Thanks for the response, it was really insightful. I have another question: One of the big problems of releasing something on your own is lack of editorial feedback. Is there anyway short of signing up with a publisher, or having some very indulgent and somewhat masochistic friends, to get serious editorial feedback cheaply?

John M.

Dear John M,

We're not sure what you mean by "cheaply," so here are several options:

The selfpublishing site lulu.com we mentioned in the prior response provides an editorial menu. Considering the amount of work it takes to edit a manuscript, the rates are pretty damn cheap. Unfortunately, sometimes cheap is still expensive.

Another possibility is to shop around town. Posting an add on OlyBlog, or craig's list may turn up an editor. If you do get a chance to work with somebody local, we would recommend a mutual interview wherein you both could ask questions of each other and talk cost.

One other local possibility that may be cheaper than just about any other option, but is currently in the ultra-beta stage, is to workshop your stuff at a website for local writers that is currently being created. If stress testing a new service would appeal to you, feel free to e-mail us back so that we can send you a password.

- The Taelliouses

"You'd be surprised how much it costs to look this cheap."

Dolly Parton

Please send ?s and comments to oolyps(at)gmail(dot)com. You'll remain as anonymous as you request.

Also, Check out Marine Lt. Gen. Newbold "Why Iraq was a Mistake". "I've been silent long enough":

"...

"From 2000 until October 2002, I was a Marine Corps lieutenant general and director of operations for the Joint Chiefs of Staff. After 9/11, I was a witness and therefore a party to the actions that led us to the invasion of Iraq--an unnecessary war. Inside the military family, I made no secret of my view that the zealots' rationale for war made no sense. And I think I was outspoken enough to make those senior to me uncomfortable. But I now regret that I did not more openly challenge those who were determined to invade a country whose actions were peripheral to the real threat--al-Qaeda. I retired from the military four months before the invasion, in part because of my opposition to those who had used 9/11's tragedy to hijack our security policy. Until now, I have resisted speaking out in public. I've been silent long enough.

The city council will meet with the downtown association during their board of directors meeting and there was an interesting conversation during the last city council meeting about how to handle folks who buy homes in the South Capitol Neighbordhood to hold parties and do business, rather than live.

Almost every week this is the "What's on the city council's plate this week" review. I don't cover everything, so if you want the full rundown, read the packet and agenda yourself.

1. Here is the agenda for the Olympia Downtown Association's board of director's city council dinner meeting:

ODA Board of Directors-Olympia City Council Annual Dinner
Chica’s Dining Room
Wednesday, May 17, 2007

I like third parties and political underdogs. As some of you OlyBloggers might recall, my 2008 presidential coverage began with Mike Gravel's announcement of his candidacy and his brief Olympia connection. Last week I had the opportunity to chat with another long-shot, Gene Amondson, 2004 candidate (and presumptive 2008 standard-bearer) of the Prohibition Party.

Actually, Mr. Amondson was not the candidate in 2004, but rather a candidate. The Prohibition Party, America's oldest continuous third party, has been experiencing some intra-political struggles in the last few years. Amondson appears to represent the new blood, the dynamic faction. He was on the ballot in Louisiana and Colorado in 2004. In the latter state, Amondson outpolled Earl Dodge, a name linked with the Party's old guard. This result has apparently been viewed by Amondson's followers as a party primary, making Gene the provisional candidate for 2008.

photo by enpen