"$h*t They Never Told You"
Donation protected
Hello there.
My name is Faith and I am a "young professional", born and raised in Buffalo, NY (GO BILLS). I have never done a crowdsourcing campaign, but just recently I realized that right now, today, I need to run with this insane idea - I need to publish a book.
Random, I know. Especially as someone who has not read any of the Harry Potter books (yes, I swear I grew up in this country and yes, it affects my life every day). But, ever since I've been a "woman in the work place" - starting at the age of 16 as a food service worker at Tim Horton's - I've started realizing:
1.) Many things in this world will not work out unless you work very, very hard
and
2.) There are many things that people never ACTUALLY say which can be intense barriers to all of the things
From this realization, I deduced that in order for most people to feel whole heartedly good about their work, we as a society need to begin dissecting those "things" that people do not say in order for us all to be better. And right there is where it began - my obsession with observing and reflecting, creeping and absorbing.
Fast forward to a few years ago - when society told me the best thing I could go was to get a salaried job - and you will see a young Faith, applying to every non-profit entry level job under the sun, making her mom and dad help pay for her Loft business casual suits. Like many people who started their first "real" job in an industry they thought they already knew, I was terrified shitless and was consistently bummed by the things people would say about their colleagues, their work, their lives, but also, the things people would not say.
But Really, Why Today?
So, here I am, with a lot to learn but now running with a pretty wild idea that I feel I need to act on right now. Why today, this day in November 2015, do I feel the dire need to publish a book about people in the work place? Thoughtful question, thank you for asking. The company that currently is willing to keep me on their payroll is moving just a few blocks down the road, and with that comes all sorts of garbage and hoarding, along with reflecting and thinking. There is this one chalkboard wall where someone wrote "Be Happy" above an odd flower drawing. I would stare at this wall every day for quite some time, and yesterday I was staring at it one last time thinking "Fuck you, wall".
The "Fuck you" is very important in this story. Whenever I'd look at that wall, in my Leslie Knope big girl pants, flipping through a binder of women, I would read it to myself and think "Don't tell me what to do, wall! You're just a WALL!" then get super ashamed that I let it go that far (this is coming from the girl who at 10 years old would grab the TV screen when a Nike commercial came on and ask it"Just do WHAT, Michael Jordan? How do I do IT?!").
So clearly, yesterday, I let that wall affect me one last time in that particular location, but this time, it was for the better. I realized that I don't always need to know the how or why or what in order to listen to some words of wisdom - I need to just be happy, in any way that means to me at that given moment.
That brings me to today - the last Thursday before Thanksgiving, just arriving at the Logan airport en route to Buffalo, when something crazy happens. I am humming and hooing after I put my boots on post security and I quickly look down. At the store in front of me, I see a little tee shirt with one of those smiling Minions saying "BE HAPPY". I have photographic evidence, I kid you not. I whipped around saying "HOLY SHIT!!" so fast that my hair blew over a boy rolling his mother's suitcase (sorry, little man.). That is when I knew today is the day - either I am dying at midnight because that shit is tooooooo spooky, or I am writing down these years of thought and should probably share ideas about "shit they never told you". And , whether it "fails" or "succeeds", I will be happy.
(I am an asshole and afterwards realized it wasn't cool to NOT buy it and just take a pic :/)
More WHY.
I hope that story gave you a solid understanding of my "why", but in true sociological form, I now will give you more "why" and "what" in bullet form with some "I" statements:
- "$h*t They Never Told you" will be a guide for working folks, whatever their work place, so they feel capable of surviving and thriving while also being happy
- In a world where news outlets now think they must post the latest video of a piglet and dog watching Spongebob, it is clear to me that storytelling, in any format, can truly affect behavior change and provide threads of common understanding
- On the same note, our American society has made some strides in the workplace and in general - Just this year: Jen Welter became the first woman coach in the NFL, Target chose to feature girl models of differing abilities in their ads, Kylie Jenner launched an anti-bullying campaign , and the list goes onnnnn. But, I am like that mother that is happy her stubborn child ate his vegetables, but still feels the need to say "Really, Jonny? Why are you still smuggling the chicken nuggets???"
- I have many feelings and thoughts on the "why" people don't say particular things, but my goal is to make a book of high utility and high humor - allowing people to laugh and learn at the same time
- I identify as a white, American, able-bodied, hetero, female... and I have a liberal arts education and I've had a salary... therefore, this viewpoint is just my viewpoint. I need others to tell me their experiences with "shit people didn't tell them" before or during their working lives so this book is useful to as many people as possible
- Echoing the same principle as above, I have only been around the block ~2 times in my tenure as a working woman, so I need stories from all of YOU, the folks who have been putting in the time needed to survive and to make this book the best it can be
- I've done a lot of thinking on this subject, but not much doing. And as I've stated, books and I still have a weird relationship, so I need as much constructive feedback, insight, you name it, from anyone who can and is willing to share
- I am serious when I say the goal of this book is not to offend, scold, or blame anyone, and I will not use examples that can be attributed to folks in my current professional life, that won't do anyone any good, and it is just plain mean (unless people EXPLICITLY say they want to be named in here for contributing, obviously that is fine)
- I cannot stress enough that anonymity, intent, and impact are all very important to me
- There are multiple socio-historical/structural/ institutional/ cultural/ etc. factors intersecting which act as barriers to people's survival and success - this book will not solve all of these deep seeded issues, but it at least will be a small path to change
- I also can't stress this enough - differing viewpoints are critical to crafting a resource that is constructive, so please send me your one-liners and accompanying examples from your work life or others!!!
Some examples of content.
My mother is quite the woman when it comes to zingers, so I've fortunately been able to capture numerous things people never told her, which of course, she felt impelled to share with her children. Here are just a few examples types of content areas I will cover in the book - light to heavy and everything in between:
- Your first work Holiday Party will haunt your dreams
- Most people are just happy to be here
- K Cups are in no way good for our earth, solar system, or universe
- Your email signature fucking matters
- Many people (more than you think) wish The Dundees were a thing
- You won't die if you don't respond to that non urgent email/text before close of business
- Not all grown women want to be "Big Girls" (and same for men!)
- 50% of people want to see a pic of Jamie's newborn baby, 90% want to see a pic of Jodie's new dog
- Never using capital letters makes you seem like you were the cool, leather jacket wearing teen in high school
- Email and texts are forever. Right?
-Professional Bob will definitely try to touch your bum at least once this fiscal year
HOW do I plan to do this, you inquire?
So again, super serious - I have no actual idea how to publish a book. But the trusty internet was my friend today and I compared multiple publishing sources and companies to find the ball park number I need to actualize if I am to make this book a reality. So, I am seeking $11,500 which will cover:
Publishing basics royalties; support; copyright registration; ISBN bar code
Formatting and design professional, custom interior formatting; custom book cover; physical proof
Distribution and sales availability online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc.; annual book order fee; online sales reporting; website order fulfillment
[~$5000]
Ebook formatting and distribution
[~$1000]
Editing copyediting and proofing
[~$500]
Marketing customized website; author branding on popular marketplaces like Amazon, Goodreads, and Barnes & Noble; submission to search engines; branding campaign on Facebook and Twitter
[~$3000]
Unforeseeable future costs
[~$2000]
But Faith, what is your timeline?
The ideas, anecdotes and advice have already been pouring in thanks to my amazing support network. But, if I am being smart, I will use miss Hoda Kotb as my example and overestimate the time and energy it takes to craft a masterpiece. I am leaving my net wide, with the major milestones of:
May 2016: Accumulate a book's worth of content from friends, family, peers, and friends I haven't met yet
June 2016: Apply finishing touches to content and literary structure
July 2016: Secure graphics and overall look and feel of hard copy
August 2016: Achieve goal of raising $11,500 [!!!]
November 2016: Finalize timeline and project management discussions with publisher and fellow partners in crime
Thank yous are great.
I firmly believe everyone deserves at least 5 thank yous per day. I have been fortunate enough to have grown alongside many thoughtful, kind, intelligent, and brilliant people in my life and without them I would not be writing this book:
1.) The original James Gang Five: You put me in my place but hold my hand when I need it. Thank you for your unwavering senses of humor and unconditional love.
2.) My gmas, gpas, sister in law, cousins, aunts, nieces, newphews, lovely extended family yada yada: Some of you may have tried to leave me in a closet during one too many games of hide n' seek, or forced weird meats down my throat at holiday dinners, but I know you all have hearts of gold. Love you, fam!!
3.) All of my adorable and wild and hilarious and humble friends who still find it okay to bring me places and tell me I'm pretty and cool - you are a part of me, and I am a part of you. #cuethetears
4.) My college professors and deans who were not afraid to tell us like it is while still giving us praises when warranted: Renee, Jeff, Kendra, Sheila, Feisal, Megan, Lisa - I appreciate you more than you know.
5.) All of the other mentors in my life who've confirmed that I may be chasing dreams, but I can do whatever I set my damn heart to: Skylar, SDT, ACL, Miranda, Claire, Jeremy - I appreciate you forever, boss women (and man).
6.) My amazing former colleagues (unicorns) who are not just slugging day in and out but are passioantely working to change the status quo - you aren't going to do it, you are ALREADY doing it.
7.) Every commedienne who has used her gift for good: The Ellens, Gildas, Joans, Bettys, Dollys, Whitneys, Lucys, Mindys, Amys, Tinas (and the list goes on) of the world - keep killing it for all of us girls out here who think laughter can and does help the world.
8.) All of the storytellers who saw it as their duty to share their personal experiences in order to inspire love, learning and healing: Hoda Kotb, Justin Halpern, Steve Martin, Aziz Anasari, Bethenny Frankel, and many many more.
That was, umm, a lot. Now what?
You are darlings for reading to this point, I appreciate you. Please send me your ideas, anecdotes, thoughts, feelings, etc. through this Go Fund Me page. If sharing anecdotes, please state if you'd like your name listed in the beginning of the book, or if you'd like be to anonymous.
And unfortuantely, as charming as I am, I have yet to find a Mindy Project-loving trust fund dude to marry, so I need every cent and dollar I can get. Anything at all you are able to give between now and August 2016 is literally Chris Traeger AMAZING. This project isn't "saving childern in the corners of our world", but I truly believe it will change some lives if we let it. Your generosity is beyond appreciated! Of course, feel free to spread the word to your friends ;)
Lastly, I am fortunate enough to pursue my passion with the click of a few buttons on my shiny lap top, but many are not even able to live a life that is truly "living" - so if you can, please support an organization that is working to restore some love, hope, etc. into people's lives around the world - All Hands Volunteers .
Welp, that is all folks. Thanks again for listening and joining me as I plunge onward - let's make shit HAPPEN!
My name is Faith and I am a "young professional", born and raised in Buffalo, NY (GO BILLS). I have never done a crowdsourcing campaign, but just recently I realized that right now, today, I need to run with this insane idea - I need to publish a book.
Random, I know. Especially as someone who has not read any of the Harry Potter books (yes, I swear I grew up in this country and yes, it affects my life every day). But, ever since I've been a "woman in the work place" - starting at the age of 16 as a food service worker at Tim Horton's - I've started realizing:
1.) Many things in this world will not work out unless you work very, very hard
and
2.) There are many things that people never ACTUALLY say which can be intense barriers to all of the things
From this realization, I deduced that in order for most people to feel whole heartedly good about their work, we as a society need to begin dissecting those "things" that people do not say in order for us all to be better. And right there is where it began - my obsession with observing and reflecting, creeping and absorbing.
Fast forward to a few years ago - when society told me the best thing I could go was to get a salaried job - and you will see a young Faith, applying to every non-profit entry level job under the sun, making her mom and dad help pay for her Loft business casual suits. Like many people who started their first "real" job in an industry they thought they already knew, I was terrified shitless and was consistently bummed by the things people would say about their colleagues, their work, their lives, but also, the things people would not say.
But Really, Why Today?
So, here I am, with a lot to learn but now running with a pretty wild idea that I feel I need to act on right now. Why today, this day in November 2015, do I feel the dire need to publish a book about people in the work place? Thoughtful question, thank you for asking. The company that currently is willing to keep me on their payroll is moving just a few blocks down the road, and with that comes all sorts of garbage and hoarding, along with reflecting and thinking. There is this one chalkboard wall where someone wrote "Be Happy" above an odd flower drawing. I would stare at this wall every day for quite some time, and yesterday I was staring at it one last time thinking "Fuck you, wall".
The "Fuck you" is very important in this story. Whenever I'd look at that wall, in my Leslie Knope big girl pants, flipping through a binder of women, I would read it to myself and think "Don't tell me what to do, wall! You're just a WALL!" then get super ashamed that I let it go that far (this is coming from the girl who at 10 years old would grab the TV screen when a Nike commercial came on and ask it"Just do WHAT, Michael Jordan? How do I do IT?!").
So clearly, yesterday, I let that wall affect me one last time in that particular location, but this time, it was for the better. I realized that I don't always need to know the how or why or what in order to listen to some words of wisdom - I need to just be happy, in any way that means to me at that given moment.
That brings me to today - the last Thursday before Thanksgiving, just arriving at the Logan airport en route to Buffalo, when something crazy happens. I am humming and hooing after I put my boots on post security and I quickly look down. At the store in front of me, I see a little tee shirt with one of those smiling Minions saying "BE HAPPY". I have photographic evidence, I kid you not. I whipped around saying "HOLY SHIT!!" so fast that my hair blew over a boy rolling his mother's suitcase (sorry, little man.). That is when I knew today is the day - either I am dying at midnight because that shit is tooooooo spooky, or I am writing down these years of thought and should probably share ideas about "shit they never told you". And , whether it "fails" or "succeeds", I will be happy.
(I am an asshole and afterwards realized it wasn't cool to NOT buy it and just take a pic :/)
More WHY.
I hope that story gave you a solid understanding of my "why", but in true sociological form, I now will give you more "why" and "what" in bullet form with some "I" statements:
- "$h*t They Never Told you" will be a guide for working folks, whatever their work place, so they feel capable of surviving and thriving while also being happy
- In a world where news outlets now think they must post the latest video of a piglet and dog watching Spongebob, it is clear to me that storytelling, in any format, can truly affect behavior change and provide threads of common understanding
- On the same note, our American society has made some strides in the workplace and in general - Just this year: Jen Welter became the first woman coach in the NFL, Target chose to feature girl models of differing abilities in their ads, Kylie Jenner launched an anti-bullying campaign , and the list goes onnnnn. But, I am like that mother that is happy her stubborn child ate his vegetables, but still feels the need to say "Really, Jonny? Why are you still smuggling the chicken nuggets???"
- I have many feelings and thoughts on the "why" people don't say particular things, but my goal is to make a book of high utility and high humor - allowing people to laugh and learn at the same time
- I identify as a white, American, able-bodied, hetero, female... and I have a liberal arts education and I've had a salary... therefore, this viewpoint is just my viewpoint. I need others to tell me their experiences with "shit people didn't tell them" before or during their working lives so this book is useful to as many people as possible
- Echoing the same principle as above, I have only been around the block ~2 times in my tenure as a working woman, so I need stories from all of YOU, the folks who have been putting in the time needed to survive and to make this book the best it can be
- I've done a lot of thinking on this subject, but not much doing. And as I've stated, books and I still have a weird relationship, so I need as much constructive feedback, insight, you name it, from anyone who can and is willing to share
- I am serious when I say the goal of this book is not to offend, scold, or blame anyone, and I will not use examples that can be attributed to folks in my current professional life, that won't do anyone any good, and it is just plain mean (unless people EXPLICITLY say they want to be named in here for contributing, obviously that is fine)
- I cannot stress enough that anonymity, intent, and impact are all very important to me
- There are multiple socio-historical/structural/ institutional/ cultural/ etc. factors intersecting which act as barriers to people's survival and success - this book will not solve all of these deep seeded issues, but it at least will be a small path to change
- I also can't stress this enough - differing viewpoints are critical to crafting a resource that is constructive, so please send me your one-liners and accompanying examples from your work life or others!!!
Some examples of content.
My mother is quite the woman when it comes to zingers, so I've fortunately been able to capture numerous things people never told her, which of course, she felt impelled to share with her children. Here are just a few examples types of content areas I will cover in the book - light to heavy and everything in between:
- Your first work Holiday Party will haunt your dreams
- Most people are just happy to be here
- K Cups are in no way good for our earth, solar system, or universe
- Your email signature fucking matters
- Many people (more than you think) wish The Dundees were a thing
- You won't die if you don't respond to that non urgent email/text before close of business
- Not all grown women want to be "Big Girls" (and same for men!)
- 50% of people want to see a pic of Jamie's newborn baby, 90% want to see a pic of Jodie's new dog
- Never using capital letters makes you seem like you were the cool, leather jacket wearing teen in high school
- Email and texts are forever. Right?
-Professional Bob will definitely try to touch your bum at least once this fiscal year
HOW do I plan to do this, you inquire?
So again, super serious - I have no actual idea how to publish a book. But the trusty internet was my friend today and I compared multiple publishing sources and companies to find the ball park number I need to actualize if I am to make this book a reality. So, I am seeking $11,500 which will cover:
Publishing basics royalties; support; copyright registration; ISBN bar code
Formatting and design professional, custom interior formatting; custom book cover; physical proof
Distribution and sales availability online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc.; annual book order fee; online sales reporting; website order fulfillment
[~$5000]
Ebook formatting and distribution
[~$1000]
Editing copyediting and proofing
[~$500]
Marketing customized website; author branding on popular marketplaces like Amazon, Goodreads, and Barnes & Noble; submission to search engines; branding campaign on Facebook and Twitter
[~$3000]
Unforeseeable future costs
[~$2000]
But Faith, what is your timeline?
The ideas, anecdotes and advice have already been pouring in thanks to my amazing support network. But, if I am being smart, I will use miss Hoda Kotb as my example and overestimate the time and energy it takes to craft a masterpiece. I am leaving my net wide, with the major milestones of:
May 2016: Accumulate a book's worth of content from friends, family, peers, and friends I haven't met yet
June 2016: Apply finishing touches to content and literary structure
July 2016: Secure graphics and overall look and feel of hard copy
August 2016: Achieve goal of raising $11,500 [!!!]
November 2016: Finalize timeline and project management discussions with publisher and fellow partners in crime
Thank yous are great.
I firmly believe everyone deserves at least 5 thank yous per day. I have been fortunate enough to have grown alongside many thoughtful, kind, intelligent, and brilliant people in my life and without them I would not be writing this book:
1.) The original James Gang Five: You put me in my place but hold my hand when I need it. Thank you for your unwavering senses of humor and unconditional love.
2.) My gmas, gpas, sister in law, cousins, aunts, nieces, newphews, lovely extended family yada yada: Some of you may have tried to leave me in a closet during one too many games of hide n' seek, or forced weird meats down my throat at holiday dinners, but I know you all have hearts of gold. Love you, fam!!
3.) All of my adorable and wild and hilarious and humble friends who still find it okay to bring me places and tell me I'm pretty and cool - you are a part of me, and I am a part of you. #cuethetears
4.) My college professors and deans who were not afraid to tell us like it is while still giving us praises when warranted: Renee, Jeff, Kendra, Sheila, Feisal, Megan, Lisa - I appreciate you more than you know.
5.) All of the other mentors in my life who've confirmed that I may be chasing dreams, but I can do whatever I set my damn heart to: Skylar, SDT, ACL, Miranda, Claire, Jeremy - I appreciate you forever, boss women (and man).
6.) My amazing former colleagues (unicorns) who are not just slugging day in and out but are passioantely working to change the status quo - you aren't going to do it, you are ALREADY doing it.
7.) Every commedienne who has used her gift for good: The Ellens, Gildas, Joans, Bettys, Dollys, Whitneys, Lucys, Mindys, Amys, Tinas (and the list goes on) of the world - keep killing it for all of us girls out here who think laughter can and does help the world.
8.) All of the storytellers who saw it as their duty to share their personal experiences in order to inspire love, learning and healing: Hoda Kotb, Justin Halpern, Steve Martin, Aziz Anasari, Bethenny Frankel, and many many more.
That was, umm, a lot. Now what?
You are darlings for reading to this point, I appreciate you. Please send me your ideas, anecdotes, thoughts, feelings, etc. through this Go Fund Me page. If sharing anecdotes, please state if you'd like your name listed in the beginning of the book, or if you'd like be to anonymous.
And unfortuantely, as charming as I am, I have yet to find a Mindy Project-loving trust fund dude to marry, so I need every cent and dollar I can get. Anything at all you are able to give between now and August 2016 is literally Chris Traeger AMAZING. This project isn't "saving childern in the corners of our world", but I truly believe it will change some lives if we let it. Your generosity is beyond appreciated! Of course, feel free to spread the word to your friends ;)
Lastly, I am fortunate enough to pursue my passion with the click of a few buttons on my shiny lap top, but many are not even able to live a life that is truly "living" - so if you can, please support an organization that is working to restore some love, hope, etc. into people's lives around the world - All Hands Volunteers .
Welp, that is all folks. Thanks again for listening and joining me as I plunge onward - let's make shit HAPPEN!
Organizer
Faith James
Organizer
Somerville, MA
