Vicar Sayeedi's Blog, page 10
October 31, 2014
The Dangers of Institutional Power
Anyone who has spent time in America's corporate boardrooms knows one thing very well: for-profit institutions (investment banks, hedge funds, private equity firms, other financial institutions, universities and industrial companies) are organized to achieve one and only one objective - the maximization of profits. This objective is programmed into their DNA.
It is only after careful observation and life experience that we ultimately realize how incredibly dangerous this singular focus and sense of purpose really is. These institutions have a tremendous impact on the lives of individuals, families, communities, societies and indeed the entire ecosystem in which they operate. They impact the environment, infrastructure, government policy, economy and natural resources of their markets, as well.
But this singular focus on profit, combined with the willingness of legislatures, government officials and regulators to look the other way (in return for political contributions and other forms of graft) is having a devastating impact on the lives of millions of people in the developed and developing worlds, alike.
Human beings require eight essential things to live a peaceful life: food, clothing, shelter, healthcare, education, family, community and security (economic and physical). It is the function of government to ensure that these essentials are attainable across all levels of the socio-economic strata with a reasonable level of effort by its citizens.
But our government and institutions are failing badly in this regard. Recent Pew Research polls indicate that 76% of Americans distrust the Federal government and 92% have an unfavorable opinion of the US legislature. With the 2014 elections only a few days away, many Americans have developed an apathetic outlook towards our democracy - they feel it's not working for them. It's hard to fault them for their views when even corporate media is reporting that the elite of our nation and the very same institutions referenced in the beginning of this post have been the primary beneficiaries of the multiyear Quantitative Easing program initiated by the US Federal Reserve.
The solution to our problem is, in theory, actually quite simple: eliminate the ability of wealthy and powerful individuals and firms from giving contributions to the political campaigns of legislators and government executives, eliminate their ability to lobby, establish severe penalties and fines for violations, expand the regulatory framework policing these institutions, cut oversized for-profit institutions down to manageable (regulatable) size and establish rules preventing regulators from soliciting employment from the institutions they oversee. Without these changes, we will see a great deal more suffering in this country and we will continue our descent into the annals of history.
It is only after careful observation and life experience that we ultimately realize how incredibly dangerous this singular focus and sense of purpose really is. These institutions have a tremendous impact on the lives of individuals, families, communities, societies and indeed the entire ecosystem in which they operate. They impact the environment, infrastructure, government policy, economy and natural resources of their markets, as well.
But this singular focus on profit, combined with the willingness of legislatures, government officials and regulators to look the other way (in return for political contributions and other forms of graft) is having a devastating impact on the lives of millions of people in the developed and developing worlds, alike.
Human beings require eight essential things to live a peaceful life: food, clothing, shelter, healthcare, education, family, community and security (economic and physical). It is the function of government to ensure that these essentials are attainable across all levels of the socio-economic strata with a reasonable level of effort by its citizens.
But our government and institutions are failing badly in this regard. Recent Pew Research polls indicate that 76% of Americans distrust the Federal government and 92% have an unfavorable opinion of the US legislature. With the 2014 elections only a few days away, many Americans have developed an apathetic outlook towards our democracy - they feel it's not working for them. It's hard to fault them for their views when even corporate media is reporting that the elite of our nation and the very same institutions referenced in the beginning of this post have been the primary beneficiaries of the multiyear Quantitative Easing program initiated by the US Federal Reserve.
The solution to our problem is, in theory, actually quite simple: eliminate the ability of wealthy and powerful individuals and firms from giving contributions to the political campaigns of legislators and government executives, eliminate their ability to lobby, establish severe penalties and fines for violations, expand the regulatory framework policing these institutions, cut oversized for-profit institutions down to manageable (regulatable) size and establish rules preventing regulators from soliciting employment from the institutions they oversee. Without these changes, we will see a great deal more suffering in this country and we will continue our descent into the annals of history.
October 2, 2014
The Myth of Economic Growth (& the Consequences of Bad Policy)
The Myth of Economic Growth (& the Consequences of Bad Policy)
In 2002-2003, about the time of the dot.com bust, US GDP had reached an annualized level of ~$10 trillion. By 2013, that number had exceeded $16 trillion. That’s a staggering 60% increase in approximately a decade. That’s remarkable!
Let’s take a moment to put this data into perspective – Global GDP in 2013 was ~$36 trillion while according to the latest census, we had a population of ~315 million. Thus, last year we represented ~4.5% of the world’s population while controlling 45% of the world’s GDP. By any measure, this is simply astounding.
But what’s really telling is that during the same period of time, 2002-2013, every social study and every socioeconomic metric representing the American middle class and poor (the overwhelming majority of our citizenry and electorate) was graphically represented by a curve with a negative slope. That is to say the middle class and poor are doing progressively worse as US GDP grows ever larger.
(Key socioeconomic metrics include infant and childhood mortality rates, healthcare access, hunger, SNAP programs (Federal food program for the poor), after school programs for kids, lunch programs for kids, educational grants and student loans, student debt, unemployment, underemployment, workforce participation rates, wages, benefits, overall economic security, etc. I’m sure there’s a positive metric to be found somewhere but I think the point is you’ll really have to struggle to find it.)
The key learning here is that the solution to the socioeconomic problems facing America cannot be solved by economic growth. Our burgeoning GDP has and will continue to benefit only those who control our Nation’s capital and policy formulation (financiers, industrialists, institutional investors and politicians) and thus collect all the profits that result from the growth in GDP. What is needed is a change in social and economic policy. A policy not driven by the campaign finance contributions and lobbying efforts of the Nation’s elites.
At present, American corporations, aided by top-tier management consulting and accounting firms are rushing to move their corporate centers off shore to further evade Federal taxation. They currently pay less than 10% in Federal taxes (in 2012, on $2 trillion in income, Corporate America paid only $181 billion to the Internal Revenue Service) but using a scheme known as “The Double Irish”, their tax burden due to re-domiciling will be reduced to zero. This is reprehensible policy and needs to be stopped.
Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be any move afoot in Congress or any recognition of these issues on the campaign trail as prominent lawmakers rush to collect votes and money (so they can continue perpetrating their mischief). It seems America is going the way of Rome – always worried about an existential threat from the outside while the real enemy was lurking within.
Author of the forthcoming book, "The Sharia Parliament"
Legacy of The Peacock Throne
In 2002-2003, about the time of the dot.com bust, US GDP had reached an annualized level of ~$10 trillion. By 2013, that number had exceeded $16 trillion. That’s a staggering 60% increase in approximately a decade. That’s remarkable!
Let’s take a moment to put this data into perspective – Global GDP in 2013 was ~$36 trillion while according to the latest census, we had a population of ~315 million. Thus, last year we represented ~4.5% of the world’s population while controlling 45% of the world’s GDP. By any measure, this is simply astounding.
But what’s really telling is that during the same period of time, 2002-2013, every social study and every socioeconomic metric representing the American middle class and poor (the overwhelming majority of our citizenry and electorate) was graphically represented by a curve with a negative slope. That is to say the middle class and poor are doing progressively worse as US GDP grows ever larger.
(Key socioeconomic metrics include infant and childhood mortality rates, healthcare access, hunger, SNAP programs (Federal food program for the poor), after school programs for kids, lunch programs for kids, educational grants and student loans, student debt, unemployment, underemployment, workforce participation rates, wages, benefits, overall economic security, etc. I’m sure there’s a positive metric to be found somewhere but I think the point is you’ll really have to struggle to find it.)
The key learning here is that the solution to the socioeconomic problems facing America cannot be solved by economic growth. Our burgeoning GDP has and will continue to benefit only those who control our Nation’s capital and policy formulation (financiers, industrialists, institutional investors and politicians) and thus collect all the profits that result from the growth in GDP. What is needed is a change in social and economic policy. A policy not driven by the campaign finance contributions and lobbying efforts of the Nation’s elites.
At present, American corporations, aided by top-tier management consulting and accounting firms are rushing to move their corporate centers off shore to further evade Federal taxation. They currently pay less than 10% in Federal taxes (in 2012, on $2 trillion in income, Corporate America paid only $181 billion to the Internal Revenue Service) but using a scheme known as “The Double Irish”, their tax burden due to re-domiciling will be reduced to zero. This is reprehensible policy and needs to be stopped.
Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be any move afoot in Congress or any recognition of these issues on the campaign trail as prominent lawmakers rush to collect votes and money (so they can continue perpetrating their mischief). It seems America is going the way of Rome – always worried about an existential threat from the outside while the real enemy was lurking within.
Author of the forthcoming book, "The Sharia Parliament"
Legacy of The Peacock Throne
August 15, 2014
Autumn is Here
It's that time again. Autumn will soon be upon us and with it, the beginning of another NFL season. As this most red-blooded of American sports gets underway, it's worthwhile pausing for just a moment to look at the irony of this great American ritual.
As Americans gather around their big screen televisions to cheer their favorite Team, we have to wonder if they realize that the NFL is actually organized around several key principles of Socialism. What!!?? Socialism? That's right, Socialism.
1. Equal Distribution of Wealth - The NFL represents 32 teams from across the US. Each team is a member of the National Football League. The NFL assumes the responsibility of collecting revenue from broadcasters who are licensed to air NFL games - annual revenue is approximately $10B - and distributes it equally amongst each of the clubs. It doesn't matter if a major market team - such as the NY Giants, New England Patriots or San Francisco 49ers - is actually responsible for a greater share of the revenue generated from the broadcasts because they have a significantly greater base of fans. The revenue is still distributed EQUALLY amongst each of the 32 Teams.
2. Salary Caps - Each team in the NFL is subject to the same salary cap regardless of the market in which they operate. The only way to pay another player more is by paying another player less.
3. Players Unions - That's right! The NFL players have union representation.
This is capitalism operating within a socialist ecosystem. Many would just call it Socialism.
The great irony here is that this sport is cheered every weekend by millions of American industrialists, financiers, institutional investors and other elites who consider Socialism and its principles of social equity to be an abomination of their capitalist ideals. I wonder if they've ever stopped to think that their favorite sport actually functions so well as an enterprise because of its principles of fairness and equity?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C...
Legacy of The Peacock Throne
As Americans gather around their big screen televisions to cheer their favorite Team, we have to wonder if they realize that the NFL is actually organized around several key principles of Socialism. What!!?? Socialism? That's right, Socialism.
1. Equal Distribution of Wealth - The NFL represents 32 teams from across the US. Each team is a member of the National Football League. The NFL assumes the responsibility of collecting revenue from broadcasters who are licensed to air NFL games - annual revenue is approximately $10B - and distributes it equally amongst each of the clubs. It doesn't matter if a major market team - such as the NY Giants, New England Patriots or San Francisco 49ers - is actually responsible for a greater share of the revenue generated from the broadcasts because they have a significantly greater base of fans. The revenue is still distributed EQUALLY amongst each of the 32 Teams.
2. Salary Caps - Each team in the NFL is subject to the same salary cap regardless of the market in which they operate. The only way to pay another player more is by paying another player less.
3. Players Unions - That's right! The NFL players have union representation.
This is capitalism operating within a socialist ecosystem. Many would just call it Socialism.
The great irony here is that this sport is cheered every weekend by millions of American industrialists, financiers, institutional investors and other elites who consider Socialism and its principles of social equity to be an abomination of their capitalist ideals. I wonder if they've ever stopped to think that their favorite sport actually functions so well as an enterprise because of its principles of fairness and equity?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C...
Legacy of The Peacock Throne
May 20, 2014
High Marks for Firefighting. Low Marks for Fire Prevention
Thus far, I've managed to read about ninety percent of Secretary Geithner's new book, "Stress Test". At nearly six hundred pages, this tome is a first-hand account of the 2007 financial crisis that nearly upended the US financial system, forced millions of American homeowners into foreclosure and resulted in millions of lost jobs.
I think Secretary Geithner's book reflects humility and balance in that he acknowledges the mistakes that he and other senior government finance and economics officials made during the crisis (US Treasury, Federal Reserve Bank of NY and Board of Governors - Federal Reserve System). I feel that Secretary Geithner, Secretary Paulson and Governor Bernanke (and their staff) deserve high marks for their tireless efforts and skill in working to contain the catastrophic situation that materialized once the sub-prime lending market and related securities began to collapse but I'm also feeling that there's a lot to be done with regards to preventing these sorts of financial meltdowns in the future.
Secretary Geithner pointed out in his book that Governor Volcker believes that the last useful innovation to come from the banking and financial services industry was the ATM. He has also pointed out that Warren Buffett believes that derivative securities are financial weapons of mass destruction. Yet, we see no effort by the US Congress or banking and financial services regulatory agencies to do anything to restrict such highly unpredictable, insidious and destructive instruments from the marketplace.
I believe we need a coordinated effort across the G20 to disallow these variants of Russian Roulette rather than trying to manage them. Mike Tyson had said that all boxers have a strategy until they get punched in the face. After that, everything changes. We have to acknowledge that derivative securities are far too dangerous, unpredictable and unmanageable - unfortunately, Secretary Geithner seems unwilling to concede on this issue.
I think Secretary Geithner's book reflects humility and balance in that he acknowledges the mistakes that he and other senior government finance and economics officials made during the crisis (US Treasury, Federal Reserve Bank of NY and Board of Governors - Federal Reserve System). I feel that Secretary Geithner, Secretary Paulson and Governor Bernanke (and their staff) deserve high marks for their tireless efforts and skill in working to contain the catastrophic situation that materialized once the sub-prime lending market and related securities began to collapse but I'm also feeling that there's a lot to be done with regards to preventing these sorts of financial meltdowns in the future.
Secretary Geithner pointed out in his book that Governor Volcker believes that the last useful innovation to come from the banking and financial services industry was the ATM. He has also pointed out that Warren Buffett believes that derivative securities are financial weapons of mass destruction. Yet, we see no effort by the US Congress or banking and financial services regulatory agencies to do anything to restrict such highly unpredictable, insidious and destructive instruments from the marketplace.
I believe we need a coordinated effort across the G20 to disallow these variants of Russian Roulette rather than trying to manage them. Mike Tyson had said that all boxers have a strategy until they get punched in the face. After that, everything changes. We have to acknowledge that derivative securities are far too dangerous, unpredictable and unmanageable - unfortunately, Secretary Geithner seems unwilling to concede on this issue.
May 12, 2014
“Break Glass, Pull Alarm” – Entrepreneurial Musings for a Monday Morning
“Break Glass, Pull Alarm” – Entrepreneurial Musings for a Monday Morning
Like many Entrepreneurs I know, I emerged from decades of confinement within the walls of large, multinational corporations bursting with energy and ideas I was anxious to try.
(Multinationals are unfortunately bureaucratic, monolithic, slow moving entities – they are probably the last place one is likely to find creativity, innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit. In fact, faced with the option to innovate or die, most large corporations will probably die. Not all, but most.)
Once out on my own, I began looking for internet-based forums where I could interact with other entrepreneurs in the same space I was working (Independent Author/Publisher) and was pleasantly surprised that there were a number of places to go. This was very valuable since I would now have an opportunity to learn about the challenges confronting other authors and perhaps get a peak at the solutions they may have found.
But after a while I began to realize that these forums liked to establish their own rules, procedures, protocols, leadership hierarchies, etc. and I found this frustrating. After all, the reason I loved being an Independent Author was that I wasn’t required to follow the traditional rules mandated by agents, editors, publishers, etc. – my independent status meant I could do things just the way I wanted to. I could do what I thought was right. I was an Entrepreneur.
I believe I’ve learned that the best opportunity for an Entrepreneur to thrive is from the pandemonium that results from disruption. A clever entrepreneur will “break the glass, pull the fire alarm” (metaphorically speaking, of course) and then capitalize on the resulting chaos.
Visit the internet-based forums, learn what you can but avoid conforming to the rules and protocols being forced on the audience – you are probably walking right into someone else’s agenda. Because of the Internet and social media, if there is any success to be had from following the recommended processes and procedures, they will quickly evaporate as the news spreads virally across the globe. Your best chance for success will be to push for disruption and be amongst those prepared to take advantage of the resulting opportunities.
Legacy of The Peacock Throne
On Facebook @
https://www.facebook.com/LegacyOfTheP...
Like many Entrepreneurs I know, I emerged from decades of confinement within the walls of large, multinational corporations bursting with energy and ideas I was anxious to try.
(Multinationals are unfortunately bureaucratic, monolithic, slow moving entities – they are probably the last place one is likely to find creativity, innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit. In fact, faced with the option to innovate or die, most large corporations will probably die. Not all, but most.)
Once out on my own, I began looking for internet-based forums where I could interact with other entrepreneurs in the same space I was working (Independent Author/Publisher) and was pleasantly surprised that there were a number of places to go. This was very valuable since I would now have an opportunity to learn about the challenges confronting other authors and perhaps get a peak at the solutions they may have found.
But after a while I began to realize that these forums liked to establish their own rules, procedures, protocols, leadership hierarchies, etc. and I found this frustrating. After all, the reason I loved being an Independent Author was that I wasn’t required to follow the traditional rules mandated by agents, editors, publishers, etc. – my independent status meant I could do things just the way I wanted to. I could do what I thought was right. I was an Entrepreneur.
I believe I’ve learned that the best opportunity for an Entrepreneur to thrive is from the pandemonium that results from disruption. A clever entrepreneur will “break the glass, pull the fire alarm” (metaphorically speaking, of course) and then capitalize on the resulting chaos.
Visit the internet-based forums, learn what you can but avoid conforming to the rules and protocols being forced on the audience – you are probably walking right into someone else’s agenda. Because of the Internet and social media, if there is any success to be had from following the recommended processes and procedures, they will quickly evaporate as the news spreads virally across the globe. Your best chance for success will be to push for disruption and be amongst those prepared to take advantage of the resulting opportunities.
Legacy of The Peacock Throne
On Facebook @
https://www.facebook.com/LegacyOfTheP...
May 1, 2014
Batman, Spiderman and Superman - All Rolled In to One
Batman, Spiderman and Superman - All Rolled In to One
An indefatigable advocate for the ordinary American citizen, Senator Elizabeth Warren is the poster child for the incorruptible government official. Now, as the Senior Senator from Massachusetts and as the Chair of the Senate Banking Committee, Warren is in the right place to affect positive change for the Nation. This is very good news.
The bad news is that Senator Warren is one of only a handful of legislators in the US Congress willing to advocate on behalf of ordinary American citizens and she's now in her sixties. The vast majority of our legislators have largely sold themselves out to financial, industrial and political firms and institutions in return for campaign finance contributions. This is a catastrophic situation for America - we have been reduced to a plutocracy ruled by oligarchs.
As Senator Warren points out in her book, challenging the banking industry and the lobbyists that represent them is a very difficult and unending task, particularly since much of the regulatory framework that kept them in check has been dismantled (beginning in the early 1980's during the Reagan Administration). Warren has fought with them for years to try to protect American consumers but every time she wins a battle the industry regroups and comes back for another fight. They have no shortage of financial resources and determination to drive the legislative process to pass laws and institute a regulatory framework that works in their interest - they are like that mythical beast of Anglo-Saxon lore that grows back two heads every time you slay it.
Every intelligent, objective and fair-minded citizen should read Professor Warren's book. She is one of our Nation's foremost experts on the law as it relates to bankruptcy, business, economics and finance and her motivation is justice and equity. You will also understand why Thomas Jefferson had warned the Nation about bankers in 1812 when he said, "Beware of bankers for they are more dangerous than a standing army."
On Facebook@
https://www.facebook.com/LegacyOfTheP...
An indefatigable advocate for the ordinary American citizen, Senator Elizabeth Warren is the poster child for the incorruptible government official. Now, as the Senior Senator from Massachusetts and as the Chair of the Senate Banking Committee, Warren is in the right place to affect positive change for the Nation. This is very good news.
The bad news is that Senator Warren is one of only a handful of legislators in the US Congress willing to advocate on behalf of ordinary American citizens and she's now in her sixties. The vast majority of our legislators have largely sold themselves out to financial, industrial and political firms and institutions in return for campaign finance contributions. This is a catastrophic situation for America - we have been reduced to a plutocracy ruled by oligarchs.
As Senator Warren points out in her book, challenging the banking industry and the lobbyists that represent them is a very difficult and unending task, particularly since much of the regulatory framework that kept them in check has been dismantled (beginning in the early 1980's during the Reagan Administration). Warren has fought with them for years to try to protect American consumers but every time she wins a battle the industry regroups and comes back for another fight. They have no shortage of financial resources and determination to drive the legislative process to pass laws and institute a regulatory framework that works in their interest - they are like that mythical beast of Anglo-Saxon lore that grows back two heads every time you slay it.
Every intelligent, objective and fair-minded citizen should read Professor Warren's book. She is one of our Nation's foremost experts on the law as it relates to bankruptcy, business, economics and finance and her motivation is justice and equity. You will also understand why Thomas Jefferson had warned the Nation about bankers in 1812 when he said, "Beware of bankers for they are more dangerous than a standing army."
On Facebook@
https://www.facebook.com/LegacyOfTheP...
April 21, 2014
My Favorite Book
I've read many books, both fiction and non-fiction, over the course of the past year. I've read Jhumpa Lahiri and I've read JK Rowling. I've read Indu Sundaresan and I've read Khaled Hosseini. I've read Michael Lewis and I've read a few others.
I've read to learn and I've read to understand but I've also read to improve my own writing.
Of all that I've read though, I don't think any book has been so moving as, "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini - it's the one book I sincerely wish I had written myself. Heart-wrenching but hopeful, raw but eloquent. It certainly ranks at the very top of my list.
https://www.facebook.com/LegacyOfTheP...
Legacy of The Peacock Throne
I've read to learn and I've read to understand but I've also read to improve my own writing.
Of all that I've read though, I don't think any book has been so moving as, "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini - it's the one book I sincerely wish I had written myself. Heart-wrenching but hopeful, raw but eloquent. It certainly ranks at the very top of my list.
https://www.facebook.com/LegacyOfTheP...
Legacy of The Peacock Throne
March 9, 2014
Londoners Are Reading, too!
NOW ON AMAZON/KINDLE AND iTUNES/iBOOKSTORE!
“Legacy of The Peacock Throne”
A Tale of Mughal Splendor
Author - Vicar Sayeedi
Really enjoyed reading this! March 6, 2014
by: Salmah Tayabee
Amazon Verified Purchase
This review is from: Legacy of The Peacock Throne (Kindle Edition)
"Very descriptive and takes you back to a different era. A definite read, full of historical facts and very imaginative."
Dear Readers - please check out my debut novel. It's a new take on an old tale - the story of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz. I think you'd really like it. thanks.
Vicar...
On Facebook@
https://www.facebook.com/LegacyOfTheP...
“Legacy of The Peacock Throne”
A Tale of Mughal Splendor
Author - Vicar Sayeedi
Really enjoyed reading this! March 6, 2014
by: Salmah Tayabee
Amazon Verified Purchase
This review is from: Legacy of The Peacock Throne (Kindle Edition)
"Very descriptive and takes you back to a different era. A definite read, full of historical facts and very imaginative."
Dear Readers - please check out my debut novel. It's a new take on an old tale - the story of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz. I think you'd really like it. thanks.
Vicar...
On Facebook@
https://www.facebook.com/LegacyOfTheP...
March 8, 2014
The Independent Author/Publisher
Perhaps the day will come when society and avid, serious readers of literature will pay greater attention to new, independently published authors. It would certainly be in their best interest. I believe eliminating middlemen will always be in the best interest of authors and readers, alike. Unfortunately, it seems we independents will still need to wait. Light a candle, my friends.
The problem with the traditional author/publisher model is that institutional investors continue to ratchet up the pressure on publishing companies to grow their sales while simultaneously reducing costs and increasing profits (the same dilemma facing every other industry today). Pressure from institutional investors is forcing publishing houses to merge their business operations and consolidate their research and development budgets while also demanding that they find new, often unscrupulous methods to extract value from the intrinsic equity in branded author’s names and their literary franchises.
This acutely profit-focused business model does little to serve the interests of society, readers or even published authors. It does little to identify and highlight new, talented authors or their wonderful work. This can only be achieved through the independent author/publisher model.
These days, society and readers are being tricked into buying books by prominent, well-established authors that are largely ghost-written using a high volume “book-manufacturing” methodology (rather than the more desirable atelier approach). It’s the difference between wearing a suit made for you by an esteemed bespoke suit maker on Savile Row in London versus a suit made by one of the “buy one suit and get three free” we see adverts for in the US nearly everyday.
To add insult to injury, society is paying premium prices to buy books that are plastered with famous author’s names even though the author’s participation is negligible while new authors who are spending a tremendous amount of time and effort researching, studying, writing, rewriting, etc. are struggling to get their tirelessly crafted works recognized and read.
As I patiently wait for society and readers to recognize my work as an independent author, I continue to write and promote my work the best I can. In the mean time, I’ve learned a great deal about the literary world and even coined a new term that accurately reflects my mindset as I endeavor to write the best literature I’m capable of. “Infectious Enthusiasm” is now the term I keep forefront in my mind as I write. I want my readers to feel a sense of “Infectious Enthusiasm” and then grab hold of their friends and others close to them and say, “Hey, you’ve got to read this; I love this book!” If we can achieve this type of a response from our readers, I think we can overcome the tremendous obstacles before us.
Vicar Sayeedi
Author, “Legacy of The Peacock Throne”
Legacy of The Peacock Throne
On Facebook@
https://www.facebook.com/LegacyOfTheP...
My "Author" Webpage on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/author/vicarsa...
Amazon in the USA @
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CEKE5XM
Apple iTunes in the USA @
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/lega...
The problem with the traditional author/publisher model is that institutional investors continue to ratchet up the pressure on publishing companies to grow their sales while simultaneously reducing costs and increasing profits (the same dilemma facing every other industry today). Pressure from institutional investors is forcing publishing houses to merge their business operations and consolidate their research and development budgets while also demanding that they find new, often unscrupulous methods to extract value from the intrinsic equity in branded author’s names and their literary franchises.
This acutely profit-focused business model does little to serve the interests of society, readers or even published authors. It does little to identify and highlight new, talented authors or their wonderful work. This can only be achieved through the independent author/publisher model.
These days, society and readers are being tricked into buying books by prominent, well-established authors that are largely ghost-written using a high volume “book-manufacturing” methodology (rather than the more desirable atelier approach). It’s the difference between wearing a suit made for you by an esteemed bespoke suit maker on Savile Row in London versus a suit made by one of the “buy one suit and get three free” we see adverts for in the US nearly everyday.
To add insult to injury, society is paying premium prices to buy books that are plastered with famous author’s names even though the author’s participation is negligible while new authors who are spending a tremendous amount of time and effort researching, studying, writing, rewriting, etc. are struggling to get their tirelessly crafted works recognized and read.
As I patiently wait for society and readers to recognize my work as an independent author, I continue to write and promote my work the best I can. In the mean time, I’ve learned a great deal about the literary world and even coined a new term that accurately reflects my mindset as I endeavor to write the best literature I’m capable of. “Infectious Enthusiasm” is now the term I keep forefront in my mind as I write. I want my readers to feel a sense of “Infectious Enthusiasm” and then grab hold of their friends and others close to them and say, “Hey, you’ve got to read this; I love this book!” If we can achieve this type of a response from our readers, I think we can overcome the tremendous obstacles before us.
Vicar Sayeedi
Author, “Legacy of The Peacock Throne”
Legacy of The Peacock Throne
On Facebook@
https://www.facebook.com/LegacyOfTheP...
My "Author" Webpage on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/author/vicarsa...
Amazon in the USA @
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CEKE5XM
Apple iTunes in the USA @
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/lega...
December 16, 2013
Legacy of The Peacock Throne - Holiday Edition
“Legacy of The Peacock Throne”
A Tale of Mughal Splendor
Author - Vicar Sayeedi
Dear Friends and Readers -
A special holiday edition of my novel, "Legacy of The Peacock Throne" is now available on Amazon and iTunes.
"A beautiful and captivating tale of 17th century Mughal India. The story explores the opulent lives of Shah Jahan and his enigmatic wife, Mumtaz Mahal in an age of splendor and wealth."
A wonderful holiday gift for readers and anyone interested in Indian/Mughal history.
(If you've previously purchased my book, you can get the new edition free! - follow the simple update procedure on Amazon and iTunes.)
On Amazon (Worldwide) &
On Apple iTunes/iBookstore (51 Countries)
My "Author" Webpage on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/author/vicarsa...
Amazon in the USA @
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CEKE5XM
Apple iTunes in the USA @
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/lega...
On Facebook@
https://www.facebook.com/LegacyOfTheP...
Legacy of The Peacock Throne
A Tale of Mughal Splendor
Author - Vicar Sayeedi
Dear Friends and Readers -
A special holiday edition of my novel, "Legacy of The Peacock Throne" is now available on Amazon and iTunes.
"A beautiful and captivating tale of 17th century Mughal India. The story explores the opulent lives of Shah Jahan and his enigmatic wife, Mumtaz Mahal in an age of splendor and wealth."
A wonderful holiday gift for readers and anyone interested in Indian/Mughal history.
(If you've previously purchased my book, you can get the new edition free! - follow the simple update procedure on Amazon and iTunes.)
On Amazon (Worldwide) &
On Apple iTunes/iBookstore (51 Countries)
My "Author" Webpage on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/author/vicarsa...
Amazon in the USA @
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CEKE5XM
Apple iTunes in the USA @
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/lega...
On Facebook@
https://www.facebook.com/LegacyOfTheP...
Legacy of The Peacock Throne
