Next week I promise to get into the proper holiday spirit. Today,
however, Festivus just seems appropriate. It has been, to say the very least, a most interesting week. It has also been a week of almost miraculous accomplishments starting with Reedy Press, publisher of my latest book. As you may recall, several weeks ago the company’s shipping center and warehouse, with 200,000 books went up in flames. So, holiday sales were suspended, and I issued refunds on orders and canceled a couple of pending signings. Yesterday I received notice that a rushed second printing was complete and that orders were again being accepted through the Reedy Press website. Obviously I won’t have copies until after the holidays but people who order through the company site, or Amazon.com should have them in time for Christmas.
Next, our crowdfunding initiative. As this was a new endeavor it took me a bit to hone the concept and work out a few rough spots. I am quite pleased to announce that we are on the cusp of reaching our first goal. Level two, three, and four will enable us to improve the quality of the Facebook live programs, and launch a rather ambitious effort in 2018; 21 Facebook live interviews in 21 days on Route 66. That project will be an integral part of a plan to “promote small town America” and the people that give these places a distinct personality.
That takes us to the weekly Jim Hinckley’s America Facebook live programs. Our reach for these programs is now exceeding an average of 4,000 people per week. My self imposed goal was a reach of 5,000 people per week by the end of the year so I am rather pleased by these numbers. Of even more importance is the fact that, based upon the response received, the programs are magnifying the promotional initiatives of small businesses and rural communities.
Next week we will again take the show on the road. On the morning of Friday, December 22, Rosie Ramos and KC Keefer, the photographer and film producer, will be guests for our program that will be live from Fender’s River Road Resort & Motel in Needles, California. The plan is to also schedule a few future programs in Topock, Golden Shores, and Oatman on Route 66 in Arizona. Pictures will be posted, and the adventure should make for an interesting blog post or two.
It brings me tremendous pleasure to announce that FINALLY the Powerhouse Visitor Center in Kingman, Arizona has WiFi. I have absolutely no clue as to why it took so long but do know that there was a plan to have that little service available in time for the Route 66 International Festival and that was in 2014. I am confident that this constitutes a Festivus miracle.
I would like to wrap this up on a somewhat serious note. Folks, Merry Christmas and happy holidays (which ever you choose to celebrate). It is our sincere hope that you have a delightful holiday season filled with laughter, friends, family, and happy memories.
