how about writing a puzzle book?

[mike toulouzas]

Dear guys,
I have been dreeming on writing something about puzzles(Not that i know much)But i had this idea... why only me.So my idea is to be 4-5 or 6 or less designers and each one to write a chapter on his puzzles.Each one will have lots of pics on how to make his designs infos tooling tips and stuff.Iso in the end it will have 20-30 puzzles (or less or more)from all designers.The best part is that we wont have to do nothing more than what we do now.We will not try to play wise guys because simply we will post our own designs in different fields.Each one is  to write on "how to" of puzzles that has some experience on making(Why not to share on something that will stay for ever..a book(you dont need good internet connection and you can read it with out batteries)!!!
for example: Chinny can have a chapter with his turned puzzles (he still hasnt learned how to take close up pics ive been telling him for years now that he has 9 finger its easy
                  I can write about  my interlock puzzles
                  Roby can write about puzzle boxes
                  john about packing or put together or what ever design he has
                  maby bernhard about cubicdesigns
and so on.I dont know about you but i am so exiting about even thinking it that makes me fill so nice and happy.Imagine ....Now the thing is that i dont now anything on how is the articles are written and stuff like that.But from the books i have i know that what the book will be great to look like.
Very nice and simple are : John Berkeley  book "All screwed Up".Lots of pics.few words for explaning. Perfect.
                                     David springett  "woodturning wizardy"  simply master"
Richard raffan "Turning boxes" perfect.
Now all the above books i know there only turning books but its only for the structural part i am giving them as examples and not only for the content.
Come on then tel me what do you think

                 

[Canuck]

I think it's a great idea Mike!

[rolly_wood]

Same opinion as John: great idea!
humble hypothesis (proposal of my phantasy, maybe unreal): why do not invite a special guest - or host in this case - (e.g. STC) to serve as editor and possibly write a preface? each author will have his own chapter, all under the umbrella of a great, appealing, name. One Editor or two, let us say the guru of secret boxes mr .... or the master of turning mr ..... , many authors, in scientific books it is usual to find this. Or in your opinion this weakens your contribution?

[JWDiaz]

I've been an amateur writer of fiction for a number of years, click for a sampling of my writing:  http://www.sffworld.com/community/story/59p0.html  I also write poetry and have translated a few Spanish classic sonnets into English. I don't imagine that technical writing is comparable in any way to fiction, but I'm sure that it isn't something that one learns overnight.

I love the idea of writing a book about puzzle-making, but I can assure you that none of the "writers" of so many technical books are the real authors of those books, with the possible exception of Stewart Coffin (the language used in his books seems to come from a technical mind rather than a mind trying to fix something it knows nothing about).

If a writer of technical books can be interested in re-writing everybody's texts, then it's a possibility. But they are expensive and must be paid upfront.

[Chinnomotto]

Good idea Mikey, I'll start with the 6 finger Pennyhedron,,,,,,,,,don't think you have forgiven me yet 

We have to find a catchy Title for the book

[Johan Heyns]

Great idea Mike, I'll make a contribution about African Blocknut Madness!

[ihcoib]

I will want to buy that book for two reasons: There is not that many books on the market about mechanical puzzles and it is a shame that good designs and expertise get lost as time go by.

[Roby]

Sorry for taking so long to get back on this thread.  I think it is also a great idea.  I think that Matt Dawson was starting something similar, so you might check with him to see what he might have already put together.  Myself, I would be happy to contribute, and in fact have been meaning to start taking pictures of my projects at different stages of design and production.  Is it going to focus more on the design, production, or solution to our puzzles?  Knowing this might change my approach to writing and the pictures that I take.

[Roby]

Now I am excited, so give me the parameters and how many pages you want to take up on each area. 

[MBD]

Stickman book already covered.
http://www.amazon.com/Stick-Man-Julia-Donaldson/dp/0545157617/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1241272804&sr=8-1
 

[MBD]

Stick Man lives in the family tree
With his Stick Lady Love and their stick children three.

But one day, Stick Man is carried off by a mischievous dog who wants to play fetch! Things go from bad to worse as Stick Man is carried farther and farther away from home. Lonely and lost, Stick Man desperately wants to get home to be with his family for Christmas. And when he helps Santa Claus out of a bind, he finds the perfect ticket home!
---------
Kind of sounds like what happened to the Fulcrum Box. 

[Canuck]

Kind of sounds like what happened to the Fulcrum Box. 

Oh dude, don't go there!  Roby's probably still furious about that incident

[JWDiaz]

Just received an e-mail from Johan suggesting that the book be an electronic book. If we did as he says, most of the problems would be eliminated and the book could be a reality. If we write it, Davans will host it for free, that is if John agrees.

Do we write it?

[Canuck]

Absolutely...sounds great to me

[RKB]

Just received an e-mail from Johan suggesting that the book be an electronic book. If we did as he says, most of the problems would be eliminated and the book could be a reality. If we write it, Davans will host it for free, that is if John agrees.

Do we write it?

Why don't you all simply write an article for CFF?