Digitizing Mania
I’ve almost succeded in scanning and digitizing all of my old journals from the 1970’s-1980’s. I couldn’t believe how much material I had, and how long it’s taken. I have been working non-stop for three days and have only a couple of spiral notebooks left unfinished. These journals have been a diary of my life, from when I started them on December 16, 1969 to the present. I made separate journals for my prop betting, early trading, and poker playing. I even have a surf journal, describing the individual surf sessions and trips I took over the years. A journal that probably won’t get any attention is my failed proof of Fermat’s Last Theorem. I plan on combining all of these journals, and writing a book. My book will be unlike any investing or trading book out there, that’s for sure. Actually, I have material for two books, with one being solely on prop betting….but I haven’t decided whether to do one big one, or two separate books. Drawing heavily from anecdotal experiences, my book will chronicle the ups and downs of the life of a guy who trades by his own hook, an autobiography of sorts. Since most of the writing and leg work has been already done, the outline and edit job are the most important hurdles I face. I’m going to self publish the book, so if anybody stopping by here knows of a decent self-publisher, please let me know. I want to print about 500 copies of the book, hardbound, and will give a copy free to anyone who wants it. This book is going to be written in the spirit of Livermore, with a heavy dash of Niederhoffer thrown in.
I’m leaving in a couple of days for NYC, and will be immersed in the art world for a week. Hopefully, I’ll come home with a couple of trophies in my bag. After New York, an overdue trip to Colorado is planned, then on to San Blas, Mexico for an indeterminate stay. Luckily, my sister is staying at my house for the summer, and I’ve arranged for our art collection to be stored away. John is pretty excited about trashing out in Mexico, but he’s busy right now with translations, papers, and getting ready for finals. He expects his grades to be OK, which is good considering what he’s been through.
Time to get back to burning out my scanner.
Jeff
Lulu.com is big in selfpublishing as far as I know. You can publish and print only for yourself. Also you can make it in a way that it’s ready for print on demand for places as amazon.com with ISBN and everything.
Comment by FX — May 3, 2008 @ 3:50 pm
Thanks for the tip.
Jeff
Comment by masteroftheuniverse — May 3, 2008 @ 3:59 pm
I’m looking forward to reading your book.
Comment by obat — May 4, 2008 @ 5:07 am
Sign me up for a copy please.
Comment by Andrew — May 4, 2008 @ 7:19 am
Hi Jeff, I confirm lulu.com may interest you. Regards. Vincent
Comment by Vincent — May 4, 2008 @ 8:25 am
Andrew and Obat….I’ll put you on the list.
Jeff
Comment by masteroftheuniverse — May 4, 2008 @ 10:03 pm
I’m in.
George
Comment by allocator — May 5, 2008 @ 12:22 am
I enjoyed your article on prop bets on Daily Speculations and would be quite interested in your book. Thank you for your consideration.
p.s. There was an interesting article written in the past few years about how a gentleman was able to use prop bets in association with playing pinball. Googling those terms should come up with the story. It may be of interest to you. Thank you again.
Comment by Jevon Jaconi — May 9, 2008 @ 6:33 pm
Jevon,
Thanks for stopping by my little acre of cyberspace. I’ll let you know when the book’s done. I’m hoping for an August release.
There are a lot of prop bets in pinball, but pinball is a game of skill. I knew a guy who had the same pinball machine at home, “Bally’s 8 Ball Deluxe,” as the one at our local watering hole. He had the game wired, and would regularly beat all comers. I always liked pinball, as it’s a game of physics and vectors, and that always appealed to me.
Jeff
Comment by masteroftheuniverse — May 10, 2008 @ 12:55 am