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the next step of the project is to compile all the posts, PDF it, include everyone's blog URLs include a bio of instigator blog at the front, and redistribute to all participants and viralize it!
Full posts is easier - just copy and paste, but summarizing could make the content of such an ebook more interesting to casual readers.
Thoughts?
Do I need to get permission from each participant to create an ebook out of the content?
I'd suggest running the full post in the ebook.
You're creating value in the process, by collating, and publishing the content.
Since everyone had elected to take part in the project and linked back, they've given you some level of endorsement already.
I think dropping everyone a courtesy email shows concern for their contributions.
The other question is whether the content can be monetized.
It'd depend on the profile of the participants. If everyone's fairly revenue oriented, then if there's unanimous approval, there is some potential to generate income from it.
Else, we could distribute it under a creative commons license, on a free to distribute (with attribution basis) and everyone gets traffic out of it. [Maybe people could mail you a 2-3 sentence self/blog bio along with their blog address?]
It all depends how you want to play the cards.
If you want to blurb and evangelize it at SOBcon, by all means go ahead!
It's interesting how you being in Australia, and me in Singapore end up in a discussion thread in the US. Interesting....
Ben: You need to install the threaded conversations plugin soon!
I don't think I would commercialize the ebook - it's all free content provided by people who had no expectation of using the content for making money, or for having me make money on it.
I'm still torn on the issue of full posts or edited posts, because many people add pre-ambles or information about where they heard about the writing project, etc. that's not relevant to the specifics of productivity tips. That content is still interesting to see the chain though, but maybe not appropriate for the actual Guide itself.
I would be inclined to ask everyone else what they think too, and I appreciate your insights.
I was kinda surprised that messr Harrelson didnt get his meme post listed here [ref: samharrelson.com], but it looks like he may have tumblr-ed himself off to oblivion.
See? You play with too many widgets, you'll go blind.
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Meme away, my captain, oh my captain!
Which is an important point - if there's a Productivity post from this group writing project meme out there that you don't see me link to let me know about it so I can include it!
Hi Kathie,
It’s interesting how you being in Australia, and me in Singapore end up in a discussion thread in the US. Interesting…."
Yeah, cool, isn't it? I participate in weekly web meetings these days and the majority of participants are in the US with some in Canada and the UK and one in France with 3 here in Australia - it's become a 'normal' event now.
I'd probably also include the full posts, although it might be nice to have a "one-line teaser" under the title of each one in the table of contents — it would satisfy the skimmers, and give them more to go on than just the title of the post (esp. since many people stuck with the generic 'Ultimate Guide' title).
What about putting an edit in the original post, letting people know that the project is headed that way, and if they post into the project, it'll become a part of it (CC license and all)? Just a thought.
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I'd suggest editing the entries so it's more on-topic. The key is that the person who reads the PDF will get something contextual and useful out of it.
I say go for it, with the option of adding a 2-3 sentence author/blog bio.
Perhaps you could open a fresh "submit your profile" post and contributors have 48 hours to add their bio in the comments.
It'd create 2-way linklove.
Sam is being Sam, I guess...
Confucius say: Man who play with widgets, gets blog in tangles.
Great idea the PDF-file, so we can all enjoy all tips and get to known the 'tippers' a bit better, all in one go.
I am all for it. All you / we have to decide now is the 'cut-off' point, cause I think this meme hasn't seen its end yet.
So instead of having a full post where someone will be talking about the meme itself, who else s/he tagged, etc. -- I would quote out the part that's specifically about productivity. Not summarize or re-write myself...
To be honest, I don't think a lot of what I wrote could be looked on as "timeless" content. I felt it was appropriate for the moment, and there were timeless elements, but it isn't material that in whole should be put in an ebook.
If the material was originally meant to be included in an ebook, I would have written something totally different.
As well, people can update their posts or write new posts on productivity tips to be included in the e-book now that they know we might try and pull it off.
http://lead2020.blogspot.com/2007/04/ben-over-a...
"A stupidly simple way to have a productive day"
http://www.nurtur.co.uk/naked/?p=31
I think if you want to put a quality product, you could aim for a 10-20 page report, and a suggested structure could be:
1) cover page (1 page)
2) intro - instigator blog, ben - bio (1 page)
3) meme intro - why you start it, what it's supposed to achieve, how viral was it, did it meet your expectations (1 page)
4) edit and repro the content - (include a bio or one or two of the author's preferred link - sign up to the feedburner/bloglines link or mailing list. (as many pages as you have content for).
5) conclusion by yourself. (can give away a goodie if you have one), or include a list of your favourite blogs, etc. (1 page).
simple, yes?
As for editing out content it's difficult to say what to edit or not, but I would definitely edit out the intro for where the idea originated (which could be written in a cover page), and removing the lists of those who've been tagged. It's irrelevant to the reader.
Of course the next step is to bring on some volunteers to help me...cause suddenly I just agreed to a big project! *laugh*
I'll probably let the group writing project meme spread some more, gather more links, and then start putting together the content as well as soliciting bios from people.
In future posts I make about the project I'll make sure to reference the e-book and also ask people to send me bios.
If you've already written a post - email me your bio information to be included. If you have a picture, send that too.
Colleen Wainwright tagged me to contribute to this productivity guide.
When I was retained by Microsoft to be their workplace effectiveness spokesperson, I was asked to come up with some of my best quick productivity tips. The article, "Accomplish More at Work So You Can Spend More Time With Your Family" was created because they wanted me to show people how to leave work at a reasonable time. (The article is at http://www.rebeccamorgan.com/articles1.html)
But the one that I'll contribute to your guide is one I think many people don't take full advantage of:
• Redeploy the Troops (Your Past Work)
Don’t start from scratch if you’ve already created work you can reuse, even if it’s just a part. If you need to write a memo, start with the email you wrote to your boss on this topic. You’ve already invested time to compose and craft your message, and spell check. Tweak that work so can save your time.
I can't wait to see what you've created!
Rebecca Morgan, CSP, CMC
Bestselling author, consultant, speaker
Featured on Oprah, 60 Minutes and NPR and in the Wall Street Journal
http://www.RebeccaMorgan.com
One thought I've had is to create something myself, perhaps using images that represent each of the writers who've taken part in the meme.
The other idea would result in a selection of 'illustrations' to choose from - all created by bloggers... I'd then do any postwork required.
Drop me a mail if you like, and I'll explain the second in a little more detail!
How's the project coming along?
Drop me an email if you need help.
Thanks!
I think productivity tips are similar to pieces of bright coloured candy.
They taste nice, but they aren't a good substitute for meat and potatoes (or, here in Jamaica, for jerk chicken and hard-do bread!)
They are hardly the building blocks that one needs for a healthy lifestyle, and too much of a focus on them is, well, unhealthy.
Not to pour too much cold water on the idea... I WILL read it once it's completed, but you may do well to have a "Warning" sign at the beginning saying that someone should not expect to implement these 100+ tips and, by itself, become more productive.
Please don't take this as damning criticism...
The goal of a project like this is to aggregate everyone's ideas on productivity so that hopefully a reader finds a handful of worthwhile ideas to implement.
Of course, I haven't had the time to make progress on this, but I've thought a lot about trying to push it forward.