MURKETING

Early endorsements for “Buying In”

Speaking of Buying In, here are some early kind words from Michael Pollan, Jim Collins, Po Bronson, Paco Underhill. Enjoy them here.

Authors, brands, audiences, thank-yous

I think it’s safe to say that the highlight of my 20-minute appearance at SXSW Interactive on Saturday was the part where I wasn’t talking: Specifically, the questions from some audience members at the end, and conversations with others afterward.

In particular I’m still pondering a question I don’t think I managed to answer very well, from a young woman who wondered what I thought about — paraphrasing here of course — how the whole “personal brand” phenomenon has affected writing & journalism. This is a case where I think I have trouble saying anything definitive, not because I haven’t thought about it before, but rather because I think about it a lot.

I mean, let’s face it, the whole point of my being there was to promote not just a book but, in effect, myself. To say that I’m ambivalent about this process would be a wild understatement. I definitely think that many successful authors become brands (or “personalities”) of a sort, and possibly even that becoming something like a brand is almost required at this point; on the other hand, I cling to the idea that this doesn’t necessarily mean that the actual work completely takes a back seat to promotion.

I actually wanted to ask my questioner what she thought, but couldn’t start a conversation up from the stage, and didn’t have a chance to when I was off.

Anyway, just wanted to say thanks to those who turned up and said hello and asked interesting questions and said interesting things.

Actually, speaking of those who turned up…

Audience: SXSW Interactive / R. Walker.

This audience pic might be the first in a series, we’ll see. A few months ago, E brought to my attention a series by photographer Tim Davis called My Audience. I loved it — and immediately wanted to steal the idea!

To make my ripoff seem at least vaguely different — or possibly even as an homage — I thought I’d add the element of asking audience members to obscure their faces. That way I will ideally end up with a collection of images of audiences who appear to have something to hide, which I find amusing. Also: no release forms necessary.

(This may not turn out to be the first in a series, because I’m dropping a line to Davis and giving him the opportunity to say: Knock it off. Which he certainly would have the right to do.)

Anyway I was pretty pleased that everybody played along. So: thanks again.

Comments welcome

“Buying In” book preview at SXSW Interactive

[2/19: Please note time change below. Thanks.]

In the first of what I’m guessing will be roughly one million posts relating to my forthcoming book Buying In: The Secret Dialogue Between What We Buy and Who We Are (Random House; June 2008*), I’m pleased to announce that I’m part of the “Book Readings” program at SXSW Interactive this year.

If you’re going to SXSW Interactive, please come by at 1:30 pm NEW TIME: 3:30 p.m. on March 8, in the Austin Convention Center.

Finally: If you know someone who is going to SXSW and might be interested, please them know. I really appreciate it.

Here is the full schedule for the readings and panels and like that. The lineup looks interesting. Hope to see some of you there.

[* Available for pre-order now via Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Powell’s. Just saying. But please note: The book isn’t out until June 3, so you won’t get it, and I won’t have any copies, prior to, or even at, SXSW. That’s why this is a “preview.” ]

Welcome to the secret “Buying In” page. How about a free gift?

[** November 2008 update: Sorry! All done on the special offer described below! Keep an eye on Murketing.com for new offers, etc….]

Hi. Rob Walker here. Odds are that if you’ve made your way to this page, you have a copy of Buying In: The Secret Dialogue Between What We Buy and Who We Are, in your hands. And since my author bio is just below the QR Code that got you here, you already know a little about me, and my book. Maybe you’re looking for a little more information? How about the opinion of a neutral third party? Try this:

Publisher’s Weekly (starred review): “Marked by meticulous research and careful conclusions, this superbly readable book confirms New York Times journalist Walker as an expert on consumerism. … [A] thoughtful and unhurried investigation into consumerism that pushes the analysis to the maximum…”

Okay but you’re not here for a sales job. For all I know, you already own the book, and are reading this on your sofa. So for your trouble in coming here, I offer the following: My publisher has printed a limited number of bookplates specifically for Buying In.

Also, I have made some of my own — an even more limited number, designed by me, to the best of my very limited abilities, and printed on a Gocco printer.

See below for images.

If you email me with your address, I will sign one and send it to you, for free. It’s like having a signed edition … sort of. This offer is good while supplies last, as they say. Email [redacted] with your mailing address, any requests you may have about who I’m signing it for — you? someone you’re giving the book to? etc. — and which one you prefer (the publisher version, which looks professional, or mine and has the title and my name on it; or the ones I made — and you can request thumb orientation, top or bottom, on mine). If you can, please put the word “Bookplate” in the subject heading. Thanks…