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You might have heard I’m a fan of books. Actually, I’m a fan of sharing knowledge. For me, the real benefit of books isn't in the read but in the ideas they generate. Why? Because as marketers we are our ideas. We get paid (and, sometimes, pressured) to think up new ideas and implement them every single day.
But when we take our ideas and freely share them, like we do through online conversations, we’re afforded not only bigger and better ideas, but new sources with which to collaborate...that drive those ideas into existence.
In hosting the Book Club, I read and review a lot of books. And naturally, scores of authors, publishers and publicists make a point of explaining why and how their books are unique from anything else in the marketplace. But when I got wind of The Age of Conversation--a precedent-setting collaborative book by 103 authors hailing from every U.S. time zone, Canada, Australia, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, India and Oman--I didn’t have to be told why or how it was unique.
Why? Because the very idea of the book is unique. The idea being: collectively we are smarter, savvier and more valuable to readers than we are independently (proud disclosure: I am one of the book's 103 authors). What's more? Collectively we're a heck of a lot faster, too...and got a book to market in under 20 weeks!
Here's the idea's evolution:
On March 27, 2007, Drew McLellan posted about a chance to author a guest book. Gavin Heaton then posted a comment hailing the idea but going one better in saying, “Great concept! But you know, what? I reckon between a few of us [marketing bloggers] we could knock out a short book…all we need is a theme and a charity.”
Two weeks later, Drew and Gavin had amassed a theme, pinpointed a charity and made a grand call for authors.
And now, seventeen weeks later, on July 16th, 2007, the --book is now available in eBook, softcover and hardcover formats…with all proceeds benefiting Variety, The Children's Charity.
According to Drew McLellan, "The book itself is fascinating. What happens when you give 100 authors a book title and 400 words? So many different angles. So many points of view. And perhaps that is the overall message of the book. The Age of Conversation allows for many dialogues as opposed to the one-sided monologue of yesterday’s marketing efforts.
Was it a lot of work? Yes. It was. But working with Gavin meant it was going to be brilliant. He’s got a marketer’s head and a poet’s heart. That combination was perfect for this project. I look forward to creating more projects with him down the road.”
Gavin Heaton added, “It started as an off-hand comment and has suddenly become a publishing first. 100+ authors from all over the world, most of whom have no connection other than sharing a belief in the power of solid marketing and a social media bent. We both loved the idea of contributing the proceeds from sale to a charity and Variety seemed an ideal recipient. Our hope? That each and every author can leverage their good work in this book to grow their business, raise their own visibility and come back for the next collaborative brainchild we come up with."
I do also need to share this: the week that Drew and Gavin decided to take on this behemoth effort also marked the week I lost my magnificent momma. She never forgot to teach me how important it is to share our smarts, to encourage community and, above all, to listen to others. The night before we held the ceremony to celebrate her life, Drew sent an email asking if it would be OK to dedicate the book to her memory. It was the first time I had smiled in what seemed forever—and I closed my eulogy on the words from the dedication.
So, as you consider your summer reading--whether you're active in social media or just starting to think about joining this grand, global conversation--please give thought to investing your time in The Age of Conversation. I advocate it's time well spent. You can download an eBook for $9.99, purchase a paperback for $16.95 or buy it hardcover for $29.99. Rest assured, all proceeds go to charity.
A BIG thanks to Drew and Gavin for a BIG idea--and a round of applause to ALL 103 authors who made this idea a reality. The author list follows, be prepared...it's a long list (told you it was a big idea ;-).
The Age of Conversation: Authors
Gavin Heaton
Drew McLellan
CK
Valeria Maltoni
Emily Reed
Katie Chatfield
Greg Verdino
Mack Collier
Lewis Green
Sacrum
Ann Handley
Mike Sansone
Paul McEnany
Roger von Oech
Anna Farmery
David Armano
Bob Glaza
Mark Goren
Matt Dickman
Scott Monty
Richard Huntington
Cam Beck
David Reich
Luc Debaisieux
Sean Howard
Tim Jackson
Patrick Schaber
Roberta Rosenberg
Uwe Hook
Tony D. Clark
Todd Andrlik
Toby Bloomberg
Steve Woodruff
Steve Bannister
Steve Roesler
Stanley Johnson
Spike Jones
Nathan Snell
Simon Payn
Ryan Rasmussen
Ron Shevlin
Roger Anderson
Robert Hruzek
Rishi Desai
Phil Gerbyshak
Peter Corbett
Pete Deutschman
Nick Rice
Nick Wright
Michael Morton
Mark Earls
Mark Blair
Mario Vellandi
Lori Magno
Kristin Gorski
Kris Hoet
G.Kofi Annan
Kimberly Dawn Wells
Karl Long
Julie Fleischer
Jordan Behan
John La Grou
Joe Raasch
Jim Kukral
Jessica Hagy
Janet Green
Jamey Shiels
Dr. Graham Hill
Gia Facchini
Geert Desager
Gaurav Mishra
Gary Schoeniger
Gareth Kay
Faris Yakob
Emily Clasper
Ed Cotton
Dustin Jacobsen
Tom Clifford
David Polinchock
David Koopmans
David Brazeal
David Berkowitz
Carolyn Manning
Craig Wilson
Cord Silverstein
Connie Reece
Colin McKay
Chris Newlan
Chris Corrigan
Cedric Giorgi
Brian Reich
Becky Carroll
Arun Rajagopal
Andy Nulman
Amy Jussel
AJ James
Kim Klaver
Sandy Renshaw
Susan Bird
Ryan Barrett
Troy Worman
S. Neil Vineberg
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Comments
I am truly honored to be a part of this project, and hope that everyone will purchase a copy in whatever form you choose. You'll be a smarter marketer(for an insanely low price), and you'll be helping save and better the lives of children around the world. A win-win for everyone.
Posted by: Mack Collier | 07.16.07
I second Mack's sentiment. It is my honor to be part of this project. I am buying several copies to give away and to help children.
Posted by: Lewis Green | 07.16.07
CK,
Being part of this is indeed an honor. I was lucky to meet you, Valeria, Drew, Lewis and David and this completely changed my perception of the word "blogging". This book is an "act" that moves in the right direction. May the drops of water it is made of make a giant wave that will help children in need.
Posted by: mindblob | 07.16.07
I'm proud to be part of this project. There's some awesome writing and smart thinking in the book, and I look forward to many interesting conversations it will spark.
FYI, this project is getting noticed. Advertising Age has a review at http://adage.com/bookstore/post?article_id=119259 and Mediapost's Marketing Daily also has a nice write-up this morning at http://publications.mediapost.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Articles.san&s=64003&Nid=32318&p=192222
Posted by: David Reich | 07.16.07
Yeah, like everyone else, I'm glad to have been able to participate in this awesome project.
I just got my ebook copy this morning (all authors pay for their books, no freebies) and after a quick run-through, I can tell that it's awesome.
Posted by: Jim Kukral | 07.16.07
CK, I just realized that it was through this project that I connected with you! This has been an amazing collaboration with a wonderful group of people. I am still getting to know the other contributors -- so many great blogs, so little time. :-( Gotta go download my copy now because I've been waiting for three months to see what everyone else wrote.
Posted by: Connie Reece | 07.16.07
I can't tell you how excited I am to be a part of this project. I'm SO not worthy... but I'm stoked just the same.
Posted by: Tim Jackson | 07.16.07
CK - I have a feeling we are going to make your momma proud! xoxo
Posted by: Moda di Magno | 07.16.07
I'm calling Age of Conversation - "the business book with the social media soul." It was a privilege and a pleasure to play a part in this project, which is a amazing example of how real friends, who met thru blogging, created an important thought piece about the new communication.
Posted by: Toby | 07.16.07
Toby, I love "the business book with the social media soul".
This has been an amazing project to be part of and I am sure it will kick-start a whole range of other conversations amongst the contributors, with the business community and hopefully with a much wider audience.
Special thanks to all who contributed and who continue to help spread the word!
Posted by: Gavin Heaton | 07.16.07
I love Toby's positioning of the book. This is a win-win-win project...everyone who has been involved has thoroughly enjoyed it, the charity benefits and businesses new to social media get to understand the medium from 103 points of view.
(And I also think it so cool that we all get to look back on it 20 years from now and just smile that we were a part of the social media movement ;-).
Posted by: CK | 07.17.07