Thanks to Lit.Org. - Page 2 - Writers Forum

Selorian · 08-15-2004, 05:01 PM

I didn't know that about CafePress. I haven't ever had to pay them money for not selling enough, hope never have too. Thanks for taking the time to reply. Had you ever thought about doing the Anthology Writing Contest? From what I can tell you could have it published at Lulu.com and not have to pay to publish. No isbn number unless pay like $50 I think but if just sold to site members could use paypal and wouldn't need one. Just a thought. Thanks again.

Cliff

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Chrispian · 08-15-2004, 06:56 PM

Nae, You've already been plenty helpful, but I'm glad you like the idea!

Cliff, yeah, I found out about that cafepress thing when I wasn't heavily promoting my store and sold like 3 things, They were like spend it or lose it. Argh. Good company and I understand they don't want people with money just lingering around. Still, I can get custom shirts and stuff printed up and still sell them cheaper than cafepress and make more profit on them with 100% flexibility in layout, colors and other options. Don't get me wrong, I love cafepress and will continue to use them for special projects.

As for the book publishing, I have some sources there too and think that's a great idea. The only issue is in the logistics of copyright. Most places will only deal with original copyright owners or you must have a written letter from everyone involved. I'll look into the "legal" side of it, but I know people do anthologies all the time so I don't think it would be a problem. I wonder how many people would be willing to contribute a story just to have it in print with proceeds going to support the site and pay for a professional editor to have a go at it. Also, if we do it through someone like iUniverse, ISBN is part of the bundle and it's automatically listed on Amazon.com. We sell all copies through our amazon affiliate and make our sales commision + amazon commission

Can you tell I've been thinking about doing this as a business? lol.

Selorian · 08-15-2004, 07:45 PM

Chris, I for one would be willing to contribute a story. Once you check into the legal side of things and see if could do it just say the word. I know I am still new but I like this site alot and would gladly do that to help out. Think alot of us would.

Quote:

Also, if we do it through someone like iUniverse, ISBN is part of the bundle and it's automatically listed on Amazon.com. We sell all copies through our amazon affiliate and make our sales commision + amazon commission

Can you tell I've been thinking about doing this as a business? lol.

Can definitely tell. lol

Cliff

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Beatrice Boyle · 08-16-2004, 03:08 AM

Chris...all this sounds wonderful so far...however, I'm concerned that if it takes off like Topsy...we will be perceived as just another Poetry.com et al.

We must try hard not to destroy what you have so carefully built up! Naturally, you need support to help run the sites...but we must be vigilant to remain the uniquely above board site that we are!

You don't have to convince the members, we already know who and what you are...but remember, newcomers by nature are skeptical...as WE all were when we first stumbled onto Lit and the Forums. If we flood the sites with ads and trinkets and such...what makes us different than the rest?
That's what we must zero in on when overhauling the sites.

Knowing you...I have no worries on that score.
But we must be vigilant that success doesn't breed contempt in the longrun. Besides, Grandma will surely be tweaking your conscience so that we DO wind up on 60 minutes...but as an example of how the Poetry Sites SHOULD be run!

Love as always,
Grandma Bea

eleutheromaniac · 08-17-2004, 01:23 AM

On Bea's note, what about making it harder to become a member? We can be like the freemasons of the online writing world.

A_MacLaren · 08-17-2004, 04:14 AM

'Freemasons run the country!'
I'm not sure elitism is really a healthy attitude for members to take. Next thing you know the admins are searching for 'unorthodox behaviour' and it's communist China all over again.
Huh. That was...obscure.

eleutheromaniac · 08-17-2004, 04:32 AM

Yeah, and maybe we can rename it '1984.org'. Unwriters will be extradited to other writing forums, never to be heard from again. And everyone must write according to Crowe's dictionary.

Chrispian · 08-17-2004, 05:43 PM

No chance of us making it harder to get in. The only point of the premium memberships is to help make a little money for the site and at $2 it's not much. You get a few little perks, but nothing so drastic that it changes the way the site works from non-premium to premium. It's really a glorified donation system.

**Penelope** · 08-17-2004, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrispian

I will also be introducing something new soon for members who want to help out called "Premium Memberships". They'll be $2/mo and discounts for paying in advance. You'll get a few extras, like a bigger avatar size, special member badges/titles, usernames will appear in another color that stands out more and more PM space and possibly a few other items. Also, there will be a of "premium member" general topic (not writing forums we want all members to have access to that stuff). This hidden topic will be just a small hideaway for offtopic conversations for premium members. It's basically a recurring donation system that's really cheap, has a few perks. They'll be available for Lit.Org and WritingForums. You can either do $2/mo for 1 site or $3/mo for both. Consider this info a perk for reading this topic

I'll be announcing it more officially in the next week or so.

Hey! Cool! I'm putting dibs in on Ink Slinger right now!

Do past donations count for future credits?