Funemployment – Fun for the unemployed
As the recession drags on, more people I know are losing their jobs. It’s sad and scary, especially for people who have children to support.
But apparently, it’s not all gloom and doom for the unemployed. Some people are calling themselves “funemployed.” That is, if they’re going to be unemployed, they’re still going to have some fun.
Here’s an quote from the LA Times:
For the ‘funemployed,’ unemployment is welcome
These jobless folks, usually singles in their 20s and 30s, find that life without work agrees with them. Instead of punching the clock, they’re hitting the beach.
I have a friend who has been out of work for two months now. He’s single with no kids, a low mortgage, and COBRA benefits. He saved his money carefully and plans to take his time looking for work…after the summer. He looks relaxed and happy for someone without a job.
So, even though a lay off can be difficult, I hope that people can still manage to have a good summer and enjoy the time off. Have some fun, you’ll be back to work soon.
LINKS, NOT NECESSARILY ENDORSEMENTS:
The Funemployment Blog
Get Funemployed!
Book Expo 2009 – A quick recap
Last weekend I went to the Book Expo of America 2009 in New York City. It’s a show that comes around every three years, so it’s not one that I want to miss. As the author of several books (and hopefully more in the future!), I attend the shows to network and connect with publishers.
Since last show, however, we’ve seen the launch of ebook readers, including the Sony Reader and the Amazon Kindle. Many publishers offered ebook versions of new releases, which seemed to draw little attention from media reporting on the event. And yet, neither Sony nor Amazon nor Google (which is now selling ebooks!) had any significant presence at the Expo, which is more or less a professional trade show.
As an author, I would have liked to have seen at least Sony and Amazon at the convention with big informational booths. Y’know, preaching the digital gospel and stuff. I even brought my Kindle with me, just in case Amazon was giving away free sample books or whatever. Sadly, there was nothing there but a little standing kiosk. Nothin’ fun for us early adopters.
Side note: One of the convention organizers said that the word “BEA” was one of the most Twittered words in the country that weekend. That’s kind of cool. And there were several digital-focused panels, including a couple on blogging and Twittering, which was interesting to see.
Despite the ups and downs of the recession, the show still seemed vibrant and alive. It felt a little less crowded than in previous years, but there were still a lot of publishers and interesting exhibitors. It’s a brightly lit Candyland of fun for people who love books. You can’t actually buy anything at Book Expo, but you can certainly plan some of things you’d like to see under the Christmas tree this year.
And, yes, a little reassurance that (despite the digital revolution) there are still people out there who plan to buy books. At least for a little while.
LINKS – NOT NECESSARILY ENDORSEMENTS
Thank God It’s Thursday: Book Expo ’09
Book Expo America 2009 – A Summary
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