AvPGalaxy Forums

I Gotta Start Promoting this Book Now. But I Need Your Help.


I know there is interest in a book about this old toy and now I need to generate further support for it prior to launching the KickStarter campaign in March.  Right now, I'm not reaching a wide enough audience and this is largely because I'm not dedicating adequate effort on my part to social media.

I recognise Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are great platforms for spreading the word so it's essential and even mandatory  to have a presence on them.  I've done my task scheduling for the next 6 weeks and dedicating the time needed  to make these platforms work in favor of promoting the book is currently beyond me.

I need people who are adept in these areas to pick up on this Project and promote it.  I really need this to happen so that I can continue to focus on the other many tasks still at hand, that is pursue costs to generate a budget, prepare the KickStarter campaign and prepare the book for eventual publication.

Dedicating my time to working in these essential areas and not have my efforts eroded away by gaining experience in social media is what I should be doing.  I really need people to step in and realise this Project is worth promoting via their long established accounts on these social media platforms.


This is critical simply because KickStarter, where I intend to float this Project to raise money to publish it, is highly dependent upon those social platforms.  Be successful on Facebook and/or YouTube and just about any KickStarter campaign is a walk in the park.  Fail in those areas and success is dramatically reduced, adding anxiety and concern to the Project and its campaign as a whole.

The whole social media aspect is where this will all come together if I am careful and this is of big concern to me due to my lack of presence.  I need help in promoting the book on these platforms by people who can already reach thousands.  Without such assistance, the success of this Project diminishes dramatically.

The bottom line is I need to get people excited about this book and I need your help to do so.

This is a 200+ page book and nothing like it exists.  It's unique in what it encompasses and endeavors to explore.  You can purchase any number of books about the movie itself and how it was made.  You can buy novelisations, novels, reference material and comics until your shelf is flowing over.  There's an abundance of action figures galore that can be found with ease.  But there isn't a single book dedicated to comprehensively exploring the merchandise surrounding these movies.  Not one.  Well, maybe just one.  HIDEOUS PLASTIC is it.


Right now, I need support on social media.  If you really want to see this book be a success on KickStarter, then tell people about it.  The campaign is scheduled to be announced in early March, just weeks away!  I would hate to delay it due to lack of support.  Please help me make this happen.  Spread the word via FaceBook, Twitter and YouTube.  I need to generate all the interest I can right now on these platforms to make this Project be successful later.

Don't forget to direct traffic back to the HIDEOUS PLASTIC web site (http://www.hideousplastic.com/), if you can!  It has so much more to offer.  It will assist you to get to know everything you need to know about the book in the About the Book (http://www.hideousplastic.com/?page_id=47) section and the FAQ (http://www.hideousplastic.com/?page_id=88).  Take a peak into the Collated Works (http://www.hideousplastic.com/?page_id=51) while you visit.  There's Reviews (http://www.hideousplastic.com/?page_id=57), several image Galleries (http://www.hideousplastic.com/?page_id=607) and a treasure trove of other online links and resources regarding the 1979 ALIEN action figure buried in there.  The site has no shortage of content - and at an excess of 200 pages, the same can be said about the book.

Thank you for reading this request.  Help me make a difference to this Project by supporting it now.  I'm' relying on you now to help push the awareness of this Project out to the World.

Help me do this and I will get this book into your hands.

-Windebieste.

Do you have a Facebook page set up? Or a YouTube channel? Instagram could also be a good place, plus right into FB and I'm sure you've got a lot of pictures.

If the answer to those is no, PM me.

Set up a FB, I'll share your posts through Strange Shapes, and you can answer etc questions directly if need be (a LOT of people on FB love this stuff, especially over at the W-Y Bulletin.)

I have a Facebook page. 

https://www.facebook.com/phillip.wlodarczyk

I also have a YouTube account.  Just one video on there, though.  I have to do at least one more of those for the KickStarter campaign.  They take time - and practice and it has to be better than the disposable announcement video I did myself (when absolutely no one knew what I was working on at the time and had to do absolutely everything that way to get to this point). 

In which case, I'm going to need assistance on making a video for the KickStarter campaign.



I don't have an instagram account.  Not yet anyway.  I've got my hands full right now with gathering costings and budget.  One thing for sure, it gets more detailed the deeper you go into it.  So much to do between now and March, I'll have to squeeze it in somewhere.  All the same, I may take you up on your offer. 

Thank you for your assistance and interest.  Both of you.  Every little piece of help and information contributes to this ambitious Project being successful.

-Windebieste.

I'm a videographer, I'll make your next video if you want. Free. Set up an Instagram account, gimme the login details, put a stack of the photos you've already got on dropbox and I'll run it for you.

Thank you for the outstanding offer.  I'm actually quite taken aback and more than just a little impressed by it.  I'll consider it to be a vote of confidence on your part and accept it.

This goes on my list of things to do today.  I'll PM you later with details and discuss it further. 

At least working in dramatically different time zones isn't going to be the big issue for us, unlike some other Projects I've worked on.

Once again, thank you.

-Windebieste.

Not at all, I love these kinds of books.

Quote from: windebieste on Jan 18, 2017, 09:38:44 PM
I have a Facebook page. 

https://www.facebook.com/phillip.wlodarczyk

I believe Val means something more like this:

https://www.facebook.com/alienseries/
https://www.facebook.com/avpgalaxy/

Rather than a personal Facebook account. And I completely agree. You'll reach a far wider audience.

For sure - and I agree most wholeheartedly.

Right now my personal resources are very limited.  As it is, I have spent all morning writing correspondence to various people regarding the book, quotes and costings and general responses to questions - and I'm still not done yet. Which is a good thing of itself but these are replies to backend responses to my own investigations.   

I will have to investigate this option later.

-Windebieste.

Careful how you choose to promote yourself as well. Facebook charges you for promoting your page. They guarantee just under 10 hits and sometimes, if not most, the people it generates have no interest in your niche. A bit of a bugger. My apologies that Global AvP is not that popular and won't have the capacity to produce any significant marketing. What I suggest is perhaps come up with a strategy and have SiL, Valaquen, me, Hicks and whomever is willing to help you function it to meet with what you want to accomplish?

https://www.instagram.com/hideousplastic/

Hey,

if ya need Motion Graphic / VFX work for video just ask me.
I'll be glad to compose another soundtrack for another video too if needed ;)

Cya

@SiL:  Nice to see the instagram gallery starting to take shape.   Thanks for doing that.  Takes a load off of me for sure. 

@Le C:  Don't worry.  There will be another video.  Once it's ready to have a soundtrack added, we can discuss it further.

@Apollo:  It's not a problem.  I appreciate all the help you have afforded me.  Including setting up a forum on your site.  That appears to be getting interested people looking at it everyday.

Right now, I'm looking at winding up my tasks set out for me for the closing days of January and moving onto the next stage.  February will be spent collating and processing information.  I'll be working out the final details for goals and rewards.

Yep.  That's right.  As of Feb.1, I'll commence working on the KickStarter campaign.  With some good planning, this will give myself enough time to finalise details before the campaign is announced and launched on March 1. 

Well, that's the current goal - and if the schedule sticks. Terrific!  If not...  Still gonna happen.   ;D

-Windebieste.

I've commenced working towards the KickStarter campaign for this book.  More details can be found here. (http://www.hideousplastic.com/?p=1514)

-Windebieste.

Excellent!  I've already started filming the Big Chap

Quote from: windebieste on Feb 01, 2017, 11:51:29 PM

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hideousplastic.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F02%2FKickStarterComingSoon.png&hash=6b4f1d474da2451c6924f60a54dd56684422601b)

I've commenced working towards the KickStarter campaign for this book.  More details can be found here. (http://www.hideousplastic.com/?p=1514)

-Windebieste.

The nostromo is about to get off Thedus ! :laugh:

Wut..?  er...  no... NOOO!!!

I understand what you're saying in terms of Launching the campaign; but everyone knows the Nostromo was rerouted from its planned course and never completed its journey Home! 

Please don't wish that fate upon me.   :(

LOL.

-Windebieste.

You shouldn't have brought Ash with you, he'll get us all ! :P

I wish you a lot of luck for the campaign, it's tough but it's wroth it ;)

Hey, thanks. It's all coming along perfectly well.

You should check out the content on Instagram. (https://www.instagram.com/hideousplastic/)  SiL is doing great there.

I've also posted about it as an update on HIDEOUS PLASTIC's front page (http://www.hideousplastic.com/).  So check out that update as well.

Everything is taking shape nicely.  Very nicely.   ;D

-Windebieste.

I am pleased to announced the KickStarter campaign (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/489775161/hideous-plastic-in-stores-everyone-can-hear-you-sc) for the book HIDEOUS PLASTIC - In stores everyone can hear you scream has gone live. 

The 200+ page book investigates just about every aspect of the original Kenner ALIEN action figure that was released in 1979.  The KickStarter campaign will run for 60 days spanning March 1st to April 29.   A minimum of US$20,000 is needed to reach the Primary Goal for this Project to be successful. Not high at all and very achievable. 

Visit the KickStarter campaign page (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/489775161/hideous-plastic-in-stores-everyone-can-hear-you-sc) and show your support!  Currently, the KickStarter campaign is the only way to secure your copy of HIDEOUS PLASTIC - In stores everyone can hear you scream.  The availability of this book after the campaign concludes is not guaranteed. 

You have 60 days to decide if you want support this Project and acquire a copy. 

Thank you for your attention.  ;)

-Windebieste.

Skullllllllllllllllllllllllll!!!

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F7ainZ0S.jpg&hash=49d8c548376ed7e6f9c1dba0c23bdc65cc08eb2f)

If you have a youtube channel spread the word that way.

Quote from: Local Trouble on Mar 01, 2017, 03:40:02 PM
Skullllllllllllllllllllllllll!!!

http://i.imgur.com/7ainZ0S.jpg

Before I even scrolled down to see your comment I knew that you'd say that lol.

Last 3 months have been full on work for this Project.  December:  Set up web site.  January: Talk to publishers, calculate production and distribution costs and an assortment of other tasks.  February: Set up KickStarter page - yeah.  That took a full month on its own.

I still have a ton of work on my plate but you Guys are encouraged to share and help spread the word.  Thank you.

@Local Trouble:  lol.  Too awesome!  Just thought you might like to know, it does glow in the dark  ;)


Anyway, back to work for me. 

-Windebieste.

I'll cover this on the front page when the Covenant stuff has died down a little.

Congrats into launching that campaign !
You only need now to infect a thousands colonist to complete your alien's army ! :D

@C.hicks: Oh, for sure.   I'm holding off sending out announcements to News sites for a couple of days just so the air can clear a little.  Right now, no one is interested in anything but the new movie trailer.

@Le C.:Yep.  That's the plan.  ;)

-Windebieste.

I tweeted it and will make an article about it tomorrow. I am sorry for such a delay on that  :-\

Thank you.  There's no rush at the moment.  Everyone right now recovering from Fox having dropped the latest trailer on us.

I think Super 7's news of their 18" ALIENS Warrrior figure pre-order hardly got noticed.  It was announced on the same day, too.  lol.

-Windebieste.

And backed. :)

Very cool. Hopefully super 7 will release a 18 inch big chap

Well, this seems right up my alley.
Is this exclusively about that particular figure?

Yeah, is there any chance that this book will feature more recent renditions of the Big Chap, such as NECA's 18 inch figure for example?

@C.Hicks: Thank you for the News post; and for backing early.  Appreciated.  A lot. 

@Morose: If you mean, you'd like to see Super 7 reissue the original Kenner figure, unmodified, then sure.  I'd love to see that, too.  Actually, there are a few modifications I'd like to see made to the figure:

1).  Ensure that the dome doesn't fall off so easily.  Around 90% of all Kenner figures now lack the dome.
2).  Make sure that the shoulder spike doesn't break off.  (Fixed in Super 7's 2016 'prototype' figure.)
3).  Make sure that none of the 4 mouth parts are easily lost or fall out.  (Fixed in Super 7's 2016 'prototype' figure.)

Yeah, address those issues in a full authentic 18" reissue of the figure and it would be welcome.

Of course, Gentle Giant's tribute version(s) of the figure fixed these issues already; but at 24 inches tall, their product is a full 25% larger! - and super expensive.  lol.

@SizzyBubbles:  The book is dedicated to the 1979 Kenner ALIEN action figure and its variants.  The figure has been reissued many times in the last 38 years and continues to reappear.  You can find a Gallery on the HIDEOUS PLASTIC website (http://www.hideousplastic.com/?page_id=607) that outlines all the different Kenner derivatives that are documented and investigated further in the book. 

I strongly recommend you explore that Gallery!  There's a ton of stuff to be found in there.

There's also a FAQ.  If you need to ask me anything about the book (http://www.hideousplastic.com/?page_id=88), I'm happy to answer.

@Nyarlathotep:  NECA won't be covered in this book.  Well, not yet, anyway.  While this book is intended to be a stand alone item, there is plenty of scope for it to be the first volume in a trilogy.  I now have all the infrastructure (website, publisher, legal advice and other 'tools') needed to fulfill the greater Goal of publishing Volumes 2&3 in place.  I also have a sketched plan and outline of the content and layout those follow up books will have.  Right now, though, I need to fund this volume first. 

If I can get this item funded and published then the likelihood of Volumes 2&3 being developed is very high.  VERY high.  What's more, every 'ALIEN' action figure over the last 38 years will be documented in Volume 2.  Volume 3 is planned to cover all 'AvP' and 'PREDATOR' action figures.  As you can imagine, this is an ambitious task.  If the first volume is a substantial success then any surplus funds gets allocated to those 2 books so each can enter full development. 

As a trilogy, it's a massive undertaking I have set myself to accomplish and the only way to achieve this Goal is to tackle it as a set of Projects, one at a time.  So the plan is for 3 books to be published; but this book must be a success first.

If you're interested in 'ALIEN' action figures, I hope you're prepared to make a pledge.  Not only is HIDEOUS PLASTIC an invaluable resource to action figure fans but making this Project a success will lead to so much more.

-Windebiete.

Thanks for the info windebieste!

Not a problem at all.  Always happy to help clarify and answer questions. 

Now go and make a pledge (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/489775161/hideous-plastic-in-stores-everyone-can-hear-you-sc?ref=category).   ;)

That would really make my day.

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-qUH2sD4GWB0%2FUUn5xBphLjI%2FAAAAAAAAA2o%2FMMYWv7n8sNw%2Fs1600%2Fthumb-up-terminator%2Bpablo%2BM%2BR.jpg&hash=56c7cc6c948fac2825ccfcd9185a38e8f5ec8aef)

-Windebieste.

Thank you for the very detailed response. Because of it, I have also decided to back your project.

I shared your Kickstarter via FB, by the by. I can hopefully contribute to it myself when I have some disposable income!

Terrific!   ;D  Thank you.  Both of you.

I do need all the support I can get at this stage so even the smallest piece of effort is appreciated.

Once the KickStarter is over, I'll knuckle down and work towards delivering the book to supporters by the end of the year.

-Windebieste.

You're very welcome Windebieste .

I will soon be adding the new 'HeartStarter FLASH SALE' Reward Tier to the HIDEOUS PLASTIC KickStarter campaign (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/489775161/hideous-plastic-in-stores-everyone-can-hear-you-sc?ref=category) to encourage anyone currently undecided to support this Project. 

For pledging as little as US$25, you will receive a copy of the book (plus other rewards).

This new incentive is limited.  For only 48 hours between March 14 and 16, 2017, there will be a 50% discount on the standard Print Edition Pledge.  The HeartStarter FLASH SALE will go live on March 14. 

Make sure you keep an eye on the campaign page on March 14 to take advantage of this excellent offer.   

-Windebieste.

The HeartStarter FLASH SALE! Reward Tier is now open for would be Backers on the HIDEOUS PLASTIC KickStarter (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/489775161/hideous-plastic-in-stores-everyone-can-hear-you-sc?ref=category) campaign.


It's the cheapest support option on the list that will reward you with a copy of the book.  At 50% off the Full Print Edition you'll be paying half price.  There's just one catch.  Well, two actually.  Firstly, the FLASH SALE is limited to only 50 copies.  If they don't move fast enough, then this Reward Option closes on March 16, less than 48 hours.

This Reward Tier is intended to appeal to anyone who may be undecided about supporting this Project.  At half price the decision is made for you.  All you have to do is make a Pledge.  Pledges are AU$32.50 (Approx US$25).

Make a pledge. Make a difference.  Do it now.  (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/489775161/hideous-plastic-in-stores-everyone-can-hear-you-sc?ref=category) This offer won't last long.

-Windebieste.

The HeartStarter FLASH SALE! is now over.  Some people decided to make a Pledge and take advantage of the cheapest rate on offer and that's terrific.  Now that the HeartStarter incentive has expired, it's still not too late to demonstrate your support for this Project and still benefit from a cheaper rate.

The Early Bird Reward option is still available and offers 30% off the standard Full Print Edition reward.  It's a substantial saving for anyone who wants a copy of the book at a very affordable Pledge level.  Visit the KickStarter campaign page for more details. (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/489775161/hideous-plastic-in-stores-everyone-can-hear-you-sc?ref=category)

-Windebieste.

Only 10 hours remains if you want to snag a 30% discount on the HIDEOUS PLASTIC KickStarter Early Bird Pledge. 10 hours, that is, if you live in Australia.  The rest of the World is not far behind.   Once this Reward Tier has expired, the campaign will still continue for another 30 days  (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/489775161/hideous-plastic-in-stores-everyone-can-hear-you-sc?ref=category")but this Reward will no longer be available.

Now, if the world was flat, time zone issues wouldn't be a problem, would they?  ;)

-Windebieste.

As I am struggling to raise Backer's interest in this campaign, I am slashing the standard pledge by 40%.  If you want to support this Project and still receive a copy of the book, HIDEOUS PLASTIC - In stores everyone can hear you scream. then this 'Course Correction' reduction should help you make a decision.  This cost cutting exercise comes at the expense of the hardcover edition (too expensive to publish and too weighty to post) under the initial goals of the campaign.  As such, a full color paperback version is now the only option that will be available. 

Here's updated information (http://www.hideousplastic.com/?p=2298) about the new KickStarter 'Course Correction' incentive offering 40% discount on the standard pledge.

The KickStarter campaign can be found here. (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/489775161/hideous-plastic-in-stores-everyone-can-hear-you-sc?ref=category)

The offer is now live and will remain active until the campaign closes on April 29.  Post about it where ever you can if possible.  Instagram.  Facebook.  Twitter... whatever.

I have 25 days left to cross that finish line and still have a long way to go.  Right now every little bit counts.  This really is the best I can possibly do - but I can't do it on my own. 

Thank you.

-Windebieste.

Fingers crossed for you Winde, I'm letting people know about this every chance I get.

YEAH, BABY!  Thank you.

-Windebieste.

KickStarter have introduced the ability for people without accounts to make pledges for Projects.  "...people can now back projects without creating a Kickstarter account. This means more people will have the opportunity to support and connect with your project."

This is great news as it means anyone who wants to make a pledge can do so without having to sign up for an account.  Just make a pledge as a Guest.   Done.

(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hideousplastic.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F02%2FBookMockUp.jpg&hash=bb76677c33e1dc4d01efc56b0f3f40b1b8eddc0a)

Above is  the only print copy of HIDEOUS PLASTIC - In stores everyone can hear you scream. currently in existence.  KickStarter has just made it easier for you to change that.  There's 10 days left for the KickStarter campaign before it ends on April 29 and it's all up to you now.

-Windebieste.

The KickStarter campaign for this book is now closed. It was not successful in raising the necessary funds.  While this is a disappointing result financially for the Project, I'm only treating it as a setback that delays the book's inevitable release.

You can read the post mortem on the KickStarter campaign.  (http://www.hideousplastic.com/?p=2667)

Thank you to everyone who supported this campaign with a pledge - we aint done yet.   Not by a long shot. ;D

-Windebieste. 

Hey,

Wow, I'm surprised there wasn't an option to collect the fund even if it didn't reach the maximum goal.
Doesn't kickstarter has such option and you have to force to set a minimum wage?

Much luck for the following of the project, finger crossed  ;)

Unfortunately, KickStarter is an 'All or nothing' deal. 

On the other hand, I do know I can raise $5000 with relative ease.

We'll get there... We always do.  ;)

-Windebieste.

Sorry to hear, Winde. Glad you've got other options open for you though!

It's not really a problem - only if I think of it as such.  There's been no loss on my part.  I still have the book in a safe place.  I still have all the infrastructure in place to publish it.  I have the support - from more than just good folk who backed the campaign.  I just lack the funding necessary to make the next steps. 

Certainly, the KickStarter campaign was a great promotional and awareness raising exercise, so there's those benefits. 

We'll just celebrate later than anticipated - that's all.  ;)

-Windebieste.

Quote from: Le Celticant on Apr 30, 2017, 02:15:26 PM
Wow, I'm surprised there wasn't an option to collect the fund even if it didn't reach the maximum goal.

I think they do that as a safe guard so scammers can't take a heap of money midway through, or something.

But it sucks to hear it didn't reach the goal, Winde. I don't have much to contribute but I'm rooting (:P) for your success.

Thank you.  Yeah, unfortunately, that's how KickStarter works. 

Mind you, it's not over yet.  Not by a long shot.  Right now, I'm still adding a few things to the book.  I added the recently released Super7 'ALIENS' Warrior, Classic Toy Edition to it recently.  That item has at least 6 pages devoted to it now. 

The book is set up to go to the next phase, though.  The editing, and type setting is all organised.  Printing is organised. Distribution... It's all ready to go.  I still have about 6 months worth of work no matter what and KickStarter would have made it all easier, but it's definitely still happening.  It's just going at the same pace prior to the campaign.  In this regard nothing has changed.   That's a good thing.  The only difference is it won't be released by Christmas, 2017, that's all.

I may have another crack at KickStarter at a later date.  Until then, I'll put some savings behind the Project to reduce the necessary Target Goal and use the crowd funding service to close the reduced gap rather than fund it entirely.  That will take time for me to save up,  that's all.

In the meantime, I'm keeping the website ticking over with various News items and reviews of various 'ALIEN' action figures.  I'm hoping to post a review once a week - well that's the target, anyway.  Keeping the website live and maintaining traffic is important now.  It's a kind of awkward time for me - a failed KickStarter campaign can be mistaken perceived as a failed Project.  That's just not the case but I've got to maintain an online presence with regular updates.

I'll be posting a review of the older 2004 SEGA figure sometime soon.  It's an older item I've owned for a long time and worth posting about.  ...plus I have a couple of other items I want to review.  ...and then there's all the new 'Covenant' stuff coming out very soon.  Content wise, the site is good.  :)

-Windebieste.