How to Use This Blog, the Technical Manual

I love it when Web sites tell you how to use them (not really). What this usually means is that the site in question is not designed for people like me - people who tend to skip the introduction and delve right into the first chapter. Those same people are the ones that don't read the instruction manuals. We're impetuous. I'm not saying it's right, it's the way it is. If I feel I've missed something, I'll go back and read it - but that rarely happens.

So, donning my flight attendant's uniform, allow me to direct you to the left side of the blog. Here you will see a variety of book covers. (Nice, huh? I kind of like the visual impact.) Anyway, these are some of the books that, based on a number of different sources, are considered collectibles.  What's so special about these books, you ask? Generally, they are from newer authors, or are the first book from those authors; the books have gotten good reviews in a number of publications; they may have a lower first print run (usually under 100,000); they may have signed limited editions; they may have been nominated for or won literary awards... or any combination thereof.

If you click on any of the book covers to your left you'll be taken to Powells.com for a synopsis of the book.  Now, in the spirit of transparency (no pun intended), I must admit that I am a Powells affiliate. This blog earns a small commission for any book bought through those links or the Powells link to the right. (But as the commission is so small, it might buy me a couple of cups of coffee a month).

Speaking of the right side of this blog, you'll notice a bunch of different links - some chock full of book collecting tips, some take you right to major book reviews, some take you to bookstores (not all of which am I an affiliate), some help you to find books, etc.  Any time I come across a new helpful Web site or tool, I will add it to the list of links to the right.  I will NOT, however, add every link I come across.  The goal here is to be helpful, not overwhelming. And, as I become overwhelmed at an easy rate - this section will stay pretty trimmed.

Now if you bring your attention back to the center aisle... yes, right here, you'll notice I'm talking - to you.  This is where I tell you all about how I got so excited at finding a signed Jeffrey Deaver first edition at the thrift store that I neglected to notice that it was mildewed beyond repair (well, almost beyond repair), until I got it home.  This is also where I'll tell you about cool new tools to help you organize your collections, helpful newsletters, and even reports about what books might be good to collect, why, and where they can be found. Or on the flip side - which Edgar Sawtelle books, that are marked as first editions, in fact aren't (hint: they have an Oprah sticker on them). In fact, it's just good to stay away from any book that has an Oprah sticker on it (Unless, of course, you're collecting books with Oprah stickers).

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