Ebook on RV Electrical and Solar - is it worth doing?
GENECOP said
03:48 PM Dec 20, 2012
Jack sounds intersting, where should I send the check?....I would love to have something that CLEARLY provides RV Solar and Electrical Systems info..maybe even have a page on your website that will allow customers to follow up with questions if anything is unclear.....
-- Edited by GENECOP on Thursday 20th of December 2012 03:50:03 PM
Jack Mayer said
08:49 PM Dec 20, 2012
Many of you know I have extensive info on my website on "RV Solar and Electrical Modifications". I OFTEN get asked to produce an ebook on the topic, which I would sell (of course). I wonder if there is much demand for a reasonably priced reference ebook on this topic. I've not looked to see what is available - but I doubt much that "I would like". There was not much there last I looked several years ago.
It is a lot of work to augment my current info for inclusion in an ebook. I don't feel it would be justified to just convert what is "free" on the website to ebook format and charge for it. I would want to provide some additional "value". Although all of what is on the website would be incluuded.
So the question is, would there be much interest in something like that - enough to justify the probably 40+ hours of work that it would take to produce? I don't expect to get "rich" from it - since reference material really does not sell well. I'm thinking of a price in the $3.99-$4.99 range. Any less than that REALLY would not be worth doing.
Comments are desired.... :)
Lucky Mike said
09:15 PM Dec 20, 2012
A DIY E-book with good contact for materials or you making residual income doing ordering shipping of materials could pan into a nice income.
My wife runs an online business doing supplemental heating systems , it started out as 2 heaters and has grown to 50 pages and 3 major suppliers.......and they just drop ship!!!
WestWardHo said
09:24 PM Dec 20, 2012
Jack, I'm with Gene,
Such an EBook would be of value but from my perspective you would need to make it complete but break down ever step with diagrams. I'm serious, I've skimmed your solar stuff on you website but if I don't understand the why's and how's I'm lost as I have no electrical experience. You're a very bright guy so I think your only challenge would be to write a book that explains it all, no matter where in the engineering spectrum someone would be.
We'd buy it, we'd pay for it. Sounds like reasonable pricing. Marketing 101, explore the competition. Best look at that first.
Sherry
-- Edited by WestWardHo on Thursday 20th of December 2012 09:29:05 PM
Trabuco said
08:04 AM Dec 21, 2012
Jack,
I would buy a book on solar in the price range you mention. I would like something detailed out with photos. I do have electrical background but can appreciate a good manual.
Dr Gonzo said
04:57 PM Dec 21, 2012
I'm in!
Lucky Mike said
05:09 PM Dec 21, 2012
HHHHmmmmmmmm...................Jack , It doesnt say whether I use Pay Pal or order direct from Amazon.
Do I get a break for more than one copy if I buy it from Amazon while working as a Workamper !!!!!!!
Really I would buy a copy, !!!
Raytronx said
12:38 AM Dec 22, 2012
I see many successful ebooks with information that is freely available on the net. People are willing to pay for a nice package that can be read offline or on mobile devices.The thing is in the marketing, it might take some time and work to get the word out there but I think its a good idea. My advice is to make it rich in good diagrams and photos, most folks hate to read :)
Ray
sirwinston21 said
05:02 PM Dec 23, 2012
Jack it would have to be an easy to understand book for dummies. I am not too swift with electrical stuff. I thought ohms was part of a Hare Karishna chant.
nightsky said
08:41 PM Dec 23, 2012
Definitely worth doing and I would buy one. I'm electrically illiterate so diagrams and photos and plain-English explanations would be wonderful!
Technomadia said
03:05 PM Dec 26, 2012
I can only speak from our experience doing a similar thing. We offer our 'No Excuses: Go Nomadic' series on our blog for free, and then the same exact content in an eBook format on a pay-as-you-wish basis for our readers who wish to contribute towards our efforts. Like you, our blog is not intended as an income source, however creating content does take a lot of time and effort. So an occasional thank-you buck is always appreciated - we look at it more as our readers virtually buying us a beer.
We've had the book out for 2 years now, and it has been worth the while to keep it updated - we have been pleasantly surprised by how many folks voluntarily contribute even though the same content is available on the blog at no cost. Not big money by any means.
I'd also recommend a higher price point for your book. Your expertise is valuable and you're addressing a niche topic. Your content is certainly worth more than the price of a latte at Starbucks. :) I'd say at least $10-15 - or, you could go with a pay-as-you-wish model and let the market set your price. Unfortunately, selling on Amazon sort of demands a lower price point however.
I'd be happy to correspond directly and share our experiences, if that would be of any help.
That said, as we are also about to approach installing solar on our bus conversion in the coming year - we'd of course purchase your book at whatever the price, simply to compare notes on our approach. And, we'd also love to have the resource to point our readers towards.
- Cherie
-- Edited by Technomadia on Wednesday 26th of December 2012 03:06:21 PM
Terry and Jo said
11:56 PM Dec 26, 2012
Heh, yeah.
While I will NEVER, EVER buy coffee from Starbucks because of the price, I don't think that $10 to $15 is out of line, especially if it is written so that a novice can follow the information.
Terry
Jack Mayer said
10:11 PM Dec 27, 2012
My research indicates that 10-50 is kinda high. I'd want it to be more in the "well it's not much money, I'll check it out" category. So thus my thoughts on pricing. I'd consider bringing it up to the $6.99 range or so, though.
Cherie, I appreciate your thoughts on the matter. You are far ahead of me on this.
Oh, and I seriously doubt you need any of MY expertise on solar.
It will take a serious amount of work to get it to the standards to sell it....so it is not going to happen soon.....not with a new truck build ongoing, moving to TX to get the body built, doing our New Horizons stuff, and perhaps building another New Horizons this Spring. I think we are "occupied".
Neil and Connie said
05:14 AM Dec 29, 2012
Jack Mayer wrote:
and perhaps building another New Horizons this Spring.
You just got a new one; going for another so soon?
Hina said
02:12 PM Dec 29, 2012
I've been making $300-400 a month on public domain ebooks, mostly spirituality, so of course, I say go for it! Http://lulu.com and kindle get it to all ereaders, if you need advice on formatting, just ask me.
Edit by moderator: Activated link. Terry
-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Saturday 29th of December 2012 03:34:43 PM
Hina said
02:22 PM Dec 29, 2012
Oh, and http://createspace.com does paperbacks, free, and it goes straight to Amazon. My public domain does well there, too. I think they may also help with Kindle. Think about gearing your title also to "how to" "greenies" and "preppers" to capture those niche markets.
Edit by moderator: Activated link. Terry
-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Saturday 29th of December 2012 03:36:30 PM
Jack Mayer said
06:55 PM Dec 29, 2012
Neil and Connie wrote:
Jack Mayer wrote:
and perhaps building another New Horizons this Spring.
You just got a new one; going for another so soon?
As I've indicated on my website - and elsewhere - the intent is to always have a "currrent", or near current model coach. No one wants to look at an old coach if they are interested in a New Horizons. That means every two years at a minimum we would change it out. But our current coach is always for sale once we get into the 1-year ownership timeframe. I have three people that are interested in this coach. And others that are "casually" interested, and I have not advertised it at all (and won't). The three are fairly serious, with one very serious. Anyone looking for a high-end coach could not possibly go wrong buying whatever our latest coach is. You get a VERY substantial discount over a new build, and you get an EXTREME amount of amenities and upgrades, including world-class electrical/solar, etc. That all assumes one would want a 42' coach in the luxury category. This is a totally different frame of reference than a mid-line coach.
GENECOP said
08:01 PM Dec 29, 2012
Jack a couple of questions regarding a new coach every two years...Do you ever get tired of moving from one coach to another, not only the physical moving but the comfort that comes with the familiarity of a space? Also the expense of upgrading every two years, with a high end coach the numbers are significant, the last coach as I remember took some time to sell and you where already into the new build. Do you have some kind of arrangement with NH that makes this constant upgrade more feasible? Taking into consideration depreciation, every two years could result in a net loss of 50-60 thousand dollars, most people would consider this prohibitive...Thanks, Gene.
Neil and Connie said
02:41 AM Dec 30, 2012
Nothing wrong with being near current in your situation; I just thought that another one 6 months after you got the last one might be just a little quick. Still though; the advantages of showing a 'new' model are there.
Connie and I couldn't afford to do that though. We are in Fort Myers for the winter and will drive over to the Tampa show to meet friends, shop, and put a face to the name we have for you.
Jack Mayer said
06:44 PM Dec 30, 2012
It does take some time to move coaches and get the new one set up the way we want. There are always those little "customizations" that the owner does (not the manufacturer). So the new owners get the advantage of those when buying our coach. We live pretty lean and "organized" so it is pretty easy to do the physical move. Two days of part-time moving is all it takes, and really it could be done in a day. A 42' coach is NOT a house. And all of the stuff in the basement is in bins. Or almost all of it. The new coach will always be the same floorplan - which we think is the best plan for US. So it is like the same place. Remember, we have been fulltimers for almost 13 years....so no issues adapting :)
The reason I'm selling this one "first" is to avoid having two RVs. We are not going through what we did in the past. It is to New Horizons advantage to have us in a current coach...thus the 2-year thing. IF we sell it this spring then it will be one year, though.
Hina, thanks for the advice on the book....I had not thought about the "Prepper" audience...but I watch the show, so should have thought about that. That actually makes it more viable....there are a LOT of preppers or off-grid people....and they spend more on this type of thing than RVers do...so a great audience. I think that pushed me "over the edge" on if I should do it or not...Realistically, although I'd like to make it "perfect" it is not going to be. So I think I will augment and reorganize what I have on the website and just go with that. I'll likely put in a 12-volt section just for completeness. And there will be "basic" stuff that is not there now....I've been writing that, but I have not published it. So I think that will be just in the book.
Any other ideas, anyone? Any topical areas that are not addressed now?
CurveCarver said
09:06 PM Dec 30, 2012
Not much I can add to this discusion that hasn't already been touched on. I have to encourage you to keep looking at the price point though.
As Cherie said you offer insight and knowledge that would take years of research and experience for the average consumer to acquire.
There is an enormous interest in this subject these days. No point in selling youself short. Even $8.99 is still very reasonable.
To increase value for the Deluxe $39.99 version you could do some simple flash videos to illustrate step by step how to's and how the complete project should look when it all comes together.
Many people would gadly pay for a product that will save them hundreds of dollars in time and materials by learning how to implement such a procedure correctly the first time.
Sign me up for your first release.
Good Luck on whatever way you decide is the best for you and your goals.
Bruce
Penny and Paul said
10:38 PM Dec 30, 2012
I'd buy it Jack. Especially if it can be formatted to fit on a standard ereader. It's really handy to have the manual open while you're working.
Lynn and Ed said
11:25 PM Jan 6, 2013
Jack,
I would purchase, if the book is available via Amazon/Kindle. At that price point, I/we would also look to annually/periodically purchase updated versions – since the information will become dated. It would be helpful, to address not only the starting design but also updates that can be made to existing designs (e.g., if someone implements solutions outlined in book #1, if they wanted to make updates that are outline in book #2 or #3, some related recommendations) … just my two cents.
Regardless, look forward to leveraging your insights when we build our New Horizons …
Bill and Linda said
03:24 AM Jan 8, 2013
Jack Mayer wrote: Any other ideas, anyone? Any topical areas that are not addressed now?
Jack:
Perhaps it has been mentioned, but to make sure:
Ereaders/ Kindles, etc. are great. However, a good old down loadable PDF version is fine as well and should be available.Obviously it is no trouble to make and it becomes universal without additional “technology.”‘Just a thought for us old computer types who prefer that type of universal filing system.
And yes, I think a basic section on “electricity” is a must.A good outline of the concept of power / watts = amps x volts, would be very good idea.Managing power in boondocking situations might be a little easier if the reader understood that basic formula and what it really means, especially when off-grid; and the relationship between "DC amps" and "AC amps" and how they are the same, but different based on voltage.
When I have helped those dealing with inverters / batteries and the like, and the “light when on” concerning power usage; and they could equate all those meter readings of AH, AC / DC “amps” etc., then the idea of power management got a lot simpler to them.(Or why you don’t want to use an electric space heater off a battery inverter.)
FWIW
Bill
fotoman54 said
04:27 AM Jan 11, 2013
Jack,
Sounds great to me put me on the list for an order..... Make it nook and kindle compatiable and you would have a big hit IMHO....
-- Edited by GENECOP on Thursday 20th of December 2012 03:50:03 PM
Many of you know I have extensive info on my website on "RV Solar and Electrical Modifications". I OFTEN get asked to produce an ebook on the topic, which I would sell (of course). I wonder if there is much demand for a reasonably priced reference ebook on this topic. I've not looked to see what is available - but I doubt much that "I would like". There was not much there last I looked several years ago.
It is a lot of work to augment my current info for inclusion in an ebook. I don't feel it would be justified to just convert what is "free" on the website to ebook format and charge for it. I would want to provide some additional "value". Although all of what is on the website would be incluuded.
So the question is, would there be much interest in something like that - enough to justify the probably 40+ hours of work that it would take to produce? I don't expect to get "rich" from it - since reference material really does not sell well. I'm thinking of a price in the $3.99-$4.99 range. Any less than that REALLY would not be worth doing.
Comments are desired.... :)
My wife runs an online business doing supplemental heating systems , it started out as 2 heaters and has grown to 50 pages and 3 major suppliers.......and they just drop ship!!!
Such an EBook would be of value but from my perspective you would need to make it complete but break down ever step with diagrams. I'm serious, I've skimmed your solar stuff on you website but if I don't understand the why's and how's I'm lost as I have no electrical experience. You're a very bright guy so I think your only challenge would be to write a book that explains it all, no matter where in the engineering spectrum someone would be.
We'd buy it, we'd pay for it. Sounds like reasonable pricing. Marketing 101, explore the competition. Best look at that first.
Sherry
-- Edited by WestWardHo on Thursday 20th of December 2012 09:29:05 PM
I would buy a book on solar in the price range you mention. I would like something detailed out with photos. I do have electrical background but can appreciate a good manual.
Do I get a break for more than one copy if I buy it from Amazon while working as a Workamper !!!!!!!
Really I would buy a copy, !!!
I see many successful ebooks with information that is freely available on the net. People are willing to pay for a nice package that can be read offline or on mobile devices.The thing is in the marketing, it might take some time and work to get the word out there but I think its a good idea. My advice is to make it rich in good diagrams and photos, most folks hate to read :)
Ray
I can only speak from our experience doing a similar thing. We offer our 'No Excuses: Go Nomadic' series on our blog for free, and then the same exact content in an eBook format on a pay-as-you-wish basis for our readers who wish to contribute towards our efforts. Like you, our blog is not intended as an income source, however creating content does take a lot of time and effort. So an occasional thank-you buck is always appreciated - we look at it more as our readers virtually buying us a beer.
We've had the book out for 2 years now, and it has been worth the while to keep it updated - we have been pleasantly surprised by how many folks voluntarily contribute even though the same content is available on the blog at no cost. Not big money by any means.
I'd also recommend a higher price point for your book. Your expertise is valuable and you're addressing a niche topic. Your content is certainly worth more than the price of a latte at Starbucks. :) I'd say at least $10-15 - or, you could go with a pay-as-you-wish model and let the market set your price. Unfortunately, selling on Amazon sort of demands a lower price point however.
I'd be happy to correspond directly and share our experiences, if that would be of any help.
That said, as we are also about to approach installing solar on our bus conversion in the coming year - we'd of course purchase your book at whatever the price, simply to compare notes on our approach. And, we'd also love to have the resource to point our readers towards.
- Cherie
-- Edited by Technomadia on Wednesday 26th of December 2012 03:06:21 PM
Heh, yeah.
While I will NEVER, EVER buy coffee from Starbucks because of the price, I don't think that $10 to $15 is out of line, especially if it is written so that a novice can follow the information.
Terry
Cherie, I appreciate your thoughts on the matter. You are far ahead of me on this.
Oh, and I seriously doubt you need any of MY expertise on solar.
It will take a serious amount of work to get it to the standards to sell it....so it is not going to happen soon.....not with a new truck build ongoing, moving to TX to get the body built, doing our New Horizons stuff, and perhaps building another New Horizons this Spring. I think we are "occupied".
You just got a new one; going for another so soon?
I've been making $300-400 a month on public domain ebooks, mostly spirituality, so of course, I say go for it! Http://lulu.com and kindle get it to all ereaders, if you need advice on formatting, just ask me.
Edit by moderator: Activated link. Terry
-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Saturday 29th of December 2012 03:34:43 PM
Oh, and http://createspace.com does paperbacks, free, and it goes straight to Amazon. My public domain does well there, too. I think they may also help with Kindle. Think about gearing your title also to "how to" "greenies" and "preppers" to capture those niche markets.
Edit by moderator: Activated link. Terry
-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Saturday 29th of December 2012 03:36:30 PM
As I've indicated on my website - and elsewhere - the intent is to always have a "currrent", or near current model coach. No one wants to look at an old coach if they are interested in a New Horizons. That means every two years at a minimum we would change it out. But our current coach is always for sale once we get into the 1-year ownership timeframe. I have three people that are interested in this coach. And others that are "casually" interested, and I have not advertised it at all (and won't). The three are fairly serious, with one very serious. Anyone looking for a high-end coach could not possibly go wrong buying whatever our latest coach is. You get a VERY substantial discount over a new build, and you get an EXTREME amount of amenities and upgrades, including world-class electrical/solar, etc. That all assumes one would want a 42' coach in the luxury category. This is a totally different frame of reference than a mid-line coach.
Nothing wrong with being near current in your situation; I just thought that another one 6 months after you got the last one might be just a little quick. Still though; the advantages of showing a 'new' model are there.
Connie and I couldn't afford to do that though. We are in Fort Myers for the winter and will drive over to the Tampa show to meet friends, shop, and put a face to the name we have for you.
The reason I'm selling this one "first" is to avoid having two RVs. We are not going through what we did in the past. It is to New Horizons advantage to have us in a current coach...thus the 2-year thing. IF we sell it this spring then it will be one year, though.
Hina, thanks for the advice on the book....I had not thought about the "Prepper" audience...but I watch the show, so should have thought about that. That actually makes it more viable....there are a LOT of preppers or off-grid people....and they spend more on this type of thing than RVers do...so a great audience. I think that pushed me "over the edge" on if I should do it or not...Realistically, although I'd like to make it "perfect" it is not going to be. So I think I will augment and reorganize what I have on the website and just go with that. I'll likely put in a 12-volt section just for completeness. And there will be "basic" stuff that is not there now....I've been writing that, but I have not published it. So I think that will be just in the book.
Any other ideas, anyone? Any topical areas that are not addressed now?
Not much I can add to this discusion that hasn't already been touched on. I have to encourage you to keep looking at the price point though.
As Cherie said you offer insight and knowledge that would take years of research and experience for the average consumer to acquire.
There is an enormous interest in this subject these days. No point in selling youself short. Even $8.99 is still very reasonable.
To increase value for the Deluxe $39.99 version you could do some simple flash videos to illustrate step by step how to's and how the complete project should look when it all comes together.
Many people would gadly pay for a product that will save them hundreds of dollars in time and materials by learning how to implement such a procedure correctly the first time.
Sign me up for your first release.
Good Luck on whatever way you decide is the best for you and your goals.
Bruce
Jack,
I would purchase, if the book is available via Amazon/Kindle. At that price point, I/we would also look to annually/periodically purchase updated versions – since the information will become dated. It would be helpful, to address not only the starting design but also updates that can be made to existing designs (e.g., if someone implements solutions outlined in book #1, if they wanted to make updates that are outline in book #2 or #3, some related recommendations) … just my two cents.
Regardless, look forward to leveraging your insights when we build our New Horizons …
Jack:
Perhaps it has been mentioned, but to make sure:
Ereaders / Kindles, etc. are great. However, a good old down loadable PDF version is fine as well and should be available. Obviously it is no trouble to make and it becomes universal without additional “technology.” ‘Just a thought for us old computer types who prefer that type of universal filing system.
And yes, I think a basic section on “electricity” is a must. A good outline of the concept of power / watts = amps x volts, would be very good idea. Managing power in boondocking situations might be a little easier if the reader understood that basic formula and what it really means, especially when off-grid; and the relationship between "DC amps" and "AC amps" and how they are the same, but different based on voltage.
When I have helped those dealing with inverters / batteries and the like, and the “light when on” concerning power usage; and they could equate all those meter readings of AH, AC / DC “amps” etc., then the idea of power management got a lot simpler to them. (Or why you don’t want to use an electric space heater off a battery inverter.)
FWIW
Bill
Jack,
Sounds great to me put me on the list for an order..... Make it nook and kindle compatiable and you would have a big hit IMHO....