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By I've taken a few days off from posting more thoughts on anticipation (see the previous few blog entries), largely because everyone's on holiday and probably not spending much time reading Head First blogs :-) We'll get back to anticipation in another day or two, but in the meantime, I had a much more important question... one that only YOU can answer.
What are you looking for from this blog? Not just the Head First Labs site -- although I'd love to hear more on that, as well -- but this little weblog? We really do want to serve you here, and it's sort of silly for everyone to spend time each day writing something you don't care much about.
So as the New Year opens, we'd like to know what you come here for. More importantly, what would you like to come here for? Here are just a few ideas to get you started:
* Contests and giveaways based on little book-specific trivia contests?
* Discussions on learning theory?
* A behind-the-scenes look at what's going into producing these books?
* A forward look at what's coming?
Do you just want to hear about the books here? Or would you rather this be a place where you can read and contribute your thoughts on how we learn, and what needs you have?
We're dying to know, and to mold this blog into something you check daily. But to do that, we need to know what you're looking for. So tell us... no matter how wild or unusual, I promise we'll consider (I did say consider, not implement, right? :-) ) your ideas. At the end of the day, we're here for your benefit.
Thanks!
Brett
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I always enjoy the peaks at the books to come. It helps me decide which ones I can write off as a justifiable expense...and which ones I'll just have to use my own money for. :)
Hmm...would it be too much to ask for a few "guest appearances" by Ms. Kathy Sierra? (she's sorely missed...)
* Learning theory is good.
* Aggregation and sharing of "cool sites that influenced how we wrote" is good.
* Pointers to other places to learn (well done online tutorials, etc) would be welcome. (and also cement Head First as truly caring about the end-user learning..."hey, we'll point you to our competitors if we thing they're doing a kick ass job!")
*Notification of head first contests.
At the risk of sounding like one of those $250/hr "management focus" quacks*...what is the "head first" mission..and how does the blog support it?
If your mission is to demystify the learning process, provide encouragement, and help folks learn (tough) subjects in the most effective way possible, well...hmm. I'd say that goes beyond just letting us know what's happening with the books.
my .02.
cheers!
-aaron
*I no fowl-offense intended.
I WANT TO KNOW WHAT BOOKS ARE COMING AND WHEN. I OWN THEM ALL BUT WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHATS COMING IN THE NEXT SIX MONTHS.
Seeing as you asked, I would like to see a new edition of HF Enterprise Java Beans. There is just too much that is new to use your present edition.
Thanks
William
+1 for Kathy!
+2 for Kathy!!! I also miss her blog. I think her blog could be the perfect inspiration for you guys – it certainly has been an inspiration for me!
But here are a few other things I think *might* help this blog become some so addictive that everyone awaits the next blog entry just as much as the books:
Focusing on learning is always good. But it's got to be in a fun way that really grabs me. I hate when I go to a blog and see nothing but a bunch of text, no matter how interesting it might be. Not to say every blog entry has to be filled with imagery, but even just something simple to make the blog entry memorable. Just like Head First books...blog entries need pictures!
We'd love to see sneak peeks of books, but I know that's tough to share until things are completely approved.
Extensions of books. This is the PERFECT place to throw in those little tips and extra tid bits that the authors couldn't squeeze into the books. Perhaps guest appearances from authors to post mini tutorials. I'd think that would not only help Head First but the author's reputation.
Resources. A weekly or even monthly list of links/resources that are relevant to things the audience might be interested in. Feed me full of information that will help ME learn more. This could be about learning, programming, or even anything FUN. This is Head First – we expect to be humored.
I see lots of potential for the Head First blog to be as popular as the books. In fact, it's the perfect vehicle to help sell more books because it can lead to drawing in more web users that may not be aware of the series.
Ultimately, what I've learned it blogging is that it's not about YOU. Your users are reading your blog thinking about themselves and how they will benefit. Not to say you shouldn't do what you find important. But you have to understand that you have to deliver your blog entries with your user in mind constantly, because on the other end their thinking about what will help them improve.
Good luck to you guys...I look forward to seeing this blog evolve!
In the book html with css and xhtml page 45, the first step is to download items for Headfirst Lounge. I'm not swift enough to find this on your site.
Jack, you can find all of the files related to Head First HTML with CSS & XHTML here: http://www.headfirstlabs.com/books/hfhtml/index.php
I've also emailed you at the address you provided in case you don't check back here soon. Hope that helps!
When come First WebSphere, JMS, ORB WebServices
Head First PowerShell please!