The Subculture of a Good Series

Games of Thrones has been a best selling series for quite a few years now. I'm not going to look up the information on wikipedia since I'm in the middle of the fifth book and part of my life includes attempts to minimize being exposed to spoilers.

The series is so complex in its own way that when talking with people who have read more of the series you talk in what seems to be a weird code, What just happened in the chapter you're reading? or Who is the last person to die?

It isn't really a spoiler that people die in these books. That is part of the selling point of the book, to me as a fan, at least. Anyone can be offed at any time.

I read the books on the train - and hold it on the elevator at work - and it leaves me open to conversations.

How many times have you read the book?
That question is from a co-worker who was actually repeating the question that was asked to him by a stranger. It is Tolkien all over again (or Harry Potter) as it isn't that you finished a 500+ page book, it is how many times you've read the 500+ page - or in the case of GoT 800+ pages.

I'm impressed you're carrying that. It was too heavy for me so I bought the kindle.
The current book I'm lugging around, Book of Dragons, does weigh a good 8 pounds. I was an English major so I don't find the book that cumbersome, however the masses may disagree. I was surprised when the woman on the elevator made mention of the weight, though when she got off the elevator my friend then turned to me and asked, "Can I borrow that book? That girl was hot."

Yes, hot woman are impressed by nerd strength in this case.

Can I borrow the book?
Three different people have found out I'm reading the book and are interested in borrowing the first book. I've mentioned that the book is 800+ pages of font barely larger than Atlas Shrugged. Yet people are willing to read it because they're heard about it.

It is on TV
This one really messes people up since the first book of Game of Thrones was on HBO. The world had a collective heart attack when a main character was killed off. There was an out cry actually. Somehow the ending of a New York Times best selling book snuck by the popular collective. Actually I picture people who have read a book egging on the viewers to really enjoy the character just for the reaction.

You don't need to watch the show - and people understand
I will not watch the HBO series since I have images of the characters and don't want to ruin it by actors. It happened with Harry Potter so I'm making sure it will not happen with this. What is cool is that people completely understand.

That is rare.

There you have it though. A subculture where strangers talk to you about the book, cute girls are impressed with your muscles, and it bridges the divide between watching and no watching on TV.

Wayne

Pitching When Your Project Has Already Been Approved (Sort of)

"We love the project. We want to do it. You can do it! You just have one more person to meet with!"

We've all been there - taking a few deep breaths before you go into meet with the person I semi-jokingly call THE GATEKEEPER. I use all caps since THE GATEKEEPER is really the final decision maker and despite the 49 people or so you've already made it past this is really the person that has the final say.

Usually this person controls the purse strings. Or is the marketing director. Or it might be an Executive Assistant who gives everything one final look (yes, I have seen it.)

I wish I had some brilliant words of wisdom that includes a sure fire method of getting approval every time - though that would be a blatant lie. Instead I'll just go with what has worked in the past.

You're already past the hardest part. You're in the room. Face-to-face. Fuck yeah. Let us take it from there.

We're all in this to be successful People often forget about this part. The other person wants this to go well. I've been on both sides of pitches and really, most of the time you just want it to end. You WANT the silver bullet that solves all the problems of the universe, makes the money, and launches a spectacle that everyone talks about forever.

Elevator Pitch. Practice. Practice. Practice. If this is an in person pitch you have more than two lines to get your point across. You have three. At the most. If it takes more than 15 seconds then you're dead. You still need it in this situation. Sometimes the person sitting across from you doesn't really know what the project is about - it isn't a smack in the face or anything - people are busy.

Paint the Best Picture Possible I am talking about getting the imagination flowing from the person on the other side of the table. Sometimes a little hand holding is in order.

Stop Talking. If you feel like you're monologuing and the other person isn't reacting to what you're saying - stop. talking. right. now. As much as this is about your project it really about the person on the other side of the table. Give them a chance to ask questions, or engage them with the simple, "Any questions so far?"

If you hear "We're going with it" Stop Talking. The second the person gives any sort of confirmation that the project is going to happen stop. right. now. Really the ONLY appropriate comment at this point is, "Great. Who should I speak with regarding next steps?"

These are the reminders for when your project has already gotten SOME backing. Meaning that there are two, three people in the room who actually like where you're going and what you're saying.

Next up. I start discussing about getting a project off the ground for a corporation when there is no money, no distribution, and how to (try) to keep everyone happy.

Wayne