somersault

In a blog post on Publishers Weekly (@PublishersWkly), Barbara Vey expresses her frustration at authors who don’t keep their websites updated or worse, don’t have a site at all. She says, “To me, being an author is a business and as a business you need people to see the product. What’s available and what’s coming up at the very least.” She says the site doesn’t have to be complicated. “Just something that says I take my job seriously and here’s why you should read my work.”

The next worse thing is an author having a website that’s not updated. I’m embarrassed for them when I see their latest release showing 2003 when I know they’ve written more since then.  I’m not saying to blog something everyday or even update daily, but once a month would be nice. Just a little something to say, “Hey, I’m still here and working hard on getting out my next exciting book.”...[E]ven saying what they’re reading not only updates the web page, it also helps out a fellow writer.

An even easier way is to attach a Twitter feed box. That way, every time you Tweet something it shows up on your website. Instant updating and you only had to type 140 characters (or less).

Read what else she says.

Fast Company’s Co.Design (@fastcodesign) has an article that describes Nike's attention to visual branding techniques. "Oregon is one of the fastest [college football] teams in the nation, and we wanted them to look fast," says Todd Van Horn, Nike's top football uniform designer. So Nike crafted the look accordingly.

Visually, the colorway of the uniforms is meant to bring your eyes to the fastest moving parts of the player's bodies -- the hands, and in particular the shins, which move twice as fast as the thighs do while running. The bright yellow socks, which blended seamlessly into the cleats, drew attention to that fact.

Read the article in full and think how the principles used in this situation might apply to your brand.

 This New York Times article (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/11/fashion/11AuthorVideos.html?ref=media) explores what it means for reclusive authors to have to go before the unblinking eye of the camera in search of readers. Here's an excerpt:

In the streaming video era, with the publishing industry under relentless threat, the trailer is fast becoming an essential component of online marketing. Asked to draw on often nonexistent acting skills, authors are holding forth for anything from 30 seconds to 6 minutes, frequently to the tune of stock guitar strumming, soulful violin or klezmer music. And now, those who once worried about no one reading their books can worry about no one watching their trailers.

Yet...authors recognize the necessity — even the opportunity — of technologically upgrading their marketing efforts. “Any way we can reach out to readers is worth trying,” [says one author].

The Mobys are awards for book videos. This year, Dennis Cass won best performance by an author for his satirical look of "the groveling expected of modern writers." Very funny!

For an inspiring video presentation on the advances in social networking, watch this