I found my drive

While we are on the topic of people or radio stations in larger cities thinking Des Moines is crappy or just not interested in our city, it makes sense to look at another example…this one by a New York Times acclaimed author.

Daniel Pink, author of A Whole New Mind and his most recent book Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us, is on the hot seat this time…yesterday it was 106.1 KISS FM in Seattle.

Mr. Pink’s “people” were contacted about his current book tour in an effort to include Des Moines on his list.  They determined Des Moines was not cool enough for Mr. Pink’s presence. They didn’t say it was crappy, just not a place where Mr. Pink would like to come.  But, that didn’t stop the efforts; one thing is for sure, residents of Des Moines are resilient.  Instead of just taking it in the chin and moving on, the effort was started to email Mr. Pink directly, which was a huge success since he responded to the email. He confirmed the fact as stated above, he could not make a stop in Des Moines on his current book signing tour, but he offered up an alternative…he offered to be available for a Virtual Book Signing using Skype as the medium, an alternative that is pretty cool considering the other option.

What is a virtual book signing?

A Virtual Book signing means Mr. Pink will not be in Des Moines — drat. Actually, he will be in San Francisco signing books in a warmer climate; I can’t blame him for that decision.  He will be at his computer using Skype, which allows users to use a ‘Video Call’ to one another. So, we will be able to see Mr. Pink, just not in the flesh, rather on a projection screen at the Des Moines Social Club…who have been gracious enough to host the book signing.  Since Mr. Pink is not going to be here, he will pre-sign name plates to add to books at the end of the event. The only caveat is if you want a name plate you have to register by February 2^nd so Mr. Pink knows who you are. The event will be on February 16^th from 5-7 at the Social Club.

This is a fantastic work-around to an otherwise crappy situation. Yes, I used the word ‘crappy’ since it appears to be the word of the week. Mr. Pink recognized the efforts to get him to Des Moines were not possible due to his otherwise busy schedule, yet he worked in a great alternative.  The alternative gives us (Des Moinesians) a chance to make some noise and work towards a great turnout at the book signing. If we can show the world, even those people in Seattle, that we are not a fly-over country, we can get more interest from future authors.  If we can have a great turn-out at a Virtual book signing, imagine what we could do for the typical one.