philosmudis.com

what you need to know when designing your ebook cover: make a good ebook cover

Philos Llyoid Mudis — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 08:33:02 +0000

Ok. You have completed writing your ebook and probably edited it to the best of your ability. You want to create an ebook cover, change your Ms-Word manuscript to popular ebook formats like portable document format (pdf) but then you want a nice cover for your ebook since you’ve heard the experts say a nice cover will attract buyers and probably enable you sell a few more copies than the writer with a dull ebook cover.

Here are a few things you should consider when going through the hustle to design a nice ebook cover.

1. Find a short title for your ebook that will easily grab the attention of the readers.

2. Don’t use photos, designs,logos or symbols that don’t make any meaning to the reader. Use simple but captivating graphics, images ok.

3. I don’t activate the use of too much words on the cover in the name of making the reader actually buy the ebook. It’s even worse if the words are not readable.

4. Make sure to include your names. Your first name and the surname is enough. Don’t go to the level of adding your nicknames.

5. Edit your images, graphics etc and make sure they are of high quality. Dull images, pictures are a no-no. They turn people off.

I’ll be back with other things youn should consider while designing the cover soon. So check with me later on the same URL.

Does an ebook cover reflect what’s in the ebook?

Does an ebook cover reflect what’s in the ebook?

Philos Llyoid Mudis — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 12:42:01 +0000

The experts on matters ebooks always say: “Don’t forget to give your ebook a nice cover.” Then they often go ahead to place the word, “Why?” and follow it quickly with a short answer: “To boost your ebook sales” (or to rake lots of money from your ebook sales)

I wonder if a dull and not so well looking ebook cover means a dull and monotonous ebook in store for you. Yes we have heard the experts preach the gospel and we tend to believe in their sermons without questioning the veracity in them.

Even though the cover of an ebook ‘pushes’ the sales up, it may be the best ebook cover housing very little information – that means less value for your money, if the ebook is not for free!

The old saying, “don’t judge a book by its cover” should always spring to your mind while you are out there ready to purchase an ebook. The saying holds water!

There are several ebook writers with quality information hidden behind dull covers, for a good reason of course. It may be easy for them to get a free Microsoft-Word to PDF converter such as PrimoPDF or a HTML converter but getting a good cover always becomes a nightmare likely because of lack of skills in graphic design, lack of knowledge on how to use Adobe Photoshop to create decent ebook covers, even with the supply of lots of action scripts all over the internet – some which barely work.

They may not have enough money to get a good designer to make an eye-catching cover yet they want to immediately put their ebooks for sale. Getting an ebook cover software too is expensive to some writers with quality information. The end result is either a dull looking cover or something bordering the meaning of the word cover and most people always shun such.

So next time you see a dull ebook cover, read the summary of the book first, then if you feel it is worth buying but still harbour some doubts, contact its author – let him clarify everything you would like to know. That may build your confidence. The choice to buy it or not remains with you.

Just remember the old saying.

You might visit the following sites for ebook cover softwares and other relevant information on ebooks:

What makes Information on a blog to be classified as either of high or poor quality?

What the world can learn from the 2010 World Cup in South Africa

Philos Llyoid Mudis — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 05:28:05 +0000

Now here is a game that has united lots of people from all parts of the world, a sport capable of bringing together different people from diverse diverse backgrounds regardless of age, religious affiliation, race, sex, ethnicity – football.

When people are together, brought to one place by one major attraction, such an avenue can be used to share and learn a lot from the diverse cultures among other things.

In the stadiums spectators will marvel at the talent exhibited by different players. The people who for different reasons did not reach South Africa will also chant praises to the best of the football teams and players.

The world can use this avenue to cultivate peace, to come together and come up with ways of restoring peace in nations that have never known it (peace). It can also be used to encourage people to preach the same message wherever they go. It can unite the world in one big hall of peace.

Individuals can learn how people from other parts of the world live their lives, do certain things and emulate the best – use them when they get home. Development is vital for human beings, and I believe the best yet right ways to do things can help humanity to develop towards an orderly and peaceful society.

Different nations, capitalists and communists can take a lesson to live together without major hitches. Peace should bring them together just as the World Cup has brought together teams from different nations.

All the nations that have been looking down upon Africa, always seeing as a place to be exploited of all good fruits it bears should learn that this a great continent, that also deserves respect. A place that should not be robbed of its value – that means Africa will be thankful to nations that in good faith will help it further its agenda.

Unites States of Africa – Is it Possible to come up with a united Africa?

Kenyan Mobile Phone Service Providers – Why they differ greatly in subscriber numbers

Philos Llyoid Mudis — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 18:31:38 +0000

Some of the players in Kenyan mobile phone sector include Safaricom – with the most number of subscribers than the other providers, Zain, Orange and Yu.
There are several factors that contribute to the difference in subscriber numbers among the providers. These include:
1. When the company was established – Some of the companies that began operating in Kenyan before several other companies providing similar services entered the market seem to have an upper hand when it comes to subscriber numbers. Most people who opted to own a mobile phone years back only had to choose between Safaricom or Kencell. The pioneers set a firm foundation and have retained lots of loyal customers since then.
2. Network coverage also comes in to set the difference. Most subscribers would opt for an operator with slightly expensive tariffs provided they have a wide network coverage, since subscribers are always on the move and therefore a wide network coverage is a must in order for an operator to retain them.
3. Tariff charges. Most subscribers would be easily drawn towards an operator with the ‘most’ affordable tariff rates. Cheap does not mean more subscribers. Smart subscribers will always go for affordable but quality services. Tariff rates goes hand in hand with other factors such as the ones mentioned above.
4. Friends and family preferences may also easily influence new users. For instance, a teen fresh from high school or primary school may for his or her birthday ask for a phone. The gift in most instances will be brought home complete – A new mobile phone, a new SIM card and airtime voucher.
5. Time for termination of services. Some operators will render a subscriber’s SIM card obsolete after a given period of inactivity, e.g. three or four months after the last recharge. High school students who are not allowed to carry phones to schools usually prefer the operator with the longest period before their SIM card is rendered inactive.
6. Other subscribers love a customer care team ready for their answers any time even in the middle of the night. They’ll easily fall for an operator with an efficient customer care service. Though some have learnt to bear with operators whose customer care lines are ever busy.
7. Other services that may attract subscribers further bringing in the differences include mobile money transfer services such as Safaricom’s M-Pesa, Zain’s Zap etc. Subscribers will go for an operator with time saving features enabling him to pay for electricity bills from the comfort of his couch instead of sweating in a long queue in a Kenya Power and Lighting Company hall waiting for his turn to pay his electricity bill. Other subscribers also fall for the adverts they see on dailies may be with claims of fast and cheap internet, some just follow the crowd – they go where most Kenyan phone owners are. Others, especially subscribers who own online businesses selling digital products like ebooks, music (MP3, Kenyan music – like PewaHewa) will go for operators that makes it easy for them to expand their choice of how they receive money for their products.
Follow Me on Twitter

No related posts.

Looking forward to starting your own website or blog?

Philos Llyoid Mudis — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 21:27:08 +0000

Kenya has many budding writers that our dailies and magazines cannot absorb them in the future. It is certain that most young eager minds won’t wait for editors to keep telling them: ‘I am sorry, right now it is not possible for you to join our team of writers.’
We also have many people with a potential of coming up with sale-able products be it traditional new or used books, digital products like ebooks or MP3 music. But there lies the problem of reaching a wide base of potential buyers.
Most Kenyans think that getting a website – an online store for their products is hard. Plus they fear having heard from lots of people that managing websites or blogs is hard. Yes it is – I have never seen success where something did not prove to be hard at the beginning. You just have to learn to cope with such.
Similarly a blog may be a good avenue for a budding poet, journalist or anyone to share his articles, poems and any other invaluable information with others. Having a blog may prove worthwhile.
I just wanted you to know that we have web designers and hosts, here in Kenya, that may offer you the website you’ve ever wished for – either to sell your products or share information with others, or both. Some of them include DeepAfrica – with a good package starting from Kshs. 2950, Sasahost – at around 2500. DeepAfrica hosts my blog – www.philosmudis.com.
Other players include PeaknDale, Swiftweb Technologies, among others.
Apart from DeepAfrica which hosts my blog, I can assure you that Swiftweb also has good packages for anyone who want to own a website or blog – plus it offers flexible payment options. It is you to choose. If you are planning to receive mobile payment (M-Pesa and Zap) for your products, you might try Intrepid’s payment system too.
You might follow these links and settle on the design and host company of your choice.

How to limit quarrels that may ensue owing to the information you post on your blog

Philos Llyoid Mudis — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 22:11:17 +0000

Remember that you not only have to own a blog in order to be careful of what you publish in it. The comments you hurry to post in other peoples’ blogs may also bring trouble at your doorstep. That means one thing – being extremely careful of whatever we intend to post on the net, be it a video, photos, a string of spammy words masquerading as a well thought out comment.
You also have to remember that it does not help to plead innocence while, owing to what you’ve published, someone gets hurt – it is like throwing a stinking sock right in the face of a person.
Another rule is never to get physical on the net. If you hate someone, keep the hatred between yourselves. Readers don’t want to know that you don’t care about so and so. It’s good to keep the fight off the net, or better, solve the little matter that you may seem to blow out of proportion.
Carefully draw a line between what you may share with others and what you may not. Getting too much into other peoples’ lives is as they say, at times a recipe for disaster. You could consult with the person who might be affected owing to what you intend to publish. Get their permission. Don’t nag them into giving you a green light.
So before you post anything be it on a blog, a social networking site etc, think twice. Ask yourself whether it is justifiable to publish it – this of course revolves around several considerations, some already discussed in this post.
Careful with your choice of words, the language you use (most people don’t entertain profanities).
The golden rule is to be careful, careful, careful, open-minded, sober, careful. Don’t try make fun of anybody.

How often should you post on your blog?

Philos Llyoid Mudis — Thu, 27 May 2010 11:44:40 +0000

One of the questions most blog owners ask themselves is: “How often should I update my blog?” Well, we all know that Google and other search engines love fresh content. That means adding quality and relevant content to your blog regularly will ensure your blog is healthy most of the times, not shy of any uninvited guest (read people who search for information on the internet). Your blog will readily play host (for your visitors) as long as its granary is containing something new – a gift in the form of information for your readers.
Defining regular in this context is not that easy. Different blog owners define the same word differently, and all of them, most of the times, trust their definition that they won’t let no one to influence them into believing on something different.
To some, updating a blog regularly means publishing/ posting something fresh almost every half an hour, a day or a week.
There is the unwritten rule that blog owners need to post content that is worthwhile – that’s worth a reader’s time and patience. But the big question is: “How often should you serve your readers such a meal (fresh content)?” Right now, answers are already wandering in your brain – It is never a single satisfactory answer.
Many blog owners swear to themselves that they’ll be posting something fresh every single day but sometimes circumstances ‘beyond’ their control does not make it easy on them to live by their words. What’s the best answer to the question: “How often should I update my blog?” It is for you to decide. It is a matter of choice – you are your own boss. Do as you deem convenient but make sure to take care of the other party’s (readers) interests. Stick to what works best for you but remember not to be ‘selfish’ – give unto your readers their due at reasonable intervals though.
Remember I’ve just said that it is a matter of choice; just make sure you don’t become overwhelmed with giving unto your readers gifts (fresh content) as long as you can afford some for them, which of course you can! Just don’t post poor quality work for your readers.
Remember not to neglect your readers’ desires. Quench their thirst and be sure to learn from what your readers say under the comments section of your blog.

What makes Information on a blog to be classified as either of high or poor quality?

Philos Llyoid Mudis — Mon, 10 May 2010 10:58:44 +0000

Guess if you are a blog owner, then this is not the first time you are coming across this question – a question that over the years has made lots of blog owners scratch their heads. It is one question every blog owner should ask himself or herself before hitting the ‘Publish’ button. If you are a blog owner have you ever asked yourself whether what you are about to publish is worth the readers time? Most people say content is king – but what does that mean – high quality post? May be!
Ok, there are several questions you need to ask yourself before you publish any blog post. The questions may range from:
1. Whether the post is tailored towards solving a problem. Most of the times blog readers will be looking for a solution to a problem they are going through. They seek knowledge from you. So you need to ask yourself whether you have some knowledge that you are willing to share with your readers in the form of a blog post.
2. Ask yourself whether the content in your blog post is up-to-date, original and relevant. Original in the sense that there’s lots of input from you and not something you’ve plagiarised. Persuade your readers through your words that you are knowledgeable in what you are writing about. You also have to look at the background of your potential readers to tailor a post relevant to them. For example if they are law students then tailor your post to them, I hope you understand what I mean. If a Parliament Act was repealed sometimes back you’ll save your readers time and frustration by labouring to look for the current law addressing the subject of your post – be up-to-date.
3. Ask yourself whether your choice of words will make it easy for your readers to enjoy their time while amassing knowledge. Make your post a comfort zone of some sort to your readers. A satisfied reader will come back for more so make sure you keep them comfortable when they visit your blog.
4. Ask yourself whether you always correct grammar and spelling mistakes before you publish your posts. If you neglect such, it may not go down well with your readers. Don’t give your visitors a hard time figuring out what your post (or a part of it) is all about. Some readers even end up pitying the blog owner at times. Some will laugh and leave some silly comments for you. Some will hit the ‘Back’ or ‘Close’ button on their web browser and never visit your blog again.
5. Is your writing boring? What makes it a boring read? Use active verbs wherever possible in your posts. Use the fewest words to convey to your readers the knowledge you have but maintain clarity.
6. Have you arranged your thoughts in an orderly manner – e.g. from A to Z? If you want your readers to have a quality time reading your blog and satisfaction is all you want for them in your treasure box, then putting your thoughts is a MUST. A post that sounds complete In thought leaves readers satisfied. Attempt to quench their thirst using all strength in you – and that goes back to the time when you conceive a topic for a post, the time you edit and proofread. Research exhaustively on your topic and be sure to share the goodies in an interesting way with your readers. Make your post complete – don’t leave it hanging.
7. Do you pay attention to paragraphing and word order? Learn how to paragraph your work and use words correctly and in the right order.

After asking yourself the questions above each and every time you write a post, you’ve to get down to work to give your readers something from your mind, heart and may be your soul.
If you have any question or suggestion relating to this post please feel free to let me know via the comments section. Feel free to share this post with your friends and or link to it.

You can also read: How to Write Great Blog Content

What Makes A Good Politician? –Things that make a real politician

Philos Llyoid Mudis — Tue, 04 May 2010 13:42:49 +0000

Politicians, over the centuries have been given names (nick names etc) depending on how they have served their constituents. The big question is whether they used their term in office for matters that are to the interest of their constituents, and as legislatures, promulgating laws that become the pillar to economic growth, social development and political prosperity and stability of a nation.

Emphasis should be put on self-respect, spending quality time with the people who voted you into office – reserving enough time for them, avoiding careless talk, leading by example – become a law abiding citizen and your constituents will notice. They are likely to emulate the good things you do.

When you respect yourself, you should not allow your energy to be used by someone else at the expense of your constituents’ needs. Don’t cause misery, discomfort and sorrow to the citizens who voted you into office.

Out of your busy schedule, you should plan to spend some reasonable amount of time with your constituents. Listen to their plights. Avoid getting caught in purposeless and empty talk. Serving your fellow countrymen begins by spending time with them, knowing their joys and fears – being together for each other.

You should not feel bad losing in an election. Perform your duties in the best way possible if the voters are still confident in you enough to let feel the warmth and cold winds of the particular political post you hold. If they don’t want you, either change your strategies or quit. Remember to make their interests a priority.

Avoid careless talk and anything that might jeopardize your constituents’ trust and confidence in you. Steer clear from politicians who may try to woo you to commit atrocities. Don’t smile at corruption, whether it’s at the expense of being labelled a ‘loser’ or ‘pretender’.

Politics is not a family issue. Must you groom your daughter or son to keep your family’s name in the arena of politics when you all know that she’s incapable of serving the citizens? Why do you have to rig votes during elections? It shows you did something wrong which you have to correct before making bigger strides in politics.

Having basic knowledge of law is a must. It takes a short time to get a diploma in law, or a degree. You may also opt for the easier way, that is, studying on your own. Get textbooks, read published articles in various journals both online and offline. You can even download PDF files containing law materials. You can also GOOGLE.

There is no avenue for procrastination in politics. It needs lots of hardwork, clearing tasks and assignments in time and creativity too. Give the voters their due.

Love is great, hope you know that already. Don’t ever fool yourself of making it great as a politician by diving people e.g. along tribal lines, the rich and the poor, or using religion to get to the top. Old and young people all want true leadership. Leadership with a vision. Leadership that really involves the people in every aspect of its executions. Don’t stick to old lines like “we are the youths” and ride on it to an unseen valley of success just because you are a youth. Leadership is what’s in a person—the inner things you can manipulate to make you a suitable candidate for a political post, not age, something you don’t have control over. Don’t write manifestos for the sake of writing one. Put in it what you energy can adequately render to the people.

Think of ethics as an indispensable asset for a politician. Embrace technology. Be honest. Be patient – a big dream to the top isn’t achievable overnight. The good politicians are in short supply so do yourself a favour by remembering that politics is a two-party journey—you, the aspiring politician and the people that entrust their power, trust and confidence in you.

No related posts.

Facebook Wars – The dark side of social networking sites

Philos Llyoid Mudis — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 14:28:28 +0000

Social networking sites, since their arrival have awed us humans. Most of us believe they are here to stay. One is born today and when it ages another social networking site takes over the scene – takes over the legacy.

Human beings who usher them into their worlds have gone to great lengths praising feature after feature packed in the social networking sites.

We human beings marvel at the ease of communication without spending ‘lots’ of money. The social networking sites bring us closer to family members and friends miles away. We get to make lots of friends out of strangers – we have never even met.

Most people spend a considerable amount of time chatting with their friends on Facebook, Myspace, Friendster, Bebo, Hi5 among other social networking sites. On the contrary, some are hooked to the sites (especially Facebook ) so badly that they have been labelled ‘addicts’.

Others use the social networking sites as a sort of a boxing ring where they can thump anyone who disagrees with their opinions, views and perceptions. They automatically label such persons ‘opponents’. They enjoy abusing and threatening the ‘opponents’ – it makes them feel better somehow considering the number of frustrations that take every man, woman and child by storm on a daily basis. They derive more pleasure from their wrongs especially if the ‘opponents’ seem weaker and more susceptible to their threats. They’ll label such ‘cyber-weaklings’. They’ll think of every way possible to see that the victims feel unsafe, hated and weak.

One major problem is that oftenly such abuse goes unnoticed for a long period of time. Some victims cannot abate such abuse in the initial stages. They don’t report it either to the sites’ administrators. Often they have reasons for doing so, ranging from answers such as: ‘that’s something not worthy reporting’, ‘looks like the person had a bad day’ or ‘he’s just venting his emotions’. They don’t appreciate the fact that that may be the genesis of a long jail term in the prison of exploitation, that have made some victims fear for their lives and others let their self-esteem go with the wind.

Enmity grows fatter in social networking when abuse by members is not monitored and stern measures taken against those who go against the terms of use of the particular social networking site they are member to. Such enmity has made some members go berserk, ending up doing things that gets them a new tag, that of being called a criminal. Rows between friends on top and less popular social networking sites are on the rise with the number of members ever on the increase.

Another problem arises where some members read from different sources, including traditional books, ebooks and various blogs of their interest, copy and paste materials from them to their status updates or notes or discussions without crediting the source of the information and oftenly you’ll see a ‘by:’ followed by their name – Sort of plagiarism.

The big question is: How are users supposed to enjoy the services on the social networking sites while at the same time limiting the potential dangers in there…without worries of ever becoming victims of the same dangers?

No related posts.