Evelyn's Idea

[Larry, Baby and Me]

I think Evelyn's idea about writing a bird book is a fantastic idea. In the thread she started we got a little off track with us talking about our birds. I don't know why we would do such a thing.

So - I'm starting a new thread here to kick it around.

Specialty books such as this are in demand and I think a specialty publisher would be interested.

The first thing to do is to define the book's overall theme and content. Then submit this to publishers such as http://www.tfhpublications.com/

There are many of us that got real excited over Evelyn's idea and I think it has a great chance for success.

So - let's keep this thread on track and give our input here.

[TikiTalks]

I think Dot should write it.. and I promise Dot! Next time we're in Louisiana we'll stay with you and the Fids! :)

[Julie]

Are we going to take on a serious topic like training/screaming?

Or should we try to do something fun like night time stories to read to your parrot?

[Evelyn]

I envision the book as a coffee table type book--probably at least 8 1/2" x 11".

It would have big photos (full page and half page). If all that accompanies it is a blurb (for ex: Lance, the --whatever kind of too he is-- doing the River Dance. If there is a story, then that would be on the page facing the photo.

Nothing serious, except some of the photos and stories may be sad.

Everybody who submitted a photo and/or story and/or poem and/or drawing would have a "by-line."

I would be the editor (the person who puts it together and decides what goes in there; we want a quality book if we do this) as would anybody who helped me do that. Everybody who works on it would get some kind of credit.

If it is OK with Larry, I think HappyBirdy should also be given some kind of credit.

I doubt we will make a lot of money from it but if we decide to do it, we would want to think about some rules for spending the money. My thought is to have a "HappyBirdy" fund to help out financially with birdie problems of our members. But we need some tighter rules than that. If we make a lot of money we could also donate some to legitimate parrot related causes.

If you all think this is a good idea, I wish you would spread the word. If we decide to go with this, we need a group to discuss things like requirements for including stuff in the book, the title of the book, time table, how to find a publisher, and all the stuff that goes with getting a book published.

Would anybody who is interested in being a part of the group email me at ekkrippendorf@gmail.com. Larry is drafted whether he likes it or not. Also, anybody who is willing to contribute other talents, let me know that also. Of course, we would like photos and stories from all the HappyBirdy members.

I agree that Dot would be a good person to do some of the writing. Her "alien" stuff is hysterical. We might have to give her more than two pages. I am assuming that members will send us their stories and we will edit/revise them to fit the book. But we want the stories to be yours about your birds, past and present.

I am really excited about this, but I couldn't begin to do it alone. I hope you all (Southern for you--it doesn't necessarily mean all of you, altho it would tickle me if everybody did submit something).

Evelyn

Oh, and be thinking of a title for it.

[Larry, Baby and Me]

Looks like this is a go.

It has been our vision when we started HappyBirdy to have a home where we can share our birds and ourselves with each other in a safe and warm environment. Along with that, our vision is also to bring in some revenue to HappyBirdy and use the proceeds to help - first our HappyBirdy family members and then to help other people who help birds. This book idea will be a big part of our vision efforts.

The first step is to get a publisher as excited about our book as much as we are. After that it will be a lot of tedious work... and fun.

To get a publisher interested... We have to give the publisher enough of the book so they have a strong understanding of what we have in mind. This will be in the form of a description similar to the back cover synopsis you see on novels. Additionally we will have to give the publisher a completed section or two with an outline. So - we have to have the book's outline completed before giving the idea to the publisher. The outline will also keep the book's contents on track and focused.

I agree with this idea -- there are too many serious birdie help books on the market as it is - most of which are way off base.

There could be spin-offs with this idea in addition to the book itself. We will kick that around as time goes on. This whole thing can be big - it is all up to us and the amount of time and energy we are willing to put into it. We have tons of talent within our family and there is no doubt in my mind that we can pull it off.

A legal note... Most of you folks know that I am also Uncle. I chose to create an alter-ego so I can be Larry, Baby and Me and get down in the mud and dirt with all of my friends here. I also needed a way of coming on HappyBirdy as an authority figure when important things needed saying. So - I am both Larry, Baby and Me as well as Uncle.

That being said... I am the legal owner of HappyBirdy. The Internet is a strange place. On one hand all of the posts that are ever created by you folks are automatically owned and copyrighted by me. On the other hand the courts in the U.S. have decided that an owner of an on-line forum cannot be held responsible for what members post. Confusing??? --- yep... but thems the legal rules.

So - I legally own everything that is ever posted here - words and pictures and the such. Remember this - HappyBirdy is open access to anyone with a computer and an Internet connection and there is always a risk that someone could take material from HappyBirdy and use it as their own. But - if they do so without my expressed permission then the U.S. copyright laws kick in. The copyright laws are very strict and the penalties are punitive. The last time I checked the penalties were $2,500.00 per incident. Which means if someone used material from HappyBirdy without my permission and included it in a book and that book sold 10,000 copies then the penalty could be $2,500.00 times 10,000 = $25,000,000.00. Yep you read it right, 25 million smack-a-roos. The copyright laws are designed to punish the offender.

So - we do have laws that protect us. And of course I will give my expressed (written) permission to all of you involved in the idea - whether in book form or in other forms.

Bottom line - I have no problem with openly putting information and materials here on HappyBirdy so we can all have reviews and input.

What do ya'll (southern for you) think???

Larry, Baby and Me - aka Uncle

[birdie]

How about we call it,
"Happy Birdies"
& the owners that make them happy.

Have a cover designed with a picture of Iti Hoa {the "Happy Birdy" seal of approval}

[Evelyn]

Larry -

I think we should keep all the HappyBirdy members informed about what is going on so they can be included if they wish and give us ideas and opinions if they wish; but I think a smaller group should be responsible for the nuts and bolts of putting the book together and marketing it.

The more people on a committee, the longer it takes to get anything done. OTOH, this is too big a project for just one or two people.

I would like to include on the "committee" the members who want to participate in that part of it; and, of course, we would like everybody to contribute stories/photos/ blurbs/poems/songs.

Evelyn

[Evelyn]

How about we call it,
"Happy Birdies"
& the owners that make them happy.

Have a cover designed with a picture of Iti Hoa {the "Happy Birdy" seal of approval}


I like that.

Evelyn

[Larry, Baby and Me]

Yep - I agree with both of you.

[Larry, Baby and Me]

A little twist on Brenda's thought...

Happy Birdy Birdies
And the people who make them that way

[FoxersArtist]

I haven't read any responses yet because im drugged and have the attention span of lory right now, but will read them later. I invisioned the book being something like an illustrated "chicken soup for the parrot lovers soul type thing...just my two cents.
-Anna

[TikiTalks]

I haven't read any responses yet because im drugged and have the attention span of lory right now, but will read them later. I invisioned the book being something like an illustrated "chicken soup for the parrot lovers soul type thing...just my two cents.
-Anna
Anna.. considering your Lory's are the ADHD babies of your flock.. that kind of makes me giggle. I hope you're feeling better.

[Julie]

Sorry, this is the accountant comming out in me, and Evelyn might know more about this than I, but has anyone looked into setting up a 501(c)(3) for Happy Birdy? This migh alleviate any tax implications WHEN the book is published and funds do start to come in?

[Patty, Linus and Co.]

This is the most wonderful idea! And I love the idea of proceeds going to any needs in the future. A kind of Happy Birdy relief fund. You guys are so great.

Patty

[Bambam]

Ship to Capt. uncle.:alien::alien:..Sorry I didn't think of this before..but what a way to to introduce Happybirdy people...now let's see...Evelyn(great idea) with all of us..I think we can do this...Uncle...what else are you hiding from us..do you know anything about plumbing??

[Larry, Baby and Me]

Uncle...what else are you hiding from us..do you know anything about plumbing??

Yeah I do... water goes through the pipes you silly. :smiles:

[Wanda and Flock]

"chicken soup for the parrot lovers soul type thing...just my two cents.
-Anna

Now, that's exactly, and I mean exactly what I emailed Evelyn. Chicken soup for the avian lover's soul- I did originally have parrot lover's and changed it.... My mind is that on that type of track too I guess.

[Diane, Clouds assignment]

Hummmm . . . The water in my pipes went right through and left water stains on my ceiling. I called to have them 'fixed' so the water stayed in the pipes. :confused:

[EasySpirit]

A book idea is wonderful. I have urged several people to write one. My vision of one was on the order of the book Up the Down Staircase. Just short brief stories in the day at a school.

Ours would be short blurbs about our birds, not too serious. Anyone who have read Cara's notes know what I am talking about. People really do not understand the fun and cleverness of our birds. They do not understand how loveable they are.

Most certainly when Sam's story won a prize on one of the boards I was quite excited and a number of people got a chuckle out of it.

Bird people are always searching for books to read about birds. Life in the times of the internet Happy Birdy.

Pictures are great...birds in different poses. The beauty of the animal and the quirkiness as well. I will send Larry a pic which are the epitomy of both. Don't know how to post yet....I know a sentinel that doesn't know how to post a pic.

And what about Sandy and Cody. Maybe it could be birds throughout the year and Cody and other birds introduce the months or make it seasonal. Then a section Fun for all Times. I would be happy to submit a pic of a bird or two riding on their baby stroller while we are out shopping (see what I mean about quirkiness).

A serious section maybe include something about the Delta Society and animal therapy.

Ok, now onto the costume party and a well dressed bird and I am not talking Turkey.

Ok, the creative juices are fading.

Off to take a zillion pics this weekend. Need to figure out the new camera and maybe get another lens (Canon Rebel). One of the best pictures I have of a bird was done with a cell phone and back lighting from computer screen.....hmmm, maybe take the camera back on second thought.

Easy

[bonnie]

I just love this idea! I will be involved!
I just have one thing to say. I think there needs to be atleast a chapter or portion of it devoted to abused and neglected birds. Something to do with the fact that they got that way because people bought them without knowing how needy they are.

[too&me]

I love Easy & Evelyns ideas! How about the very simple "Happy Birdy Book". Perhaps poetry, informative paragraphs so we are not too preachy but strive to educate. Even footnotes to the appropriate e-sites to give them a bit of interactive follow up?-A book with links, sort of? :yeah:

[EasySpirit]

I love Easy & Evelyns ideas! How about the very simple "Happy Birdy Book". Perhaps poetry, informative paragraphs so we are not too preachy but strive to educate. Even footnotes to the appropriate e-sites to give them a bit of interactive follow up?-A book with links, sort of? :yeah:

I agree,not preachy but fun. I do like the name also. Of course there must be a section on handicapped birds (since I have a couple)

Easy

[lcarle]

I think there needs to be atleast a chapter or portion of it devoted to abused and neglected birds. Something to do with the fact that they got that way because people bought them without knowing how needy they are.

What a great idea!!! I also like the ideas of having chapters on abused, neglected and handicapped birds. People need to understand what they are getting into when they get a bird.

[Evelyn]

Easy and Laruei -

I like both your ideas.

Evelyn

[Bambam]

Evelyn..I think it would be nice to add Safety & health hazards in a section..maybe a few blank pages for notes..a birdy diary to keep track of the birds advancements to talking..tricks..hatchdates..etc...can't wait to see the results..I know it will be grand:p
Freida

[michelle]

Oh this is a great idea! I can't wait to buy one! :yeah:

[TikiTalks]

I agree,not preachy but fun. I do like the name also. Of course there must be a section on handicapped birds (since I have a couple)

Easy

are these short bus birds like what Dot says she has, or like, splay leg? :)

[too&me]

Remember there are birds out there, like the human population, who are missing a wing or legs. There are also broken & deformed beaks and quite few with missing toes or toenails which also effects the ability to perch securely and even blindness in one or both eyes. We humans who are there caretakers have to provide for these birds using our ingenuity. Hammocks, flat perches special feeding stations & foods ect.

[TikiTalks]

the most amazing creature i ever saw was at a wildlife rescue. He's a Hawk (i don't remember what kind or what his name is) but he is missing a part of a wing. He was apparently hit by a car and the driver brought him in half dead (obviously he healed) but I remember being told he can't get altitude, but he's like a clipped tiel.. he kinda.. helicopters to the ground. but still a very proud and noble animal

[Evelyn]

Everybody interested in The HappyBirdy Picture Book:

You all are coming up with some great ideas!

I think what we want to do (at least what I want to do) is to touch people's hearts with parrots. Some stories or blurbs will be sad; others will be funny; some will show how smart parrots are, how affectionate they can be, etc.

Photos and stories/blurbs about birds with any kind of handicap would be suitable.

Anna's story about Dolly turning off the air purifier; many others related on HB that I can't think of at the moment.

There should be something about homeless birds so people will realize that all parrots aren't in happy homes.

We will be educating, but in a way that people will find entertaining, touching, etc.

I have received emails from the following people saying they are willing to be on the committee:

Bonnie
Wanda
Jill
Larry

The following people have said they are interested in helping:

Me & Too
Easy Spirit
BamBam
Patty
TikiTalks
Anna

If anybody wants to switch categories, or are willing to work on both, or anybody wants to be added, please let me know VIA E-MAIL, PLEASE: ekkrippendorf@gmail.com

Everybody, whether in one of the two above categories, is welcome (encouraged) to submit ideas, photos, stories, blurbs, etc.

Evelyn

[Evelyn]

OK. I haven't had any more responses, so the Committee will be those persons listed above. and me. I will email the Committee members so we can start a dialogue about how and what we are going to do.

So that all members know where we are in the process, somebody from the Committee will post on the board from time to time.

Remember, it is not too late to sign up for the committe, or submit ideas; and it is never too early to start gathering photos, jokes, cartoons, blurbs, stories, poems, etc. Please email them to me or email a link so I can find them. Remember that videos don't produce still photos clear enough to put in a book. However, when we are finished with the Happy Birdy Book, we could consider making a DVD using the videos, so keep track of them.

Evelyn

[CrystalinNC]

*raising hand high in the air*
I wanna help! I wanna help!
I was awarded some writing awards in college for poetry and short stories.
I will be more than happy to help in any way that I can.
I will certainly send pics and a story or two.

[TikiTalks]

Everybody interested in The HappyBirdy Picture Book:

You all are coming up with some great ideas!

I think what we want to do (at least what I want to do) is to touch people's hearts with parrots. Some stories or blurbs will be sad; others will be funny; some will show how smart parrots are, how affectionate they can be, etc.

Photos and stories/blurbs about birds with any kind of handicap would be suitable.

Anna's story about Dolly turning off the air purifier; many others related on HB that I can't think of at the moment.

There should be something about homeless birds so people will realize that all parrots aren't in happy homes.

We will be educating, but in a way that people will find entertaining, touching, etc.

I have received emails from the following people saying they are willing to be on the committee:

Bonnie
Wanda
Jill
Larry

The following people have said they are interested in helping:

Me & Too
Easy Spirit
BamBam
Patty
TikiTalks
Anna

If anybody wants to switch categories, or are willing to work on both, or anybody wants to be added, please let me know VIA E-MAIL, PLEASE: ekkrippendorf@gmail.com

Everybody, whether in one of the two above categories, is welcome (encouraged) to submit ideas, photos, stories, blurbs, etc.

Evelyn
sounds perfect! Maybe anna and I can colaborate over virgin daquiries and come up with some pics and stories! (Anna is the bestest artist :D)

[Cheryl]

I will help, just tell me what you want me to do.

[Evelyn]

Re:HappyBirdy Picture Book.

Larry has created a forum just for the book. So from now on, everybody please use that forum.

Go there now!!!! (I wanted to put a smiley arrow here, but I can't make the flippin' thing do what I want it to--which, BTW, is the story of my life). :)

Evelyn