Web Site Promotion - 5 Open Source Applications for Writers

Web Site Promotion - 5 Open Source Applications for Writers

Here are a couple of excellent sites for writers that are link sites or directories.

From Writers Digest - 101 best writers sites on the Internet
Note: Do NOT miss this article !

Internet-Resources.com writing Links & Links for Writers
Writers' Resources on The Web and More

In addition, don't miss this one. It is quite funny ! Rules for Writers.

I have written and blogged about Open Source quite a bit on my own blog. Just to review for a minute, Open Source software is developed by committee, not by large corporations. Usually the Open Source companies are non-profit, but this is not an absolute requirement. They merely have to allow access to the source code of their software and follow established rules for collaborative efforts to develop the software.

This is democratization of software development at it's finest. The best aspect of Open Source software for computer users is that these are quality software programs available for free. One of the best known Open Source software programs is the Internet Explorer alternative, Mozilla Firefox. For additional information on Open Source visit my blogfather blog (post # 3)

I ran across a very interesting article on Open Source applications for writers. This article highlights 5 different programs designed specifically for writers:

1) Kabikaboo - This program allows writers to more easily manage large documents, technical manuals, and long novels.

2) Storybook - Helps keep writers of novels focused on the big picture by keeping characters and story lines straight.

3) Celtx - This is the application of choice for scriptwriters. This app helps scriptwriters pre-produce all sorts of media, including film, theater, comics, radio, and even podcasts.

4)Lyx - This program can help you if do academic writing, theses, or scientific papers. There are specific formal rules for acceptance of these types of papers. Lyx will help ascertain that the structure of your documents meets formal acceptance requirements.

5) Scribus - This program seems to excel at desktop publishing, presentations and newsletters. It also can be used effectively to put together your next best selling novel. Once you've written the content, you can design cover pages, manage content, insert images, and create page layouts.

There you are. Take a look at these programs if they are "up your alley". I'm sure you will not be disapointed.

Good Luck in your writing and web site promotion efforts.

If you would like to promote your writing on the Internet, or another type of business, contact me for some free consulting.

John Lombaerde
973-860-1325

This post was written by John Lombaerde, a CNC programmer with over 15 years experience designing, programming and cutting complex parts on multi-axis computer numerically controlled, (CNC) milling machines.

He is an experienced Product Designer, CNC Programmer, CNC Machinist, and CAD CAM Consultant.

He is also an SEO Consultant specialized in Search Engine Placement for Web Site Promotion.

For additional information, see:

CAD CAM Consulting

Web Site Promotion by Veretekk

NPN Lead Generator

Web Site Promotion, What will be the effect of the Google Chrome Operating System ?

Web Site Promotion - Google Chrome Operating System

What will be the effect of Google's new Chrome Operating system on web site promotion efforts ? The simple answer to this question is that it probably will have little or no effect. Google's search engine rules and methods will not change appreciably under a new operating system. What will be the impact of a new Chrome Operating System on the computing world ? It may significantly affect the type of computer you buy in the future. It may also have a significant effect on Microsoft, and this is why.

We have yet to see really low-cost netbooks hit the market, but it is quite possible that we will see sub $ 200.00 netboooks in the very near future. We already have cell phones with multi-function capability, namely Internet and e-mail capability, and this trend will likely continue. We probably will also see hybrid types of devices that are not quite a computer, but more than a cell phone.

In order to keep the price of netbooks and hybrid devices as low as possible, it will be necessary to eliminate the cost of software. The only practical way to do this is to use Open Source software with this type of computer. It is impossible to bundle any of Microsoft's operating systems, or Office Productivity software in at such a low price. Windows plus any other piece of software is already more than $ 200.00 retail, even in OEM versions.

Linux is an alternative, but it doesn't quite measure up to Windows in terms of usability and user-friendliness. It has been around for quite a while, and although servers run Linux quite effectively, Linux has not really shown it's strength as a personal computer operating system in the way it has as a network operating system. Google Chrome actually sits on top of a Linux kernel, but it is not Linux itself. It is something brand new.

If you think for a moment about how many computers are used mainly to access the Internet, read e-mail, and for some kind of simple office-related task; that accounts for a very large number of computers, easily fifty percent, or more, of the PC's in use right now. Microsoft products dominate this market today, but 5 or 10 years from now, there could be a much different looking landscape in the world of personal computers. There are computers in libraries, schools, second and third family computers at home, Internet cafes, and guest computers in offices, that really have no compelling reason to run Windows or other Microsoft software. (Sorry Microsoft, but that's the way I see it).

It is these types of shared computers, that would benefit the most from a Google Chrome Operating System. Especially if this kind of computer could be made to access the Internet faster, start nearly immediately on boot-up, and run on-line applications faster than the equivalent software running under Windows, wouldn't it be an obvious choice to opt for the free, (and faster), alternative ?

The keys to the success of this new operating system are threefold.

1) It must run an Internet browser, (Chrome, of course), and Internet applications faster than Windows.

2) It must be more stable than Windows. This means it must have bullet-proof security. This is a tall order for any operating system, but it should have built-in protection against viruses, spyware, and other type of intrusions. This could easily be the key differentiation between Windows and Chrome. since Windows has had, (and continues to have), so many security vulnerabilities. It should be a top priority for Chrome.

3) It should run the widest possible array of software programs. Google has done a good job of providing internet applications up until now, but there needs to be a Chrome, (or online) application to match, or nearly match most of the software that currently runs on Windows. Chrome will not go head-to-head with Windows across the software spectrum, but the wider the choice of Internet-based software available, the more success Chrome will enjoy. It it not intended to be a network server operating system in the same way that Microsoft Windows Server is, but just the personal operating system of choice for computers connected to the Internet.

Google is probably the only company in the world today with the resources to be able to develop and maintain an operating system like Chrome. On the other hand, since it is open source, Google may be content to manage from the sidelines and eventually let the Open Source community take it over. Note: At least that way Google may not be tempted to have sponsored links pop up on your screen as you work. (lol - Sorry Google)

It is true that Google as a company cares little how you access the Internet. In other words, they are computer hardware and operating system neutral. Of course, I'm sure Google's management and software engineers will be smiling ear to ear if they are able to compete head to head with Microsoft, (Google's main search rival), on Microsoft's home turf of the PC operating system. Nothing would be sweeter for Google than to have Chrome enjoy a resounding success in the marketplace. Google has everything to gain, the more computers there are on the Internet, and nothing to lose.

We will have to wait until the second half of 2010 to see Google Chrome, according the Official Google Blog. It is possible that the most significant beneficiaries of Google Chrome will be thirld world computer users. The dream of a $ 100.00 computer is not yet a reality, and remember that 75 % of the world's population does not yet have e-mail.

The availability of free computer operating systems and software is essential to begin to close the gap between have's and have not's in this world. This author, for one, hopes that Google Chrome becomes the operating system of choice for many of the world's PC's, and helps to hasten the day when the vast majority of the word's people have access to computers and the Internet.

Good Luck in all your writing and web site promotion efforts.

This post was written by John Lombaerde, a CNC programmer with over 15 years experience designing, programming and cutting complex parts on multi-axis computer numerically controlled, (CNC) milling machines.

He is an experienced Product Designer, CNC Programmer, CNC Machinist, and CAD CAM Consultant.

He is also an SEO Consultant specialized in Search Engine Placement for Web Site Promotion.

For additional information, see:

CAD CAM Consulting

Web Site Promotion by Veretekk

NPN Lead Generator

Web Site Promotion Blog

Spirit World and Reunion

I hope that you all enjoyed your July 4th weekend. Our family rushed directly from the Manhattan Center celebration on Saturday to my sister's house in CT where we had a traditional July 4th picnic/BBQ with lots of activities and our very own fireworks.

Our last writers' meeting took place at the Saunders' home on June 21st, the first day of summer. Present were June, Valerie Shimoyama, Kerry Pobanz, Jerry Chesnut, and Bob and Karen Beebe. Kerry started us off with his essay entitled "The Whole Reality of the Spirit World" in which he examined both Rev. Moon's and Emanuel Swedenborg's descriptions of the spirit world as resembling the human body and how all of us, according to our nature, become part of that body. We are reminded that we are more than individual entities, but are utlimately part of a greater whole that we are meant to fit into.

From there, we were treated to Jerry's latest installment of his novel. Here, the main character, Jerrod, gets his old drama class together for a 40th year reunion. In what may be a dream or fictional reality (Jerry hasn't decided yet), Jerrod goes beyond himself to pull his old classmates together, breaking through old barriers to... well, it's still in process. We look forward to where this is leading, but we are sure it's restoration of some kind.

Our next meeting will be this Sunday, July 12, 3:00-5:00 pm, at Kerry Pobanz's house. June Saunders will be presenting the latest chapter of her Civil War-era novel (attached). We look forward to a stimulating discussion as the story enters the war itself.

Also, I am about to finalize the next issue of our literary journal, so whoever was planning to submit something (June!) needs to get it in quickly.

Look forward to seeing you all this Sunday!

Siberia and Spelling

The latest meeting of the Writers' Haven took place at the Beebe residence. On hand were June Saunders, Kerry Pobanz, Jerry Chesnut, Richard Panzer, Valerie Shimoyama, and Bob and Karen Beebe. We got right into the agenda with a discussion about Bob's story (not sure yet whether it's novel, novella or short story) set in the hinterlands of Siberia along the transcontinental railroad in the village of Slyudyanka (anybody been there?) where a Bob-type American character gets stranded after failing to get back on the train after a short stop. He's left without money, passport or any kind of identification. Eventually he meets up with a Russian priest and so begins a meeting of cultures. I appreciate the encouraging feedback everyone gave and hope by the next meeting to have the American kidnapped by terrorists and taken into one of the Central Asian Islamic republics. Stay tuned.

From there we turned our attention to Valerie's piece, entitled "Spelling," about her real-life experience in which she was removed from a spelling bee as a result of the action of a nun from her school. Her heart-wrenching story was a look into an unforgettable childhood experience and its tie-in to an adolescent child's family and social situation. Truly our childhood experiences shape the kind of people we become, for better or worse. Sometimes we spend a lifetime trying to get out from under their influence.

Our next meeting is planned for this Sunday, June 21, 3:00-5:00 pm, at the Saunders home (6 Emerson St., Clifton). Although it is Father's Day, no one seemed to object to having the meeting, so we plan to go ahead with it. Presenting will be Kerry (you should have all received his latest piece) and June (still coming). We look forward to a stimulating meeting together.

God bless you and see you soon!

Spiritual Things

I hope all is well with you. The school year is coming to a close, so we are very busy at New Hope School, but not too busy to have our next meeting this Sunday.

But first, something about our last meeting. It took place at Jerry Chesnut's house. Present were Jerry, June Saunders, Valerie Shimoyama, Russell Giordano, Kerry Pobanz and Bob and Karen Beebe. Bob began by sharing a few words about the importance of setting to a story. Sometimes setting is almost like another character playing an important role in the progress of a story. When we think about Tom Sawyer or Huckleberry Finn, we immediately think of the Mississippi River, or of Victorian England in Charles Dickens' novels, and, of course, czarist Russia in Tolstoy or Dostoyevsky. Writers write about what they know. They have specific places in mind when they describe a setting, even though they may give it a different name. Good setting gives life and realism to a story.

From this we went to the spirit world by the grace of Kerry Pobanz. The piece, "The Springtime of Life After Death," although but two pages, gave rise to an extended discussion on the relation between love, freedom and appearance in the afterlife. The more we grow in love, the freer we become, and the more we can appear as we want to appear in our life after life. We are truly destined to be "forever young." A happy and comforting thought--as long as we grow in oiur love and concern for others.

Our long discussion unfortunately crowded Valerie out of the meeting's agenda. Hence she will be presenting at our next meeting along with myself. This is scheduled to take place at the Beebes, 26 Amity St., Little Falls, from 3:00-5:00 pm. I plan to get a few pages of my Russian story out to you in the next couple of days (cross your fingers). Valerie, what about you?

FYI, I received another contribution for our next anthology--this one from a retired English professor living in Puerto Rico! Our range is growing, brothers and sisters! Please take a look at the attachment and let me know what you think.

God bless and see you on Sunday.

May Musings

Thank you for making our last meeting such a success. It was the first meeting hosted by our newest member, Russell Giordano, and he did a fantastic job. Actually I heard it was the first event he's ever hosted at his place. Let's hope there will be many more! Present were Russell, Kerry Pobanz, Jerry Chesnut, Valerie Shimoyama, June Saunders, Richard Panzer, and Bob and Karen Beebe.

Bob started things off by sharing some words about what holds writers back (basically fear: fears about your own ability and fears about how others may respond to your work). Fears about yourself prevent you from doing your best work. Fears about your reception by others prevent you from doing your own work. He followed this up with 8 tips for creating compelling conflict in writing fiction.

Following this, Russell bravely presented a debut piece: a reflection on the life of an old friend who recently passed away. Its theme, one we can all relate to to some degree: unfulfilled potential; what might have been; how things could have been different if our response, or the response of others to our circumstances, had been different. We hope Russell will continue developing this piece.

Next Jerry presented the latest installments of his ongoing story: the next chapter from where he left off, and a chapter slated to be near the end of the work. In the former, protagonist Jerrod proposes a first ever class reunion from college. The latter focused on Jerrod's relationship with his teenage son and reflecting on his departed wife. Heavy stuff. Jerry is nothing but honest. We pray for the continuing development of his story.

Our next meeting is scheduled for this Sunday, May 17, 3:00-5:00 pm, at Jerry's house (11 Sorbello Road, Paramus). Kerry will present another essay on life in the spirit world (see the attachment). We expect Valerie to offer one of her writings as well looking back on her life.

I am attaching a couple of submissions I received for the upcoming second issue of The Spirited Goldfinch. I look forward to any of your comments at the meeting.

Of the People

My apologies for getting this off so late. We have a meeting scheduled for this Sunday, but first...

Our last meeting took place on Sunday, April 19, at the Pobanz residence. Present were Kerry Pobanz, June Saunders, Valerie Shimoyama, Jerry Chesnut, Russell Giordano, and Bob and Karen Beebe (and we thank Carol for all the nourishments provided during the course of the meeting). Bob began by reading something about "Turning Your Characters Inside Out", in other words revealing the inner thoughts and emotions of the characters in your writing (the main ones anyway). This is importance if you want your readers to care about what happens to them. They have to be able to get inside their heads, to "be" them in a sense.

Then we heard from someone who is very good at doing that, June, who presented a newly written chapter of her Civil War novel that goes back and tells how her two main protagonists, Gabriel and Simeon, first met each other and what happened to build a friendship between these two very different kinds of personages. She even threw in a little known story about young Abe Lincoln getting into a fistfight with the local tough, ultimately winning the respect of the townspeople and the tough himself.

So, our next meeting is planned for this Sunday, May 3, 3:00-5:00 pm, at the home of Russell Giordano (91 Warren St., Apt. 1B, Nutley). Russell will present a little something (haiku, poem, some kind of vignette?). Then Jerry will come forth with the latest installment of his work-in-progress. Should be exciting, so I look forward to seeing you there despite the late notice (mea culpa).

God bless you all!

Bob