The Book Project - Discuss, Anticipate, Collaborate here

[KittyHawk]

Hey, Chris and Trubrokeback,

This is pretty exciting to think just how far our book might go! Thanks for your feedback.

I had one litle idea to add. Are any of you familiar with Book TV? Every weekend for 48 hours, C-SPAN2 broadcasts programs on non-fiction books consisting of author interviews, panel discussions, book fair coverage, etc. I'm wondering if our non-fiction book based on a fictional story and film might qualify for their coverage.

-KittyHawk

[paintedshoes]

KH, that is a terrific idea.  And you will never know til you ask.

[dback]

I think it'd be great to have a series of readings at bookstores in various cities, if they're willing, and let people who reside in or near those cities come and read round-robin style.  (If they're quoted in the book, they can read their own quotes or chunks; otherwise, it can be determined in other ways.)  That would also be a great way for Brokeback fans to connect with each other if they've not already done so, and for casual readers/listeners who attend the readings to find out about us and who we are.  There are innumerable people out there who've been moved or impacted by this story and film but don't know about our forum yet; it could make a huge difference to them.

For example, I live just outside of Portland, OR; if Powells holds a reading, I'm absolutely going to be there to meet some local Broke-aholics, but I'm also happy to read aloud and talk about why I joined the forum and what "Brokeback" means to me, if folks are cool with that.  We'd just have to sort out who would like to read what, if we have, say, 10 people there who're willing to read and share.

[Ellen (tellyouwhat)]

Regarding your request for marketing ideas, I don't really have any great ones, other than to say that, if at all possible, the marketing needs to go as mainstream as possible and not be limited to the gay media.  If it's limited to the gay media, it will most likely get limited traction.  The film, after all, is very mainsteam now and has had a great amount of impact across many demographics.  Probably the best thing is to just follow the same marketing plan that the film itself followed. 

My two cents - I am still amazed how many people dismiss Brokeback Mountain in general discussion.  I have been asked "what's your favorite movie" and when I tell the truth, they say -- IMMEDIATELY - what else?  Very strange.

But some people who have no interest in seeing the gay cowboy movie are very curious about the phenomenon of the forum.  They are astounded at the size of the membership, astounded that we have a "daily sheet," astounded that we have so much to say every day!  So somehow, that is the angle that needs to be brought out, IMO.

[KittyHawk]

dback, if we could have events like you describe in many locations, that would be super.

Ellen, that's a good point I hadn't thought about. This forum is almost as remarkable as the film!   

- KittyHawk

[ChrisFewa]

I was wondering why wouldn’t people from the movie want to be part of the book.  I was thinking it might be cool to have a section where they could talk about their experiences making the movie or even Annie’s experiences writing it and all since then.

I know just getting in touch would be hard, but I can’t imagine why they wouldn’t want to attach their names to something that has so much potential.  I think we should at least try and show them we are serious, send them drafts of the book or something. 

[mountain boy]

I agree Chris, it's worth the effort to invite them for sure!!!

Maybe just a sentence or two from them here and there throughout the book.

It would be absolute magic.....         

[dback]

If there's a reading where the stars or crew live/work, it would be great to let them know somehow, even if it's just a note via their manager/agent.  The leads may have a bit of fatigue at this point, but I have the feeling the supporting cast (especially Hathaway, Faris, and Cardinelli) would be interested in sharing their views and experiences.

Re: people changing the subject when asking "What's your favorite movie"--there will always be some folks who are afraid of the topic, or need to turn it into a punchline.  Remember the number of people the day after the Oscars who talked about dealing with co-workers, family members and "friends" who suddenly tapped into a deep vein of nasty gleefulness and really rubbed "Brokeback" fans' noses in the upset: "Ha ha, you lost!"  Very personal, and very vindictive: YOU lost.  It just shows how the "other" side of society hasn't changed, may not ever change.

[ChrisFewa]

True but it is not for them to change but for us to change.  We become better people by seeing how evil people can be.  Or at least that is the way I live, any one can be redeemed, if they only try. 

[stookslady]

Hey, Chris and Trubrokeback,

This is pretty exciting to think just how far our book might go! Thanks for your feedback.

I had one litle idea to add. Are any of you familiar with Book TV? Every weekend for 48 hours, C-SPAN2 broadcasts programs on non-fiction books consisting of author interviews, panel discussions, book fair coverage, etc. I'm wondering if our non-fiction book based on a fictional story and film might qualify for their coverage.

-KittyHawk

My God, that would be awesome. I'm very familiar with BookTV, and this would generate some of the type of exposure that would be taken seriously. - KLJ

[stookslady]

Hey, Chris and Trubrokeback,

This is pretty exciting to think just how far our book might go! Thanks for your feedback.

I had one litle idea to add. Are any of you familiar with Book TV? Every weekend for 48 hours, C-SPAN2 broadcasts programs on non-fiction books consisting of author interviews, panel discussions, book fair coverage, etc. I'm wondering if our non-fiction book based on a fictional story and film might qualify for their coverage.

-KittyHawk

My God, that would be awesome. I'm very familiar with BookTV, and this would generate some of the type of exposure that would be taken seriously. - KLJ

...NOT to say that this project isn't being taken seriously already. But we still have a lot of folks out there that simply think of us (Brokaholics) as a bunch of folks in need of medication. This will make people stand up and take notice. Geez, I'm just digging myself deeper and deeper, aren't I? - KLJ

[KittyHawk]

Dback and Chris, your comments about change are what this book project is all about. Change in ourselves and change in others. It may not happen as fast as we'd like, but the book may be one tool we can use to effect change.

StooksLady, I've never seen Book TV do a program on anything like our book, but then there never has been anything like our book before. We might have a shot at it!

- KH

[KittyHawk]

Geez, I'm just digging myself deeper and deeper, aren't I? - KLJ

Well, perhaps, but that's part of the fun! 

- KH

[paintedshoes]

I've been working on the Book, and reading them to myself causes tears.  I record material for the blind and am used to reading difficult stuff aloud, and I can't read this aloud without crying, sometimes uncontrollably.

[peteinportland]

Thanks for the good ideas thus far.

The plan at the moment is to send a media kit to every person who has a post published in the book and every volunteer who worked on the book. This kit will include press release, media talking points, info on arranging a signing or reading with local booksellers, and info on how to publicize the book on a local level. We will of course provide ongoing guidance and help facilitate all publicity. IMO, this sort of local interest angle always works very well because media and booksellers are always interested in local authors. This project also has special appeal because of the broad collaborative nature of the project as well as the book being lovingly produced by fans impacted by a work of art.

It would be interesting if a number of forum members participated in a reading (even if they did not volunteer or have a post in the book), at least the ones who could hold it together long enough to read a post or two  . I think it would add a special touch, allow forum members a great opportunity to hook up in many different cities, and serve as a ready-made media opportunity (for those willing to talk with the media). It would also be great for bookstores because they could display all the BBM merchandise at the reading (book, screenplay, DVD, soundtrack). We would also try to work out the logistics of having copies of our book available at such events to sell and autograph.

If anyone has anything to add to this particular idea, please let us know. It is one of the cornerstones of our publicity plan.

Pete

PS- we do realize that not everyone would wish to participate in local publicity due to a number of reasons. Being a Internet forum, we will always honor member's desires for anonymity.