This weekend I received the following e-mail from someone who must have read Wednesday’s blog:
Ami, FYI regarding the cougars in Michigan. Shame on you for ridiculing the people who are trying to educate others about the cougar's return to the Midwest. Upon doing your homework you would have learned that cougars have been in that area for about 1 year.
The reason why we know the horse was attacked by a cougar is because we have tested the DNA and scats left remaining. (In case you do not know "scats" are feces) The DNA is unmistakably that of a cougar, which by the way is also known as a "mountain lion", depending on what part of the country you are in.
There are a group of people who do not want to admit that the animals have existed in the area. I imagine it would be a little embarrassing to those who "manage wildlife" to be told that cougars do exist in the area, when they previously belittled the people who had Class 1 evidence.
The groups who have informed people that the cougars are here, are the people who are attempting to educate you and others about the return of these cougars for one reason - to protect them. You may not know that they are an endangered species. This is very exciting to those of us who would love to see the population continue to increase.
In the early to mid-1800s there were very large populations of cougars throughout the Midwest including Indiana. (Technically Michigan is not considered "the Midwest", but the cougar population was very large in both Indiana and Michigan.) It was not uncommon at all for people to see cougars running around in Indiana and Michigan during that time. The only reason the cougars have had to make a come back is because people hunted them nearly to extinction.
When you read stories about the cougars, they are not hype. The only person who is exaggerating the news about the cougars is you...they are not 9 feet long and 200 pounds. They are about 90 pounds, and smaller than a deer. So be on the side of the animals, and not on the side of the people who will either deny that they are back, or panic and want to grab their guns and start shooting them again.
Just an FYI, thanks and have a good weekend.
I don’t allow comments to be posted on this blog because when I allowed them on another blog, I got so much spam that it was a constant struggle to keep the page “clean.” So I appreciate anyone who takes the time to e-mail me. Even if they tell me that I’m wrong (always difficult to take) and exaggerating (not something I’m often accused of).
And so, here are a few words to my e-mailer, and an update of the Big Cat Story:
I re-read Wednesday’s post, and feel compelled to say that the only people who can justly feel “ridiculed” by it are certain members of the media. I maintain that the news stories I read were poorly written and designed for sensationalism. Regardless of whether or not a cougar, tiger, bear, wolverine or goldfish was responsible for the attack, I still think that leading with the voice of speculation, and ending with a “definite” quote was poor journalism.
None of the news stories I’ve read, heard or seen (see below) have ever mentioned DNA or scat as conclusive evidence of a cougar attack. Instead, they all cite Patrick Rusz, of the Michigan Wildlife Conservancy, who examined the horse’s exhumed body a few days ago. By all accounts, Dr. Rusz’ verdict was made based upon visible evidence only.
According to the Michigan Wildlife Conservancy 7 counties have had verifiable cougar DNA found in scat. All counties are in the northern portions of the state. Any other “Class 1 evidence” is not mentioned on their website, or on any other reputable source that I could find online or in print.
Furthermore, I took the 200 lb., 9 foot long dimensions from information provided and published by the Michigan Wildlife Conservancy itself. A pamphlet titled “Living With Cougars in Michigan” states, among other things, that the animals range in size from 80 to 200 pounds, and measure from 7 to 9 feet from nose to tail tip.
Interesting goings-on in this corner of the country, that’s for sure. Regardless of what got the horse, I’m bringing my boys in at night…
Here’s what the Dec. 10: Kalamazoo Gazette had to say:
Investigators in Berrien County Friday slogged through snowdrifts to dig up a two-week-old grave, heaved the 1,000-pound carcass onto a flatbed truck, and then spent three and a half hours meticulously documenting the ragged and bloody punctures and tears that ravaged the body -- all to learn what killed Bingo, a 20-year-old horse.
What prompted these extraordinary measures?
A hope that careful analysis of Bingo's death in a rural Berrien County pasture might shed light on a mystery that continues to dog wildlife scientists.
Do cougars still exist in Michigan? And if they do, are they part of a growing population?
Or did Bingo fall victim to the commonplace coyote or wild dog?
The wounded horse was discovered early in the morning of Nov. 25 when it broke through an electric fence and went up to a house, said Valarie Grimes, animal control director for Berrien County. People were awakened by the ruckus and called a veterinarian, who determined quickly that the horse should be euthanized, she said.
Patrick Rusz, who works with the Michigan Wildlife Conservancy examined the animal at the invitation of the Berrien County Sheriff's and Animal Control departments.
``It definitely was attacked by a large cat, almost assuredly a cougar. I'm 100 percent sure,'' said Rusz, who holds a doctorate in wildlife ecology.
But Michigan Department of Natural Resources biologists are still not so sure.
Although they were not invited to or notified of Friday's examination, Steve Chadwick, DNR wildlife biologist at Crane Pond State Game Area, reviewed Friday the report of a conservation officer and photos of the attack. He remained unconvinced.
``From the photos, it just does not suggest a cougar to me. I agree with (the conservation officer),'' he said, that it was likely coyotes or dogs that killed the horse.
Chadwick said he has talked to hunters who are out tracking coyotes several times a week, ``and they have yet to cut a cougar track.''
He has also visited cougars in captivity to collect samples of droppings and to make castings of their prints for comparison in the event reports come in.
``I've looked at several suspicious tracks, and most have been dogs. ... It's not like we're not looking,'' Chadwick said. ``We're just not finding the evidence.''
The damage to Bingo's face and body were enough to make believers out of Grimes and Mark Johnson, the veterinarian who put the horse out of his misery and assisted with Friday's investigation.
Grime said she wants the public to be aware of the possibility of predator attacks on livestock. Johnson said that while he is convinced that a cat was responsible for the horse's death, he's not so sure that means people should change their behavior.
``It's important for veterinarians in the area to have this understanding, and by documenting what this was it may be helpful to others in other parts of the state or country to know what they might be dealing with.
``But (this particular cat) may have taken quite a beating in this failed attack,'' Johnson said. ``There's an old saying: `A cat only walks across a hot stove once.' These are intelligent animals.
``You'd think it would (from now on) take on mice or rabbits, better than trying to take on a 1,000-pound horse.''
I know Dr. Johnson. He’s a very good, very reputable vet in the area.
This is from the South Bend Tribune:
A wildlife expert says a mountain lion is responsible for attacking a horse last week on a Berrien County farm.
Friday, animal control officers dug up the 19-year-old horse, named Bingo. A wildlife expert then performed an autopsy, and found eight wounds about an inch and three quarters deep -- the typical length of a cougar fang.
Dr. Pat Rusz of the Michigan Wildlife Conservancy says claw marks were all over the horse’s shoulders and face.
“It appears to be clawed in the face, prominent bite marks from an animal with quite a lot of crushing power,” Rusz told NEWS22. “Not the nips you’d expect with a coyote for example.”
Rusz says this case adds to his research that Michigan does have a cougar population and that people need to be aware. But he says there is no reason for people living in the area to panic.
“Even livestock owners,” he said. “The repeat attacks by the same cat is very, very small.”
Experts say never approach a cougar. If you encounter one, don’t run away. Instead, stand tall, open your jacket and flap it about. You should also yell and throw stones or rocks to show the cat you are in control.
Further bulletins as events warrant…
Monday, December 12, 2005
Friday, December 09, 2005
Creating Killer Captions
While it’s true that every photo needs a caption, opinions on what that caption should say are as diverse and as individualized as editors.
What to include in the photo caption varies according to taste and philosophy. Some publications and publishers have guidelines for cutlines. Others simply have an unwritten style that has evolved over time.
Allow me to suggest some of the many schools of thought for caption creation. Perhaps one or more of them will help you in your next project:
Less is More. This is my personal favorite. Spare, sparse, single sentence captions can not only describe what is going on in a picture, but can also help make a single illustration relevant to an entire chapter.
One way to apply this technique is to sum up a section in a single sentence that applies to the photo. Such captions are especially effective when the illustration is included as much to break up large chunks of text as anything else…
For example, let’s say that you are writing a piece about running, and have a sizeable chapter on the philosophy of running. In the chapter, you’ve discussed things like a positive attitude, determination, and perseverance. At first glance, a photo of a runner running leaves little to say. Yet a caption such as “Every runner has a reason for running” can help the illustration enhance the text of the whole chapter.
More is More. The great rider William Steinkraus was once an editor himself. He reportedly said that the only words people ever read in a book were the ones underneath the pictures. Perhaps for that reason, the cutlines in his book are little mini-chapters all their own.
Many publishers prefer expanded photo captions precisely because people often look only at the pictures.
Lengthy captions can be very effective in highlighting a particular paragraph that you want to call special attention to. In our example of the illustration for a text on running philosophy, a paragraph identifying each of the attributes that make a successful runner would be an appropriate caption.
Get Personal. Captions can be a great way to make your readers identify with the subjects in the illustrations. Calling attention to a specific aspect of a picture, and calling the subject of the picture by name, can introduce a level of intimacy and engage your readers more with the text.
Such a caption for our runner might read, “When Sandy Smythe started running, she used to become discouraged at what she felt was her lack of progress. Recognizing the destructive, limiting nature of her own attitude enabled her to see that “progress” was an arbitrary measurement. She soon stopped competing against herself and allowed herself to enjoy the experience.”
Attract Attention. Many editors like captions to make pointed, controlled observations about the illustrations they accompany. In these instances, the cutline text directs the reader’s attention to specific aspects of the picture. Such captions frequently include words like “here,” “this,” “notice,” or “note.”
If we were to apply this captioning style to our running illustration, we might end up with something along the lines of “Running is a state of mind. Notice the runner’s expression. The same relaxed and confident manner with which she moves is mirrored on her face.”
Think Punchy. Sometimes it can be useful to think of illustrations as short, thousand-word mini-chapters. To caption them, just come up with a snappy, witty, or alliterave “heading.” Then add a few sentences that sum up the photo and editorialize upon it.
Take our runner, for instance. “Running For Your Life” might be a suitable caption heading. “Living On the Run,” “”Mind Over Muscle,” or “Attitude Adjustment” are other possibilities. The sentences that follow can either expound on the chapter text or summarize it, depending on your preference.
These suggestions are by no means comprehensive. But they may help to inspire you to broaden your thinking about crafting cutlines. Here’s to inspiration!
What to include in the photo caption varies according to taste and philosophy. Some publications and publishers have guidelines for cutlines. Others simply have an unwritten style that has evolved over time.
Allow me to suggest some of the many schools of thought for caption creation. Perhaps one or more of them will help you in your next project:
Less is More. This is my personal favorite. Spare, sparse, single sentence captions can not only describe what is going on in a picture, but can also help make a single illustration relevant to an entire chapter.
One way to apply this technique is to sum up a section in a single sentence that applies to the photo. Such captions are especially effective when the illustration is included as much to break up large chunks of text as anything else…
For example, let’s say that you are writing a piece about running, and have a sizeable chapter on the philosophy of running. In the chapter, you’ve discussed things like a positive attitude, determination, and perseverance. At first glance, a photo of a runner running leaves little to say. Yet a caption such as “Every runner has a reason for running” can help the illustration enhance the text of the whole chapter.
More is More. The great rider William Steinkraus was once an editor himself. He reportedly said that the only words people ever read in a book were the ones underneath the pictures. Perhaps for that reason, the cutlines in his book are little mini-chapters all their own.
Many publishers prefer expanded photo captions precisely because people often look only at the pictures.
Lengthy captions can be very effective in highlighting a particular paragraph that you want to call special attention to. In our example of the illustration for a text on running philosophy, a paragraph identifying each of the attributes that make a successful runner would be an appropriate caption.
Get Personal. Captions can be a great way to make your readers identify with the subjects in the illustrations. Calling attention to a specific aspect of a picture, and calling the subject of the picture by name, can introduce a level of intimacy and engage your readers more with the text.
Such a caption for our runner might read, “When Sandy Smythe started running, she used to become discouraged at what she felt was her lack of progress. Recognizing the destructive, limiting nature of her own attitude enabled her to see that “progress” was an arbitrary measurement. She soon stopped competing against herself and allowed herself to enjoy the experience.”
Attract Attention. Many editors like captions to make pointed, controlled observations about the illustrations they accompany. In these instances, the cutline text directs the reader’s attention to specific aspects of the picture. Such captions frequently include words like “here,” “this,” “notice,” or “note.”
If we were to apply this captioning style to our running illustration, we might end up with something along the lines of “Running is a state of mind. Notice the runner’s expression. The same relaxed and confident manner with which she moves is mirrored on her face.”
Think Punchy. Sometimes it can be useful to think of illustrations as short, thousand-word mini-chapters. To caption them, just come up with a snappy, witty, or alliterave “heading.” Then add a few sentences that sum up the photo and editorialize upon it.
Take our runner, for instance. “Running For Your Life” might be a suitable caption heading. “Living On the Run,” “”Mind Over Muscle,” or “Attitude Adjustment” are other possibilities. The sentences that follow can either expound on the chapter text or summarize it, depending on your preference.
These suggestions are by no means comprehensive. But they may help to inspire you to broaden your thinking about crafting cutlines. Here’s to inspiration!
Thursday, December 08, 2005
The Cardinal Rule of Captions
The designers are nearly finished with Geoff's book. Galley proofs should be ready for us soon!
A few little fires still need our attention, however. Most of them have to do with photo captions. The publisher has asked us for more specifics – more details – in the text of approximately ten captions.
Of course we’re happy to oblige. But the situation started me thinking about various approaches to photo captions, and ways to make the most of the words that accompany the pictures.
When it comes to captioning, only one rule is carved in stone: Every photo needs a caption.
A picture may be worth a thousand words, but books are worlds where words reign supreme. A wordless picture lacks a tether to the text. It floats ineffectively on the page and raises more questions than it answers.
It is true that most people will look at the illustrations before they examine the text. (If you don’t believe me, visit a bookstore for an hour or so and observe. Or – better yet – sit at a booksigning and watch people peruse the pages you wrote. Flip, flip, flip, flip… “Oh, that’s a cool shot!” Flip, flip, flip… It’s humbling in the extreme.)
Still, when the reader actually reads the text, he or she needs to be able to put the photos in context with the words that are on the page.
Because of layout and design considerations, photos don’t always appear in the midst of the relevant words. The pertinent illustration may appear anywhere on the page or even on an adjacent page. That is why every illustration that merits inclusion in the manuscript deserves, at the very least, a name.
Tune in tomorrow for some suggestions for constructing killer captions…
A few little fires still need our attention, however. Most of them have to do with photo captions. The publisher has asked us for more specifics – more details – in the text of approximately ten captions.
Of course we’re happy to oblige. But the situation started me thinking about various approaches to photo captions, and ways to make the most of the words that accompany the pictures.
When it comes to captioning, only one rule is carved in stone: Every photo needs a caption.
A picture may be worth a thousand words, but books are worlds where words reign supreme. A wordless picture lacks a tether to the text. It floats ineffectively on the page and raises more questions than it answers.
It is true that most people will look at the illustrations before they examine the text. (If you don’t believe me, visit a bookstore for an hour or so and observe. Or – better yet – sit at a booksigning and watch people peruse the pages you wrote. Flip, flip, flip, flip… “Oh, that’s a cool shot!” Flip, flip, flip… It’s humbling in the extreme.)
Still, when the reader actually reads the text, he or she needs to be able to put the photos in context with the words that are on the page.
Because of layout and design considerations, photos don’t always appear in the midst of the relevant words. The pertinent illustration may appear anywhere on the page or even on an adjacent page. That is why every illustration that merits inclusion in the manuscript deserves, at the very least, a name.
Tune in tomorrow for some suggestions for constructing killer captions…
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Rider's Wednesday -- Story of the Hour
Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow! Five fluffy inches of powder fell today, with more predicted and on the way. Thank God for a house and a barn!
Shortly after Thanksgiving, a horse at a farm about a mile from my house was attacked by something. Something horrible got the poor creature and mauled it so severely that though it lived through the night, it had to be destroyed the next day.
(Photos on the news showed -- among other things -- an animal that could have used a few more groceries on a more regular basis over the past year or so. Evidently the owners were away, and "the caretaker" made the gruesome discovery. ::Bleah::)
The story was nowhere to be found for a week. The attack happened near a county line, but calls to both counties' Animal Control revealed no reports of anything unusual.
Then, suddenly, on Monday of this week, it made the news. And, true to form, speculation masquerading as fact ran rampant. Local radio stations carried interviews with Animal Control officers who postulated that a "big cat" was responsible for the attack.
Here's the lead from WSBT television out of South Bend, Indiana:
(WSBT) Some investigators believe a mountain lion could be to blame for a vicious attack on a horse in southwest Michigan.
Pretty sensational stuff, huh? "Some investigators." "Mountain lion." "Vicious attack." No need to read any further, because that sounds like an official permission slip to be scared spitless.
Since scare tactics work so well, they play the "cougar" card again and again:
It happened on a farm along Hagar Shore Road in Coloma. The horse suffered more than 100 bite marks and had to be put down.
Berrien County Animal Control is looking into whether a mountain lion attacked the horse. The office has received several reports of mountain lion sightings in northern Berrien County in the past year.
“We’re thinking large cat attacks, just because of what we’ve seen -- comparing what we’ve seen with a coyote attack versus a mountain lion attack,” Val Grimes of Berrien County Animal Control.
Now notice where they put Mike McGee -- an officer with the DNR who actually has experience with mountain lions, and who says a sentence that includes the word "definitely" in it:
But the Department of Natural Resources suspects a coyote or a pack of dogs is responsible for the attack.
“It was small bite marks more consistent with dog or coyote,” DNR officer Michael McGee told NEWS22. “It definitely wasn’t a cougar.”
There are no confirmed reports of a mountain lion in Berrien County. Animal Control has contacted Michigan’s Wildlife Conservatory to investigate.
Yep. They bury the boring old Voice of Reason at the end. Long after the people who started watching the segment have left the room and are screaming at their kids to "Get inside! Now! Don't you give me any lip, young man. There's a killer cat out there!"
A few radio sound bites and a TV news spot, and that's all it took for cougar fever to hit. It's the Story of the Hour.
You think there will ever be a follow-up story when they actually find the animals responsible? If it's not a 9 foot long, 200 pound tom, or an escaped, illegal pet tiger, we'll never hear about it. Wild dogs just aren't that interesting.
Actually, though, a pack of dogs that would attack a horse, bring him down and rip him to shreds is as worrisome to me as a big cat. Dog packs have no intrinsic fear of humans or farm animals.
The experts are telling us to not go outside at dusk, to keep small children nearby, and to not leave our livestock out at night. Yeesh! What do they think this is? The COUNTRY!? Why -- everywhere you look, Chicago people are buying cookie cutter houses in little mini-burbs on once fertile and productive farmland. You think they want to deal with a bunch of feral dogs? No, no, no... This will NOT look good on the realtor's report...
The moral of the story, I suppose, is to regularly check on the animals in your care. I can't imagine that the horse got as mutilated as the pictures indicate in total silence. Yet, evidently, no one was around to hear the commotion.
Another lesson to be learned is to bring your livestock indoors in inclement weather. Or at least give them a place of shelter and safety. If you must leave them out in the elements, do so in a herd, so that they can band together and try to ward off any predators that might be lurking. Where prey animals are concerned, there is safety in numbers.
The final lesson, I suppose, would be to start hunting for a pack of really hungry dogs who are looking for their next meal...
Shortly after Thanksgiving, a horse at a farm about a mile from my house was attacked by something. Something horrible got the poor creature and mauled it so severely that though it lived through the night, it had to be destroyed the next day.
(Photos on the news showed -- among other things -- an animal that could have used a few more groceries on a more regular basis over the past year or so. Evidently the owners were away, and "the caretaker" made the gruesome discovery. ::Bleah::)
The story was nowhere to be found for a week. The attack happened near a county line, but calls to both counties' Animal Control revealed no reports of anything unusual.
Then, suddenly, on Monday of this week, it made the news. And, true to form, speculation masquerading as fact ran rampant. Local radio stations carried interviews with Animal Control officers who postulated that a "big cat" was responsible for the attack.
Here's the lead from WSBT television out of South Bend, Indiana:
(WSBT) Some investigators believe a mountain lion could be to blame for a vicious attack on a horse in southwest Michigan.
Pretty sensational stuff, huh? "Some investigators." "Mountain lion." "Vicious attack." No need to read any further, because that sounds like an official permission slip to be scared spitless.
Since scare tactics work so well, they play the "cougar" card again and again:
It happened on a farm along Hagar Shore Road in Coloma. The horse suffered more than 100 bite marks and had to be put down.
Berrien County Animal Control is looking into whether a mountain lion attacked the horse. The office has received several reports of mountain lion sightings in northern Berrien County in the past year.
“We’re thinking large cat attacks, just because of what we’ve seen -- comparing what we’ve seen with a coyote attack versus a mountain lion attack,” Val Grimes of Berrien County Animal Control.
Now notice where they put Mike McGee -- an officer with the DNR who actually has experience with mountain lions, and who says a sentence that includes the word "definitely" in it:
But the Department of Natural Resources suspects a coyote or a pack of dogs is responsible for the attack.
“It was small bite marks more consistent with dog or coyote,” DNR officer Michael McGee told NEWS22. “It definitely wasn’t a cougar.”
There are no confirmed reports of a mountain lion in Berrien County. Animal Control has contacted Michigan’s Wildlife Conservatory to investigate.
Yep. They bury the boring old Voice of Reason at the end. Long after the people who started watching the segment have left the room and are screaming at their kids to "Get inside! Now! Don't you give me any lip, young man. There's a killer cat out there!"
A few radio sound bites and a TV news spot, and that's all it took for cougar fever to hit. It's the Story of the Hour.
You think there will ever be a follow-up story when they actually find the animals responsible? If it's not a 9 foot long, 200 pound tom, or an escaped, illegal pet tiger, we'll never hear about it. Wild dogs just aren't that interesting.
Actually, though, a pack of dogs that would attack a horse, bring him down and rip him to shreds is as worrisome to me as a big cat. Dog packs have no intrinsic fear of humans or farm animals.
The experts are telling us to not go outside at dusk, to keep small children nearby, and to not leave our livestock out at night. Yeesh! What do they think this is? The COUNTRY!? Why -- everywhere you look, Chicago people are buying cookie cutter houses in little mini-burbs on once fertile and productive farmland. You think they want to deal with a bunch of feral dogs? No, no, no... This will NOT look good on the realtor's report...
The moral of the story, I suppose, is to regularly check on the animals in your care. I can't imagine that the horse got as mutilated as the pictures indicate in total silence. Yet, evidently, no one was around to hear the commotion.
Another lesson to be learned is to bring your livestock indoors in inclement weather. Or at least give them a place of shelter and safety. If you must leave them out in the elements, do so in a herd, so that they can band together and try to ward off any predators that might be lurking. Where prey animals are concerned, there is safety in numbers.
The final lesson, I suppose, would be to start hunting for a pack of really hungry dogs who are looking for their next meal...
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Justifiable Skepticism
Or, "Perchance it Pays to be Paranoid'"
I received an e-mail this past weekend with the following text:
Hello,
Your photograph was forwarded to us as part of an article we are publishing for our December edition of Total Business Monthly. Can you check over the format and get back to us with your approval or any changes? If the picture is not to your liking then please send a preferred one. We've attached the photo with the article here.
The article was signed, "Kind regards," and included a person's name, as well as an online business website.
A .zip attachment titled "Article + Photo" was attached.
Since my website offers several articles for editors to freely use, and also includes photos for the media, I wasn't sure if this was a bona-fide e-mail or not. I checked out the website listed (Total.Business.com), and was satisfied with the quality of articles I saw there. I would be happy to have mine be a part of their information exchange.
I am extremely reticent, however, to open attachments from places that I do not know. Especially .zip attachments. In this world of computer viruses, worms, Trogan horses, and other things that go "CRASH" in the night, I treat attachments from unknown sources with extreme respect, kid gloves, and large quantities of disinfectant.
I sent a reply e-mail to that effect. I also said that if my approval was required for something, I would prefer to proof it either online, or have it included as part of an e-mail text.
The e-mail address that I replied to, however, was not valid. Hmmmmm.
So I wrote to one of the contacts listed on the bona-fide website. I told them of the situation. I said that if this had been a legitimate attempt to contact me and get my editorial approval, several things about it raised some red flags. If not, I thought they should be aware that someone is using their business name in an unethical manner.
(I haven't heard from them one way or another. It's possible that I'm just intrinsically paranoid. But paranoia can be a valuable thing. I mean, just look at those sub-human cretins who try to get you to twiddle with your PayPal or eBay accounts, using e-mails that look so authentic. There is a special circle in hell reserved just for phishers. It's even worse than the circle set aside for spam mail originators and perpetrators. But I digress...)
On a better, more positive note, I was happy to learn that Absolute Write will feature one of my articles the week of December 14. Absolute Write, for those of you who don't know, is a writer's website dedicated to educating and improving the craft of writers of all abilities, genres, styles, and experience levels. I'm quite honored to have them publish my work.
Besides, I know they're legitimate -- they only send me things I've signed up for (their weekly newsletter is full of useful information). And they never include questionable files.
Geoff's Book Update
I spoke to the editor and publisher of Geoff's book yesterday. The book is in layout, and will soon be ready for our approval. In the meantime, she wanted me to take another look at, and re-think the captions for about 10 of the photos. When she explained what she wanted, it was easy to see where the text was wanting. Fixing that to everyone's satisfaction is the first order of business today.
We also discussed titles. The editors at Trafalgar Square have suggested several good ones. I'm going to run some of the more promising ones past Geoff and see what he thinks. It's a bit daunting, when you consider that -- adages aside -- people really DO judge books by their covers. What's worse, people judge books by their titles.
No pressure. None at all...
I received an e-mail this past weekend with the following text:
Hello,
Your photograph was forwarded to us as part of an article we are publishing for our December edition of Total Business Monthly. Can you check over the format and get back to us with your approval or any changes? If the picture is not to your liking then please send a preferred one. We've attached the photo with the article here.
The article was signed, "Kind regards," and included a person's name, as well as an online business website.
A .zip attachment titled "Article + Photo" was attached.
Since my website offers several articles for editors to freely use, and also includes photos for the media, I wasn't sure if this was a bona-fide e-mail or not. I checked out the website listed (Total.Business.com), and was satisfied with the quality of articles I saw there. I would be happy to have mine be a part of their information exchange.
I am extremely reticent, however, to open attachments from places that I do not know. Especially .zip attachments. In this world of computer viruses, worms, Trogan horses, and other things that go "CRASH" in the night, I treat attachments from unknown sources with extreme respect, kid gloves, and large quantities of disinfectant.
I sent a reply e-mail to that effect. I also said that if my approval was required for something, I would prefer to proof it either online, or have it included as part of an e-mail text.
The e-mail address that I replied to, however, was not valid. Hmmmmm.
So I wrote to one of the contacts listed on the bona-fide website. I told them of the situation. I said that if this had been a legitimate attempt to contact me and get my editorial approval, several things about it raised some red flags. If not, I thought they should be aware that someone is using their business name in an unethical manner.
(I haven't heard from them one way or another. It's possible that I'm just intrinsically paranoid. But paranoia can be a valuable thing. I mean, just look at those sub-human cretins who try to get you to twiddle with your PayPal or eBay accounts, using e-mails that look so authentic. There is a special circle in hell reserved just for phishers. It's even worse than the circle set aside for spam mail originators and perpetrators. But I digress...)
On a better, more positive note, I was happy to learn that Absolute Write will feature one of my articles the week of December 14. Absolute Write, for those of you who don't know, is a writer's website dedicated to educating and improving the craft of writers of all abilities, genres, styles, and experience levels. I'm quite honored to have them publish my work.
Besides, I know they're legitimate -- they only send me things I've signed up for (their weekly newsletter is full of useful information). And they never include questionable files.
Geoff's Book Update
I spoke to the editor and publisher of Geoff's book yesterday. The book is in layout, and will soon be ready for our approval. In the meantime, she wanted me to take another look at, and re-think the captions for about 10 of the photos. When she explained what she wanted, it was easy to see where the text was wanting. Fixing that to everyone's satisfaction is the first order of business today.
We also discussed titles. The editors at Trafalgar Square have suggested several good ones. I'm going to run some of the more promising ones past Geoff and see what he thinks. It's a bit daunting, when you consider that -- adages aside -- people really DO judge books by their covers. What's worse, people judge books by their titles.
No pressure. None at all...
Monday, December 05, 2005
Monday
The only productive thing I got done today was making a list of things to do this week. Got a slight start on them, but ended up doing a bit of driving and running errands most of the morning and early afternoon.
Total productive things that happened: 3.
1.) Moved a piece of extraneous furniture permanently out of the house, thus making room for the as yet un-put-up Christmas tree.
2.) Called Blue Cross / Blue Shield and straightened out the snafu that involved them printing my insurance cards with a name misspelling.
3.) Returned my editor's call at Trafalgar Square to learn of some changes she wants in photo captions (on tomorrow's To Do list) and discuss title possibilities.
Other than that, the day was a wash. And yet I didn't even have time to check my e-mail until after 10 p.m.
Tuesday will be an improvement. It's gotta be -- at least in the "Work Completed" category.
Total productive things that happened: 3.
1.) Moved a piece of extraneous furniture permanently out of the house, thus making room for the as yet un-put-up Christmas tree.
2.) Called Blue Cross / Blue Shield and straightened out the snafu that involved them printing my insurance cards with a name misspelling.
3.) Returned my editor's call at Trafalgar Square to learn of some changes she wants in photo captions (on tomorrow's To Do list) and discuss title possibilities.
Other than that, the day was a wash. And yet I didn't even have time to check my e-mail until after 10 p.m.
Tuesday will be an improvement. It's gotta be -- at least in the "Work Completed" category.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
“No Education Is Ever Wasted” and Other Mother’s Mantras
Oh my GOD, it's December. While I will be overjoyed to wave good-bye to 2005 (For insight into some of the reasons, check out the Great Brain Drain Train blog. It's been a heckuva year.), I can't believe that in a mere 4 weeks it will all be over.
At any rate, we are home at last. As my mother was fond of saying whenever we traveled while I was young, “It’s always good to leave. But it’s great to come back home.”
We got home yesterday without incident. After my 70 year old father evidenced lightning-quick reflexes at 6:30 a.m. on the highway leading to the Tampa International Airport and narrowly missed a multi-car pile up, we all reveled in the adrenaline rush and continued on our way. The rest of the trip (thank God!) was uneventful.
I cannot go on a trip without hearing my mother’s “It’s good to go…” adage echoing in my mind. It’s not the only pet saying of hers that continues to color my life. Others include:
“If something’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right.”
“Cleanliness is next to godliness” (although anyone who knows us knows that I am clearly far less godly than my mom).
“If you don’t clean up your plate, you can’t have dessert.”
And, my personal favorite, “No education is ever wasted.”
I heard the “education” one often throughout my overpriced university years. I also heard it regularly when job openings for someone with my newly awarded diploma were woefully difficult to find.
For several years I earned more from giving riding lessons and training horses than I did from my English and Education degrees. This, of course, only served to prove my mom’s mantra right. All those years I spent soaking up information at the riding and breeding facility I worked at served a purpose much more far-reaching than just feeding an adolescent obsession.
I’ve recently embarked on a new educational journey. I’ve signed up for a rather extensive course on a marketing subject that I find intriguing, but know very little about. It’s an expensive course that I had to float a loan in order to take. So, of course, I’m hoping that in this, as in so many other things, my mother’s words of wisdom ring true.
When we arrived home, I discovered the materials for the course were waiting for me in an enormous, moderately intimidating box. I've only begun to look through them, but I can tell that there is an astounding amount of material that I will be trying to digest in the coming weeks.
“No education is ever wasted.” Stay tuned as the adventure in adages unfolds…
At any rate, we are home at last. As my mother was fond of saying whenever we traveled while I was young, “It’s always good to leave. But it’s great to come back home.”
We got home yesterday without incident. After my 70 year old father evidenced lightning-quick reflexes at 6:30 a.m. on the highway leading to the Tampa International Airport and narrowly missed a multi-car pile up, we all reveled in the adrenaline rush and continued on our way. The rest of the trip (thank God!) was uneventful.
I cannot go on a trip without hearing my mother’s “It’s good to go…” adage echoing in my mind. It’s not the only pet saying of hers that continues to color my life. Others include:
“If something’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right.”
“Cleanliness is next to godliness” (although anyone who knows us knows that I am clearly far less godly than my mom).
“If you don’t clean up your plate, you can’t have dessert.”
And, my personal favorite, “No education is ever wasted.”
I heard the “education” one often throughout my overpriced university years. I also heard it regularly when job openings for someone with my newly awarded diploma were woefully difficult to find.
For several years I earned more from giving riding lessons and training horses than I did from my English and Education degrees. This, of course, only served to prove my mom’s mantra right. All those years I spent soaking up information at the riding and breeding facility I worked at served a purpose much more far-reaching than just feeding an adolescent obsession.
I’ve recently embarked on a new educational journey. I’ve signed up for a rather extensive course on a marketing subject that I find intriguing, but know very little about. It’s an expensive course that I had to float a loan in order to take. So, of course, I’m hoping that in this, as in so many other things, my mother’s words of wisdom ring true.
When we arrived home, I discovered the materials for the course were waiting for me in an enormous, moderately intimidating box. I've only begun to look through them, but I can tell that there is an astounding amount of material that I will be trying to digest in the coming weeks.
“No education is ever wasted.” Stay tuned as the adventure in adages unfolds…
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