Book launch event(s)

[bassduke49]

As most of you know, my book is due out in early July, and I've been toying with ideas about a book launch event or events. I'd like to get the Forumites feedback on my ideas. First, probably in mid- to late July, I'll have the first event here in the Milwaukee area. This will likely be similar to a small confluence (location and date not yet arranged), similar to the one we did here in June 2011. This is open to anyone, of course, but I'd like to encourage people to bring Rickenbacker instruments (especially basses for obvious reasons). My book will be for sale, likely having Gary Hahlbeck of North Coast Music supplying the stock (if you haven't obtained a copy by then), and I will be available for signing if you like. I would also like to use this event as an opportunity to sell off "most" of my Rickenbacker basses. Call me crazy, but I am of the opinion that I should no longer "Bogart" these lovely instruments. I'm no longer in a band, I haven't played much in the past couple of years, and don't see becoming a rocks star in my future. I'll hang on to three or four, but the rest should be "distributed." Giving attendees of this event first crack at them seems fair; cash and carry, no shipping hassles, etc. As with the last Milwaukee event, there will NOT be an arranged "gig" as is typical of larger confluences.

I've also been talking with Chris Clayton at Pick of the Ricks about an east-coast event, likely in early autumn. Chris is considering having a MARF-type event along with a book-signing opportunity. Neither one of us can afford to host an event on our own, and he feels that the debut of the book is worth celebrating and that might push him to host once again. Chris takes on quite a financial risk with these events, what with table rentals, catering, etc. All it takes is lousy weather and poor attendance to make hosting an event unattractive. So, IF this can be arranged, dates will be announced later.

I'm also going to be in the Denver area in mid August and want to hear from the Colorado contingent if there is any interest in at least getting together over a beer and burger(?).

So what say you?

(I'll also post this in Conferences and Confluences)

[Kopfjaeger]

Paul,

Yup, I'd be up for attending one in or around the PoTR wheelhouse. Id be happy to bring a few of my basses that are in your book. You got to do me a favor, either keep the Naked tuxedo or sell it before coming to Chris'. I'd have to have that if ti was in the same room as me!!

Sepp

[cjj]

When you're finished in Colorado, wander North a bit and we'll have a Montana get together... It'd likely be just you and me, but hey, I've got good beer and we can throw a couple of steaks on the grill...

[bassduke49]

I don't need to get any commitments, but I would like to get an idea of how many would be at least interested in coming to Milwaukee this summer, and/or coming to POR on the east coast in fall. Not going to hold anyone to it, just wondering. Anyone?

[byu]

I will be at the Milwaukee event with basses. Looking forward to it.

[bassduke49]

Great, Bill. And many of your basses are in the book! In fact, most of the basses that are likely to show up have shown up in the book!

[paologregorio]

Maybe set it up for advance pay reservations for the MARF-type event? We pass the hat at So Cal events, but if you're going to that expense, maybe set up an only donation and reservation on PayPal or something similar.

[ram]

POTR would be on my calendar! Pre pay/donation is a neat idea.

[teeder]

Definitely interested.

[jdogric12]

Definitely in for a POTR/MARF one.

Have you considered a Kickstarter?

[iamthebassman]

Milwaukee, is that up north, near Dallas?

[sloop_john_b]

Have you considered a Kickstarter?

Awesome idea.

[bassduke49]

Definitely in for a POTR/MARF one.

Have you considered a Kickstarter?

Define, please?

[jdogric12]

http://www.kickstarter.com/

Come on Paul... you should know how to use the interwebs by now! (Seriously, google is your friend)

[bassduke49]

http://www.kickstarter.com/

Come on Paul... you should know how to use the interwebs by now! (Seriously, google is your friend)

Oh, that kind of thing. Well, I don't want to get that involved, thanks. If someone wants to do that and wants me there, I can consider it. The Milwaukee event is a low-budget thing. This might be a great idea for the larger shows that need funding, though.