WIL WHEATON dot NET: 1.5

This is the perfect birthday gift from my daughter to my husband, her stepdad. The order is on its way to your mailbox! Thanks, Wil!

Sweet! I can't wait to read it

I am so in!!! I'm so excited. I don't suppose you'd care to autograph it, would you?! (Sorry the fan-girl in me made me ask that.)

This is great Wil. Thanks for keeping us in the loop!

Wil, could you give us a quick run down on how you publish a chapbook? I'm curious.

Thanks!

If you autograph them i will take one

First support question for the WIl Helpdesk:

Hi Wil, I just purchased the book through Paypal, and I'm one of those pesky international customers, however, I'm going home to the US this summer, and at any rate, so I went ahead and paid, and added my parent's address in the US.

I realize that makes the address different from my home address, but I took a risk that maybe you'll have mercy and trust a fan. :)

Is that ok, or no is it no international sales at all, no matter if you have a friend or relative in the US. The US address is my home address... at least according to my voter's registration card. ;)

Uh Wil, you can ship orders internationally very cheaply through the USPS. Global priority to Europe gets there in about a week and is about $10.50 for a one pound item, $11.50 to Australia, $12.75 to South Africa -- all pretty cheap for so far away. Best of all, you can print up the labels youself through the usps.com website . . . no need to go to the post office.

- kbj

Hey Wil, any chance maybe you can open up for Canada? My bank account is itching to purchase this one.

Will you have any books available at E3 this year? And where would one be able to find you to say hi if one were to be a (hopefully) not creepy stalker?

Thanks!

Wow, these are going fast -- almost 40 in under two hours. At this rate, they'll be sold out by morning. That's really, really cool, and I hope all of you who picked one up will be happy with the purchase.

Questions:

1. I can't ship internationally because of the time and hassle involved in filling out customs declarations. I *should* be able to just send it as bound, printed matter, (I was able to so this with the first printing of Dancing Barefoot) but the rules seem to have changed, and the post office wants me to fill out all sorts of paperwork for every item that goes overseas. This is a moderate pain in the ass for one or two items, but when it gets up to ten or more, it's a HUGE pain in the ass. And I'd love to send them to Canada, but apparently NAFTA only applies to huge multi-nationals, and not to little guys like me, because the same annoying and time-consuming restrictions apply.

2. Of course, every book will be autographed and personalized to whomever the buyer wants. There's a little box in the order form to handle that.

3. I'm only going to E3 on Wednesday, but I'll be on the GameSpy radio thing with David Lawrence around noon, so you could theoretically come over where we're recording and say hello.

4. Plainsong: I can ship to any domestic US address, even if you order from outside the US, so you're good.

Thanks, everyone!

Thanks Wil! I wrote out the shipping instructions in the Sign to box, so you don't have to include that in the autograph... unless it strikes you as the appropriate thing to say of course. ;)

Crap. I ordered one, but I forgot to fill out the little form for personalization in the box when I ordered.

Is there a way to edit it and add my personalization or should I email you?

Sorry! :(

I'm saddened that us Canadians can't get a copy of this :'(

Hi!

Regarding "Ya Want Kids w/ That?":

Actually -- as a member of your target demographic (?) -- I disagree with the decision to not release it as a small paperback. Seems like it would be in the vein of Paul Reiser's "Couplehood" and "Parenthood" books -- both quick little paperbacks.

Personally, I'd buy a copy of a paperback that was the same size as "Couplehood" -- but I'm adverse to books-on-tape (sorry!), and thus **wouldn't** buy in that medium. Depends on your target demographics, I suppose (mp3 it for the iPod crowd?).

I read in bed for 0.5 - 1.0 hrs. nearly every night -- but prefer listening to music in the car.

Dual release? Or at least, do a small run.

Thanks!

--Gye Greene

Ah...my two weaknesses - chapbooks and Bill Murry references. I've bought at least one, maybe two since I thing I screweed up the shipping address on the first one.

Wil, if you haven't already you should check out my main chapbook dealer (in a junkie sense)- James Blalock, he lives out in your area.

Oh! If I did buy two, sign one (what with the squishy pen) "To Mellani".

Finished reading Just A Geek and loved it, so I can't believe the timing of the release of this chapbook. I was so meant to have one. Thanks, Wil!!

I just totally messed up my paypal payment. Well, not so much the payment, as I didn't indicate the "sign to."

The order was to Emma Abraham in Chicago, although I *would* have had you sign it to my mother, who admired you, she passed away just over a year ago. So, in a way, it's still my mother's day present to her, but it's to me, and if you would sign it to "Emma", I would appreciate it.

Just bought a book, but at the rate you described them as selling, I hope I get one! I loved Dancing Barefoot and Just A Geek, and I'm sure I'll love this, too. I'll buy from you in whatever medium you decide to sell. Thanks for offering it to us!!

Shauna

I'd like to agree with Gye Green in that I was really looking forward to reading "Do You Want Kids with That?" and it's very unlikely that I'd buy an audiobook. That said, I understand that a book release is probably crazy expensive. Although I'd welcome some sort of limited edition book release. Don't know what the expense of that would be, but I'd buy one!

>> the post office wants me to fill out all sorts of paperwork for every item that goes overseas.

If you ship Global Express or Parcel Post, then yes. If you ship Global Priority, the customs declaration CN 22 is printed out right on your shipping label. It's literally a cut and paste job on their website when filling out the shipping address --

Item: Other
Quantity and Description: 1 Book
Weight: 1 lb. 0 oz
Value: $25.00
Total Weight: 1 lb, 0 oz
Total Value: $25.00

Your USPS account number is your signature.

And that's it, no additional labor involved. Makes it really easy for me whenever I ship out stuff less than 4 lbs. I print out the label, tape it on the box, hand it to my mail carrier, and I'm done.

- kbj

I sent this in an email, but just in case... I put my full name in the "sign to" box because I got confused. Unless you're feeling a particular need for that sort of formality, just "Christina" would be great.

And I agree with the previous poster who said that a short paperback would've been just fine. I'm sure I'll enjoy the audio book version, too (which reminds me, I still haven't ordered the JAG audio version... hmmm... I think I know what I'm asking for for my birthday!). There is a pleasure in reading the stories, though - it feels like you're discovering them yourself, somehow. It's cool when your words alone can paint a picture or conjure a feeling. But then, that's why we come here! So I welcome other formats, too.

-- Christina

Aaawwwwwwww no shipping to Canada?!

:'(

Even if you'll be in Montreal?!?! :D
I could always pick up my copy then! :D

Lemme know if that works, I'd love to have a copy of this jewel!

Thank you for saving me a copy. Somehow, I think you know it, but in case I haven't mentioned it in a while, I am soooo proud of you and the man/father/son you are becoming.
love, Mom, your mom...really

If there is any left come early Thursday Morning (Yeah that's really going to happen)I'll gladly pick one up. If not would you consider doing a second run? For us fan boys(hum...Fan MEN....does not have the same ring to it.) who have very poor timing when it comes to disposable income.

Sorry, towers16, but the whole point of limited editions is that they're limited, so I can't do a second run.

Once this little chapbook is in the hands of readers, though, if the feedback is positive enough, I may do a few different limited-run chapbooks in the future.

Oh oh oh, so exciting! Can't wait to read it!

Hey Wil, I'm really glad I checked my blog subscriptions today so I could order before you sold out. Looking forward to reading, assuming I placed my order in time!

For you international folks, assuming you trust J. Random Stranger on the Intarwebs (but located in the US), send email to my name @ gnosh.net and I will buy a book and forward it on to you for cost.

aaaaaa

so that's what I get for not coming online all day..
Sold out, dag nabbit

damnit, sold out! Curse my need for sleep! You gotta offer these things earlier in the day for us east-coasters, Wil.

Please consider finding a printed alternative for "Do You Want Kids With That?"; price is almost literally no bar (for me). I check your site as part of my morning ritual at 0430MST, thus I missed the chapbook. I don't like audiobooks because no one reads out loud so fast as I do to myself and there's nothing else one can do while listening to a book, unlike the simple ability to listen to music while reading. I own Dancing Barefoot and Just A Geek, I enjoy all your writing, and I want to add another piece to my collection. I know, however, that if I've never been able to listen to Shelby Foote read from his own Civil War masterwork (I've had the tapes for over 10 years) I'll probably never be able to listen to you either.

Thanks for the Roxy Music reference first thing in the morning - now I gotta dig out my Best Of CD and bring it into work. It will definately set the tone - along with the ever popular "London Calling" - for my "Pre-E3 Hysteria" day.

Now I've got Virginia Plain stuck in my head...

Hi,

You should thnk about maybe going to POD priting. It is cheaper, the quality is the same, and with the right service you can get your stuff all over the world.

Our first anthology can be seen at http://www.simianpublishing.com/catalog.html

I don't know if you are into writing fantasy, but the guidelines for our next anthology is at http://www.simianpublishing.com/guidelines.html

Aargh! I'm another one that checks your blog first thing in the morning, so I completely missed out on this opportunity. Although I've enjoyed your "podcasts" (since as yet they haven't required an actual iPod...), I would REALLY prefer that "Do You Want Kids With That?" be offered in a hard copy format. I have both of your other books, and while audio books have their place, they are not a replacement for hard copy any more than e-books are. There's no substitute for the printed page. (Especially since there is no possibility of putting illustrations in an audiobook...)

I wish I could have an opportunity to have my current books signed, but as I live in Colorado and don't get to California, it doesn't look like that will ever happen. Sigh...

I would like to add my request for another print run of this book. Insight Communications, the local cable modem company, has had their network down for the last 5 days for unannounced upgrades. So I don't have internet access except at work, and I missed the entire ordering period.

To add emphasis to this request, I missed getting a first edition of Dancing Barefoot. I ordered one from Amazon, who a month later (after the direct copies from Monolith Press were gone) then said that they didn't have any copies after all.

Failing getting more paper copies out, if the audio book version could please contain all the material in the printed version (including the foreward), that'd be really cool.

Thanks a lot,

Craig Steffen

Man! Talk about a bad time to be without the Net! I too was without Net and I would like to add my request for a second run or maybe .pdf download?.

Reminder to self - Get Wi-Fi implant so not to miss Wil's blog again.

How about Radio Free Burrito episodes containing readings from the book, or maybe just a portion of it? Maybe the narration can be followed by some original afterthought or reflection...

Looking for compelling RFB content? It's right under your nose. I'd gladly monopolize my company's bandwidth to download it!

I love mine! I picked it up at the Grand Slam from some guy with a scruffy goatee. But I needed it - which was confirmed by the author!

Hi! I was listening to Connecticut NPR yesterday and there was a pretty fascinating interview with a woman who put together a book of essays by step parents and step children who talk about their experiences. If anyone wants to listen to it, you can hear it online.

http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wnpr/arts.artsmain?action=viewArticle&sid=15&id=911727&pid=173

Could you release it as an eBook? Or perhaps as a simple insert to the audio book version? Personally, I like to read along when I'm listening to someone read.

Congrats on selling out! I'm sorry I didn't get one. But I also really enjoy your performances of your books, so I'll look forward to that.

On an entirely unrelated subject, I have to tell you ... in person, the guy in this link looks so much like you, it's mezmerizing. If he ever does anything worth making a bio - pic about, you're totally in! I'll hope for something really juicy and controversial so it's a good part, but don't hold your breathe.
http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/details.aspx?MemberId=4239&SessionId=42

Congrats on selling out! Umm ... selling all your books, I mean. That didn't come out right ...

I'm sorry I didn't get one. But I also really enjoy your performances of your books, so I'll look forward to that.

On an entirely unrelated subject, I have to tell you ... in person, the guy in this link looks so much like you, it's mezmerizing. If he ever does anything worth making a bio - pic about, you're totally in! I'll hope for something really juicy and controversial so it's a good part, but don't hold your breathe.
http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/details.aspx?MemberId=4239&SessionId=42

Oh, and ... Hi Wil's mom! Good job!!

Oh! Party foul. Sorry for the double post.

Damn, I go to work for 24 hrs come back to read one of my favorite sites and find I just missed the opportunity to have your awesome chap book. You need like some cool email alert or mobile alert when your going to do that kinda thing (for those of us who are too busy during a work day to get to a computer.) As disappoinment sets in for the chapbook, I can look forward to the audiobook I hope. Have a great day!

So why don't you make a PDF file for downloading for your int. fans.

You could sell it on like the mp3 file of JAG.

Greetings from Germany.

no copies for canadians!! BAH

*sigh* figures Id see this the day after. dangit =*(

Sandies Stoopid Questions: If Im ever actually around at a time when I can take adcantage of one of these deals, what/where is the official ordering link/email?
Was there an inter-post link that was removed after you sold them all, or something else?

Gah! Noooo! I KNEW I should've borrowed some money from my bf or something, dammit. I was hoping they'd last a few days, so I could order one after I got paid Friday. I should have known better. Pleeeeeeeeeease, Wil, print more!

Well, I certainly feel like I missed out on that one. That's what I get for having to write a paper last night and not being able to catch up on all my blogs. =P

noooooooooooooooooooooooooo.
can we make requests for more of these? maybe like the eventful buttons? maybe bring em to boston with you? pretty please with a cherry on top??darned eastern standard time.

I can't WAIT to read the stories. I may be a pirate of the internet but I will still pay cold hard cash (or electronic cash) for a great read! Looking forward to seeing ya in Beantown!

WAH! I'm so sad I missed this. Maybe next time.

I'll go bang my head on my desk some more.

:(

Ahhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I miss the website by ONE DAY and it's already sold out??????????

:(

:(

Not happy, Wil!

Scott

P.S. OK......I AM happy that you sold all your books, however!

:)

Wil,

It's disappointing you chose not to offer your international readers this opportunity. Even though we're not in the US, it doesn't make us, as avid readers of your blog, any less worthy.

Please consider all readers next time!

Claire, I'm truly sorry that I can't accomodate international readers right now. It has nothing to do with the worthiness, or presumed lack thereof, of international readers like yourself. It's simply too costly and time consuming for the set-up I have (it's basically me, and occasionally my wife and kids if I can get them to help out.)

Hey Wil,

How should those of us who jumped the gun a bit and did NOT put personalization info in our order, handle it?

I'd like to have a certain quote put in mine and I didn't even think to add it to the little box thing when I ordered.

Maybe we could email you with a specific subj heading or you could put a specific email address together for it?

Any help handling this faux pas on our parts would be appreciated! Thanks!

I've already done about 100 or so of the chapbooks, K2, and unless it was specifically requested, I just numbered the book and signed my name.

I'd hate to assume that someone wanted it dedicated to them when they may be purchasing it as a gift, or to hold on to and sell on eBay when I eventually die a horrible Guitar-hero-rockstar-lifestyle death.

If you'd like to e-mail me your requested dedication, and I haven't already signed and packaged your chapbook, I'll do everything I can to get take care of you, but I can't make any promises.

Thanks Wil!

I sent an email with my request. Hopefully its not too late. If so, no big deal. :)

And damn! You caught me on the eBay thing! You realize that is SO going to drop the value of the book don't you? ;)

Call me crazy, but given what the demand is, (in just ONE day) are you going to print, say, 200 more?

And as to what your publisher says....maybe given time you'll find a few more things to put in there, if length is the issue? Obviously, you DO have a demand for your work, and a book about step-parenting (one would think) might have even broader appeal then a book about geekdom or what people think will just be a startrek memoir. At a certain point, I think you have to take a chance and trust yourself. Trust in the mojo that is out there, working for you, and know that you must put something out there to meet it half way. If you print it....they will buy.

I understand Wil's desire to limit the volume of books written and made available for sale.

Sometimes, it takes the expression of free (non-profit) thoughts to inspire one's true inner-creativity to emerge.

Although profit and income are wonderful, usually a writer's most inspirational and memorable material never generates a dime.

If you set a price for your creation, it is no longer considered "priceless". As flawed as that statement may be, it is one shared by many proud artists.

WIL! Dude! It's finals week! I can't read ya every day like I would any other time! Please please PLEASE do another run! There's obviously a bunch of us want it! You don't even hafta sign them all! Did I mention PLEASE!?!

Damn my being born Canadian! LOL
But just as a treat, now that it's sold out, could you maybe think of perhaps posting Ryan's foreword to the blog? I don't think that this will in any way subtract from the collector's value of the chapbook, and there are some people who lurk around here who would really be interested in reading R.'s words. Like a lot of people. . .

Just putting in my two-cents/vote for an eBook for those of us who missed out!

Dang! I always miss out on this stuff. Wearable computing needs to catch up.

Hey, Wil.
Just wanted to add my request for another print run, as several of your readers have done already. I've been away from my computer for days due to ilness and totally missed the offer. Please consider it!

AW MAN!!! NOT FAIR!!!
Just like michael I was away from my computer due to a hospital stay.. :(
STUPID BACK PAIN!!!

*cries*
Please do another of this for the rest of your WWDN
readers!!!

OR If I buy all 3 of your books.. pay to ship it to a po box of yours and pay for you to ship it back to me.. would you autograph them??
Just a thought.

I have to go in for back surgery soon, and I found out I have diabetes :(