Saturday 14 March 2015

My Review of "Fletch's Fortune" by Gregory McDonald

   Fletch is blackmailed into attending the convention of American Journalists and bugging their rooms for pillow talk. Prior to the conference the President of the Association, Walter March, has been murdered in his room. A whodunit ensues with a countless number of colourful Newspapermen and women in the frame.

   I agree with other reviews in that there were a few too many characters to keep track of. Nonetheless, I enjoyed this book. It is mostly dialogue so moves along at a fair pace. Total reading time roughly 3.5 hours. I sniggered on at least ten occasions. I must admit my mental picture of Fletch is Chevy Chase.

   Imagine Murder She Wrote drenched in sarcasm.

Wednesday 11 March 2015

Callisto Media

   I read this about "Callisto Media" (http://callistomedia.com/). I LOVE THIS MODEL!
 
"The fastest-growing publisher on PW’s list this year is Callisto Media, which was cofounded in 2011 by Benjamin Wayne, president and CEO, and Matt Oesterle, v-p of product, and had its first full year of operation in 2012. Comparing 2014 to 2012, revenue soared 833%, and the number of employees rose from six to 24 last year. The number of “title completions,” after jumping from 17 in 2012 to 90 in 2013, declined to 56 last year; according to Karen Hartwig, v-p, commercialization, this was because Callisto focused on long-format titles last year, after doing a mix of long-form and short-form titles in 2013.
 
   Prior to forming Callisto Media, Wayne was president and CEO of a number of digital media startup companies, and Oesterle was the CEO of Offertarget, a provider of lead-generation software for Internet retailers. Using their background, the two men create proprietary algorithms to mine Big Data for topics of consumer interest. Callisto then hires authors to write specific titles based on these algorithms, making individual financial arrangements with authors based on background and expertise. Major subject areas for Callisto include cookbooks, health/fitness/dieting, self-help, business, and crafts/hobbies/home, and the company releases titles under a number of different imprints. Its top-selling titles include Paleo for Every Day, Mindfulness Made Simple, and Memory Tips & Tricks. All titles are available in print and digital formats, with some in audio, and are distributed by Ingram Publisher Services".