Hey! I’m Mike. Here's my story
For a decade I’ve molded my life around travel and photography. How? I’ve embodied frugalism to save money; moved abroad to explore new continents; and bargained hard to pry extra vacation time (without pay) from employers. Earlier this year I launched my travel/photography website and took a plunge: I quit my job and sold all my things to pursue writing and photography projects full-time.
One of my dreams has always been to publish a photography book. And since I began travelling, I've been fascinated by people whose livelihoods are difficult, dangerous, rare, strange, or just different. So with your help I hope to publish this book showcasing these interesting people and professions.
The world, at work.
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** Update: We did it! The book is shipping now.
If you haven't ordered yours yet, please do now before this limited edition book sells out.
** Update Sept 2017: IGG has decided to charge exorbitant fees for non-US citizens (I don't exaggerate; last payout I lost 70% to fees. It's criminal) so please order from my Amazon store ----->
https://www.amazon.com/World-Work-People-traditional-surprisingly/dp/0995016402
Don't forget to tell your friends, too :) Thanks again to everyone who has contributed or purchased a book!
If you're new here, please keep reading my original campaign story below!
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(Zambian Mining Surveyor)
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(Lao Bar Wrangler)
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(Chinese Snack Vendor)
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The Book
It will be hardcover and case-bound, printed on quality paper (105#) with a gloss finish. A beautiful book containing the very best photos and interesting backstories from these journeys and encounters.
If we just reach the $3000 target, it will be 8x10" and 50 to 55 pages long. But wait! There's more.. you all get an upgrade, if we hit the stretch target. More on that below.
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(Now that the book has been printed, the actual cover!)
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(Now that the book has been printed, a sample photo)
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(Actual mock-up of two page spread)
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Perks (aka rewards) for contributors
To give something back, I'm creating a mix of items to match at various Perk levels. Of course the shining star (queue: angels singing) will be
The Book – but I've organised a great printing company to make high quality art
prints; I'll create postcards from images which won't be featured in the book; and have
photography lessons I've used to teach dozens of others.
If you're eyeing the 'Saint' perk, I assure you that I've got lots of entertaining stories to share from my travels! (just check my
website's Experiences, if you want a preview).
The last, but not least perk for everyone is: warm fuzzies!! For helping me realise something I have worked very hard for already – and I know there's lots more hard work to come!
In summary, your rewards will include some of:
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(note: I might not wear a tie.)
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How will the funds be used?
Self publishing is expensive. The cost per book for small volumes is ridonkulous, so without enough pre-order funding this project cannot happen. Even if we hit the funding target I might still be paying nearly a thousand dollars out of pocket to print the extra copies required to reach the minimum order size.
Here's what the budget breakdown looks like (an estimate; it depends on exact mix of rewards chosen, and funds raised):
My experience with a previously successful crowdfunding project – and, as an engineer, project manager, and frugalist – should evidence my abilities to deliver you this book and rewards.
I consider this project as interesting as it is valuable: Helping educate us about other people's very different daily grinds; inspiring us to pursue life's opportunities; and humbling us to be grateful at work the next time we want to complain about the slow coffee machine.
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(Indonesian Contractor)
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(Chinese Hat Vendor)
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What if we surpass the target? Overfunding and my 'stretch' goals
The target is $3000. If we can't achieve this: No book :( and everyone's funds are reimbursed. If we reach this of course it's high-fives all around! The book will be made!
If we can raise $3700, everyone wins a bonus! I will add more content and larger photographs on extra pages (70+ in total).
If we go beyond $4500, I'll share the book well beyond this campaign, making it available in libraries, cafes, schools and bookstores. With additional funds I might even be able to hold a photography exhibition (another dream of mine!).
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Other ways you can help
Some of you undoubtedly would not like to, or are not able to contribute financially. That's fine! If you like what I'm doing here, perhaps you can help in other ways?
- Email people you think would find this (limited edition) book interesting!
- Share this campaign on social media using the Indiegogo share buttons!
- Join my mailing list to follow future adventures and projects.
Since this project is fulfilling a dream, I want to thank everyone who contributes, for helping to really realise a reality. For real.
