Kevin A. Ranson's Blog, page 19

Just Who Does Google Think You Are? Find out!

Google announced new privacy policies effective March 1st, 2012 to "improve your experience across all their services." To do this, they anticipate who you are based on what you do online. Wanna see exactly what they think?

https://www.google.com/settings/ads/onweb

If you use Google (mail, calendar, search), this should work. It pulls up the cookie that Google uses to customize search results and interprets it for you, including what you like to search for, how old you are, and your gender.

Me? It says I like Science Fiction & Fantasy Films, Internet Clients & Browsers, Computer & Video Games & Online Games, People & Society, and Shopping for Toys (pretty close!) and that I'm male (damn skippy).

However, is also thinks I'm 18-24 years old. Fooled you, Google-bot! Young at heart, I guess.

Filed under: Creativity, Internet, Technology Tagged: Google, privacy

Theft Vs. Piracy: It's All About Context

Full disclosure: I am NOT advocating theft or piracy, only contrasting the difference and what it really means to the content creators. There! Now I have a clear conscious. Okay, fine, maybe I am, but only a little.

Ahem. Piracy is NOT theft.

There's a difference. If someone steals you car, it's gone. If someone steals a copy of your work, you still have your work, right? And that piracy can actually be a benefit (Wait… what?! But the government said…)

Locks keep honest people honest. If you drive past a couch on the street sitting next to some trash cans, it's fair game, right? What if it was a car parked there instead of a couch? It's all about context. A locked sliding glass door isn't much of a real deterrent (seeing how you can disable it with a rock), but it does communicate a simple social truth: "This person isn't sharing; it belongs to them." Will that stop a real thief? Of course not, but it discourages the honest from considering theft.

"But I lost a sale?" Did you, now? What you should have said "potential sale," because that's all it was. There's a reason marketing and advertising exists: to convince others that something you're selling is worth buying. If someone steals something that you didn't lose that wouldn't have bought it to begin with, what did you actually lose? Nothing. What did you potentially gain? Thing that make you go "hmm."

Neil Gaiman says, "You can't look at that as a lost sale." Artists are starting to get it and no longer need to be content with starving; the potential benefits outweigh the negatives. In a video interview, Mr. Gaiman expressed these very notions. "It's people lending books. You can't look at that as a lost sale. No one that wouldn't have bought your book is not buying it… what you are doing is advertising."

Storming the Gatekeepers. Here we come to the real issue: the gatekeepers. For decades, publishing houses and movie studios have had a lock on content creation AND distribution. If it's helping Independent film makers and authors gain audiences and spur sales, what's the problem? Control and exclusivity. These are huge businesses that are going under because they no longer have exclusive access to creation tools and distribution channels (or to push crap on you that you wouldn't want to see or hear to begin with, but I digress). Computers and the Internet have changed everything, and now they have to compete with cat videos and digital books for eyeballs (and dollars). Some are changing with the times, but some are stubbornly holding out for a legislative miracle, and American consumers are getting wise to it (SOPA and PIPA, anyone?)

If it's easy to own, it's easier to buy. The music industry is supposed to be in shambles, but iTunes is making a fortune. When the last time you bought music at a store? How about a whole album? Major book stores are now going out of business (while small book sellers are making a comeback). The last bastion of big media, the film and television industry, sees the writing on the wall. What's more is that they've done a far better job than music and literature at giving consumers what they want. Miss a movie at the theater? No problem. Buy the disc, download on demand, rent a pay-per-view, subscribe to a premium movie channel, or watch it with commercials on broadcast television. Isn't that enough?

Prosecuting people who download free songs is like putting drug addicts in jail. This doesn't make sense, folks. It feels like what it is, consumer bullying. Suing someone for millions of dollars for downloading 24 songs would be hilarious if it wasn't happening (what? Do they need the money?) It's all about context. People sharing isn't piracy or theft; it's advertising, free marketing from your established fans to new ones and potential sales. Even giving digital content away for a limited time can accomplish this, because everyone knows what "for a limited time only" means.

The only ones profiting from piracy prosecution are lawyers, the larval stage of politicians. Need I say more?

Don't steal. Share. It's all about context.

Filed under: Conspiracies, Creativity, Existentialism, Hollywood, Internet, Technology Tagged: Context, Don't Steal, Piracy, Share, Theft

Savage Insider #3 Is Available (Still for Free)

"Root of the Problem," the third part of my "Crypt of the Crystal Lich" serial, is available now in the new (and free) issue of Savage Insider. Get the free pdf download at RPGNow.com. Enjoy!

Filed under: Creativity, Roleplaying Tagged: Crypt of the Crystal Lich, Savage Insider

99 Cent eBook Sale Extended Till December 31st!

Got a shiny new Kindle or iPad for Christmas and wish you could still get a couple Spooky books for just 99 cents each to help fill it up? You talked me into it! I'll keep the sale up for one last week. These links and codes are only good on Smashwords (all common ebook formats are available). This extended offer is only good through New Year's, so here's you last chance to get 'em cheap!

Click to get the first book, The Spooky Chronicles: The Crooked Man, for 99 cents in multiple ebook formats by using this code during check out: HQ39S

Moments after a child on his death bed passes away, he is visited by a mysterious "crooked man" who sends him back to the land of the living. Upon returning, the young boy realizes that his mother was taken in his place, but that's only the beginning of the Crooked Man's sinister plan.

Click to get the second book, The Spooky Chronicles: The Terminal People, for 99 cents in multiple ebook formats by using this code during check out: DE94L

Still growing up as a dead boy, "Spooky" Spencer Lawson is learning about the strange world he never asked to be a part of (which is a lot more interesting than math). When a mysterious stranger he meets in an alley appears to die after touching Spooky's hand, Spooky begins to wonder how dangerous he really is, especially to the people he cares about.

Filed under: Creativity, Paranormal Tagged: sale, Spooky Chronicles

99 Cent eBook Sale 'Till Christmas!

There was a fairly good response for this back on Cyber Monday, so let's do it again! These links and codes are only good on Smashwords (all ebook formats are available). This is only good through Christmas, so get 'em now!

Click to get the first book, The Spooky Chronicles: The Crooked Man, for 99 cents in multiple ebook formats by using this code during check out: HQ39S

Moments after a child on his death bed passes away, he is visited by a mysterious "crooked man" who sends him back to the land of the living. Upon returning, the young boy realizes that his mother was taken in his place, but that's only the beginning of the Crooked Man's sinister plan.

Click to get the second book, The Spooky Chronicles: The Terminal People, for 99 cents in multiple ebook formats by using this code during check out: DE94L

Still growing up as a dead boy, "Spooky" Spencer Lawson is learning about the strange world he never asked to be a part of (which is a lot more interesting than math). When a mysterious stranger he meets in an alley appears to die after touching Spooky's hand, Spooky begins to wonder how dangerous he really is, especially to the people he cares about.

Filed under: Creativity, Literarian, Paranormal Tagged: Spooky Chronicles

5 Lies They Tell You About Writing (And Why They All Aren't)

Just saw an article on the Huffington Post by C.A. Belmond entitled "5 Lies They Tell You About Writing," and how they are "half-truths: at worst, they are straightjackets for budding authors." It's an interesting read, but I think a few of the explanations are a bit displaced.

1. Write What You Know.

The oldest advice for would-be authors. Of course, it wouldn't be interesting fiction if the ONLY thing you wrote was only what you had personally experienced. What's being suggested here isn't the overall plot but rather the details. Writers have the unique privilege of stepping into everyone's shoes, but deep down there will always be the author's reaction (even if it wasn't the first one). What a character likes or doesn't, believes or doesn't, or even does or doesn't always comes down to the personal choice of the author. When it feels disingenuous and phony, this is the reason. Go with your gut.

2. Descriptions are passé. Brand names are cool.

In my own current YA horror series, "The Spooky Chronicles," my main character has a tendency to hang on the first detail that comes to mind and "brands" the character with that detail until he finds out more: the Veiled Woman, the Asian-looking Lady, the Butler Guy. From a child's point of view, it something we all do (even as a adults). As he learns more about the people (along with the reader), his description changes, adding to the initial detail until he discovers a proper name for them. I will agree, however, that if the reference here is merely about swapping the word Motorola or iPhone for the description mobile phone, it's feels a bit lazy unless there's a specific reason why that particular brand is important. Besides, it more fun to write "My dad's favorite beer, the one with the patriot on the label" then just say Sam Adams.

3. Fiction is a lie.

Of course it is, but as the story goes, "I want to know how it ends." If the story was actually was true, it'd be a documentary, right? I agree with Belmond on this, however, being the most pretentious of the five; it kind of goes without saying, so even saying is sounds pretty pompous as an excuse for anything.

4. Literary fiction equals literature (and is therefore superior to genre fiction).

For the initiated, literary fiction or "serious fiction" is said to focus "more upon style, psychological depth, and character… in comparison from genre fiction and popular fiction (i.e., paraliterature)." This is the second biggest fib in this list (mostly agreeing with the author for the second time), but it does create a good point. A well-rounded story should take all of this into consideration; there's no rule to trade one for the other or that says both don't work. Heavy drama benefits more from character depth than an action thriller, but they are different kinds of stories with different things that readers look for.

5. "Hey, writers are entertainers. I'm not trying to be Tolstoy."

Of course, they aren't. How many of them even know who Tolstoy is?

Filed under: Conspiracies, Creativity, Literarian, Satire Tagged: Aren't, Lies, writing

Soft Launch: "Resulting Consulting" Book Branding Services

Some of you know that I've been working professionally with computers, graphics, and writing for years. Starting out in the US Navy as personal computers and the Internet started going mainstream, I've worked for both AOL and Web.com doing everything from helping people get connected to getting their merchandise sold. Right now, however, my day job (whenever I'm not writing) doesn't include more than technical customer support skills, so the only things that my years of experience are going to is my own writing and promotion.

That, however, ends today. I'm launching Resulting Consulting, a "book branding" venture (hence the Texas-style "rocking-R, bar-C" logo). These will be commissions that I'm taking on myself, not handing off to others, and so from time to time I may not be able to provide these services, but for now we'll see how it goes. I've already been doing this in pay and in trade for a while now, so this kind of made sense. Having also gotten into the publishing field with my own work, I've learned a lot in a very short time and have been amazed at how much people who've been doing it longer simply don't know what they don't know. I intend to change that (for those willing to listen) while continuing to learn myself since this is brand-new and constantly evolving field. Come along for the ride!

Filed under: Creativity, Existentialism Tagged: book branding, RC, Resulting Consulting

Why I Love the Idea of Herman Cain

In high school, I barely paid attention to song lyrics, let alone politics. In college, I was still trying to figure out what I wanted to "be." In the US Navy, I got to travel Europe and the Middle East while getting a very good view of how the rest of the world views Americans. After my service, I got into customer support and media creation, but it wasn't until I met someone else who did pay attention to the political landscape that I actually started to listen.

As a veteran serviceman, it was a no-brainer that our current president had the wrong idea from the word "change." The world cherishes American exceptionalism and invention, and they all jealously aspire to it (wouldn't you?) Communism and socialism are interesting ideas that fail as soon as one person wants more than the next person and has the means to take it (sorry, pacifists), and it's human nature to securely want more than enough. Sometimes it's greed, but it's also easy to identify that it comes from a time when you didn't have what you needed whether it was for you or those you car about.

Now a new presidential campaign has started, and many old men and established politicians are saying the same old things with one exception: Herman Cain. I had heard him before when he sat in for Neal Boortz (who always has an interesting take on things), and I admired what Mr. Cain has been able to do with his life and his success. At the prodding of fans and friends, Mr. Cain explored the possibility of running for the US Presidency and decided to run. The message is a threat to all politicians everywhere: a non-politician who wants the government to run with the same accountability that every business and individual is responsible for. He came prepared with actual plans that backed his statements, not vague buzz words that sound wonderful when cheered by a mob.

I also recall that his biggest fear was what would happen when the attacks began, and he was most concerned for his family. With no other place to stick a dagger, opponents at last dug up the report of an affair, targeting his family life as a character assassination attempt. Thus far, it has worked, mostly because it seems to be affecting the candidate himself. While I have no idea if these allegations are true or not, consider the following: why would anyone who kept an affair secret risk their family life by putting themselves on the stage of public opinion? It doesn't make much sense but it does make for great tabloid, and that reeks of manufacturer.

True or not, I hate the idea of voting for the "less evil" candidate, and someone like Herman Cain sounded like someone I'd be happy to vote for instead of crossing my fingers that things wouldn't stay on course to hit a brick wall. However, my thinking is this: after weeks of steadily losing ground, talk of Herman Cain's withdrawal is effectively getting his name back out there. If he stays in the race, it's with the commitment of a man that deserves my support. If he withdraws, he was never really prepared to go as far as he needed to begin with.

Your move, Mr. Cain.

Filed under: Politicking Tagged: Herman Cain, president

New Spooky Chronicles Logo, "Forget Me Nots" Synopsis

I've loved the offset "Spooky" lettering since I first created it, but the smaller lettering never stood out the way I wanted it to because it was just too small. The new logo now incorporates the elements I already liked with the series title, which will save a lot of space on the tops of future covers.

Did you know that ebooks make great holiday gifts? The holiday season is upon us! Both currently published books are only $2.99 each in digital format. Click here to purchase or gift books in the Spooky Chronicles for your favorite reader device!

The "secret" Spooky Chronicles book, Forget Me Nots, will soon appear in the charity anthology "Maelstrom: Tales of Madness and Horror." The story takes place between the first and second book in the series. Here's the synopsis:

There's something sinister about Chesterfield Mansion, and "Spooky" Spencer Lawson can't wait to find out why. Locked inside on a stormy night, Spooky and his fellow fifth graders are tasked to find thirteen skeleton keys before the stroke of midnight, but their host and his trusted minions are secretly watching for one of those children… the one who won't be missed.

Filed under: Creativity, Paranormal Tagged: Forget Me Nots, Logo, Spooky Chronicles, Synopsis

New Spooky Chronicles Logo, Forget Me Nots Synopsis

I've loved the offset "Spooky" lettering since I first created it, but the smaller lettering never stood out the way I wanted it to because it was just too small. The new logo now incorporates the elements I already liked with the series title, which will save a lot of space on the tops of future covers.

Did you know that ebooks make great holiday gifts? The holiday season is upon us! Both currently published books are only $2.99 each in digital format. Click here to purchase or gift books in the Spooky Chronicles for your favorite reader device!

The "secret" Spooky Chronicles book, Forget Me Nots, will soon appear in the charity anthology "Maelstrom: Tales of Madness and Horror." The story takes place between the first and second book in the series. Here's the synopsis:

There's something sinister about Chesterfield Mansion, and "Spooky" Spencer Lawson can't wait to find out why. Locked inside on a stormy night, Spooky and his fellow fifth graders are tasked to find thirteen skeleton keys before the stroke of midnight, but their host and his trusted minions are secretly watching for one of those children… the one who won't be missed.

Filed under: Creativity, Paranormal Tagged: Forget Me Nots, Logo, Spooky Chronicles, Synopsis