Can you write?

[1Poet]

Howdy, you all! I'm not sure if this is the right spot for this post, so if not, please place it where it is supposed to go. I have been on HF for a while and posted some, but just had an idea. I am an old cowboy who wishes I had known about hammocks a looong time ago when I slept on the ground all the time. And, a rolled up hammock would have fit behind the saddle much better!
Anyway, I've noticed the talent and knowledge on HF and have an idea. I have a publishing company called Painted Word Studios. If anyone on the forum is wanting to take some of the volumes of experience and knowledge and compile it into a book, I think it would be a great way to get our message out. So, here's the deal, I will cut the one time startup fee in half and price the book so it can sell in the HF store at a reasonable price and the profit can go to the HF. I do everything in-house and can do softcover and hardcover. First class products only.
Does anyone think this would work? Just an idea, but we (HF members) would have full control of the content and pricing. Let me know what you think. Thanks for the best forum on the web!

[Triggerhpy]

Well Ed Speer put out a grate hammock book. But if HF had one I would buy it also.

[Shug]

Great idea ..... Ed's book is terrific but could use some updating with all the new fiddle-factor features.......
whoopie slings, UCRs, bridge hammocks, tarp tech...... etc.
Shug

[Poppabear]

The quote the famous line form the movie Filed of Dreams "if you build it they will come". In this case it would be re-written "if you print it we will buy it". This is an excellent idea! There is a ton of great information deposited within this forum.

[soundmanob]

It is wayyy past time for such a book.
I hope one of our Senior members will step up and do it...
Many "Specialists" are on this forum. (Hammock/Tarp types, design, set-up, how to get comfortable, disabilities, weather, accessories, "hang" etiquette, picking a trail, campsite selection, Leave No Trace philosophy, Dos and don'ts, types of packs, packing a pack, foods, water storage, filtration and each could do a chapter or two...
Water filtration has been a favorite subject of mine recently so if you couldn't find someone senior for that I'd do it.
Quite a legacy for all those involved to complete the mission...
Thanks so much for the offer 1Poet to another...

[Hangin' Burrito]

I think it's an excellent idea. I'd buy a copy.

I'm sure there's a couple of good writers here! Make great Christmas gifts!

[oldgringo]

I love the idea of a book...the way they feel, the reading experience...

But, the state of the art is evolving at warp speed (Shug alluded to this)...books document a point in time, while the net is much more nimble and resposive to change.

I hate me for bringing this up.

[pgibson]

The idea of a updated hammock/backpacking book has been rolling around in my head for the past couple months.

I love the idea of a book...the way they feel, the reading experience...

Agreed

But, the state of the art is evolving at warp speed (Shug alluded to this)...books document a point in time, while the net is much more nimble and resposive to change.

There in lies the problem, things change and are constantly evolving right now in hammocks, hammock gear, and their use. Where to start and where to end writing a book would be the biggest challenge. Cut off making changes one day and your info would be dated the next. There are just so many things going on right now, look at suspension and what has been done in the last 6 months.

I hate me for bringing this up.

It is valid to consider, don't hate the reality, or yourself. I would like to wright, see or be involved with a modern hammock book, but there are hurdles.

[BrianWillan]

I love the idea of a book...the way they feel, the reading experience...

But, the state of the art is evolving at warp speed (Shug alluded to this)...books document a point in time, while the net is much more nimble and resposive to change.

I hate me for bringing this up.

Instead of a physical book, how about an e-book? At least that would be an easier way to make updates as new information becomes available.

I know that a hammock wiki has been mentioned, but if someone is going to the trouble to write a book, doing a wiki might be easier. It could even be community supported. Dejoha could do the graphic illustrations, each of the cottage gear makers could take a dedicated topic (hammock choices, suspensions, tarps and guy lines, under quilts, top quilts, etc).

Keeping it electronic makes for quick and nimble changes as the times evolve with new ideas and methods of doing things.

Food for thought.

Cheers

Brian

[1Poet]

I knew that most of this would come up. Allow me to respond. Yes, e books are more update-able. However, don't discount the fact that people like to have something to hold and read. Real books are a repository of knowledge. They may not be totally up to date on the absolute newest thing, but what has been done and works, makes for good gifts and reference material.
Old Gringo has a point. However, does that mean that no one needs to know the basics of setup, water purification, tarp selection, etc., etc.? There are enough newbies coming to hanging and hiking etc., that want to learn from "those who boldly went before"! Give them a chance to learn from HF.
But don't forget another important component: PROFIT!
This is a way to put money into the HF store, potentially, a lot of money.
Finally, since we only print what is needed at any point in time, we can add to, subtract from, or edit the book as ideas come up. This is NOT the traditional type of publishing, it is Publish On Demand, POD. I have been doing it for ten years and can do it all "in house", with no outsourcing to possibly screw something up.
However, this is just an idea, with potential. Perhaps the "powers that be" at HF should get with me for some idea exchange!?
Thanks for the input, y'all!