt. I'm going to try to put three on the board."
TC will compete in the Queen City Quad scrimmage at Fort Hill High School at 3 p.m. on Aug. 20, and will host a scrimmage against Herndon at 5 p.m. on Aug. 25. The Titans will open the regular season at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 1 on the road against Wakefield. TC's first home game is at 1 p.m. on Sept. 17 against Robinson.
Ending the 20-year playoff drought "would be awesome," Tovsky said. "Obviously, there's a little bit of history that comes along with playing at T.C. Williams, and that's a pretty cool thing, so to be able to get the tradition going again and be known as the group that did it would be a pretty cool thing."


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Georgia has been declared the official birthplace of wine. For now.
Research conducted by an international team of scientists has discovered that viticulture and winemaking in the area could be traced back as far as 6,000 BC – about 1,000 years earlier than the previous 'oldest' wine region, in the Zagros mountains in Iran.
The team examined sites at Shulaveris Gora and Gadachrili Gora, ancient settlements 50km south of the capital Tbilisi. The sites had previously been excavated in the 1960s. But using more accurate modern techniques to analyse the grape residue on the ancient jars, the team discovered that grapes were being grown there – and cultivated in a systematic fashion – in early Neolithic times.
'These results [show] just how important wine was in the social setting of the earliest periods of human village life,' said Stephen Batiuk of the University of Toronto.
The scientists also found fragments of the region's 300-litre kvevri clay pots – a means of ageing wine that is still used today, and which is increasingly trendy amongst sommeliers.
So is this definitively the oldest place for wine ever? Yes... but only for now.
'Other sites in the South Caucasus in Armenia and Azerbaijan might eventually produce even earlier evidence for viniculture than Georgia,' said Dr Patrick McGovern of the Penn Museum; a specialist in the role of alcohol in the history of humankind. 'The Taurus Mountains of eastern Turkey are also a prime candidate for further exploration - its monumental sites at the headwaters of the Tigris River, date as far back as 9,500 BC.'
Read all about Georgia's burgeoning wine scene in the Winter issue of Imbibe, out in December


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Faux leather leggings are a must have in your closet. If you have not tried a pair, I promise they will quickly become one of your most favorite pairs of leggings. Super comfy and stylish! They work with lots of options and are fun for mixing textures for winter!
The pair of faux leather leggings I wore for about four seasons needed to be replaced this year. I picked up this pair but sadly they sold out over the weekend since they were marked for under $15! These and these are good alternatives!
I paired my leggings with a knit cowl neck sweater tunic and faux suede over the knee boots. The mixture of knit + faux leather + faux suede creates depth and dimension to my outfit. Both my sweater and boots are a few seasons old, but as always I've linked various options in the shop widget for you to create a similar look that fits your budget and style.
Do you own faux leather leggings? What is your favorite items to pair them with?


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Legendary actor Jackie Chan starrer "Kung Fu Yoga" will hit the screens on January 28 next year.
Actress Amyra Dastur, who will be seen sharing screen space with the "Rush Hour" star, shared the release date along with the film's first poster on Twitter.
"'Kung Fu Yoga' all set to release on the 28th of January 2017! Wait for it," Amyra posted on Tuesday.
"Kung Fu Yoga", a Sino-Indian project, is a part of the three-film agreement signed between the two countries during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to India.
The film also stars actor Sonu Sood. It is reported that the Hindi film stars have performed some adrenalin-pumping action sequences and even a Bollywood number, choreographed by Farah Khan, for the movie.
Directed by Stanley Tong, the action comedy film is also shot here and Iceland, where Jackie got Amyra a farewell cake, as a warm goodbye gesture from him.
This is not the first time that "The Legend of Drunken Master" star will be starring along Indian actors. Chan has previously collaborated with Bollywood actress Mallika Sherawat in his 2005 film "The Myth".


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What's New
Concerns About Canine Influenza
We have been getting lots of questions about the canine influenza outbreak in Chicago. Currently, we are not aware of any outbreaks in Minnesota. If you are concerned about your dog contracting the disease or if you are traveling to Chicago, the best recommendation we can make is to avoid having your dog in contact with other dogs.
Please see the following links for more information about the disease:
NewStat/post/2015/04/08/ 813572/Count-is-high-for- canine-influenza-outbreak-in- Chicago.aspx
February is National Pet Dental Month!
Did you know that 70% of cats over 4 have dental disease? Or-that toy breeds may be more prone to dental disease? Pet Periodontal disease can lead to pain, bad breath, and tooth loss.
In honor of National Pet Dental Month, we will be giving away a FREE dental kit–which includes a toothbrush, toothpaste and dental diet sample–when your pet has a dental during the month of February.
Let's work together to keep your pets smile healthy. Call or email to schedule your pet's dental appointment today!
Check Out Our New Facebook Page!
We are excited to announce that we now have a facebook page. Please "Like" us on Facebook for helpful hints and fun tid-bits!
Also feel free to post pictures of your adorable pets!
New feline vaccine protocol now being used at Lyndale Animal Hospital!
In an effort to reduce the risks of vaccinations, while continuing to protect our pets from fatal infectious diseases, the nonadjuvanted rabies and feline leukemia vaccines are now being used on our feline patients at Lyndale Animal Hospital. Both of these vaccines should be boostered on a yearly basis. The city of Minneapolis requires all pet cats and dogs to be licensed and up to date with their rabies immunizations.
The feline leukemia vaccine is recommended in cats that go outdoors or are at risk of being in contact with cats of unknown disease status.
Vaccine site-associated sarcomas, a cancerous tumor that can form at the site of a vaccine injection, have been rigorously studied in veterinary medicine. In 1997 a Vaccine-Associated Feline Sarcoma Task Force (VAFSTF) was established to investigate this relatively rare, but aggressive disease, stimulate research and initiate changes in feline vaccine recommendations.
Although the cause for sarcoma formation in felines is not completely understood, experts currently agree that the tumors originate in areas where there is chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation at the site of a vaccine injection has been linked to the use of adjuvants in vaccines. Adjuvants, like aluminum salts and gels, are typically used in inactivated vaccines to enhance the immune response to the antigens within the vaccine.
Scientific evidence suggests that in genetically susceptible cats, chronic inflammation from vaccine adjuvants can lead to a cascade of physiological events, ultimately causing certain cells types to transform into cancerous cells.
Studies have shown that vaccination with inactivated, adjuvanted rabies or feline leukemia vaccines are associated with increased risk of vaccine site-associated tumors in cats. This association does not exist with the feline distemper vaccine (also known as the Panleukopenia-Rhinotracheitis-Calici or PRC vaccine). Luckily, experts have developed nonadjuvanted vaccines that lower the risk of tumor formation in cats.
Ask us at your next appointment if you have any other questions about vaccines and their associated risks.
Spring is upon us and so are the bugs! Part III: Heartworm
Heartworm is a parasitic worm that lives, as an adult, in the heart and pulmonary arteries of the dog (and very rarely, the cat). The parasite is transmitted to a dog by a bite from an infected mosquito.
Simply stated, an infected mosquito injects larvae into a dog's skin where these larvae (called L3) then spend the next week or two developing into the next larval stage (L4). The L4 stage lives in the skin for three months or so until it develops to a young adult stage (L5) and is ready to enter the dog's circulatory system. The young adults, migrate to the heart and out into the pulmonary arteries (if there is room) where they will become adult heartworms and mate, approximately 5 to 7 months after first entering the new host.
There are many safe and effective heartworm preventives that act by killing the L3 and L4 stages. The ivermectin products are also able to kill the younger L5.
Heartworm preventatives that we currently carry at our hospital include:
- Heartgard Plus (dogs only)
- Iverhart (dogs only)
- Revolution (dogs and cats)
- Proheart 6 (dogs only) – coming soon!
Testing for heartworm disease
Heartworm tests on the market do not detect infection with immature worms. This is why it takes 5 to 7 months from the time of exposure to get a valid heartworm test, therefore, there is no point in testing puppies less than 5 to 7 months of age. At that point, it is recommended that your dog be tested annually even if it is on heartworm protection year round.
For a further explanation of this and other information on heartworm disease, please click on the links below:
Spring is upon us and so are the bugs! Part II: Ticks
Ticks are blood-sucking parasites that can attach to dogs, cats and humans, and transmit deadly diseases. Adult ticks hang out in grasses and bushes and wait for an animal to pass by so they can attach and feed.
Ticks can carry and transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis and Erlichiosis which can lead to long term complications and even death in severe cases.
These diseases can be prevented by using a monthly preventative on your pet.
Click on the following links for more information:
General Information:
Lyme Disease:
- http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1588
- http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/cliented/lyme.aspx
- http://www.lymedisease.org/
Tick Product Comparison:
There are many safe and efficacious products available that prevent tick-borne diseases if used appropriately.
Here is a list of the products that are carried at our hospital:
- Frontline (cats and dogs)
- Certifect (dogs)
- Vectra (dogs)
Spring is upon us and so are the bugs! Part I: Fleas
Here's some information on what you need to know about potential parasitic threats to our furry friends and how to protect them.
Although your pets can get fleas at any time of the year, pets tend to be at higher risk of getting fleas during the spring through fall. Here are some examples of ways your pet can catch fleas:
- From other cats and dogs that your pet encounters at places such as parks, day cares, boarding facilities, and training classes.
- From wildlife such as rabbits, skunks, birds and raccoons.
- From a new home or apartment. Fleas can survive for months in carpeting or in the cracks between the boards of hard wood floors.
Fleas aren't just a nuisance to people and their pets, they can cause serious disease in our cats and dogs. The following is a list of diseases caused by flea bites:
- Flea Allergic Dermatitis
- Flea Anemia
- Feline Infectious Anemia
- Cat Scratch Fever/Bartonellosis (a disease that cats can get from fleas and transmit to humans)
- Tapeworm infection
Click on the following links for more information:
Luckily, flea infestations are easy to prevent. Many products are available that have been scientifically researched for safety and efficacy.
Here is a list of products that are available at our hospital for the treatment and prevention of flea infestation in dogs and cats:
- Revolution
- Frontline
- Ceftifect (dogs only)
- Capstar


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You guys, the baby does not need an extra piece of cake.
New UNSW research has challenged the adage of needing to "eat for two" during pregnancy -- showing expectant mothers boost fat stores and extra lean mass, while increasing their energy output all without needing to consume significantly more food. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.
The study, led by UNSW Professor Tony O'Sullivan, tracked the weight gain, energy spent (metabolised) and food intake of 26 women throughout their pregnancy at Sydney's St George Hospital, using sophisticated mobile sensor technology.
On average, the women gained 10.8 kilograms during pregnancy, seven kilograms of which was additional fat mass -- largely put on between the first and second trimester.
This laying down of fat stores occurred despite an almost 8 percent surge in daily energy demand and no significant change in food intake, suggesting dramatic metabolic changes occur that allow expectant mothers to conserve more energy as fat and to extract more calories from food. It's a shame that energy doesn't translate to feeling fabulous.
Professor O'Sullivan said the findings -- which support earlier studies involving smaller cohort -- contrasted with traditional advice that pregnant women should cumulatively increase their intake of calories.
"These findings suggest the need for reassessment of nutritional advice given to pregnant women, as current advice to increase energy intake may be increasing the risk of excessive gestational weight gain," said O'Sullivan.
Fat stores are essential in pregnancy to buffer fluctuations in energy supply and demand driven by the growing foetus, as well as the significant energy demands of breastfeeding, particularly in the first six weeks following birth.
However, excessive weight gain in pregnancy is associated with complications including gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia, as well as an increase in heart disease in offspring.
Good luck telling the news to your cravings.
The Study published in the latest edition of The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.


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Kelvin Gems signature multi-combination pendant necklace. A gift widely acceptable by ladies, OL, bridesmaid.
NOTES*This product is only available for Klang Valley Delivery.*Price stated above includes delivery fee within Klang Valley.*This product will be delivered on next business day if order after 4PM.*Same day delivery is available for Monday to Friday.*This product are not available during public holiday.*Please keep your order number, receipt and refer to Kelvin Gems for warranty.


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20 Jul 2016
Boyds Bay Landscaping recently completed a sensitive upgrade on the Calliope Cemetery in the Gladstone region, redesigning and improving the existing grounds with their usual attention to detail.
The Central Queensland township of Calliope is part of the historically rich Gladstone area. The oldest graves in the existing Calliope Cemetery date back to 1884. While cemeteries tend not to be a pleasant subject, they are an essential part of every community, and by making the surroundings as beautiful as possible it can brighten the often sombre occasions conducted there.
Continuing Boyds Bay Landscaping's long, successful working relationship with Gladstone Regional Council they were more than happy to assist in bringing the exceptional level of quality and detail to this project that the Council has come to expect.
Project works included:
- Initial site clearing and demolition
- Concrete pavements and stairs
- Balustrading
- Retaining walls
- Feature boulders
- Concrete edging
- Automatic irrigation system
- Softscaping and planting
- Furniture installation
- Shelter
- Signage
- Extensive stone work
Design changes and modifications to the scope of works required quick thinking and flexibility from the project manager and the rest of the onsite crew, but in the end it proved no obstacle for the completion of this immaculate site. All team members are proud of what this project accomplished and hope the space continues to flourish and serve the local community for many years to come.
Located in Tweed Heads, with regional offices in Brisbane, Gladstone and Sunshine Coast, Boyds Bay Landscaping are able to serve the design and landscape needs of a large area.
As a full service company Boyds Bay offer services in landscaping, environmental works, planning, ecological restoration, maintenance and, with their own nursery and landscape supply division, are well equipped to handle any domestic or commercial project.
To view the full range of services on offer from Boyds Bay visit www.boydsbaygroup.com.au


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Blue Sparrow Coffee Showcases Small-Batch Roasters From Around the World
Like most Denver neighborhoods these days, RiNo is full of changes. The good thing about the growth is that it gives us an unending list of new places to try. Blue Sparrow Coffee is one of several new businesses to occupy Backyard on Blake, at 31st and Blake streets.
Since opening, Blue Sparrow (3070 Blake) has served Sträva Coffee. "They're always on our shelves; we use them for espresso always. They're kind of our anchor," says cafe manager Kevin Piaskowski. In addition to Sträva, Blue Sparrow likes to showcase other small-batch roasters, so every two to three weeks, the shop bring in new beans from roasters around the world. Previous roasters have included Five Elephant out of Berlin, Germany, Little Wolf from Ispwich, Massachussetts, and current roaster Tailored Coffee from Eugene, Oregon.
"There are so many big craft companies… We think they make great coffee, but one of the great things about the connectivity of the Internet is that it allows small businesses, like Tailored Coffee, to showcase coffees that you wouldn't normally get and are exceptional," says Piaskowski, who often uses Instagram to find new roasters far beyond Colorado's borders. "I think it's so cool that we can do that. Since we are small [as well], it's great to showcase small roasters that are doing big things and give them attention that they wouldn't normally get."
At just 470 square feet, Blue Sparrow's interior is small, but it was carefully designed by Jeffrey Knott and Fiona Arnold to utilize every bit of space. Knott has had his hand in opening and designing many Denver-based coffee shops, including Prodigy and Pigtrain, but Blue Sparrow is the first he's owned. He joined forces with Arnold of Mainspring Developers, the team behind Backyard on Blake. While working as a barista at places like Fluid and Thump, Knott made a list of what he liked and didn't like, all of which came to fruition in Blue Sparrow.
On nice days, customers can spill out onto the "backyard" area or the rooftop patio, spaces shared with neighbors the Workroom, Peteybird Ice Cream Sandwiches, the Preservery and others. Blue Sparrow's west-facing garage-door-style window opened up the space, but now remains closed because of regulations surrounding a pending liquor license; the coffee shop hopes to be serving spirits by summertime. And while beer isn't on the menu yet, there are plenty of other beverages available on eight taps, like a Sträva CBD-infused nitro cold brew, which, much like a Guinness, takes time to settle.
Monday through Friday, the shop serves as a meeting space for people who live and work in the neighborhood, and baguette sandwiches from Marczyk Fine Foods and pastries from Enzo the Baker are delivered fresh daily for those lingering through lunch. On weekends, the shop attracts a different crowd of visitors to the neighborhood, according to Piaskowski. Regardless of whether you're visiting RiNo or work nearby, the patio offers great views of Denver, the mountains and surrounding construction (okay, you can get that view just about anywhere in RiNo). The cafe is open from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. seven days a week.
BY Danielle Krolewicz
© Copyright © 2018 Westword, All rights reserved.


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Regular price
Hemp rope is shipped with hemp twine bound ends and is available to order by foot
For replacement rope: small & med MQuan Studio bells are shipped with 7' of 4mm/6mm/8mm rope. Large bells and birdhouses are assembled with 8' of 10mm rope
Hemp rope is a natural fiber and while very strong, will eventually rot if left outside in the weather & rain. If your piece hangs outside, please check rope periodically
Hand made in NYC
All items ship in 4-8 weeks, please contact us to inquire about immediate delivery
Thank you!
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July 20, 2017
Adding to Your Property Portfolio? Time to Rethink Your Processes
Open up any multifamily property publication and you read about property management firms snapping up new properties or merging with other firms to grow their portfolios. M&A has become an increasingly popular growth strategy among property management companies.
Organic expansion strategies take time, and merging with or acquiring another property firm can accelerate growth. However, property management companies must realize operational and cost synergies with each new acquisition. Easier said than done.
After the deal is signed the reality sets in. Yes, the combined business now has presence in multiple markets, and an expanded portfolio of properties, however, there is a whole new level of operational complexity There are two sets of operating systems, two sets of processes, and integration issues as far as the eye can see.
Fill the Gaps Quickly
For REITs, multi-property owners and property management firms, access to information is key. Yet, many times processes like applications, credit checks and rent collections — all key cash-flow activities — are paper-based. This creates bottlenecks and reporting is often rear-view only or incomplete due to missing bits of information.
When companies need to merge and work as a single entity, the move the web-based technology can help fill the gaps between the two companies, no matter what major property management software they are using. This also presents the opportunities to rethink processes on both sides to streamline and get rid of inefficiencies.
From initial marketing efforts to ongoing resident relations (and everything in-between), an affordable, SaaS (Software as a Service) platform can bring together diverse systems helping to achieve two key outcomes for the newly merged company: 1) reduced operation costs, and 2) increased revenues. Key stakeholders can instantly access real-time reports to get a complete financial picture of portfolios and properties. The unification realized through the cloud-based solution achieves:
Reduced Property Costs: The SaaS platform removes the need for any post-merger capital expense in the form of IT infrastructure. Property leaders are not required to invest in an IT department or extensive hardware. Because SaaS is software that is accessed through the Internet, the property management solution is easy to set up and even easier to maintain as providers manage any necessary upkeep and upgrades.
As well, paperless applications and email queries cut the costs of printed forms and phone bills, and offer a much more efficient means of sorting through prospects.
Bigger, Better Insights: Cloud-based solutions go far beyond the necessary action of reducing upfront costs. By switching to such a cloud-based system, property management companies and REITs gain access to real-time data about all their properties – information that is up-to-date, comprehensive and consolidated. Rather than having to sift through information that is often isolated in silos across various platforms and medium, professionals can quickly access and assess performance by building, by building manager or by region, giving them keen decision-making insights that empower them to make the right choices to improve their operations, marketing and finances – and ultimately cash flow.
Don't Take Our Word for It
Property management firms that have switched over to Property Vista's SaaS solution typically experience a 45% improvement in collections and a 75% lift in online payments within a few short months of implementation. Many have achieved their goal of going paperless, which reduces costs and improves efficiencies.
Through our set of open APIs, we can work in tandem with other systems, including Yardi or even your own proprietary solution. To learn more about how to use cloud-based technology to effectively manage your properties, sign up for your free account today or give us a call.