Idiot guide?

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NDN Tom
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Idiot guide?

Post by NDN Tom »

Any suggestions on how to market a book without folks duplicating the information? ... The book would be an idiots guide to plasmacam and plasma cutting. I have been cutting about 10 years, and the book has mostly been done for about 3 years now. I am also a welder fabricator and have been for about 30 years. I am an extra class ham radio operator and build my own high voltage gear, so I got a pretty good grip on electricity and electronics.
To nip skeptics in the bud, nothing in the book was taken from any group... YES, You can find solutions in website forums, and you can find information that will make you grave yard dead, if you follow it. You just have to read 10,000 posts on multiple forums...For the new guy, even that won't help, as you know, NOTHING seems to be removed from most forums, no matter how dangerous or ridiculous the information is. It sits archived, waiting for the next new guy to swallow the snake venom.
People WITHOUT functional tables, giving advice to other people on how to make theirs work, is like me giving a pilot instructions on final approach because I have sunglasses like theirs. The best help I could possibly give that pilot, would be silence, so an actual traffic controller could answer. Anyway, as far as the book goes, I am in the same boat as the DXF guys that would like to sell their files without fear of selling one, and having 100 people end up with it. So my 90% completed idiots guide, sits on my hard drive where it has been for a few years, until I get marketing figured out. That's not helping a lot of people, that obviously could use help....
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Re: Idiot guide?

Post by AnotherDano »

Contact the publishers of the Idiots Guide series and pitch it to them.
They might think the demand would be too small to invest in it, but it would be a good exercise on what to expect from other publishers.
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Possumplasma
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Re: Idiot guide?

Post by Possumplasma »

Call me old fashioned but, that seems like a strange way to ask for advice.
Bag the forums then ask.....????
You might want a change in attitude to get any decent offers of help, most folks I know on plasma forums, do so for no reward, other than to help a fellow cutter.
It doesn't take long for any forum member to sift through the chatter to get the desired information and, if they do have problems, other forum members generally chime in to help them out.....that's the whole idea of a forum.
Snake venom???
Fair go!!!!
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Re: Idiot guide?

Post by Mountain Home »

I doubt there is any one man that could write a book that would match the knowledge that I have found since I joined this group , we have reps from the people that make The tables, make the torches, draw the best cut files in the world, produce and sell finishing products, not to mention the many combined years of experience
Using the equipment. All willing to help each other. And you know more than they do?
:lol: :lol: :lol:
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Re: Idiot guide?

Post by ronsii »

It;s actually pretty simple... The people who would buy it, would buy it! (unless the price is too exorbitant)

I assume you want to market it as en e-book ??? in that case devote a page in the front of it on how someone who finds it useful could 'pay' for the information they gleaned from the book if they acquired the book free.

If you don't have an e-book in mind then I would suggest you dig around for a printer(some real good deals right now as people want the business!) and spend a few grand on printing up a few hundred copies and market them on amazon... pretty easy. I am also assuming you have it ready to publish...no need for an editor, proofer, etc....
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Re: Idiot guide?

Post by jimcolt »

About all you can do is to get it copyrighted (make sure it is 100% original!) and advertise it for sale. If it is really good material....maybe even the manufacturer of the machine (PlasmaCam) would be interested. Be sure to cover all 4 models, and all the software upgrades, as well as the variety of plasma systems (probably 15 or 20 different models and brands.....and it will likely be a great help document.

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Re: Idiot guide?

Post by admin »

Ouch :shock: I thought I did a pretty good job of maintaining quality information and trying to attract industry professionals to give us rock solid advice. I agree there are some sites that are less than useful but that's why PlasmaSpider is here. I am sure his book contains a lot of real world advice but no need to bash the forum.
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Re: Idiot guide?

Post by Scratch »

I used to read alot of how to books, and books in general. I don't anymore. It's so easy to find the answer you need, along with other opinions... multiple opnions, different ideas, personal experiences, tons of photos, plus you can ask questions, and lots of people all over the world will talk directly to you and give you advice. Not to mention, there are forums like these with entire threads and even subfoums sometimes, dealing with your exact problem.

The internet is such a much more worthwhile resource for pretty much anything nowadays.
I may never pick up a book again.... it's a shame, but really why should I...

Good luck with the book, I hope it does well....
I think I'm the oldest 10 year old boy on the forum...
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Re: Idiot guide?

Post by steelfx »

You might want to buy, borrow or download a book that specifically addresses the ins and outs of publishing your own book.
While you're looking for that book, keep your eyes open for a book on humility.

Good Luck!
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Re: Idiot guide?

Post by parrotlady »

I think it completely depends on the subject. Scratch is right, there is so much information out there that a person often doesnt need to pay for information. That being said, on subjects such as patination, I have found literature to be a bit more difficult to obtain... I love, love LOVED Bill's book as it had so many practical and useful tips, and it was all in one tidy little package that I can refer back to when I need it.

On plasma cutting; I used to wish there was a book such as the one in question, but now I am kind of glad I never found it. The reason why is that there are some things you just have to do to learn. For example, I never ever would have understood gear ratios, signal generators, intermittant torch ignition, grounding problems etc etc etc etc.. (insert a few thousand more etc..) if I hadnt experieced them myself. Also, belonging to this forum has brought up many subjects i thankfully havent been faced with yet, but am now familiar with just from reading it here. In a way, its almost like you have to earn it by doing, rather than getting an easy ride, but that is just my belief. I think the book would definately have a target audience, but I wouldnt quit my day job over it.. just my 2 cents for what its worth.

"be nice to everyone on your way up the ladder, cause you just might meet em' on the way back down"

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Re: Idiot guide?

Post by NDN Tom »

Thanks guys... You are doing a great job. Its been deleted. One post I read on a forum, said a dryer plug, was a great way to wire in a plasma cutter. I guess we will let published sage wisdom and Darwins theory take its course as the new guys set up their machines. Another claims 60 amps at 150 IPM and 60 psi, and you dont need to change anything...You can cut angel hair to 4 inch AR.. A plasma table company charged me $950 to fix nothing and kept me down a month. The lead tech that I am sure many of you know by name, said, I have no idea why it wont work..I have no solution.. Thanks for the $950...and the $12,000 before that.. The problem? a 9 cent resistor in the voltage sensing line that was diagnosed from schematics by me... No, I am not smarter than all these factory reps... But I am sure smarter about electricity, than the lead factory tech at probably the best known plasma table seller, HANDS DOWN! If you are not an EE or extra class ham, I am hands down smarter than you are on electricity and ANY circuitry too. Take the tests to gain either certification, the truth will be quickly obvious. That isn't a flame..thats a fact. With 30 years of welding, few factory techs have enough knowledge to get my welders helper his coffee. But some can make nice smiley face icons, and that skill is admittedly, well beyond me. ( no need to fill me in on that process)... Teach them well, you don't need any knowledge I have.
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Re: Idiot guide?

Post by steelfx »

NDN Tom? Is your real name Charlie Sheen?

Best of Luck with your endeavors!

"The truest characters of ignorance are vanity, pride and arrogance.? Samuel Butler
Last edited by steelfx on Thu Mar 03, 2011 4:18 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Idiot guide?

Post by BrianMick »

steelfx wrote:NDN Tom? Is your real name Charlie Sheen?

Best of Luck with your endeavors!

"The truest characters of ignorance are vanity, pride and arrogance.? Samuel Butler
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
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Re: Idiot guide?

Post by Oldsarge »

NDN Tom wrote:I am hands down smarter than you are on electricity and ANY circuitry too. Take the tests to gain either certification, the truth will be quickly obvious. That isn't a flame..thats a fact. With 30 years of welding, few factory techs have enough knowledge to get my welders helper his coffee. But some can make nice smiley face icons, and that skill is admittedly, well beyond me. ( no need to fill me in on that process)... Teach them well, you don't need any knowledge I have.

Yeah, but do you know why it isn't called a Quarter Pounder with cheese in France? :lol:

Have a nice day out there in Plasmaland Everybody!

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Re: Idiot guide?

Post by WSS »

Yeah, but do you know why it isn't called a Quarter Pounder with cheese in France? :lol:


No, but I would like too? :D

Notice the writer/smart guy did not put his call sign?
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Re: Idiot guide?

Post by ronsii »

@ oldsarge: Because they don't make a metric version of it??? :lol:


You know you try to give some people real world advice and they just don't listen.... I guess they know-it-all already ;)


Personally I know quite a few ham's some are extras some are tech no codes, while they know theory and how to pass a test(there are books you can buy for that too) some of them couldn't plug in a toaster :o That is why they like me, I fix their electronics and wiring for them ;) Just in case there are some real hams reading this don't get offended too quickly I am not saying all amateur radio operators are like this I am just telling you my real world experiences with the people I know and have met in the course of my work. :) ( I do love smileys)
Oh, and one other thing the 'NDN' in the username...I have met others that use this in their username.... it would seem that they feel that they are owed something by anyone not of their 'type' and I have noticed they tend to be know-it-all's.... Just another observation ;)

77's

And in conclusion of my long-winded rant I wish to thank all of those that make plasmaspider the super great info-filled site it is today!!!!
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Re: Idiot guide?

Post by Possumplasma »

I'm on a few forums and, interestingly, the only reference I've seen to a dryer plug was on Weldingweb where this was said by an extremely experienced and well respected member of the Plasma Cutting fraternity... "The only concerns.....when operated on single phase, the maximum current draw could exceed the dryer plug rating (those are usually rated at 40 amps)".

Hardly an endorsement!!!

I also note, there's a guy over on another forum using a VERY similar nom de plume....shouting and stomping like a spoilt brat.
Conicidence???? :roll:
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Re: Idiot guide?

Post by WSS »

qoute: "@ oldsarge: Because they don't make a metric version of it??? :lol:"

Is that really why?


Quote: ";) Just in case there are some real hams reading this don't get offended too quickly I am not saying all amateur radio operators are like this I am just telling you my real world experiences with the people I know and have met in the course of my work."

No offense taken! One thing I have learned as a amatuer radio operator is to sift through the baloney to find the info needed.

I have mentioned this before on other forums, But 10 years ago when I would build a machine, it was stacks of reference manuals and books next to my bed and files full of quotes and po#s and....etc, ect.. Now my inbox has my quotes and forums have the the info. You just gottta look for it.

Take for instance bill w/Steel FX and his dowload book. makes sense to me. When I get ready to do that type of work it will be added to my info file. BTW, he now offers quarts!!!

WSS
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Re: Idiot guide?

Post by steelfx »

Quarts, Half-Gallons And Gallons! And soon, 8 ouncers for those of you who just want to test-drive the products
before you commit to a larger order!

Thanks for your support!

bw
:D
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Re: Idiot guide?

Post by Possumplasma »

steelfx wrote:Quarts, Half-Gallons And Gallons! And soon, 8 ouncers for those of you who just want to test-drive the products
before you commit to a larger order!

Thanks for your support!

bw
:D

Hey Bill,
Don't need an Aussie distributor do you?
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Re: Idiot guide?

Post by steelfx »

Possumplasma wrote:
steelfx wrote:Quarts, Half-Gallons And Gallons! And soon, 8 ouncers for those of you who just want to test-drive the products
before you commit to a larger order!

Thanks for your support!

bw
:D

Hey Bill,
Don't need an Aussie distributor do you?
I would like to expand to Australia & NZ, but can NOT ship any of my products by Air due to regulations re: Corrosives.

I could however, sell my formulas & set up a regional exclusivity...if I found a qualified buyer/partner. PM me if you know of any person/s or company that might be interested.

thanks!

Bill
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Re: Idiot guide?

Post by WSS »

steelfx wrote:Quarts, Half-Gallons And Gallons! And soon, 8 ouncers for those of you who just want to test-drive the products
before you commit to a larger order!

Thanks for your support!

bw
:D

Thats it! I am having a hard time justifeing the gallons. A test drive would be helpful. Look forward to it.

WSS
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Re: Idiot guide?

Post by Oldsarge »

WSS wrote:qoute: "@ oldsarge: Because they don't make a metric version of it??? :lol:"
Is that really why?

Yeah... That's a quote from Pulp Fiction...

Jules: Well, if you like burgers give 'em a try sometime. I can't usually get 'em myself because my girlfriend's a vegetarian which pretty much makes me a vegetarian. But I do love the taste of a good burger. Mm-mm-mm. You know what they call a Quarter Pounder with cheese in France?
Brett: No.
Jules: Tell 'em, Vincent.
Vincent: A Royale with cheese.
Jules: A Royale with cheese! You know why they call it that?
Brett: Because of the metric system?
Jules: Check out the big brain on Brett! You're a smart motherfr. That's right. The metric system.

Love that movie!

Check out the big brain on NDN Tom! :lol:


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Re: Idiot guide?

Post by WSS »

Oh right! OK, I got it. :lol:

I am more of a "best in show" or "drowning mona" kinda quoter. I missed pulp fiction. I'll put it on my itunes rent list. We do not have a TV. :mrgreen:

I made it a task today to learn how to do smilies. :geek:

WSS
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Re: Idiot guide?

Post by mdwalker »

NDN Tom wrote:Thanks guys... You are doing a great job. Its been deleted. One post I read on a forum, said a dryer plug, was a great way to wire in a plasma cutter. I guess we will let published sage wisdom and Darwins theory take its course as the new guys set up their machines. Another claims 60 amps at 150 IPM and 60 psi, and you dont need to change anything...You can cut angel hair to 4 inch AR.. A plasma table company charged me $950 to fix nothing and kept me down a month. The lead tech that I am sure many of you know by name, said, I have no idea why it wont work..I have no solution.. Thanks for the $950...and the $12,000 before that.. The problem? a 9 cent resistor in the voltage sensing line that was diagnosed from schematics by me... No, I am not smarter than all these factory reps... But I am sure smarter about electricity, than the lead factory tech at probably the best known plasma table seller, HANDS DOWN! If you are not an EE or extra class ham, I am hands down smarter than you are on electricity and ANY circuitry too. Take the tests to gain either certification, the truth will be quickly obvious. That isn't a flame..thats a fact. With 30 years of welding, few factory techs have enough knowledge to get my welders helper his coffee. But some can make nice smiley face icons, and that skill is admittedly, well beyond me. ( no need to fill me in on that process)... Teach them well, you don't need any knowledge I have.
Couldn't resist. First of all no matter how smart you "think" you are there is always somebody smarter. There is book smart and there is common sense smart. You've already proven one of those. Everybody starts out equal on here, where you go from there is up to you. For somebody wanting to sell a book I would say you are heading in the wrong direction. Maybe you are as smart as you think you are and maybe not, but people who are don't have to try to prove it. As far as your fears on somebody stealing your book, I wander how many million dollar ideas went to the grave with their owners because they were afraid somebody would steal it. And if you know so much why would you send in a machine for repair of a 9 cent resistor? With you knowledge you should have had that diagnosed and up and running within an hour. Kinda like keeping your book on your hard drive, it doesn't make good business sense.
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