Karen L. Syed's Blog, page 12

And the Winner is…

Buy Now at Kindle!

Well, it is just past noon on Christmas Day and I'd like to say my Begging for Reviews contest was a 100% success, however… I will have to settle for saying it was a huge success.

Last week I offered to give away a Kindle Touch to one lucky winner if reviewers (of any level) posted 50 reviews onto the original Blog post. Here is what happened.

Free Book Sent – 55

Reviews Posted – 25

It's not bad overall, I hoped for more, but this makes me very happy. On behalf of all the author reviewed, we sincerely thank you for your time and willingness to jump at my request. Your reviews have already began earning us sales and for that we will remain sincerely appreciate.

Now, about the Kindle Touch. I had kept in my mind that if at least 40 reviews were posted, I would go ahead and give away the Kindle. Unfortunately that did not happen. So in the spirit of Christmas, I have decided that I would go ahead and give away a $25.00 gift card to Amazon.com instead.

The winner was chosen by my husband who had no idea what the heck I was doing. He picked a number and that was that.

Congratulations to Jackie Vick.  I will be sending her the gift certificate.

I hope in the future all of you will consider reviewing books (not just ours) on a regular basis. I can also tell you that I hope you will continue to read my Blog and Echelon books. You never know when I might have another contest, or what I might want to give away!!

May this day be filled with nothing but joy to all of you and those you love. Thank you again!!

Tagged: book reviews, contest, Jackie Vick, kindle

May I Please Go Here?

Well, I've been so focused on business lately that I have not given you a dose of my life. My husband and I recently went to Pakistan to visit his family. When we came home, we brought his parents with us. They are lovely people and we are enjoying their visit immensely.

However…I am not one who plays well with other children. I am quite selfish, and I prefer things to be my way…always my way! There have been lots of compromises and I am also not very good at that. Why is this important? Well, for you it really isn't, but for me it is very important. You see, a couple years ago I converted from Christianity to Islam. It was a wonderful decision and one I don't have any regrets about. It has made a huge positive impact on my life. The point…

I miss Christmas. I made a choice to stop celebrating Christmas because of the religious implications. Then I started doing some research and discovered some things about this particular holiday that I had always suspected, but never took the time to investigate. So, armed with a small bit of information, I concluded what I had actually known for years. Christmas isn't, nor has it been, a religious holiday for me.

Missing Christmas has made me quite irritable and sad. It also makes me difficult to get along with. So, I think the safest thing for me to do is to go to a happy place. But since that is not possible, I have made a decision.

What is Christmas? For me it is Santa Claus, holiday parties, twinkling decorations, and presents. Lots of presents. SO what am I basing thins on?

The History of Christmas:

So where did it begin?

Over 4000 years ago, the Mesopotamians celebrated each new year with a 12-day festival, called Zagmuth.  The Mesopotamians, who believed in many gods, held this festival in support of their chief god, Marduk, because they believed that he battled the monsters of chaos at the beginning of each winter.  It is from this festival that the 12 days of Christmas is believed to have originated.

So how did they celebrate?

The ancient Romans held a celebration each year in honor of their god Saturn.  The festival, which they called Saturnalia, began in the middle of December and lasted until the first of January.  The Romans decorated their homes with garlands, as well as trees upon which they hung candles.  During the festival the citizens of Rome would visit each other's homes and hold great feasts.  One of the theories of how the tradition of the giving of Christmas gifts came about was from the Roman practice of exchanging gifts between family and neighbors during the festival of Saturnalia to promote good luck.

What does it have to do with Jesus?

One theory about the evolution of the winter celebrations to the celebration of the birth of Jesus is that the Roman emperor Constantine, who converted to Christianity, wanted to incorporate the pagan winter rituals together with the celebration of Jesus' birth.  In this way, Constantine hoped to help both pagans and Christians celebrate together.  Many believe that this is the reason for celebrating the birth of Christ on December 25th.

My Point:

With all of this in mind, I am returning to the old ways and will once again be celebrating Christmas. Not for religious reasons, but…well hell, for the awesome decorations and presents. LOTS of presents.

So Close…Yet So Far

Not too late to read my little itty bitty short story. BUY NOW!

Here it is the eve of the eve of the eve of Christmas. Did I count that correctly? At any rate, I thought I would give you all an update on the WTF? Begging for Reviews Contest. These numbers are as of right now. So, before I go any further, you might want to tell a few friends about this one. You'll see why in a moment.

Books Sent: 50 (notified that 3 people cannot meet the 12/24 midnight deadline, so technically only 47.

Book Reviews Posted: 12 (Okay, we need 50 posted if I am to give away that Kindle Touch. I know, grumble grumble…rules is rules.)

Books Selected: As of this morning all 10 books have been selected for review. THANK YOU!

Happily, I have only take a small bit of rubbish for my methods with this contest, but it served a very important purpose–actually several.

1. It helped a few people realize that they were qualified to review books and that they could in fact write solid reviews.

2. It opened up the eyes of many authors who thought (seriously) that the reviewers would come looking for them. I wish it were true. Would save me a lot of hours in many days, but as publishers and authors we MUST seek out the reviewers.

3. In at least a couple instances, it helped readers realize that its okay to step a little bit out of their comfort zone because they might just find an author, or a genre, they didn't know they would enjoy.

4. And most importantly for Echelon and our authors, it got us out there into some new forums. For more than a decade I have sought reviews with almost no success, and without really knowing why, we have sat aside feeling neglected.

So far the reviews posted have been solid and I feel the readers have been pretty honest. I have learned a lot and will make every effort to enhance the quality of our books from this point on.

So, get out there and tell ALL your reader buddies that YOU want to win a Kindle Touch so they need to read a book or two by Midnight 12/24. If they really love you, they will. (okay, I know that never really works, but I couldn't think of anything any more clever to close with.)

But since I just added that other stuff, I am now closing this post, in a non-comedic way. That means not funny, cause hubby says, I think I'm a lot funnier than I really am. He has other good qualities. LOL He irons his own clothes. I know, right. How cool is that?

And to lizziecracked (not broken) who write the Running Naked With Scissors Blog (which you really should follow) I give you this link. The History of Christmas. You asked about Christmas and when it actually started or something like that, and then somewhere you asked for links, I wasn't sure exactly what links you wanted, but I assumed it was in reference to the whole Christmas thing, so I went out this morning (cause I had so much time to waste, and I found this link that I think gives a rather good description of the history of Christmas and while I was raised a Christian, I always had a problem with that whole Jesus born in December thing, but that's a whole 'nother blog post.

Pick Your Battles Wisely

Well, it was bound to happen. After a week of begging for reviews (WTF? Begging for Reviews), I finally got the email I had been expecting–took a little longer than I would have thought. Yes, you guessed it. I pissed someone off by asking for reviews, no "begging like a spoiled child" is what I supposedly, actually did.

"What kind of publisher would post a Blog telling the world that no one would review your books?" Have I lost my mind? What the hell as I thinking? Um, the fact that many of our books had no reviews might have been a sign to the world. Furthermore.

"Is it your goal in life to ruin the careers of all your authors?" How dare I? No kidding, why would I want readers to tell other readers what they thought of our books. That might actually encourage someone to go out and buy one of the books. I suck!

"Perhaps no one reviews your books because you publish mediocre writers who can't get published anywhere else." Um..yeah, that's it. I only publish people who suck.

Come on, Asshat. Really? I have not, nor will I respond directly to this person–who by the way submitted to us and was rejected. Obviously they read my blog and can see my response here. So you all know, I am not taking my professional hat off, but I am tipping it a little to the side.

Who do you think you are? Seriously. You have the audacity to question my intentions and level of professionalism? Did you think I would not recognize your name when you signed your email? I do keep records. Did you think that sending a publisher a note calling them names and insulting them would gain you favor anywhere? Did you really think I would NOT post my response publicly? You obviously have not read enough of my posts. You should consider yourself lucky I did not take off the professional hat, or your name, email address, and web address would be in HUGE bold letters with this response. I'm sure I will get more than one request from Echelon authors to know the name of the person who called them all mediocre.

There is something you obviously have not learned about me throughout the years that I have been blogging and speaking freely about my role in the industry. I am not a lemming. I do not follow along blindly and let everyone else dictate how I run my business or my life. I have every intention of continuing to succeed in this business. I have not "failed to intrigue or energize readers or reviewers with lackluster plots and mediocre writers." I have published damn good stories that entertain readers. And if some of our books have errors in them, then I sincerely apologize, but we are human.

People, authors, readers, etc, don't let stupidity rule your life. If you don't like something, then find a considerate way to say it. This isn't about publishing, it's about human decency. I don't expect everyone to agree with everything I say or do, but if you don't, then either give me constructive advice, or shut the hell up. Don't keep telling me that I am doing something wrong until you have solid advice on how I can do it better.

I would wager there are tons of people out there who don't agree with my tactics for gathering reviews, I thank you all for not sending me pissy emails calling me a "hack publisher wannabe."

With all that said, please don't think this has swayed me in any way from my path to riches and success. There are still four more days for you to request your book and get those reviews posted on the original blog post to be entered to win the Kindle. So send me those requests. The family won't mind sandwiches another day so you can finish that book.

And to those of you who have requested books and are sending/posting your reviews. I cannot thank you enough. Your support of Echelon is very much appreciated.

Tagged: books, Echelon Press, readers, reviews, success

Is Occupying the Answer?

I read a post this morning called "Occupy Amazon" the bibliopirate Blog. This has become a huge issue in the book industry. Amazon vs. world. Really? If you've read any of my posts you know I'm an Amazon.com advocate. Before you go getting your knickers all twisted up at me, save your rotten fruit, I'm not going to change my mind. At least not until they screw me. Why do I like Amazon so much you might ask?

1. I sell books there–and lots of them. Literally 10 to 1 compared to brick and mortar stores. Don't get me wrong, I would love to sell books in bookstores, but stores simply don't want to sell our books. There are many reasons they offer, but bottom line is bookstores aren't willing to take the risk on a small business, even though many of the stores are small businesses themselves.

2. Convenience. I'm not a fan of traffic, actually I'm a bit of a road rage driver, anyone who's been in a car with me can attest to that. Stupid drivers just piss me off. So, it's easier if I just shop from my computer. No one gets hurt, and my blood pressure stays within a manageable range.

3. Selection. I can find 100 times more stuff to buy from Amazon than I can from any bookstore. My experience with bookstores is that they favor the big publishers and best sellers. That's great, if that's what keeps them in business then that's what they should sell. But it doesn't work for me. I prefer new authors, lots of series, and have a fondness for indie publishers. I find very few of those in bookstores.

I read post after post and hear comment after comment about how Amazon is killing the brick and mortar stores. I simply don't believe this. I think the stores could actually compete more effectively if they gave more consideration to what their customers want and less to what they think will sell. Customer service is the key element to any successful business. No one is willing to pay higher prices and be treated badly. I know I'm not.

I'll pay a higher price if the store clerks actually acknowledged me, offered me any assistance, and knew what they hell they were doing. This has not been the case in the last ten stores (of any kind) I have been in. Especially bookstores.

I just don't see Amazon as the villain everyone makes them out to be. They are a business, like any other, and they are in the business to make money. That is why we all go into business, right? I posted a comment somewhere about this and I clearly stated that consumers have a choice. No one is forcing anyone to go to Amazon.

As for bibiopirate's situation. It's sad when people go into stores, especially bookstores, and forget about common courtesy. Looking for a book? If you can shop on Amazon then you should be smart enough to know how to look up the info you seek on the web. Don't be an asshat and go to a local store, make them do all the legwork (that makes you lazy), and then deprive them of the sale. That is just pissy and there is a special place in hell for people like you.

Show some decency. If you have the time and the inclination to actually go into a store, then give them your business. They have earned it, simply by being there for you.

bibliopirate doesn't really call for a boycott of Amazon, though others have. That's not the answer. Amazon has as much right to fight for the consumer 's business than any store or whatever. What happens in the retail world is 100% dependant on the consumer. It is YOU who makes the choice where you spend your money. If Amazon is the king of retailers it's because consumers have made it so. You want your local stores to thrive, then get off your duff, get out of your house, and go spend your money there.

But for cripes sake, remember, your local store is not an information booth on your way to online shopping. It's a place where people just like  you go to earn a living and support their families. Show some respect!

You can also do your favorite stores a favor by promoting them. In fact, why don't you post your favorite local store in the comment section of this post. No big box stores, just hometown businesses that deserve some exposure and some business.

Tell us about your…

Favorite local business:

Address:

Web site:

Why you like them:

Tagged: amazon.com, bookstores, business, consumers

Begging for Reviews: UPDATE

Betrayed by Sam Morton

Okey Dokey. I thought I would let everyone know where we stand right now with the review contest.

Don't know what the hell I'm talking about? Pop over and read http://karensyed.wordpress.com/2011/12/14/wtf-begging-for-book-reviews/

I have sent out 23 downloads.

I have received 2 reviews.

8 of the 10 titles offered have been requested.

Don't forget that there is a deadline for this contest, and I hate to be a grinch, but we need to see 50 reviews for me to give that Kindle away.

So tell all your friends. Authors, this is a GREAT way for you to get some promo because you can post your byline with your review. Yeah, I said it. I ENCOURAGE it. If you are willing to take the time to review one of our books, I am perfectly happy for you to get a little play from it. (Just don't abuse it. LOL)

Reviewers Gone Bad

In keeping with my theme this week, I wanted to touch lightly (not that I do much lightly) on book reviewers that go rogue…or in some cases, bad. What constitutes bad in the review industry? Okay, before I tell you, here is my standard disclaimer: these are just my opinions. I am not a professional book reviewer, I don't claim to be an expert. I am simply an author and a publisher who has to interact with reviewers on a regular basis.)

So, where was I? Oh yeah, bad reviewers. Over the last twenty-five years, I have read a lot of reviews. Some of them are stellar, even when the reviewer didn't like the book. Others have been downright embarrassing for the rest of us in the industry. Here are my five top things that make reviewers bad.

5. Anorexic reviews. If you are a reviewer, write a review. Don't offer a blurb. "I loved this book. The author has done it again with a great mystery." This is NOT a review, it is a blurb. This is what authors/publishers use on book covers and in ad copy. A review is a breakdown of what you thought of the various aspects of a book. Plot, characters, description, writing style, etc.

4. Excessive spoilers. For the love of Pete, why would any reviewer who had a clue give away key points of a plot? I just want to kill someone when I read a review that reveals who, what, where, why, or when of a mystery plot when I'm supposed to figure it out as I read. Come on people, show some consideration. If you need a description of the book, use the publishers so you don't tell secrets.

3. Glossing poetic. Big words, and colorful adjectives that don't offer a damn bit of anything about the actual book. I don't care if " the author writes a blissfully elegant tale." Yeah, yeah, I get that, someone else thought the same thing and published it. Why would you tell us that "everything about this book sings to my emotional side." What the hell does that mean? Is the plot solid? Do the characters come to life on the page with their hilarious antics? Does the setting come to life and offer readers a glimpse into the perfectly flawed community of gnomes? Tell us what you think of the damn book.

2. Charging money. I get it, everyone needs to make money, but in this industry, it just isn't right. The reviewer is getting a free book and has (in most cases) chosen to offer their opinion. If they work for someone else, then it is up to the employer to pay the reviewer. NOT the author/publisher.

1. Vicious attacks. Book reviews are NOT a platform for venting your anger or hostility. Do not take a bad day and turn it into a tirade against an author who just happens to headhop in their book–or whatever. No one wants to read a review that calls the author a talentless hack who couldn't write a halfway decent book on a good day. No one cares if you think the author has wasted paper by penning a book about two people too stupid to live, much like the author. This is just mean and it serves no good purpose. When you write a book review, you are reviewing the BOOK, not the author. If the book is poorly written then find a halfway considerate way to say "While the story had promise, perhaps the author could focus a bit on general grammar rules." It makes the point without making the author suicidal. Mean reviews lead to me to think that those who can't say mean things about those who were brave enough to try.

Just because you call yourself a reviewer doesn't make you a good one. There are simple rules for every little thing in life we do, and if not rules, then at the very least guidelines. If you take on the responsibility of reviewing, then take it seriously and do it in a respectful manner. You are not going to like every book you read, but that doesn't give you the right to ensure that no one else does either. Offer some insight, without being an ass.

 

How I Write a Book Review

Hullo! After writing yesterday's Blog Post [WTF? Begging for Reviews] I received several emails from folks who said they would like to review one of our books, but they didn't know how to write a review. A couple even said they had Googled for the info, but got so many different ways, they were left confused.

Since I am asking for reviews, I will tell you how I write reviews. This is not a rule or even a guideline. It is simply how I choose to do it, and you are welcome to give my method a try, if you'd like.

First: I try not to offer up a synopsis of the story. As readers we see different things and we may see them differently. If the review requires a description, I use the jacket copy provided by the publisher/author.

Second: Now, I said the description was first, but for me it really isn't. It was just easier to start there. I try to make my first paragraph about my initial reaction of what I thought of the book/story. I write quite a few reviews, so this may vary a little, depending on my mood.

For example:

You should really read this book. I mean if you like cozy mysteries with spunky heroines and situations that could easily happen to you. from the opening chapter, Judy Alter takes the reader through the adventures of a real estate agent who just happens to own a property with a skeleton in the closet. Literally.

Third: The next paragraph or two (I try to keep them short), I go into a little more detail about what I liked or didn't like. I try to include at least one or two comments about the plot, the pacing (how easy it was to stay in the flow of the story), the characters, and if the use of surroundings is good I like to comment on that as well.

For example:

When first we meet Kelly O'Connell it appears she is at the beginning of a normal day. But one phone call changes all of that. She's got a remodel going on and now there's a dead body, and old dead body, mucking it up.

From the discovery of the body to the resolution of the mystery, the author treats readers to a variety of unique characters and situations. We get goofy people, we get seriously mean villains, and we get a hint of potential romance.

Lastly: I use this final paragraph to give my overall opinion of the book. I try to offer up at least one solid sentence that the author/publisher could use on bookmarks or their website. I do that as a courtesy. This paragraph is all about what I want to tell other readers. I am after all, reviewing as an aid to other readers. A review is an opinion and they will be different from every reader, because we all like and notice different things.

For example:

No one aspect overshadows any of the others and I consider this to be one of the best paced stories I've read in a while. Not a particularly clever mystery, but solid and enjoyable. I look forward to the next book in the series. This is author one to watch.

I've been asked why I choose to write/post negative reviews. I don't consider any of my reviews negative. I consider them honest. There are some books that just don't please me. In fact, some really bug me. I post those reviews as considerately as I can, but with my honest opinions. What I say about a book, whether good or bade, is not law. It is my OPINION. Many mothers remind us that "Opinions are like assholes, everybody has one." It's true.

I post reviews so that other readers can get an idea of what I saw when I read. And if they find something in my review that excites them (quirky characters) then it will encourage them to read the book. If they agree with me that (there is too much history in large dumps) they may skip it. It is their choice. I personally will not read a book that has no negative reviews. I can't imagine a book that every single person likes. I prefer to read honest reviews about books so I can make a somewhat educated choice.

As an afterthought, I don't recommend you ever EVER use a review to voice your personal opinion on an author. Reviews are not a tool for bashing people you don't like. This seems to have gained some momentum lately and it is just bad form as a human being. You are not reviewing the author, you are reviewing the book. Leave the personal insults out of it. And if for some reason you find that a book has a tremendous amount, or even a small amount of technical errors, be delicate in your comments. Some book shave errors but are still great reads.I usually write:

Please note that this book contain some editorial errors, but they did not distract me from the story.

or

Please note this book contains editorial errors that I did find distracting to the story.

Simple and not vicious.

I hope this helps those of you who were looking for a little guidance for writing book reviews. If not, then no harm no foul.

The examples I used are from my actual review of  Skeleton in a Dead Space (A Kelly O'Connell Mystery) by Judy Alter.

WTF? Begging for Book Reviews

Good Morning..I'm writing this in the morning, even though it might be evening when you read it, in that case Good Evening… Before I go on, I'd like to let you know that there will be an awesome opportunity at the end of this post.

I'd like to ask a question to all the book reviewers out there. Why won't you review our books? Seriously. For ten years I have been sending out our new releases to get reviews. It actually hits about 1 out of every 20. Why is that? Don't get me wrong, I know that not every book is everyone' s cup of tea, but come on, this is like all of our books are boring. I promise they are not.

There has been so much controversy lately about who can review, who should review, how they should review, etc. I have a philosophy on this, and while it is not popular with many authors, it is mine, and I stand by it.

"If you read, you can review." Karen L. Syed

I don't care if you are the  cousin, the preacher, the publisher, the pet iguana. If you can actually read the book, you have the constitutional right to offer your opinion. In the interest of fairness, it's not a bad idea if you fully disclose who you are–I post reviews for books that I publish–hey, I liked them enough to publish them, and I am a reader first and foremost and my opinion about a book is just as valid as that of anyone else. That said, I always say up front that I am the publisher, if people disagree with me reviewing a book I published, they can skip it. I won't be offended.

So, I'm looking for reviews for a few books. I'd like reviews for all, but I'll start with a few. What am I willing to offer as enticement? When 50 reviews have been posted for Echelon Press/Echelon Shorts/Quake/Electric Shorts I will choose one lucky winner to receive a brand new Kindle Touch. That's right. Here is how it works.

1. Choose from the following list of books. You will receive 1 entry for each posted review. Email your choice to echelonpress@gmail.com. You will receive the eBook download FREE. You can review as many books as you like, but only one at a time. I will not send a second book until review of the first is posted.

2. READ the book and post your review in two places. One must be in the comment section of this post. The other can be any site of your choosing (your Blog, Amazon.com, BN.com, Good Reads, etc.) You get the point.

3. When you post your review on this Blog, please include the 2nd review link along with it. Reviews posted here without the 2nd link will NOT be eligible.

This is a short contest, so be prepared to read fast! All entries must be posted by 12:00 midnight December 24, 2011. I will choose and announce the winner on Christmas Day by Noon. If we do not reach 50 reviews, the contest will be void.

Choices:

Lost and Found by Karen L. Syed (Contemporary Romance)
Cold Comfort by Ellis Vidler (Romantic Suspense)
Blind Travelers Blues by Robert Bennett (Mystery/Science Fiction)
Shaken by D.M. Anderson (YA Adventure)
Totally Buzzed by Gale Borger (Mystery/Humor)
The Missing Locket by Mary Cunningham (Juvenile Fantasy)
Force of Habit by Marian Allen (Science Fiction)
Shadow Marsh by Caroline Bourne (Historical Romance)
Assignment: Nepal by J.A. Squires (Mystery)
Betrayed by Sam Morton (YA Spy Thriller)

These are NOT paid reviews. No one gets paid. You choose what you want to review and you MIGHT win a Kindle Touch.

Rebel Without a Cause

So I go over to read Kana's Chronicles today and I see that she has posted some blog rules that she found somewhere else. They were so damn funny, I could hardly stand it. General responses were that almost all of us either didn't know there were rules or just don't give a damn.

One of my favorite rules is: "Don't blog about your home life or pets or your kids. Your kids are NOT interesting."

So I decided to Blog about both today. Then I hit a small snag in my wild and reckless rebellion…I have no cat, I have no children. Now what the hell do I do? So, I am improvising.

1. Home life: Yesterday was our family Christmas Party and we had it at our house. It was our first party in the house. Okay, let's be honest, it was our first party, period. How sad is that? At any rate. My family came in from various surrounding cities and brought me gifts. Okay, they brought gifts for everyone, but the only ones that truly mattered to me were the one's to me.

So we had food, and we had presents, and we had fun. I know, right. It was the first time I had been able to be at a family gathering in about 5-6 years. I didn't realize how much I missed it. And I missed them. It was a blending of cultures as my husband's parents are here from Pakistan and they speak no English. But to be honest, laughter sounds the same in any language.

2. Pets: I do not currently have any pets. Soon I will have fish. Gale Borger and her handsome husband boB (that's Bob spelled backwards) are supposed to come for a visit in February and are going to help me set up an aquarium. I am so excited I can barely stand it. Pretty sure I want a salt water tank, cause the fish are much prettier. Not that all fresh water fish are ugly…it would be mean to say that. I used to have a fish tank years ago and had a number neon tetras. Unfortunately, the little bastards die so frequently that it became bothersome to keep coming up with new names for them.

3. Kids. Well, I had 2 out of 3. Since I have no kids, I will have to talk about someone else's kid. I have decided to use my cousins kid. Cameron. Now, Cameron has been one of my favorite kids since the day he was born. Not just because we are related, but because he is one of the coolest kids I've ever known. Always been smart as a whip, cute as a button, and clever to boot. I remember when he was little he loved Pee-wee Herman. He hd this Pee-wee doll that you pulled the string and it talked and laughed.  It was so cute to watch Cameron walk around with that thing. Well, we all know how the Pee-wee thing turned out, but Cameron on the other hand had made our entire family so proud.

Next Sunday we will gather in Daytona to watch Cameron…who sadly for me and the biological clock…is no longer a child but a remarkable man. I probably don't tell him that enough, but it has been an absolute joy watching him grow  into a man. His parents have done a super job with him. Sorry, got sidetracked…next Sunday Cameron will graduate from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. And it looks like he will be going on to get his Masters. So who wouldn't be proud of him. I know I am.

So there, I have covered all the aspects of the chosen rule that told me I should not do certain things in my Blog. Now, I think this is all quite interesting, but you in fact may not. Okay, fair enough. However, it is my Blog, and I do have the right to freedom of speech (at least for now) so if you want to continue be stimulated by my scintillating chatter, you may have to deal with a few broken rules once in a while.

Then again…what the hell is a rule??