Winner 2012 Indie Excellence Book Award

Indie Excellence Book Award 2012

Marketing a book is a full time job but I’m not able to devote a full time effort YET.   So,  I’m trying different venues and along the way, entering book contests here and there.  I was absolutely jazzed to check the status at the Indie Excellence Book Award in late May and learn that Ageless Internet was a winner!  It’s available as a digital download through Amazon’s Kindle and the hard copy (an 8-1/2 x 11 softcover edition with several helpful screen shots ) is available through Amazon or Create Space.

I’m excited to be making my ebook available exclusively to KDP Select today!

Internet Savvy Seniors @ Foxwood Springs

I’ve had the pure pleasure of working with some of the residents at Foxwood Springs in Raymore, Missouri recently.   All are self-taught computer aficionados and are energetic, inquisitive and full of life individuals.

It’s amazing for me to see how far they’ve come on their own, or with a little help from family and maybe a class or two for some of them.

It is inspiring to see such enthusiasm for technology that was a long way into the future when these people entered the world.  

An Engaged Community

Amazon and Kindle

I’m so grateful for the publishing options available today! Indie authors have a voice today that didn’t exist 20 years ago.

I just had the Ageless Internet eBook reformatted for Kindle so it’s now available as a 2nd Edition and I’m going to make it available as a KDP Select ebook.   The softover is available on Amazon.

Tools of the Trade

I’ll bet there are plenty of authors (published in the traditional manner with literary agents and established publishers)  who view self-publishing as “less than.”  I have no intention of arguing with them.   To each his own.

I’m thrilled that many people like myself have this fantastic opportunity to see our words in print and be able to publish in a variety of formats at minimal cost.   Some Indie writers still hold traditional jobs, putting in a minimum of 40 hours a week.  While I enjoy what I do Monday through Friday it is not my passion.

Gaining exposure, getting the word out is a slow process.  (I mistakenly thought writing the book was the hard part – not so.)  Marketing the book is a monumental challenge.  But, thanks to the Internet, it is easier for me today than it was for anyone twenty years ago.  And for that I am eternally grateful.

Get Grandma On The Internet (and Grandpa, Uncles, Aunts, Cousins, siblings…)

[slideshare id=10458103&doc=slidesharerevone12411-111204124938-phpapp02]

Top 10 Reasons to Give Ageless Internet to the Boomer or Senior in your Life

REASON #1: YOU KNOW & LOVE THE INTERNET!

So, you know how to get around the Internet.  In fact, the Internet may not even be that big a deal to you because you’ve known it all your life.   Or, maybe you’re a little older – you can remember what it was like before eBay, Craig’s List, Facebook, online shopping and bill paying.   It doesn’t really matter because the Internet is now a part of your life.  It’s a BIG part, whether you think about it or not.

Now, you might have a Boomer or Senior in your life who is tech-savvy, loves the Internet, has embraced all the wonders the web has to offer.  This is awesome!

But, think about your Mom or Dad, your Aunts, Uncles, older cousins, or Grandparents.  They may not have experienced the Internet -yet.  They might not even know what they’re missing.   Or maybe they tried to learn and they found the whole Internet-thing confusing and complicated.  It make have made them feel bad, like they’d never “get it.”  But, they can get it now.  

They can learn that it gives them access to the world from their own sofa or kitchen table.   They can visit museums, travel to faraway places, play really fun games, watch amazing videos, and listen to their favorite music.   They can “visit” out of town family & friends via Skype (my 87-year-young Mom LOVES this!) which is now – without doubt – the next best thing to being there.  (Sorry Ma Bell, et al)

So, what do you think?  Do you want to be the oh-so-cool relative that showed them the way? Do you want to help them see the world far beyond their wildest dreams?
Share the wealth of your knowledge.  Introduce them to Ageless Internet – Internet Basics for Boomers and Seniors so they can discover the Wondrous World Wide Web.  They’ll love you for it.

AGELESS INTERNET HELPS THEM NAVIGATE THE NET – WITH EASE.

REASON #2: THE INFORMATION SUPERHIGHWAY IS JUST TOO COOL TO MISS!

Now that you’re considering being the Hero in your Boomer or Senior’s Life, let me tell
you what they’ll learn if you buy them a copy of Ageless Internet:

• What security programs will keep them safe online
• Terminology they need to know to have FUN on the Net
• How to effectively & efficiently search the Internet
• How to maximize the time they invest online
• How to use and manage E-mail
• They’ll learn about auctions sites, and social networking
• Plus over 150 website addresses of interest to Boomers & Seniors and so
  much more…

Ageless Internet is written by a Baby Boomer who understands how confusing the Internet can be.  With a background writing training manuals and training individuals in customer service, marketing and sales, this book is written so that all may understand and come to enjoy the many wonders of the Web.

AGELESS INTERNET HELPS THEM NAVIGATE THE NET – WITH EASE.

REASON #3: YOUR BOOMER OR SENIOR IS NEVER TOO OLD TO LEARN!

Don’t let your family members or older friends sell themselves short.  One is never too old to learn!

Hey, they are experts in life already — they’ve taken on new hobbies and new subjects of
interest all of their lives –this is no different.   They’ve weathered many a storm, lived through war and so much more.

I agree, it seems today’s babies are born with a technology gene — that they come out of
the womb thumbing a remote control…     

Still, this same kid needs to be taught how to chew, tell time and tie their shoelaces.  They need to be taught right from wrong, good  manners, and how to be a good sport.

Learning is an amazing thing.  I learn from everyone-regardless of their age.  So can your family member.

AGELESS INTERNET HELPS THEM NAVIGATE THE NET – WITH EASE.

REASON #4 FEAR..VIRUS, WORMS & TROJANS, OH MY!

Dorothy didn’t let the Wicked Witch, Winged Monkeys or the Winkies stop her from
pursuing her desire to “go home” to Kansas.  She encountered plenty of other unworldly threats along the way but was determined to see her Auntie Em again.

Yes, there are people whose everyday goal is to wreak havoc in cyberspace.  They do bad things to good people but we do have some recourse.  We can take action to
protect ourselves on the Net just like in everyday life.

Ageless Internet explains the options and makes suggestions.  As in everything, the choice is yours.

Fear can be crippling but the Boomer & Senior in your life has survived (and
mastered) many of the fears they’ve encountered over the course of their life.  This is no different and the reward is oh SO sweet.

You know how important the Internet is in your life.  Help them discover the  unbelievably fascinating Wondrous World Wide Web.  They can even check in with Dorothy if they like..

AGELESS INTERNET HELPS THEM NAVIGATE THE NET – WITH EASE.

REASON #5: HOT ROMANCE, LUST, LOVE, FRIENDSHIP OR COMPANIONSHIP

Social networking can link the Boomer & Senior in your life to other likeminded
individuals.   Never before has it been so easy to reach out & connect with others on the next block, across the country or around the world.

Help them discover that loneliness isn’t necessary.  Whether they’ve lost the love of their life or have been (to date) unlucky in love, they can meet others who have similar interests and hobbies.  Social networking makes it possible to “create” a profile of their ideal partner and then see who thinks they fit the bill.  All from the safe comfort of their own sofa – through the Internet.

Borders don’t mean anything to folks on Facebook, Twitter, Eons, Boomertown, or
SeniorPeopleMeet.   It’s simply amazing!

Maybe they’d like to reunite with folks they’ve known from the past.  Hundreds of thousands are doing just this and loving every minute of it!  Help your loved one discover the incredible options for connecting with others that is the Internet!

AGELESS INTERNET HELPS THEM NAVIGATE THE NET – WITH EASE.

REASON #6  YOUR BOOMER OR SENIOR CAN TRAVEL THE WORLD
FROM THE COMFORT OF THEIR HOME!

YOU know how amazing it is to visit faraway lands, explore vacation ideas, and comparison shop for the best deals on airfare & hotels.  It’s a lot of fun.

Help the boomer or senior in your life discover the excitement of the Internet and all
it has to offer.

Help them realize their dream vacation – for real.  Or, if their dream vacation is out of reach for the time being, help them explore it –virtually.

AGELESS INTERNET HELPS THEM NAVIGATE THE NET – WITH EASE.

REASON #7 : YOUR BOOMER OR SENIOR HAS PROBABLY BEEN BITCHING (GRIPING OR COMPLAINING, IF PREFERRED) ABOUT THE POST OFFICE FOR YEARS. 

Today, the Internet’s email, e-cards and online bill pay options can drastically reduce
their reliance on the Postal Service: Saving Time, Money and Aggravation!

AGELESS INTERNET HELPS THEM NAVIGATE THE NET – WITH EASE. 

REASON #8: HELP YOUR BOOMER OR SENIOR REALIZE THE TIME SAVED (NOT TO MENTION, THE FUN) OF COMPARISON SHOPPING FOR BIG TICKET ITEMS BEFORE THEY EVER LEAVE THE HOUSE!  

With the Internet, they can go to an automobile manufacture’s website and literally DESIGN the car or truck of their dreams – right before their eyes!

They can visit HGTV’s Front Door website to shop for International vacation homes -
whether they are seriously considering such a purchase or not.

Your Boomer or Senior loved one can get accurate and unbiased reviews of electronics,  house wares, appliances and so much more by joining Internet membership sites like Consumer Reports.

AGELESS INTERNET HELPS THEM NAVIGATE THE NET – WITH EASE. 

REASON #9: KEEPING BRAINS SHARP; STAYING YOUNG AT HEART

Most wise Boomers and Seniors know they wouldn’t want to be 20 again.  We’ve had the immense pleasure and deep pain of experience as our teacher.  That education is far too valuable to give up.

We Boomers (and many Seniors) are rewinding not winding down!   We’re continuing to pursue the UNLIMITED POSSIBILITIES that have been the hallmark of our
generation.

Help the Boomer or Senior in your life remain young-at-heart by introducing them to the Internet.   Remind them of the pioneering spirit of their youth and how that doesn’t have to be lost today.   Let’s get Grandma (and every other Boomer and Senior you care about) on the Internet!

AGELESS INTERNET HELPS THEM NAVIGATE THE NET – WITH EASE.

REASON #10: NO MATTER WHERE IN THE WORLD YOUR BOOMER OR SENIOR RESIDES..THE INTERNET IS THE BRIDGE THAT KEEPS THEM
CONNECTED TO PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS THAT CAN BRING THEM GREAT JOY!  So much to do..

INTERNET AUCTIONS

MUSIC CHANNELS

VIDEOS AND TV SHOWS

ONLINE DATING

MUSEUMS

SHOPPING

TRAVEL

ALL KINDS OF SOCIAL MEDIA

And so much more..

Give the gift of the internet to the BOOMER or SENIOR in your life by giving them a copy of AGELESS INTERNET-Internet Basics for Boomers and Seniors.

AGELESS INTERNET HELPS THEM NAVIGATE THE NET – WITH EASE.

So, ACT NOW: give the gift of Ageless Internet – Internet BASICS for Boomer and Seniors TODAY.  

Lots of Changes – Change is Good

Just completed a SlideShare I’ve been working on for a couple of weeks.  Now that the book is in “hard copy” with a new cover,  I have lots of work to do.  But, the book turned out very nice so I’m excited about that.  (Most Boomers and Seniors who don’t have much Net experience might prefer a book in their hands vs. an eBook so, I aim to please.)

I have it on good advice that SlideShare is a great venue for promotion – another thing to be excited about!

I wasn’t an official winner in the Global eBook Awards program but am proud to have been a finalist and grateful for the experience.  It was a winning one.

Thanks for reading- I plan on adding a lot of content in the next few weeks & then, plan to keep writing regularly.

FINALIST:Ageless Internet – Internet BASICS for Boomers & Seniors

Dan Poynter Global eBook Award FINALIST

Ageless Internet has been named a FINALIST in Dan Poynter’s Global eBook Awards (2011) program.

I am honored to be among a number of excellent writers similarly recognized in 63 categories and grateful for the opportunity to participate.  This event has introduced me to some fantastic reading, some spectacular authors and given Ageless Internet exposure otherwise unavailable.

The Awards Ceremony is being held in Santa Barbara, California Saturday August 20th.

Check out “Boomer Authority”

Recently became aware of a site “Providing Baby Boomers With Advice When They Need it Most” called Boomer Authority.   There are a huge number of resources to those of us born between 1946-64.  I purchased their eBook StrataGems which claims to provide a number of helpful resources using social media for marketing to this group.

A professional association geared toward individuals and organizations specilizing in this demographic, Boomer Authority offers information on nearly everything related to Boomers’ interests and has reached into several countries to inform the 300 million baby boomers worldwide of their presence.

I’m excited about reading the book and learning more about what is certain to be an impressive resource.

Blog Post BOGUS Comments

Ever since I started this blog I’ve received a number of comments – many more than you see here.  Believe it or not,  there are people with so much time on their hands that they post comments to blogs en masse- it seems.  I began to notice that comments didn’t actually relate to what I’d written – there wasn’t a shred of relevancy in them.  I suppose these ignorant time-wasters think if they write something complimentary, the blogger is certain to post.  Not.

Then, what?  Are they sending virtual giggles across cyberspace to their equally bored friends bragging that they got “X” amount of blogs to post their bogus comment?

I barely have time in the day to post to my own blog, or read and comment on other really fantastic blogs.  It’s a challenge to accomplish even a few things off my huge to do list on a daily basis.  So, are the people that write bogus comments so bored with life that doing so gives them a thrill?  How sad.

These days I’ve come to Google comments to determine if they are authentic.   I often see 3 or more pages of the same comment like “Thanks for sharing.  You really know what you’re talking about..” or “What a joy to find such clear thiknnig.  Thanks for posting!” (Spelling reflecting what is often seen.) Or “You have some honest ideas here..” Really.

To the people who spend their time wasting other people’s time, I suggest you “Get a Life!”

Ageless Internet NOMINATED for Global eBook Award

I’m thrilled to have Ageless Internet nominated for a Global eBook Award.

Have you published a poem, a short story, an ebook or illlustrated a book or cover?   With the deadline of June 30th weeks away, it’s not too late..  Check out Dan Poynter’s Global eBook Awards NOW!