Hey, I have an idea if you’re up for it. I have a copy of Transcending CSS by Andy Clarke and it’s a great book! I would love to be able to share it with as many people as possible. It’s just well written, well designed, etc. It also has a ton of room for notes in the margins and in the extra blank pages, so here’s what I’d like to try. If it works out, we can do this with other books too.
We’ll make a list of participants in no certain order and I’ll ship my book to the first person on that list. That person will then send it to the next person and so on, each person paying shipping to the next person. You keep the book for a set amount of time before sending it on. I’m inclined to say two weeks to be sure everyone gets a turn, but if this isn’t long enough, we can talk about that. Ultimately, I’d like to have the book back because what I want you to do is sign the book! I also would love to see each of you scribble notes in it as you read, the way you might in your own book. This would be awesome for me to look over when I get it back.
I’ll bet you might also have a book (a non-design book even) that you’d like to share and see notes from others in? This could be something we do with all kinds of people and books, but the owner of the book would have to know and trust the people on the list before finalizing the share plan (the object is for everyone to be able to share in the fun - AND for the owner to get their book back)! So everyone has to be committed, but whatever shipping might cost ($1.50 media mail?) is worth getting to read a really cool book for free, no?
So I’m sure I’ve seen this done before (I know of some people who tried it with a moleskine) so don’t everybody chime in with “old news, natalie” comments, k? Just tell me if you’d be interested in (committed to) being involved in this and we’ll start making a list for shipping out in January. If it takes a few months to get around to everyone, that’s fine. The fun part is reading all the notes from people after it’s all done.
Another idea, if you’re okay with it, I could post some of your notes here (unless you specify a certain note is private). That way everyone could share in that part of it (of course, those of you lower on the list will see the comments in the book as you read before you send it on).
I was going to just review it here, but instead of telling you all what I think (for the gazillionth time), I’d rather hear what you think of the book via the notes.
So what do you think?
Phil Renaud left a comment on December 16, 2006 at 8:38 pm | #
Ooooh
A wonderful idea, and I have a bunch of recently read books I’d love to share, but I’m afraid I’d be a bit embarrassed at the length of time it would take me to finish borrowed books. I’m too casual a reader anymore; I blame the philosophy degree.
Natalie Jost left a comment on December 16, 2006 at 8:45 pm | #
With this particular book you wouldn’t necessarily have to read it cover to cover. It’s a good skimming book, lots of screenshots and blocked text to help you along. It’s easy to sort of breeze through and pick up the parts that interest you most.
reese left a comment on December 17, 2006 at 8:46 pm | #
You know, if I didn’t live in canada, I would definitely do this!
Josh Byers left a comment on December 18, 2006 at 3:17 pm | #
Well, I guess I’ll be the first. Sign me up. Sweet idea.
John Peele left a comment on December 20, 2006 at 9:52 am | #
Make me the second on the list.
Great gesture Natalie!
'Mas left a comment on December 20, 2006 at 11:46 am | #
Guess that’ll make me third? :) I’ll see what I can bear to part with for a while and then whether anyone else wants to read them. Great idea!!! :D
Natalie Jost left a comment on December 20, 2006 at 11:55 am | #
Okay guys (no girls?), I’ll wait till after the holidays and then make a list. To clarify for everyone, you don’t have to share a book of your own. That was an idea for you to do on your own, but I think one book is enough for me right now, so anyone who wants to borrow this book, don’t feel like you have to reciprocate, just be sure you’re committed to sending it on when you’re time is up, that’s all I ask.
So glad to see some participation, now how about some more?
Deborah left a comment on January 1, 2007 at 4:41 pm | #
Well, I’ll be the first girl to sign up. What a wonderful idea! Based on Jonathon Snook’s review and subsequent comments on Andy Clarke’s book, I was wondering if I should add it to my library.
I discovered your site and blog through Godwit. Great resource I had not come across before, though I visit sonspring.com often. The holiday break has provided me with some freet time for reading. I just finished CSS Mastery by Andy Budd, and am beginning ppk on JavaScript.
Brian Zollinhofer left a comment on January 1, 2007 at 11:54 pm | #
I’m in. I would love to do the same with another book, but I don’t know what you all are interested in reading. I’m halfway through Blue Like Jazz which I’ve been enjoying (although I haven’t taken any notes on). I do like the idea of having the person sign it and jot a little message. A light book like Lewis’s Mere Christianity might be fun (although it probably wouldn’t fit in the 2 week period – I know, I know, I’m not locked into that time frame). :)
Natalie Jost left a comment on January 6, 2007 at 12:32 am | #
Glad to see a couple more. I’ll send out the book next week sometime, so if you’re still interested, I’ll contact you to get addresses.
Brian left a comment on January 15, 2007 at 10:32 am | #
I’d absolutely love to join in this. A great idea. And a way to read and share knowledge. Lovely idea.
Natalie Jost left a comment on January 21, 2007 at 8:43 pm | #
Okay, I’m emailing those of you I could find addresses for, but if you don’t hear from me, email me and I’ll get you on the list. natalie@standardsforlife.com