Sunday, May 26, 2013

Whats happening ot our seeds?

HI Sam,
I read your article and I had this feeling come over me that ranged from anger to a sense of absolute frustration. I have a great deal of catching up to do before I can fully understand the ramifications for much of the world re your article. I am not sure about how much this is affecting New Zealand, but from time to time there has been publicity about the effect of GE food crop experimentation. I would not be surprised if our universities who are conducting these ‘experiments’ are  under the influence of the company you have exposed as being the main driver of ‘seed ownership’ One thing I can understand is the fact that it is all about money and the increasingly small number of companies who are slowly but surely exerting their control over food production, globally. Governments seem to be in their ‘pockets,’ and this is worrying in itself. The trend is one that is part of the general globalization of many products, trade and means of production. I guess I have reached the point whereby my sense of growing discontent needs an outlet. I shall embark upon a journey to better equip myself for the battle that must happen and one that must be won for the good of the planet and the little people who wish to do no more than grow their own food, free from the domination of ‘world companies.’ Thanks for your article.

Neil Coleman

This self-publishing thing is driving me nuts, but there is some light at the end of the tunnel.

I have embarked on a huge learning curve, with the self publishing of my three books. I have felt like giving up many times and the expense has been quite a strain. My first book, 'Coastal Yarns,' has sold most to date, but that would only be about 200. I released a newer version with fewer mistakes last year. 'Roskill 'has and still is a nightmare. I am simply not a skilled writer. Yes, I can tell a story, but that is not enough in this tough publishing world. One has to have perfection, or risk the trap of producing a book that is not up to the mark, re punctuation, spelling and general 'correctness.' My three books, ( the third one is called Talk To Me) lack the finesse demanded by publishers and the likes of Amazon. Anyone can self publish if they are willing to pay. Hell, I have most definitely achieved that goal---paying for it.
I made up my mind to go back and get things right. I started with getting Roskill re edited and proofread. I have just received the final product but it needs a little work from a 'designer.' I have to admit that I have no idea who or what that is. I am seeking help to push Roskill over the line, not the cliff! I guess that means paying yet again. I am very happy with the work my editor has done and hopefully he will let me name him once things are settled. I have also decided to 'dump' all of the previous copies of Roskill because of the lack of quality. I shall let you all know when it is on Kindle via Amazon and it will cost you very little to read the final result. After that I shall put the other two books out there on Kindle and get my next huge series (Son of Orpheus) up to standard.
Feel free to give me any helpful suggestions. I have come way too far to give up now.