text:
Review: 'After the Storm' by Claudy Conn
After the Stormby Claudy Conn, Claudette Williams
Published by Amazon Digital Services LLC on February 4, 2013
Genres: Historical Romance
Pages: 250
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
Amazon Kindle
No matter what her family and friends say, Jenny knows she will never fall in love again. How can she, when her childhood sweetheart was one of the countless killed at Waterloo?
So when the Earl of Danfield proposes a marriage of convenience, it seems the perfect solution. He will secure his inheritance, and she will be spared the necessity of being paraded in society, forced to dance and flirt and do all the things her broken heart cannot do. His proposal will give her what she wants most. Peace.
But peace is the last thing she finds in her marriage. Her growing attraction to the earl brings with it guilt that she's betraying her beloved Johnny. Her mother-in-law considers her an interloper. Her husband's former lover makes it clear she doesn't want it to be former. And when a supposed prank nearly kills her, Jenny has to wonder—now that the earl's inheritance is assured, has she become an inconvenience to be eliminated?
**note: this is an updated version of an earlier novel written as Claudette Williams. The updated versions of Claudy's Claudette Williams titles are more sexually explicit than the original versions.
Review: 'Oh, Cherry Ripe' by Claudy Conn
Oh, Cherry Ripeby Claudette Williams, Claudy Conn
Published by BC Publications on February 23rd 2012
Genres: Historical Romance
Pages: 194
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
Amazon Kindle | Amazon Paperback
Cherry Elton was beside herself! Her own mother had arranged a marriage for her to a man she had never even met. She had no choice but to run away.
Sky Westbrooke had no wish to marry, but his mischievous siblings sorely needed a firm maternal hand. Yet, how could he court his unseen bride, when into his employ had come the most remarkable, enchanting governess?
And Cherry, playing at being a governess was smitten by the handsome, cavalier Lord Westbrooke. His stolen kisses left her breathless—yet, he was betrothed to another. Whatever was a love struck governess to do?
**note: this is an updated version of an earlier novel written as Claudette Williams. The updated versions of Claudy's Claudette Williams titles are more sexually explicit than the original versions.
Cherry Elton has been told by step-mother that she is to be married to a stranger. Cherry is not having it. She feels that her step-mother has done her wrong and ran away one night. The night when she runs away is when she comes across a very handsome man who helps her get to her destination and away from what her step-mother wants to do. When she arrives at her destination, she gets the idea to be a governess to a family that is looking for one.
She ends up running into the man who helped her that one night when she ran away when she becomes his family's governess.
Sky Westbrooke, otherwise known as Lord Westbrooke, has decided he needs to get married so his younger siblings can have a maternal hand in the household. He has agreed to marry a woman he has never met before so he can finally make his family whole again. When he tries to visit his soon to be a bride, supposedly she is sick and not well enough to be seen by him.
But what he does not realize is that his soon-to-be bride is the woman he has already met, and from day one, he has been falling in love with her.
This book had me laughing and smiling at the same time because, in the end, Cherry and Sky had no idea that they both were meant to meet anyways.
I loved how Claudy Conn wrote this story and how everything developed at the end. It was a very deja vu book for both characters. They were destined to meet no matter what, but with different circumstances.
I loved the ending the most and how the characters found out the truth.
Cherry was a very spirited and free-will woman, who just wanted to live her life the way she wanted. She didn't want her step-mother telling her what to do.
Lord Westbrooke was a very handsome man, who just wanted to help out his family because he needed help, especially with one of his brothers.
This book shows what happens when you are meant to meet that destined someone, no matter what. =)
Love it!
I recommend this book to anyone who loves historical romances and loves a great love story.
"Oh, Cherry Ripe" is currently Free at this time at all sites that I mentioned above. I don't know for how long though, so get your copy before the price goes back up.
Review: 'Wildfire Kiss' by Claudy Conn
Wildfire Kissby Claudette Williams, Claudy Conn
Series: Sir Edward #1
Published by CC on August 27th 2012
Genres: Historical Romance
Pages: 219
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
Amazon Kindle
Lady Babs had already done one unforgivable thing: she had written a novel. It was under a pseudonym, of course, but the story she'd thought would sell only a few copies to help stave off her father's creditors was becoming a sensation. Passion's Seed had the beau monde in a panic, because it was all about 'them'! If it were ever revealed that she, one of the aristocracy's own, was the author, she would be ruined.
Now she was contemplating doing something equally scandalous. The 'rules' dictated that, as a woman, she had to wait until marriage to enjoy pleasures men were allowed when single. Lady Babs, however, had other ideas, for she had fallen in love with the man known as Lord Wildfire, a dashing duke with a penchant for the ladies but not for marriage.
But while she yearned for Lord Wildfire, another man lusted after her. And Sir Edward was willing to go to any lengths to make her his—including following his hunch that Lady Babs was somehow involved in the publication of Passion's Seed …
**Note: This is an updated version of an earlier title written as Claudette Williams. The updated versions of Claudy's Claudette Williams titles are more sexually explicit.


text:
I found peace in the crisp Autumn air
in the birds chirping over there
in the sun melting into my skin
in the small tingle of the wind.
I found peace in your stare
in knowing that you were there
in your efflorescent laugh when it's tangled with mine
in the way that your fingertips fall down my spine.
I found peace in you
like I found peace in mother nature
in everything that's true.
That's a gift that no one could have given to me
but you.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Secret Life of Pets 2 2020 Calendar
Secret Life of Pets 2 2020 Calendar - Square wall format calendar
From the humans behind 'Despicable Me' comes the film series 'The Secret Life Of Pets' which shows us what our animals get up to when we leave the house. With Secret Life of Pets 2 out this year, make sure you order the official 2020 calendar, and enjoy spending the year with Max, Duke, Gidget, Chloe and more.
Order the Secret Life of Pets 2 2020 Calendar - 305 x 305mm today, it makes the perfect special gift or stocking filler for a fan! Plus this official merchandise Calendar for 2020 comes with FREE standard delivery and same day dispatch available on all orders placed before 2pm Monday to Friday.
- Height: 305mm
- Width: 305mm
- Weight: 295g
- Stock Status - In Stock
- Format - Square Calendar
Product code:241
You may also like:
Free delivery in the UK - Same day dispatch on orders before 2pm


text:
How much has Citrix really changed in the last 5 years?
In 2012, I wrote an article speculating what Citrix might look like in five years. With the anniversary of that post approaching, let's revisit what I got right (not much), and wrong.
Five years ago, on November 15, 2012, to be exact, I wrote an article asking the question "In 5 years will we even recognize Citrix?" It was so long ago that I'd forgotten about it, but yesterday Scott Cutter reminded me via twitter. It seems Scott had set a calendar reminder way back then, and I'm glad he did because revisiting that article has led to some interesting insights about the state of Citrix today.
@GabeKnuth Set this calender reminder 5 years ago. #Citrix pic.twitter.com/zMd2Mfjorr— Scott Cutter (@scottjcutter) November 1, 2017
The 2012 article was written shortly after Citrix Synergy Barcelona, back when they had more than just one event. I actually enjoyed having an event in the Spring and Fall because it gave some insight into the progress Citrix was making every six months, rather than having to wait an entire year. At this particular event, former Citrix CEO Mark Templeton started the keynote talking about Citrix CloudGateway and Citrix Online. He referenced the "post-PC era," and their acquisition of Virtual Computer, as well as ShareFile and Podio.
What was missing from the keynote, and what became the idea behind the article, was that there was no mention of XenApp or XenDesktop right off the bat. Previous events talked about new features, number of customers, licenses, use cases…basically how Citrix was crushing it. The fact that Citrix was talking more about other areas besides those classic products was noteworthy all by itself.
I left with the impression that Citrix was hedging their bets by acquiring Virtual Computer (which was rolled into XenClient), making sure they could deliver and manage Windows desktops and applications in any virtual form factor. It made sense at the time, but when you looked beyond Windows things seemed a little more disorganized. From the article:
"So, Citrix in five years will still have a focus on Windows desktops, but they're more than aware of the fact that the future lies somewhere else. That's why we see Citrix doing so much with Citrix Online, Podio, and CloudGateway. THAT is the future of Citrix, and as I was told at Synergy, you should get to know CloudGateway as well as you know XenApp and XenDesktop."
"Now add Podio to the mix, which I'm still trying to find a reason to love. Still, the fact that Podio is a platform on which enterprises can easily build applications means that Citrix is giving companies the ability to abandon legacy Windows applications in favor of a web-based approach. Not only can Citrix deliver native applications to users, but they can help you develop new ones that are accessible from anywhere without having to remote entire OSes to the users. I may not love it today, but I can see it coming around in the future."
I wrapped up the article saying that:
"The future Citrix will be all-in on these technologies, and while I don't believe they'd ever abandon the Windows-based technologies that they own (at least not in that time frame), I do see Citrix moving them further back from the main stage as time goes by. I suspect we'll see the same out of VMware, but that's not as shocking since their Windows desktop focus only dates back as far as 2008. It should be fun to watch."
Fast Forward
Looking at things today, I'm pretty sure the only thing I was right about was that the Windows-based technologies Citrix owned would still be a big part of the company, but that they'd be publicly focused on the next thing. That's not much of a stretch, so I don't really want any credit for that.
The most interesting takeaway from that article is that here we are five years later, and the only thing that's changed about Citrix's situation are the names. Citrix is still looking for the next thing, only this time it's with a different set of products and different leadership. They're still talking about things other than XenApp and XenDesktop, even though that is the main reason anyone deal with Citrix.
It starts at the top. Since 2012, CEO Mark Templeton retired, came back, then was forced out. Citrix replaced him with Kirill Tatarinov, who was then replaced by COO David Henshall. That's three CEOs in five years, with a bonus CEO search in there between Mark's first retirement and the comeback.
Now let's look at the products Citrix was focusing on back then. It's safe to say none of them feature as prominently as they used to, if they're around at all.
Citrix had just acquired Podio earlier in 2012, so they were happy to promote it as the next great thing from Citrix, allowing you to build applications and workflows for the browser-based workforce. Here we are in 2017, though, and the only time I use Podio is when someone from Citrix forces me to use it, presumably because they themselves were forced to use it. I'm not entirely sure how it escaped the cutbacks that Citrix went through in 2016 when it was isolating "core" products, or why Citrix feels it's important to be in the "Flexible Project Management" space. Podio might still be around, but it's not the platform of the future that it once appeared to be.
Cloud Gateway
When Cloud Gateway was first announced, it was an identity management tool that we thought would integrate with on-premises and SaaS applications, making it possible to provision and de-provision user accounts across multiple providers. It was the "gateway to the cloud," and it sure looked like a lifesaver. Then, Citrix transformed it into a Mobile Application Management tool, at least until they bought Zenprise a few months later. Now, whatever is left has been rolled into XenMobile.
This is ironic, given the fact that Identity and Access Management is a huge deal today. Citrix could have been at the forefront of it all, but got out of it too soon.
Citrix Online
We all know what happened to Citrix Online. One of Citrix's most valuable assets, with no direct ties to the other "Core" products, it was sold off as part of the restructuring that followed Elliott's involvement with Citrix in 2015.
Virtual Computer (XenClient)
Though Citrix already had XenClient, they acquired Virtual Computer in 2012 to add some management functionality. The two platforms were somewhat similar (both used the same hypervisor and had compatible VMs), but both lacked certain management features. Combining everything gave Citrix the best chance of gaining some traction with the client hypervisor.
Citrix ended up killing off XenClient (a Type-1 client hypervisor, in that it ran directly on the hardware instead of on top of a host OS) in October of 2015, instead choosing to do any client virtualization on their Type-2 client hypervisor, DesktopPlayer. DesktopPlayer is still around, but it's by no means the same as XenClient, and gets very little attention from anyone other than existing customers.
That's kind of a dreary list, right? Should we add in all the other things that have come and gone at Citrix in the same span? Octoblu, for example, was going to enable a whole new world for Citrix until it was shut down last month. Remember WorkspacePod? What about Sanbolic?
Each of these things has been lauded as the next step for Citrix, and each of them has fallen by the wayside for one reason or another. I was wrong on all of them, but there's one more thing I couldn't have been more wrong about: VMware.
I predicted that VMware would do the same thing as Citrix, focusing on newer platforms rather than investing more into Windows. For context, at the time, VMware was only focused on VDI, and didn't show any interest in applications at all. Windows was still something they thought was on death row, so it really did look like they were going to go all-in on something other than Horizon.
In reality, VMware put their foot on the accelerator, adding support for applications, and even breaking into Windows management. The fact that VMware caught up to Citrix is amazing all by itself, but when you add in the complete reversal of their approach to Windows, I couldn't have been more wrong. In fact, now VMware is in the driver's seat in a lot of ways, and we're increasingly asking Citrix what they're going to do about things like Unified Endpoint Management.
In reality, Citrix and VMware are pretty much even from a desktop virtualization perspective, but all signs point to AirWatch having the lead (or at least the most mindshare) in the EMM space. Will Citrix respond, or will they continue to stay focused on whatever is next?
What is "next," anyway?
I'm in no position to make a prediction right now. In fact, if you asked me to project what Citrix would look like five years from now, I don't know that I could. In November 2015, Brian gave Citrix "exactly zero chance of being a company by the end of 2017," and, well, let's just say the year isn't over yet.
With that in mind, I think I'll sit this one out and see what happens. Citrix is a state of flux right now, focusing on things like making ShareFile more enterprise-focused while also trying to become a cloud-first security and analytics company (though that message was delivered by former CEO Kirill Tatarinov, so who knows how that will turn out under new leadership). They have desktop virtualization solutions built for Azure, which is cool even though it's not really helping the bottom line.
The primary takeaway from this is that here we are in 2017, and Citrix is still in the same situation as they were in 2012: trying to find the next new thing while leaning on their existing XenApp and XenDesktop customer base. No matter what Citrix has done to set themselves up for the next phase, they're still a desktop virtualization company. It's not that they haven't seen success in other areas, but they haven't been able to land on a technology that can propel them into the future. The result is that the company's revenue is flat, the shareholders are unhappy, and they're in the situation they're in.


text:
Online stores and shelves are lined with accessories and innumerable camera, which makes it rough for just about any photographer, amateur or professional, to decipher lens designs, product descriptions, tripods, film types and much more. With regards to the kinds of images the photographer want, distinct cameras are well suited for goals and distinct jobs.
Amateur photographers may select a DSLR camera, which permit big pixels and quick shutter speeds, which makes sharper pictures with less "sound." Variations can range between entry level affordable DSLR cameras to midrange variants, which tend to be less cheap
For semi-professional professional and photographers, deciding on the best camera, may be a little more complex. Semi professional photographers may find more of the things it is that they have to have on the larger end of DSLR's, in a semi pro DSLR camera. When camera shopping, it might also be vital that you keep live, construct and flash view availability.
Professional photographers have more to consider when buying the best camera suited for his or her needs. Selecting between digital or picture cameras is another facet professionals must contemplate. Additionally, it offers finer detail though movie takes time to expose. Numerous options offered to photographers, when contemplating a camera, have drawbacks and assets. The important thing to deciding on the camera that can satisfy needs is weighing which drawbacks and assets are essential to getting the pictures that are required in the surroundings of selection.
Accompanying downfalls that have to be taken into account when deciding on the best camera and the a variety of advantages, its also vital that you notice the differences when it involves brands. Canon is generally more affordable than Nikon in regards to cost. Comparing the Canon 50D, the most recent versions as well as the Nikon D300, Canon borders past Nikon with a somewhat faster speed and an increase of Megapixels. It is lighter and also has a quicker ISO speed.
Regardless of what camera a photographer is contemplating, making certain you understand exactly what you would like before even starting to find out more about the most recent technologies, AF and Megapixels will allow it to be much more easy to consider downfalls and the assets that accompany every camera. Prioritizing needs can allow it to be quite clear which camera will probably be suitable for creations and the proposed jobs forward.


text:
Small Low Voltage Appliances
12 Volt DC Egg Incubators and Hair Dryer for Sale
The Minilab 12v Egg Incubator will hatch 18 hen, 27 pheasant, 12 duck/turkey, 9 geese or 60 quail eggs.
We also sell a 12 volt hair dryer for those camping trips. We have also sold this low voltage hair dryer for use at show dog shows!
New: Motion sensor with integrated video camera. Secure your home, office, shed or crop.


text:
All lanes reopen following crash on Route 8Posted: Updated:
A car crash closed several northbound lanes along Route 8 Monday.
The crash happened in the northbound lanes of Route 8 near exits 5 and 8 after 12 p.m.
MORE: Transportation stories LIVE traffic maps
The crash involved at least two cars, according to the Department of Transportation.
The DOT says a car overturned in the crash.
All lanes have been reopened.


text:
Thursday, August 25, 2016
Peer Pressure & Reader Expectations
"When is your book going to be free?"
"This should have been a free book."
I have had questions and comments like this. There are so many free and deeply discounted books in the Indie author community now that they have become the rule rather than the exception. Readers have come to expect it and some have learned that if they wait a little while on buying a book, it's going to be free.
I understand and respect an author's decision to give their book away. They do this in the hope that readers will like the book enough to buy the next one they have written or they are hoping for more reviews. Sometimes it even works. I have read a free book and then bought the next one and sometimes I have left a glowing review on the free read. I have done that a few times so I can see the potential reward for doing so.
The problem is that when just about every Indie author is doing it, it lessens the chances of actually selling books because there are so many freebies out there. It devalues our work, in my opinion. I would actually like to get to the point where I can afford to write full time. In order to do that, I need to sell some books rather than give them away.
What's the solution? I would appreciate your thoughts and comments on this subject. In the meantime, I have no plans to offer my books for free. I think my books are reasonably priced and are fun reads.
42 comments:
I agree completely, Rose. It's unnatural for readers to expect our hard work to be given away free. Last I heard, that was called slavery and it's illegal. Readers work for a living, and so do we. Like you, my books will NEVER be given away free.ReplyDelete
I don't understand why authors give their books away for free (well I do understand the supposed marketing technique, I just don't know why someone who put their heart and soul into something would then just give it away). Sorry to anyone that wants to read my first book, but unless you win it in a giveaway, it will never be free. You don't walk into Starbucks and ask for your first cup of coffee free, you don't go to your hairdresser and say you expect your first haircut free and then you'll decide if you'll come back. Why is it okay to do to this with books? A cup of coffee takes what? a couple minutes to make and people are willing to pay $5 for it (and then they drink in fifteen minutes and it's gone). It takes months and months to write a book and then prepare it for publication, and people won't even pay $2.99???? By devaluing their work, writers that offer their books for free are helping to fuel this false expectation that books should be cheap and yet, on the other hand there is still the mindset out there that if it's cheap it must not be any good. I actually did an experiment where I increased the price of my novellas from $0.99 to $2.99 and I am getting more page turns and actually selling more books now than I did when they were cheaper. (As an aside, I only had priced them at the lower price to begin with because they are novellas of 100-150 pages so I figured they should be cheaper than my full length novel). Will this work for everyone? Beats me. I'm afraid I don't have the answers. I just know that downloaded free books don't necessarily mean books that are going to be read. Instead you have a writer that has had hundreds of downloads and received no compensation for their hard work and readers that have hundreds of books that they downloaded simply because they were free and may never get around to actually reading.ReplyDeleteReplies
Well said. Thank you, Lisa!Delete
ONLY indie authors are pressured into doing this. I've given books away for free, hoping that they would then continue with the next book in the series, or try one of my other books...but no. I appreciate maybe they didn't like my books, fair dinkum... but after receiving messages asking if any of my other books will be made free, sorta gave it away they liked. I think having a sale is fair, free is just going a little too far. How many peeps would give up 6 months wages?? Fair question.ReplyDeleteReplies
Yes, I agree. My guess is that it might work for a few authors on occasion but because of the deluge of freebies flooding the market, the chances of that happening are growing smaller.Delete
Free books - well, you frequently get what you pay for.ReplyDeleteReplies
Sometimes, but I have read some really good ones from some fine authors that they gave away. Perhaps they feel pressure from readers or pressure from other authors that are doing it and they feel nothing else is working so they give it a try.Delete
I may be an exception to the rule, but when I do get a free book I feel an obligation to read and review it as a thank you. Additionally, free books have turned me on to writers and series that I now love. On the flip side, my extensive library is full of bought books both ebooks and the non-virtual kind and I love every one of them. When I pay for a book I expect to be taken on a journey and I appreciate that the author respects their work enough to place a monetary value on it. I have been working on editing my own indie book, my first, and I have thought a lot about selling it versus giving it away free. The time, the effort, and the heart that has been put into writing deserves a reward especially if, eventually, I want this to be my full time career. Respecting that goal, I feel like free books set a precedence that indie work is sub-par and can only get readers by giving the work away, which is far from the truth. While anyone can be an indie writer it does not subtract from the amount of talent within this writing culture. I have read bad indie books, but no more than I have read bad books that were traditionally published, books that, I might add, are usually so much more expensive than any indie book. The big problem is that by freebies being so prevalent readers (cheap ones) come to expect free and get irritated when they have to buy. Sadly, these types of readers are so bold that many will even message writers to ask for a free read and really that is what libraries are for, I know that is harsh, but true. I personally respect and support any writer who chooses to charge for their work.ReplyDeleteReplies
Yep, me too. Thank you, Shay! I wish there was an easy solution to this. When so many are doing it, it seems to me to be self-defeating to the Indie author community as a whole.Delete
I can understand "giveaways" as a marketing strategy, but they should be limited to a very short period i.e. a "happy hour" in connection with a promotion event on social media or something like that.ReplyDelete
Rose and I had a discussion about reasonable pricing when she got back the rights for her first two books from her former publisher and switched completely to "self publishing mode", (Disclaimer: I'm her beta reader and part of the editing, proofreading and formatting team ;) ) and I think the pricing decisions Rose made are indeed reasonable, the accountant in me - well, that's what butters my bread - still thinks the paperback to ebook price difference is a bit too large, IOW the ebooks are too cheap IMO, but that is another topic to discuss...
Since my introduction to the indie author world, my reading habits have changed. I'm now reading books recommended by friends on social media or by authors I "met" on social media that would become friends, books I otherwise wouldn't even have heard of, but what hasn't changed is the way I value a good story. If I like it I wan't to honor the author's work by paying for it, it's the least I can do because I'm a lousy reviewer...
...and then there is the accountant in me, who thinks about the things an indie author has to pay for, before their work sees the light of day (I guess not everyone is also a cover artist as an example). These costs should be in the mind when a price is calculated. The question to ask is IMO: "How many books do I have to sell to get even?" Given the fact that amazon (or whatever publishing plattform) also takes a bite from the asking price. So that alone should make "giving away for free books" a "no go" for indie authors.
I guess not everyone thinks like me about the value of a good story and the work that has been put into it, but I think that any book sold for a reasonable price is worth more than a short lived rise in amazon's rankings and I'd be happy to ignore the vulture readers who think they are entitled to get a book "for free". (my 0.02 Euro) ;)Replies
Thanks, Hans! Glad you brought up the Amazon rankings thing. Being ranked highly in the "free" category doesn't pay the light bill.Delete
That's one of the points, Rose.Delete
I think it's sad that these "sales" result in a (short lived) high ranking in a sub-sub-sub-section of amazon's rankings and only a "pocket money" for the author.
I'm being practical and a bit selfish here. If I pay a reasonable price (i.e. one that results in more than just a pocket money and actually helps paying the bills) for an indie author's book, I also "buy time" for the author to write his/her next book, so that I won't have to wait too long for the next good story to enjoy. ;)
That, I think, is something the people who want "free books" while asking for the next release, should think about...
I agree with you, Rose. I work to write my books. I will sell them. The people who want them for free would not work for free. Your books are reasonably priced, that is to say they are less than a coffee from Starbucks for which people gladly pay.ReplyDeleteReplies
Yep, exactly. I don't know if we can really blame the readers for this attitude, however. We seem to continue to encourage the expectation that as a group, Indie authors will give their books away. The only way we can change that is to stop doing it, in my opinion.Delete
I'm with you on that, Rose, Indie authors should stop the overuse of "giveaways" as a method of promoting. The problem seems to be that Indie authors are that: "independent". It won't be easy to get them all to stop it.Delete
But I think readers also have to re-think their position, especially those who expect to get their books for free. Maguerite's coffee example is a good one, weekly or bi-weekly tv- and sports magazines are a closer one I think. These "throw away when read and outdated" publications have a price range here from 1 Euro for the cheapes weeklys up to 3 Euros to the priciest bi-weeklys. Weekly newsmags (that one might want to archive but I doubt that) come in in at 3 to 5 Euros, so I simply can't understand someone buying those mags, but wanting to have his/her books "for free" :(
All of it very well said...:) :) :) There is nothing more to say other than we have to stick together. Paying 99 cents for a book is like going back to 1957. This must stop.ReplyDeleteReplies
Thank you, C.G.Blade ♥Delete
- AnonymousJanuary 11, 2017 at 3:39 PM
Better promotion costs and indie authors have to pay all their own coats up front but that doesnt make a difference unless you can sell the books. Promotion and reviews sells books and also costs money to promote unless you are a well established author with a fan base. I am going through this now with my debut novel about to be published. The flooding on the market of new indie authors also reflects in price and freebies. Don't blame the authors blame the process and the market.ReplyDeleteReplies
Congrats on the upcoming release of your debut novel ♥ I would be happy to help you promote it. You can email me at firstname.lastname@example.com
- Aaron L SpeerJanuary 23, 2017 at 6:36 AM
If I may offer a different opinion. Firstly, thank you for clarifying your position on this matter.ReplyDelete
Now, I have seen various posts, blogs etc on your pov about Indie authors giving books away for free. I respect it. I can even see where you are coming from.
The thing that gives me pause is the (perhaps imagined) tone of bitterness. Towards readers and indie authors in general. (Apologies if this is not the intent) As an author myself I feel I need to do whatever I need to honestly get my books in the hands of readers.
No one knows the secret formula. There is no 12 step program. What works for some will not work for others. However, if an author does find putting one or all books for free is helping them achieve something personal, what business is it of mine to condemn them for it?
We all write for different reasons. Yes there are some that write for a hobby. Money isn't an issue. There are some, like me, that know the industry we are in is HARD. No matter how talented you are, you are in a sea with millions of books passing the attention of customers every second through social media. Yours has to stand out from the pack. How? Buggered if I know. If I did I'd beva very rich author.
As it stands, I write because it's the only thing I've wanted to do. Yes, one day I would love to say i earn enough to support my family but I am also realistic. A writing career is not a sprint. There are no guarantees. If the sole reason you have for writing is expecting to make money at some stage, at any point, you may be in for a harsh time.
Please don't think I'm telling you to give up. I'm saying to remember why you write in the first place. Your love of the written word.
Don't think about your readers as freeloaders or dollar signs. They're people. With bills. Family problems. Just like you and me. Talk to them. Engage with them. Don't let your books come into the conversation.
People feel much more inclined to move forward when lead, not pushed.
I'm certainly no expert. But I can tell you I walked past a coffee place and tried a free hot chocolate on their opening day/week. I go there four times a week now.
Give it time. Set yourself a yard stick. Don't want to give your books away? Don't. Simple. You stick to that. Good for you.
But please dont look around for others to blame because you are not where you're at. There are readers out there who buy books like they are going out of fashion. You just have to find them. But don't forget, sometimes they buy because of YOU. Not a blurb or cover or recommendations.
You are a writer. Whatever you want to do is good, and enough. Focus on you ��Replies
I sell plenty of books (look at my looking back and plunging forward post). I do that without giving them away. Right now I'm more concerned with the Indie Author Community as a whole rather than just me. But that's just me.Delete
- Aaron L SpeerJanuary 23, 2017 at 4:07 PM
I'm truly glad for your success Rose. But I dont require proof. Again, you should be commended for your stance and the fact you stick to your guns.Delete
My point has been I hope your true message is being relayed.
Mr. Speer,ReplyDelete
You were talking about a free sample, correct? Not a full sized product. Amazon already allows you to download a sample before purchasing , with their hand dandy "download sample" button. It'a on every single Kindle book, regardless of price (including free ones). That's not the same thing as a free book. Plenty of of these authors offer samples of their work in their blog posts, and over social media, where they do indeed interact with readers.Replies
- Aaron L SpeerJanuary 23, 2017 at 3:54 PM
Jennifer, no I was talking about an actual, full sized product.Delete
- Aaron L SpeerJanuary 23, 2017 at 4:10 PM
But Jennifer, just to continue. Just because free samples are offered, just because authors interact with readers etc still doesn't guarantee sales. I wasn't trying to promote that idea.Delete
I'm still trying to find this "tone of bitterness" in my post. I am "concerned" because I think it is a real problem. I believe the free book craze is killing our industry. The event we are hosting is designed to find those readers that are willing to pay for our books.ReplyDelete
- Aaron L SpeerJanuary 23, 2017 at 4:04 PM
Rose the tone of bitterness isnt necessarily from one author, (as I said, may not be intended) but is the reason there have been a few authors pulling out from the event. Clearly not too many, as it looks like it will be a raging success. And you should be congratulated for that.ReplyDelete
It is also the reason I have seen some posts from readers that have seen or heard about the event and refuse to go. Because of this perceived angry/bitter/finger pointing theme. So much so they have taken a look at the author's and vowed to never read them.
This is the last thing that should happen. You have every right to showcase your event and pov in any way you choose. Some readers however feel they are being lumped into one group as cheapskates and free loaders when they do so much for the community.
There are some that will only seek free books. Sure. But those are the ones that will never get your books. That's fine. They'll get others.Replies
So these readers are not going to buy my books because I don't give them away? I have no problem with that. My books are reasonably priced and I have no intention of giving them away. My Books are Not Free.Delete
- Aaron L SpeerJanuary 23, 2017 at 4:50 PM
Rose. That reply right there. Screams "defensive". "Bitter".Delete
Where did I ever say the readers I mentioned above only sought free books?
These are people that have done extraordinary things for our community and buy books. Indies and traditional. But Indies have a special place in their hearts.
Yet here again it seems you are lumping ALL readers in the same group. That ALL of them have this cheap and free mentality that is degrading the very industry we are in. That it is ALL readers that have to change their thinking.
It has nothing to do with giving books away it is the ATTITUDE you're portraying.
No. I just want to sell books. If readers don't want to read my books because I don't give them away, that's fine. I think the plethora of free books hurts every Indie author and is killing our industry. I think readers understand this as well. Thanks for your opinion.Delete
- Aaron L SpeerJanuary 23, 2017 at 5:05 PM
Missing the point completely Rose. But ah well.Delete
Good luck with your event, and your career :-)
The point is that the free book craze is killing us. Either you believe that or you don't. I would say from your comments that you don't. No worries, I'm going to continue to do what I can to change this free book mindset.Delete
- Aaron L SpeerJanuary 23, 2017 at 5:27 PM
What I don't believe is you can change the free book mindset by acting this way.Delete
But, that's just me.
There are readers that feel you are alienating and grouping. Only a few that I have seen. But there are more that are talking amongst themselves. I don't say this to intimidate. Merely an observation.
Readers are everything to us. All I ask is to please consider how you're wording your argument and point of view.
I'm not intimidated at all. It is a cause I believe in. If you don't like the way I have "worded my argument", so be it.Delete
I'm a booklover. You don't write in my preferred genre so I'm not your target audience so perhaps my opinion doesn't matter to you. I'm in the mood to give it anyway. I take huge exception to the implication that the indie community is made up of a bunch of readers that demand freebies and 99 cent books. I take exception to the implication that taking advantage of a freebie or 99cent book makes you a freeloading vulture. It's how I found my top indie authors. Authors I now one click (even when they've already given me a free copy) and work my ass off to promote. I also promote authors I will probably never read to give others the same chance to run across a new favorite the way I did. And I see reader, after reader, after reader doing the same thing and so I take huge exception to the way the rhetoric of this "movement" has developed. I also take exception on behalf of the authors that choose to use this marketing strategy. It's their right to try and use whatever works for them just like it's your right to not price your books as free or 99 cent. I've never demanded otherwise from anyone in words or attitude. And I don't believe readers in the community as a whole have done so and to be accused of it is an insult.Delete
So, I would ask a question. You don't price your books at free or 99 cents and yet they still sell. And there are many authors that sell and sell huge numbers at regular prices. How does this work into your premise that free books are the problem? That free books are the reason why some authors don't sell or don't sell what they think they should? How did this all land at the idea that we the readers expect authors to give up their hard work for free all the time? Did you look for or think about any other possible reasons before you decided this was the problem? Do you have hard evidence to give to us the readers that this is the attitude we have and that it is harming the indie community? Or are we an easy scapegoat?
Did you even read my post? I said "I understand and respect an author's decision to give their book away. They do this in the hope that readers will like the book enough to buy the next one they have written or they are hoping for more reviews. Sometimes it even works. I have read a free book and then bought the next one and sometimes I have left a glowing review on the free read. I have done that a few times so I can see the potential reward for doing so.Delete
The problem is that when just about every Indie author is doing it, it lessens the chances of actually selling books because there are so many freebies out there. It devalues our work, in my opinion. I would actually like to get to the point where I can afford to write full time. In order to do that, I need to sell some books rather than give them away."
So by your logic I'm calling myself a freeloading vulture? Readers aren't pricing the books for free. Authors are. I know a lot of readers that are happy to pay a reasonable price for books. Throw enough free books out there and they probably won't have to. When I get questions and comments like I mentioned in my article (did you bother to read it?), it tells me that some readers have come to expect free. Because we throw so many out there and most Indie authors are doing it. I believe there is a problem that is hurting our industry as a whole and that is the over abundance of free reads. If you don't see it as a problem, then we don't agree. Thanks for your opinion.
I did read it and then I read comment after comment at the event and other blog post that consistently start to pick up this freeloading reader theme and point the finger at readers. This is why I referred to the rhetoric of the movement and not your article. So my questions stand. There is a hierarchy in readers. There will always be readers that refuse to pay for books at or above a certain price point. It exists in the traditional world. They go to libraries or thrift stores and yard sales. So, of course they exist in Indie World. They haven't destroyed the traditional world and you are right, I don't think it will destroy the Indie World. You will have to give me hard evidence to convince me otherwise.ReplyDelete
Over the holidays I ran a 12 Days of Christmas book buying binge, where I bought 12 books from Indie authors at regular pricing. As a reader, I could have downloaded 12 free reads because I see them every day in my emails and on Twitter and Facebook, I chose to show my support by paying for their books so they would receive a small royalty for their hard work. There are many readers going to our event that will show their support by buying our books and they don't need free stuff as an incentive to do so.ReplyDeleteReplies
I am in no way adverse to paying for books. I routinely pay for extra copies of books I have been given for free and I turn down offers of free books. I support the careers of my authors. And I was one of the readers that planned to attend your event. I rsvp'd, I shared the event, and I invited people. I thought it was a refreshing idea. An event to meet authors and learn about their work without the distractions of games. And then I began to feel increasingly insulted by the notion that began to appear that the majority of the indie community readers are freeloaders. Maybe that's not the notion you intended to be spread throughout the movement but it is IMO happening nonetheless. I wont apologize if I sometimes will only take a chance on a new author if it's a free book or 99 cents. I have been burned in the past by books that had a good synopsis and sample but the rest of the book fell apart. I don't return books if I've opened them, not print books and not ebooks. I take it as a learning experience. And the majority of indie authors are not available to try out at the local library even in digital format. So, I'm careful. My time and money are just as important as any author putting their work on the market. So, I am saying when you have readers that don't just routinely buy books but also on a daily and sometimes hourly basis promote indie authors and even they start to feel insulted by the rhetoric coming out of your movement, you should pay attention to that feeling instead of consistently ignoring it.Delete
I appreciate your support of the Indie Author Community. For the vast majority of authors attending my event, they also appreciate readers that support them. If some have had bad experiences with readers only interested in free, it is what it is. I have allowed you to have your opinion heard and they are entitled to their opinions as well.Delete
I was part of a huge giveaway about a year ago. It was a rafflecopter designed to get more followers on Twitter and other social media platforms. I must have gotten over 200 new followers on Twitter. When I looked at the tweets of these new followers I saw that for the most part, all they tweeted were giveaways and events with prizes. A lot of the names were familiar from events I had attended. There is a group of people that do this and that is about all they do. It's sad but true. They spoil things for readers that are actually supporters of the Indie community. I doubt they ever buy anything. I will not be taking part in such an event again.ReplyDelete


text:
Villa Maria held a blessing ceremony for a special new space on campus: the Lynch Family Prayer Garden. This beautiful new spot for prayer and quiet reflection, located between the tennis courts and the Marian Center, honors the memories of alumnae Eileen Agnes Lynch '48 and her daughter Mary Eileen Lynch '73. Eileen Lynch's sons Mickey and Jim, and her grandson Colin, attended the blessing, which included a prayer service led by Sr. Marie Claire and Sr. Regina.
The garden was created thanks to a donation from alumna Eileen Agnes Lynch '48, who dedicated the garden to the memory of her daughter, Mary Eileen Lynch '73.
Kathy McCartney, Villa's Director of Advancement, said she first received a call from Eileen Lynch in November of 2016. Mrs. Lynch told her she was donating money for Villa Maria to build a meditation garden in memory of her daughter, Mary Eileen. They talked about Villa Maria and her fondness for her time here. Eileen shared that she was concerned about the pressures that young people felt today, so she wanted this to be a spot where the students and faculty could go as a refuge from the hustle and stresses of daily life. She said that she had found great peace through meditation.
"She was a warm, engaging woman, and I enjoyed our conversations very much," Kathy said. "I actually felt more peaceful just talking with her." Sadly, Eileen passed away in February, before completion of the garden.
The garden has an additional alumnae connection. The landscaping surrounding it was designed and installed by Villa grad Olivia Fow '13. Olivia graduated last year from the University of Rhode Island as a landscape architecture major, and is currently completing an internship at Longwood Gardens.
For more than seven decades, Eileen A. Lynch has had a profound impact on Villa Maria Academy. She was an accomplished student, she sent her own daughter to Villa, and then at the end of her life chose to make a donation to improve the lives of the current students and faculty. The entire Villa Maria community is grateful for her, and for her generous gift.


text: I would like to reuse an address that I thought of using blockchain.info api, which returns the amount sent to the address when the acknowledgment reaches the set parameter. If I send more BTC to the same address, the confirmation parameter will not work anymore. Is the other solution for that?


text:
Heathrow Express
Heathrow Express have engaged Swithland Systems LLP for the Design, Technical Specification authoring, Cause and Effects mentoring and programming, Assurance and Certification of their new replacement Fire Detection and Alarm Systems across the HAL Rail estate at Heathrow Airport.
The project started in February 2012 and is due for completion in 2019. The new system comprises 24 Control Panels and 19 Vision Repeat panels all connected via a copper and fibre network across 5 miles of estate and included the protection of sub-surface Rail Stations at Heathrow Central and Terminal 4 and numerous Escape and Intervention shafts along the sub-surface stretch of the route from Paddington.
The project also includes for the design of 28 Aspirating Systems, 4 Gas Extinguishant Systems and 6 Linear Heat Systems all interfaced with the Fire Detection System.
For Swithland the project involved a year of intrusive and complicated design works for a Category L1/P1 system in accordance with BS5893 Part 1 culminating in the production of drawings, schedules and specifications and further acting as the clients representative (clerk of works) throughout the installation and commissioning phases of the project. Swithland were also responsible for the production of Cause and Effects and associated programming and thereafter the full end to end testing of all 23000 Cause and Effects scenarios. This phase alone required the co-ordination of 5 persons witnessing and recording all of the tests during 4 night shifts per week over a 6 month period.
The design phase required engagement with interested parties and stakeholders such as HAL insurers (Allianz) and the London Fire Brigade (LFB) in order to obtain necessary approvals and provide the client with third party Assurance.
Swithland have produced over 300 drawings to include layouts, schematics, schedules and isometrics for the Fire detection, Gas Suppression, Aspirating and Linear Heat systems as well as a library of supporting documents.
This has been a very challenging scope of works given that the site is a sub-surface Rail environment located below Heathrow Airport but one that Swithland has continued to perform and deliver against.


text:
Docs. Drafts & Sent Messages
The Messages contains has drafts, sent, and scheduled messages.
All draft messages will be auto-saved and can be found under the Drafts heading. Older drafts can be found by using the pagination to browse to older messages.
Sent messages can be found under the Sent heading.
Full reporting and analytics are shown, along with a message content preview, and message details.
In the sidebar, there are links to get the webview URL for direct sharing, as well as to duplicate the current message.
A graph showing the last 30 day mailing history is shown. Sent volume, opens, and clicks are shown. This graph is helpful to spot recent mailing trends.


text:
Quality of the product is the basic aspect of the product. Emphasizing on this matter we include standard methods for quality control and our quality standards are mentioned below:
1. Verification of the plants botanical species
2. Crops were not subjected to agrochemicals
3. Low pressure distillation techniques employed
4. Visually inspecting the oil
5. Odour evaluation of the oil
6. Measuring the oils physical parameters Testing the oils purity using .GC or GC/MS technology
We believe that essential oil quality control should begin at the earliest stage of production, preferably with inspection of the crop at the growing phase. This important aspect is often overlooked when considering quality issues, and this is why we have established close working relationships with growers around the world.
When growing plants specifically for the extraction of essential oils, the location, altitude, fertility of the soil, weather conditions and the method of cultivation all have an influence upon its oil content and quality. This is why an essential oil produced in one country can be of a higher quality than precisely the same oil produced in another. And it does not end there.
At the extraction stage, the skill and experience of the distillery becomes the next critical factor in the quest for excellence, since all the expertise and effort of the farmer will have been wasted if the oil is not extracted correctly. We pay a lot of attention on this matter so all the process from cultivation to delivering are done very systematically and skillfully. We carry out the whole process fluently ensuring the product to be of the highest quality and fully naturally organic.
Most of The products are collected from natural forest and the ones which are cultivated are cultivated on very rural and natural areas where chemical fertilizers have no impact so we use fully organic fertilizers which ensure the products to be naturally organic and to be of the highest quality.


text: Lecture Presentations for Integrated Biology and Skills for Success in Science Banks, Montoya, Johns, & Eveslage Chapter #2 Lecture – pp 12-29 Science, Atoms, Elements, & Subatomic Particles Guiding Principles for the Course Looking at seemingly simple things deeply Conceptual understanding Practical Applications Contextualized Chapter #2 – Learning Objectives By the end of the lecture today, students will be able to: List and define the typical stages in the scientific method. Compare and contrast inductive versus deductive reasoning. Compare and contrast mass versus weight as scientific values Determine the mass of an atom when given the subatomic particles. Define and describe chemistry terms such as element, subatomic particle, proton, neutron, electron, atomic number and atomic mass. Define isotopes and describe differences between isotopes of an element. List the most abundant elements found in the human body. Distinguish the role of valence electrons in chemical reactions Identify and describe any general trends that can be observed in the periodic table of elements including but not limited to atomic mass, ionization energies, and electronegativity values. Scientific Method The Scientific Method involves a series of steps that are used to investigate a natural occurrence It is important to develop a deep understanding of this approach to science as it is a universal way of looking at problems, situations, and phenomena in nature Please become familiar with the flowchart presented here and in your text Deductive vs. Inductive Logic It is very important to define the differences between the two major types of logic that will be used to drive the scientific method in your future observations of nature Deductive logic starts with a statement believed to be true and then goes on to predict what facts would also have to be true to be compatible with that statement In contrast, inductive logic involves taking observations of facts and creating a new theory that is compatible with those observations of facts Control vs. Comparative Experiments There are two main types of experiments used in science: The Controlled Experiment and The Comparative Experiment The purpose of a controlled science experiment is to find out what happens to something if you change something else while you keep all other things unchanged In a controlled experiment you can test only one independent variable This means that you can change only one condition in your experiment The purpose of a comparative experiment is to compare the effect of two or more different things on something In a comparative experiment you can test the effect of a few independent variables but not in the same experimental group where also only one independent variable is allowed as in the case of a controlled experiment What is Biochemistry?? Life is all about the multitude of biochemical reactions that take place all day every day Each part of every living organism is biochemically connected Biochemistry is defined as the study of life on a molecular level Biochemistry covers the biochemical bonds linking atoms to form simple molecular structures and larger structures like DNA, which holds genetic information which flows into RNA and eventually proteins Biochemistry is all about discovering new biochemical structures and determining their functions and interactions with other molecules Biochemistry deals with complex molecular machines, metabolic pathways, and biochemical communications within and in-between organisms The Chemical Elements Element - simplest form of matter to have unique chemical properties Atomic number of an element - number of protons in its nucleus periodic table elements arranged by atomic number elements represented by one- or two letter symbols 24 elements have biological role 6 elements = 98.5% of body weight oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorus trace elements in minute amounts Atomic Structure Nucleus - center of atom protons: single + charge, mass = 1 amu (atomic mass unit) neutrons: no charge, mass = 1 amu Atomic Mass of an element is approximately equal to its total number of protons and neutrons Electrons – in concentric clouds that surround the nucleus electrons: single negative charge, very low mass determine the chemical properties of an atom the atom is electrically neutral because number of electrons is equal to the number of protons valence electrons in the outermost shell determine chemical bonding properties of an atom Isotopes Elements are defined by the number of protons in an atom's nucleus For example, an atom with 6 protons must be carbon, and an atom with 92 protons must be uranium Atoms of the same element can have different numbers of neutrons; the different possible versions of each element are called isotopes For example, the most common isotope of hydrogen has no neutrons at all; there's also a hydrogen isotope called deuterium, with one neutron, and another, tritium, with two neutrons. Electron Energy Shells The Bohr Model shows all of the particles in the atom In the center is circles. Each circle represents a single neutron or proton Protons should have a plus or P written on them Neutrons should be blank or have an N In a circle around the nucleus are the electrons. Electrons should have a minus sign or an e Electrons have special rules that they must follow You can't just shove all of the electrons into the first orbit of an electron Electrons live in something called shells or energy levels. Only so many can be in any certain shell. Nucleus 1st Energy Shell 2nd Energy Shell 3rd Energy Shell The electrons in the outer most shell of any element are called valance electrons The electrons that are more loosely held by the nucleus (the valence electrons, those furthest away from the nucleus) are the ones that are gained, lost, or shared during chemical reactions This is why it is so important to learn and understand about valence electrons So let's try it…. How to draw a Lithium atom First, look at the Periodic Table Second, determine the number of protons (Look @ the atomic number) Then determine the number of neutrons (Atomic mass – atomic number) Then determine the number of electrons (Look @ the atomic number) 3 Li Lithium 7 So let's try it…. Protons = 3 3 - + + Li + - - Lithium 7 Electrons = 3 2 in the 1st shell, 1 in the 2nd shell Neutrons = 4 (7-3=4) General Trends of the Periodic Table A trend is a pattern or a repetition of particular properties Trends of the periodic table include: Atomic Mass, Atomic Radius, Net Nuclear Charge, Ion Size, Metallic or Non-Metallic Property, Electro-negativity, 1st ionization energy The periodic table is arranged in a certain way to keep elements with similar properties close together Groups vs. Periods Groups go up and down Periods go left and right Groups share many similarities Periods show periodically (regularly) changing properties The Alkali Metals are in Group 1 but Hydrogen is not in this group. Alkaline Earth Metals are in Group 2 TRANSITIONAL METALS are in Groups 3 - 12 INNER TRANSITIONAL METALS are at the bottom and fit in as shown NON-METALS are at the right hand side of the table Noble Gases are at the far right, group 18 First Trend-Atomic Mass Atomic mass goes higher from element to element, with few exceptions The Group Trend is that atomic mass increases The Period Trend is that atomic mass increases too Because of specific properties, the Periodic Table has a non-regular shape The elements are arranged by properties rather than a way just make the table be uniform in shape Second Trend-Atom Radius If you follow along the periodic table for atomic radius, you find: The Group Trend for atomic radius is that it increases down a group. The Period Trend for atomic radius is that it decreases left to right. SHOWS Atomic Sizes for Groups and Periods Third Trend-1st Ionization Energy 1st ionization energy is the amount of energy needed to remove a valence electron from an entire mole of atoms and make them all into +1 ions For example To turn a mole of Li atoms into a mole of Li+1 ions, it would take 520 kJ/mole FIRST IONIZATION ENERGY FOR SOME SELECTED ATOMS Na 496 kJ/mol Mg 736 kJ/mol Al 578 kJ/mol Si 787 kJ/mol P 1012 kJ/mol Going across the 3rd period, the trend for 1st Ionization Energy is to INCREASE. Fourth Trend – Electronegativity Electronegativity is the amount of pull that an atom has for another electron in a bonding situation Fluorine has the greatest desire of all atoms for that electron gain Fluorine is given the rating of 4.0 on the E-N scale, the highest Electronegativity of all elements Going down a group the trend is towards LOWER E-N values Going across a period the trend is towards higher E-N values It is all about HOW CLOSE IS THE ATOM TO FLUORINE which determines the relative electro-negativity. Exit Quiz 1). Please illustrate and describe the importance of the typical steps that would show up in a flow chart depicting the scientific method. 2). Compare and contrast the differences that exist between mass and weight in science. 3). What are the three main subatomic particles? Be able to accurately assign mass, charge and location for each of these subatomic particles. 4). Define atomic number and atomic mass and be prepared to calculate each value. 5). What is the difference between an electron and a valence electron? Why are valence electrons so important? 6). What is the difference between ionization energy and electronegativity? Are there any trends in the periodic table for these two values? What are they?


text:
IoT meets
Augmented Reality.
See device problems through a technician's eyes. Address faults quickly and efficiently using remote services.
See device problems through a technician's eyes. Address faults quickly and efficiently using remote services.
Real experts are scarce and not always available. Travelling to site takes time and money, and prolongs the time needed to get equipment up and running again. The remote service applications of our CENTERSIGHT® IoT platform help reduce maintenance costs to a minimum: enjoy the security and effectiveness of modern remote monitoring.
AR-based remote support allows the service technician to remedy even complex problems.
The overlaid plant data provided by the IoT platform ensures that the technician always has access to the virtual dashboard, making it easier to assess the causes and impact of faults on site.
We're networking Reflex Winkelmann's products using the CENTERSIGHT® IoT platform to allow customers worldwide to benefit from the resulting synergies. […] The scope of CENTERSIGHT® matched the project plan. The hardware was compatible and the required Ethernet or wireless connections were supported.
– Tobias Wolff, Product Manager on "Control Remote" at Reflex Winkelmann –
IoT is that simple: Get a free trial of our IoT platform CENTERSIGHT® – here!


text:
Staff Selection commission Jobs Notifications for the positions of Junior Engineer Group-B (Non-Gazetted).Interested and Eligible Candidates can apply for the vacant posts.
Last Date : November 17th, 2017..
Details of Post and Vacancies :-
1.Junior Engineer Group-B (Non-Gazetted)
Job Location - All India
Educational Qualification: You should have degree or diploma in civil / electrical / Mechanical engineering from a recognized university or institute for MES / CWC department AND Diploma in civil / electrical / Mechanical engineering from a recognized university or institute for all other departments.
Age Limit: The age of candidate should be maximum 32 years for CSC / CPWD and 27 years for MES and 30 years for all other departments as on 01.08.2018.
Note: Check the official notification to get detailed information regarding eligibility criteria.
Salary Structure: Rs 35400 – 112400/- Per Month
Selection process: The candidate's selection will be happening as per the below process.
- Computer based examination (Objective Type)
- Written examination (Conventional type)
Fee charges: Applicants who wanted to participate for SSC should pay the below charges through online mode (Debit or Credit Card / Net Banking).
- Application Fee: Rs. 100/- (Rupee one hundred only)
- SC/ ST/women/EXSM: NO Fee
Important Dates:-
Closing Date: 17/11/2017


text:
Wing Bun Lee
According to our database1, Wing Bun Lee authored at least 80 papers between 1997 and 2018.
Collaborative distances:
Collaborative distances:
Legend:Book In proceedings Article PhD thesis Other
at orcid.org
On csauthors.net:
Computational narrative mapping for the acquisition and representation of lessons learned knowledge.
Eng. Appl. Artif. Intell., 2018
Guest editorial.
Industrial Management and Data Systems, 2017
Managing knowledge in the construction industry through computational generation of semi-fiction narratives.
J. Knowledge Management, 2016
AHP-Driven Knowledge Leakage Risk Assessment Model: A Construct-Apply-Control Cycle Approach.
Examining knowledge audit for structured and unstructured business processes: a comparative study in two Hong Kong companies.
J. Knowledge Management, 2015
Baby Boomers Retirement in Oil and Gas.
Proceedings of the KMIS 2015, 2015
A methodological approach to optimizing RFID deployment.
Information Systems Frontiers, 2014
Knowledge-based extraction of intellectual capital-related information from unstructured data.
Expert Syst. Appl., 2014
Assessment of uncertainty in the quality of knowledge in the research publication review process.
Proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Fuzzy Systems and Knowledge Discovery, 2013
An unstructured information management system (UIMS) for emergency management.
Expert Syst. Appl., 2012
Design of a weighted and informed NK model for intellectual capital-based innovation planning.
Expert Syst. Appl., 2012
Learning the "Whys": Discovering design rationale using text mining - An algorithm perspective.
Comput. Aided Des., 2012
A hybrid knowledge-based approach to supporting the medical prescription for general practitioners: Real case in a Hong Kong medical center.
Knowl. Based Syst., 2011
Experiences Sharing of Implementing Template-Based Electronic Medical Record System (TEMRS) in a Hong Kong Medical Organization.
J. Medical Systems, 2011
Critical Elements and Lessons Learnt from the Implementation of an RFID-enabled Healthcare Management System in a Medical Organization.
J. Medical Systems, 2011
A multi-faceted and automatic knowledge elicitation system (MAKES) for managing unstructured information.
Expert Syst. Appl., 2011
A methodology for building a semantically annotated multi-faceted ontology for product family modelling.
Adv. Eng. Informatics, 2011
Multi-facet product information search and retrieval using semantically annotated product family ontology.
Inf. Process. Manag., 2010
RACER: Rule-Associated CasE-based Reasoning for supporting General Practitioners in prescription making.
Expert Syst. Appl., 2010
CASESIAN: A knowledge-based system using statistical and experiential perspectives for improving the knowledge sharing in the medical prescription process.
Expert Syst. Appl., 2010
Design and development of a mobile EPC-RFID-based self-validation system (MESS) for product authentication.
Comput. Ind., 2010
Digital Manufacturing and RFID-Based Automation.
Proceedings of the Springer Handbook of Automation, 2009
Data Mining in Biomedicine: Current Applications and Further Directions for Research.
Knowledge elicitation in reliability management in the airline industry.
J. Knowledge Management, 2009
A computational narrative construction method with applications in organizational learning of social service organizations.
Expert Syst. Appl., 2009
An ontology-based similarity measurement for problem-based case reasoning.
Expert Syst. Appl., 2009
Modeling and simulation of supply network evolution based on complex adaptive system and fitness landscape.
Comput. Ind. Eng., 2009
Self-associated concept mapping for representation, elicitation and inference of knowledge.
Knowl. Based Syst., 2008
Mining knowledge from natural language texts using fuzzy associated concept mapping.
Inf. Process. Manag., 2008
A Knowledge-Based Performance Measurement System for Improving Resource Utilization.
Proceedings of the ICEIS 2008, 2008
Study on a Teaching Assistant System Based on Grid Framework.
Proceedings of the International Conference on Computer Science and Software Engineering, 2008
A dynamic logistics process knowledge-based system - An RFID multi-agent approach.
Knowl. Based Syst., 2007
A systematic approach for knowledge auditing: a case study in transportation sector.
J. Knowledge Management, 2007
Systematic Knowledge Auditing: a Case Study in a Power Utility Company.
A Study of Knowledge-Based Simulation for Enterprise Resources Planning.
Knowledge management approach in build-to-order supply chains.
Industrial Management and Data Systems, 2007
Building an adaptive manufacturing enterprise for the Hong Kong watchmaking industry.
Using radio frequency identification technology in distribution management: a case study on third-party logistics.
Collaborative environment and technologies for building knowledge work teams in network enterprises.
A knowledge and analytical-based intelligent system for customising logistics management.
Qualitative search algorithms for partner selection and task allocation in the formulation of virtual enterprise.
Int. J. Computer Integrated Manufacturing, 2007
A strategic knowledge-based planning system for freight forwarding industry.
Expert Syst. Appl., 2007
Knowledge-based treatment planning for adolescent early intervention of mental healthcare: a hybrid case-based reasoning approach.
Expert Systems, 2007
Auditing and Mapping the Knowledge Assets of Business Processes - An Empirical Study.
Proceedings of the Knowledge Science, 2007
On the design of a real-time knowledge-based system for managing logistics operations.
Int. Syst. in Accounting, Finance and Management, 2006
Knowledge-based simulation and analysis of supply chain performance.
Int. J. Computer Integrated Manufacturing, 2006
Design of a RFID case-based resource management system for warehouse operations.
Expert Syst. Appl., 2006
A knowledge-based supplier intelligence retrieval system for outsource manufacturing.
Knowl. Based Syst., 2005
A multi-facet taxonomy system with applications in unstructured knowledge management.
J. Knowledge Management, 2005
Development of a Knowledge Management Culture Assessment Tool with Applications in Aviation Industry.
Research on a workflow management system for dispersed network manufacturing.
International Journal of Internet and Enterprise Management, 2005
Design of a knowledge-based logistics strategy system.
Expert Syst. Appl., 2005
Design of a case-based logistics strategy system - an integrated approach.
Expert Systems, 2005
Case Management in Social Service Organizations: A Knowledge Management Approach.
Proceedings of the 6th European Conference on Knowledge Management, 2005
A Systematic Approach for Knowledge Audit Analysis: Integration of Knowledge Inventory, Mapping and Knowledge Flow Analysis.
An enterprise collaborative management system - a case study of supplier relationship management.
J. Enterprise Inf. Management, 2004
Design of an intelligent supplier relationship management system for new product development.
Int. J. Computer Integrated Manufacturing, 2004
An agent-oriented and knowledge-based system for strategic e-procurement.
Expert Systems, 2004
Flexible workflow integration: an object technology approach.
Industrial Management and Data Systems, 2003
An intelligent supplier relationship management system for selecting and benchmarking suppliers.
Knowledge-based customization of enterprise applications.
Expert Syst. Appl., 2003
Design of an intelligent supplier relationship management system: a hybrid case based neural network approach.
Expert Syst. Appl., 2003
Design of a case based intelligent supplier relationship management system - the integration of supplier rating system and product coding system.
Expert Syst. Appl., 2003
A multi-perspective knowledge-based system for customer service management.
Expert Syst. Appl., 2003
Comments on: a new aggregation method in a fuzzy environment.
Decis. Support Syst., 2003
A security model for distributed product data management system.
Comput. Ind., 2003
Design of a re-configurable workflow system for rapid product development.
Business Proc. Manag. Journal, 2003
Development of a Web-based enterprise collaborative platform for networked enterprises.
Business Proc. Manag. Journal, 2003
Factory-on-demand and smart supply chains: the next challenge.
An intelligent supplier management tool for benchmarking suppliers in outsource manufacturing.
Expert Syst. Appl., 2002
Development of a case based intelligent customer-supplier relationship management system.
Expert Syst. Appl., 2002
VMMC: a test-bed for machining.
Comput. Ind., 2002
Product data allocation for distributed product data management system.
Comput. Ind., 2002
A Web-based SMART STORE Platform for Collaborative Supply Chain Integration.
Proceedings of the Collaborative Systems for Production Management, 2002
Growth of a small manufacturing enterprise and critical factors for success.
A fuzzy analytic hierarchy process approach in modular product design.
Expert Systems, 2001
Development of an Intelligent Data-Mining System for a Dispersed Manufacturing Network.
Expert Systems, 2001
A genetic algorithm of determining cycle time for printed circuit board assembly lines.
Eur. J. Oper. Res., 2001
A new algorithm for the assignment problem: An alternative to the Hungarian method.
Comput. Oper. Res., 1997
Technology Transfer at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
Proceedings of the 30th Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences (HICSS-30), 1997


text:
Industrial Warehouse - B8 2,750 SqFt Norton, Doncaster
Leasehold £13,500 per annum
Windmill Farm, Windmill Lane, Norton, Doncaster, DN6 9AT
Key Features
- Good quality industrial/warehouse space
- Convenient location
- Offices and workshop/storage space
- Large shared yard/parking area
The property comprises an industrial warehouse with office space workshop, and storage accommodation located on a farm near Norton.
The unit has an eaves height of over 4 metres, a roller shutter and pedestrian entrance door to the front elevation. To the side is a sliding door entrance to some workshop or storage space and towards the rear of the unit, also accessed from the side is a decent quality office space with kitchen facilities.
Externally there is a shared yard/parking area to the front and there could be further space available to the rear subject to negotiation.
Prospective tenants should be aware of The Code for Leasing Business Premises in England and Wales 2007 a copy of which may be downloaded from www.leasingbusinesspremises.co.uk
The property is located at Windmill Farm at the end of Windmill Lane in Norton, a village approximately 8 miles to the north of Doncaster almost directly between the A1(M) to the west and A19 to the east. From the property's location Doncaster can be reached in under 20 minutes and from here the major motorways are easily accessible.
The adopted rateable value is to be assessed.
The premises are available to let on flexible lease terms for term to be agreed. The tenant shall be responsible for the cost of insurance all repairs and decorations and a proportion of the cost of maintaining any common parts.
Viewings strictly by prior appointment with the agents: Craig Gooddy MRICS Barnsdales - Chartered Surveyors Tel: 01302 308 182 firstname.lastname@example.com
Each party is to be responsible for their own legal costs incurred in this transaction.
EPC awaited or not required


text:
Memorials – Honorariums – Congregational Honor Rolls
Lutherans For Life thanks all those who have given 2018 Donations in Loving Memory
Lutherans For Life thanks all those who given 2018 Donations in Honor of
Congregational Honor Rolls
2017 Congregational Donor Honor Roll - LFL is very grateful to the following congregations for their financial support in 2017. To God be the Glory!
2017 Congregational - Auxiliaries - Organizations Donor Honor Roll
Thank You!
Thank you for your ongoing and often sacrificial support of Lutherans For Life! Your prayers, volunteer efforts, and financial support allow Lutherans For Life to continue to Bring the Good News For Life to children, youth, and adults. You are examples of Christ's love in action. Your partnership with Lutherans For Life is needed today more than ever before.


text:
Miami-Dade Prosecutors Announce DUI Diversion Program for First-Time Offenders
A policy shift by the Miami-Dade State's Attorney's office has the potential to radically change the way south Florida DUI defense lawyers like me do our jobs. As NBC Miami reported May 10, the prosecutors have announced that first drunk driving offenders in the county will no longer be prosecuted for drunk driving. Instead, those offenders will have the option to choose a program in which they are convicted of reckless driving and sentenced to a fine, a year of DUI classes, an ignition interlock device and possible community service. Failure to complete this probationary period would likely bring the DUI charge back. The program will be offered only to first offenders who did not get into an accident, had no children in the car with them and have no history of reckless driving.
The program is similar to pretrial diversion programs offered in other jurisdictions for offenses like drug possession or passing bad checks. In essence, it gives the defendant a chance to avoid a serious conviction in exchange for successfully completing a parole period designed to discourage and change the behaviors that got him or her into trouble in the first place. Criminal defense attorneys told the media they were cautiously optimistic about the program's ability to address the alcohol problems underlying DUIs. A MADD spokesperson said the program sent the wrong message but may help prevent drivers from getting off scot-free. The State's Attorney's office echoed that, saying offenders can currently have their cases dismissed if witnesses don't show up. The office also said the program would give defendants a chance to turn their lives around.
As a Miami drunk driving criminal defense attorney, I'm eager for more information on this program. At first glance, this looks like a good thing for first DUI offenders. Rather than face a criminal conviction for DUI, which carries loss of your driver's license and skyrocketing insurance rates, this program would offer defendants a chance to plead to reckless driving instead. Reckless driving is not free of consequences — it puts four points on your license and carries optional jail time — but it's generally better for the defendant than intoxicated driving. That's especially important because many first drunk driving charges stem from foolish mistakes, not habitual alcoholism, and this policy could prevent them from facing very harsh penalties while giving them a taste of what could happen if they aren't more careful. And of course, defendants retain the option of not taking the plea deal and defending the DUI charge in court. As a Fort Lauderdale intoxicated driving criminal defense lawyer, I look forward to hearing more from the State's Attorney's office.
If you're charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in south Florida, you're facing multiple criminal and civil penalties that could substantially affect your work and personal life. To start building a strong defense, don't wait to call Seltzer Law, P.A., for help. For a free, confidential evaluation of your case, send us a message online or call 24 hours a day and seven days a week at 1-888-THE-DEFENSE (1-888-843-3333).


text:
Solinst Model 101 Water Level Meter
Long Life:
Laser Marked Flat Tape
Durable, non-
Accurately marked each mm or every 1/100 ft
Tape splice option maintained
Certified Traceable to National Standards
PVDF Laser Marked Tape
The Model 101 P7 Water Level Meter uses extremely durable, PVDF flat tape, traceable
to NIST and EU measurement standards. Each tape conductor contains 13 strands of
stainless steel, and 6 strands of copper-
The 3/8" (10 mm) tapes come with permanent laser markings every 1/100 ft. or each millimeter.
LM2: Feet and tenths: with markings every 1/100 ft.
Operating Principles:
Model 101 Water Level Meters use corrosion proof stainless steel probes attached
to permanently marked flat tape, fitted on a well-
The probes incorporate an insulating gap between electrodes. When contact is made with water, the circuit is completed, activating a loud buzzer and a light. The water level is then determined by taking a reading directly from the tape at the top of the well casing or borehole.
A sensitivity control allows the buzzer to be turned off while in cascading water, and ensures a clear signal in both high and low conductivity conditions.
Polyethylene Tape
The Model 101 P2 Water Level Meter uses high quality polyethylene tape that reels smoothly, remains flexible and hangs straight in the well. Heat embossed marking each millimeter or 1/100 ft. allow accurate readings. The 3/8" (10 mm) wide tapes come in lengths up to 6000 ft. (1800 m).
Seven stranded stainless steel conductors resist corrosion, provide strength and
are non-
M2 Feet and tenths: with markings every 1/100 ft.
Solinst Polyethylene Tape Design
Toll Free: 1-