New Book Published by FAIR

[MAsh]

At the risk of appearing presumptuous, I direct MA&D participants to the new book, "Shaken Faith Syndrome: Strengthening One's Testimony in the Face of Criticism and Doubt," published by FAIR & distributed by Deseret Book. See http://www.ShakenFaithSyndrome.com

Mike

[Ron Beron]

At the risk of appearing presumptuous, I direct MA&D participants to the new book, "Shaken Faith Syndrome: Strengthening One's Testimony in the Face of Criticism and Doubt," published by FAIR & distributed by Deseret Book. See http://www.ShakenFaithSyndrome.com

Mike

Good going, Mike. Nice work.

[urroner]

At the risk of appearing presumptuous, I direct MA&D participants to the new book, "Shaken Faith Syndrome: Strengthening One's Testimony in the Face of Criticism and Doubt," published by FAIR & distributed by Deseret Book. See http://www.ShakenFaithSyndrome.com

Mike

Alas, more self promoting and congratulation going on among those scallywag Mormon apologists. Shameless, shameless, shameless.

[LifeOnaPlate]

I'm excited to read it but too low on funds to purchase.

That being said, and no offense to whoever designed the cover, but I have some graphic design friends who could blow that cover out of the water.

[jadams_4242]

At the risk of appearing presumptuous, I direct MA&D participants to the new book, "Shaken Faith Syndrome: Strengthening One's Testimony in the Face of Criticism and Doubt," published by FAIR & distributed by Deseret Book. See http://www.ShakenFaithSyndrome.com

Mike

I think i,m going to order this book, not because of a shaken faith, but because it looks as if it might contain some very interesting apoligetic stuff that just maybe i havent been aware of before. thanks for the tip!

[e=mc2]

I'm excited to read it but too low on funds to purchase.

That being said, and no offense to whoever designed the cover, but I have some graphic design friends who could blow that cover out of the water.

I have some graphic design wife who can also blow it outta the water, but its the content with which Ash absolutely ROCKS. I am looking very, VERY forward to getting this and shredding it to...... er I mean reading it, shutting up, following in line and remaining silent in pure obedience to the uppity ups.....

[Obiwan]

Content looks like it might be good Mike..... as usual with your good works.

However, I sadly have to agree, that's one of the suckiest book covers I've ever seen. You definately need to get that changed.

Also, your top model the sister looks totally fake in what she is trying to portray. The bottom model the brother looks good and sincere. In fact, he's the only good part of the cover in my view. Although, the gray word background looks pretty good, so you should likely keep that.

By the way, why you doing your own website?

There are LOT'S of good looking FREE templates out there you can use to make the site somewhat presentable.

If you put your webhosting at HostGater (which I recommend to folks), you get access to over 4000 really nice higher quality templates for free as well.

[MAsh]

Content looks like it might be good Mike..... as usual with your good works.

However, I sadly have to agree, that's one of the suckiest book covers I've ever seen. You definately need to get that changed.

Also, your top model the sister looks totally fake in what she is trying to portray. The bottom model the brother looks good and sincere. In fact, he's the only good part of the cover in my view. Although, the gray word background looks pretty good, so you should likely keep that.

Personally, I like the cover and think the artist did a great job.

De gustibus non est disputandum.

Mike Ash

[Stargazer]

Personally, I like the cover and think the artist did a great job.

De gustibus non est disputandum.

Mike Ash

It is certain that Br. Ash knows the artist (if it is not himself), and thus would be almost compelled to defend the work, but on the other hand, although I confess I have seen better covers than this, I don't know what on earth you other guys are complaining about. It is perfectly adequate.

[urroner]

It is certain that Br. Ash knows the artist (if it is not himself), and thus would be almost compelled to defend the work, but on the other hand, although I confess I have seen better covers than this, I don't know what on earth you other guys are complaining about. It is perfectly adequate.

We must keep Br. Ash humble. If we told him the book was perfect, he would get a big head.

[juliann]

The genius of the cover is that those two pix stick with you. My first reaction was that it was different in an odd sort of way....but after looking at it once I have a very clear picture of it which is sort of the point when you are trying to sell something. But all the experts here are welcome to market their own books with pretty covers.

What I'm wondering is why the FAIR website has the retail price and "your price" as the same.

[Calm]

The genius of the cover is that those two pix stick with you. My first reaction was that it was different in an odd sort of way....but after looking at it once I have a very clear picture of it which is sort of the point when you are trying to sell something. But all the experts here are welcome to market their own books with pretty covers.

What I'm wondering is why the FAIR website has the retail price and "your price" as the same.

IIRC, this usually happens when FAIR is not offering a discount on a book. The program (again IIRC) is pretty simple and doesn't allow for fancy adjustments for removing the retail price that is placed there for comparison when no discount is offered. You either show "retail" for all the products or you don't.

[MAsh]

I'm not sure if the focus on the cover comes from the fact that there isn't much else about the book to discuss (since it hasn't hit shelves yet), or because some people find it so odd. Granted it's different, but that's part of the point.

As some background, I came up with the general cover idea early on. I wanted a photo of someone who looked concerned/confused/worried, etc. In advertising, a picture is worth a thousand words and pictures of people typically attract attention. Initially I used a slightly different version of the girl (looking down). Someone else suggested (and I concurred) that a man should be added as well (Shaken Faith Syndrome isn't something that effects just women). So the cover shows both young and old, male & female. The new photo of the girl doesn't look down. She's not as sad as the initial photo but I think she looks concerned or confused (which is what one would expect of a member encountering challenging issues).

The artist made my idea come to life & added a crumbling foundation behind the girl and a background with issues such as "Masonry, Fallible Prophets, Polygamy, Kinderhook, etc." This is in the gray background that may not be visible in the web photos.

I really like the cover a lot. I'm not saying this just to defend the artist. Perhaps my taste is weird (those who have seen my ties will vouch for that), but I've had positive responses from many other people.

I know the cover is different. This book is a small fry in a supersize bag of LDS books. I wanted it to stand out. It needs to draw enough attention to get someone to pick it up & look it over. Likewise, the title is odd enough to catch someone's attention & it's easy to remember.

So I'm to blame if the cover is bad and my artist (who is a professional graphic artist and has produced many wonderful graphic art productions for satisfied customers) was only doing what my odd sense of style wanted. If the cover is good, then the artist is the one who deserves credit for producing a unique and eye catching cover-- something that doesn't blend in with the rest of the books on the shelf. Personally, I'm very grateful for my artist and I think the cover does exactly what it's supposed to do. Perhaps the controversy over the cover proves that it can draw attention.

Mike

[Rommelator]

What's that thing about not judging a book by its cover...

Anyways, the book looks interesting, Mike. I will pick up a copy when I have a chance.

[LifeOnaPlate]

I'm not trying to judge the book by its cover; I'm just judging the cover. The truth is, Mike, that from the stuff I've read of yours I believe the unique cover makes the book look a little more "homemade" than your work deserves. I hope this isn't offensive, it's just my personal opinion. Still, congrats on getting it published, I'm stoked for you.

[HiJolly]

I'm not trying to judge the book by its cover; I'm just judging the cover. The truth is, Mike, that from the stuff I've read of yours I believe the unique cover makes the book look a little more "homemade" than your work deserves. I hope this isn't offensive, it's just my personal opinion. Still, congrats on getting it published, I'm stoked for you.

I think the pictures and the 'crumbling foundation' are bad. FWIW.

HiJolly

[RDC]

I think people who have a problem with the book cover should write their own book so they can design their own cover.

Geesh! Everyone's a critic.

Mike, congrats on the publication. I wonder if all the cover comments are subconscious pent up frustrations of jealousy.

Maybe Paul Ray has some free time so some of you guys can have a session on his couch and talk about it.

Sorry, I must be having a cranky day.

[MAsh]

I think the pictures and the 'crumbling foundation' are bad. FWIW.

HiJolly

I think it looks cool; obviously, the consensus is that all of my taste is in my mouth. The graphic artist is not to blame-- I take full responsibilty for the the general concept.

The problem is easily solved, however. If everyone buys several copies, when we run out we'll change the cover on the next printing. So put in your orders and as soon as we run out, I'll solict some ideas for the 2nd edition cover.

Mike Ash

www.ShakenFaithSyndrome.com

[MAsh]

I think people who have a problem with the book cover should write their own book so they can design their own cover.

Geesh! Everyone's a critic.

Mike, congrats on the publication. I wonder if all the cover comments are subconscious pent up frustrations of jealousy.

Maybe Paul Ray has some free time so some of you guys can have a session on his couch and talk about it.

Sorry, I must be having a cranky day.

Thanks, RDC. If the worst complaint about Shaken Faith relates to the cover, then I'll feel pretty lucky. Of course I've actually read a handful of ex-LDS reviews of my book that are quite negative-- which is amazing since the books haven't started shipping yet.

Mike Ash

www.ShakenFaithSyndrome.com

[HiJolly]

I think it looks cool; obviously, the consensus is that all of my taste is in my mouth. The graphic artist is not to blame-- I take full responsibilty for the the general concept.

The problem is easily solved, however. If everyone buys several copies, when we run out we'll change the cover on the next printing. So put in your orders and as soon as we run out, I'll solict some ideas for the 2nd edition cover.

Mike Ash

www.ShakenFaithSyndrome.com

If you do that, I think it'll increase the value of the First Edition. I think I'll invest!

HiJolly

[Rommelator]

Of course I've actually read a handful of ex-LDS reviews of my book that are quite negative-- which is amazing since the books haven't started shipping yet.

Are you surprised? Like the Book of Mormon, other LDS liturature seems to be okay to criticize without the need to read it.

[Hyrum Page]

Of course I've actually read a handful of ex-LDS reviews of my book that are quite negative-- which is amazing since the books haven't started shipping yet.

Really? Where did you read these? I want to see this for myself.

[MAsh]

Really? Where did you read these? I want to see this for myself.

http://www.postmormon.org/exp_e/index.php/...iewthread/8416/

[Hyrum Page]

http://www.postmormon.org/exp_e/index.php/...iewthread/8416/

Oh. I thought you were referring to published reviews, not the banter on an ex-mo board. Although, I have to say, they kind of have you on the Poelman talk thing, if they are representing it correctly. I was pretty disappointed in the way that was edited, and I find it odd that you would have used the unedited version, if in fact you did. Did you?

[juliann]

Oh my gosh....they are beside themselves. It is really upsetting them that anyone is openly talking about this topic. My favorite was the manufactured indignation over using a standard term like shaken faith. I don't know about the rest of you....but shaken baby was the first thing I thought of when I saw the title.