Handbook

[rcwild]

...

[Dwayne27]

so does this have anything more to it than a cool picture? downloadable PDF? purchaseable book? or still not finished?

[woadams123]

so does this have anything more to it than a cool picture? downloadable PDF? purchaseable book? or still not finished?

ouch.:grenade:

[degbert]

This teaser definitely has my attention.

I'm digging the layout. Catchy.

More details soon?

[abarbosa]

Rich,

Do you have the date of the release for the book?

If Yes, are you bringing some examples to Monterrey?

Regards

[kuper]

Looks awsome, I cant wait!!

[FredinUtah]

Would you like my credit card number now?

How soon will it ship? Looks awesome!

Can I get a signed copy?

[degbert]

Ooo, can I get a signed copy too?

Credit card at the ready.

[rcwild]

Tabs ...

[FredinUtah]

That's 2 teasers, I think you may have our attention!
When?

[paraizaa]

Excellent !!! I want one !!

[canyuneer]

I'm beginning to think Rich is sticking around a while...

[rcwild]

Sample page ...

[woadams123]

Looks like rescue rigger to the rescue. Nice!

[rcwild]

4" x 9"
spiral bound at top so pages flip and stay flat
waterproof paper
section index tabs (see post #9)

[rcwild]

Another step closer ...

[Dwayne27]

Any idea on what this will cost? And obviously when it will be available is a question everyone is wondering, but it seems you are keeping us on the edge of of our seats for that...

[bashfulbob]

Errrrrah I think it says $19.95 above the bar code. :hanginthere:

BB

[Dwayne27]

Errrrrah I think it says $19.95 above the bar code. :hanginthere:

BB


Hahaha - good call. Oops.

[rcwild]

Any idea on what this will cost? And obviously when it will be available is a question everyone is wondering, but it seems you are keeping us on the edge of of our seats for that...

Devin, I disappointed a lot of people when I failed to finish my book a few years ago. When my friend, Dave Black, came out with his book I stopped trying. Friends still encourage me to finish mine, hoping it will be the "Freedom of the Hills" of canyoneering. I still want to finish that monumental project, but looking at my schedule realistically, I don't know when I can.

So I came up with the idea for a field reference handbook. Not a lot of text. Intended primarily for people who already learned the skills and want a way to jog their memory when practicing or even in canyon.

I'm not going to give a completion date this time. All I will say is that I stayed home from the Mexico rendezvous to focus. Ran into a few problems with photos, but figured it out. Working every day on it. So close to finishing I can taste it. Doing just enough other work to pay bills. Have no idea how I'm going to pay for printing yet, but I have faith.

[Dwayne27]

Good enough for me. Thanks for the update. And thanks for all the hard work putting this together!

[rcwild]

Good enough for me. Thanks for the update. And thanks for all the hard work putting this together!

No comments from anyone about the section I posted in the whistle signals thread. That's an example of what this book is going to be. And you've seen some of the MA illustrations from the rescue section.

[Samvanilla]

the mapelton crew will be on the look out for a few copies great idea samvanilla

[FredinUtah]

Have no idea how I'm going to pay for printing yet, but I have faith.

You taking preorders, prepay? I don't mind paying ahead of time, a few (maybe a lot) more prepaid, preorders & the printing cost is a done deal!

[scubabryan]

Id be more than happy to prepay an order as well to help out with the printing costs. I'm excited for this!

[degbert]

Sign me up for a pre-order as well.

--
Slosh

[bashfulbob]

How about cashing in come of my points?

Have no problem with prepay. I have done prepay with Amazon and I know where to find you. :grenade:

BB

[yyakk7]

Rich,

I keep looking for it in the store, I'll pre-pay or order when it is!!!

Glen

[kuper]

+1 for the pre pay

[woadams123]

+2 prepay

[rcwild]

Thanks guys. When it is 100% finished and ready to go to the printer, I will accept orders. Not sooner.

There are 12 sections; 6 are 100% finished. The other 6 are in various stages.

[rread]

Looks great, would like a couple also. Let us know Rich.

[hank_moon]

Thanks guys. When it is 100% finished and ready to go to the printer, I will accept orders. Not sooner.

:2thumbs:

[phxmobrien]

Rich, When done at least a couple will be in the household, looks promising...

Mark

[barleywino]

4" x 9"
spiral bound at top so pages flip and stay flat
waterproof paper
section index tabs (see post #9)


any possibility you might be able to have the pages have a hole punched in the upper left corner, so we can put a keeper cord through the book (like some climbing guidebooks)? not easy to do this cleanly post-production. just an idea...

[rcwild]

any possibility you might be able to have the pages have a hole punched in the upper left corner, so we can put a keeper cord through the book (like some climbing guidebooks)? not easy to do this cleanly post-production. just an idea...

A couple problems ... The content is fitting fairly tight on most of the 4x6 pages. I would have to redo pages so the hole doesn't cut through words/pics. Second, you couldn't flip the pages open without removing the cord.

[joshleavitt]

Loving the idea!
Can't wait to preorder my copy!

[rcwild]

Received printing quotes today.

[rcwild]

The quotes came in quite a bit higher than I anticipated. Printing on waterproof paper ain't cheap. I consolidated some of the sections to reduce the number of plastic tabbed section dividers from 12 to 8. See post #9 of this thread.

Also planning to edit out around 20 pages to bring the cost down a tad. Help me out by letting me know what kinds of information you feel would be the MOST VALUABLE for you to have available DURING a canyon trip.

Thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts.

[FredinUtah]

My opinion is to increase the price, not reduce the content. Second choice, don't use waterproof paper. We often carry beta in the canyon on regular paper. I like the idea but how often do we really take out an instruction sheet while wet? Most use dry bags & for those concepts that we absolutely need while in situ, the flip chart style allows for easy scanning/copying.

What about just releasing it as a PDF like "Life on a Line" or both formats(PDF & print)

[rcwild]

My opinion is to increase the price, not reduce the content. Second choice, don't use waterproof paper. We often carry beta in the canyon on regular paper. I like the idea but how often do we really take out an instruction sheet while wet? Most use dry bags & for those concepts that we absolutely need while in situ, the flip chart style allows for easy scanning/copying.

I've had conversations with students in the last 3-4 courses about which techniques are meat and which are just fat. No problem trimming without sacrificing the most important content. If it gets down to the wire and I have no choice but to drop the waterproof paper idea, I will.


What about just releasing it as a PDF like "Life on a Line" or both formats(PDF & print)

Just so happens ... The content will also be available in a PDF subscription format. About 30 minutes ago I ordered index tabs for 3-ring binders. Subscribers will receive the index tabs and all current content, plus updates as they are created. Students in ACA courses will also receive the index tabs and content that relates to their course without subscribing.

The subscription idea came from Jeff Dredge following a Scout leader training a couple months ago. Quite a few people have asked me not to give up on the idea of creating the "Freedom of the Hills" of canyoneering. That's what I set out to do several years ago, but it is an overwhelming task. Jeff's idea solves the problem. I can supply content as it is completed and someday (maybe) pull it all together into one comprehensive book.

The subscription version will be available within the next 2-3 weeks.

[Spidey]

Cool, sounds pretty sweet Rich. Thanks you

[rcwild]

Here's an example of one of the PDF pages for 3-ring binder:

http://www.canyoneering.us/docs/bolt_selection.pdf

The left column is actually two pages from the 4x6 handbook. Right column is provided for students to take notes.

My canyoneering.us domain will be used as a repository for additional documents, videos, etc.

[amedina]

Sample charts look outstanding; very professional and practical. Hopefully, the handbook will end up in every canyoneer's pack and turn you a nice little profit. I would imagine your canyoneering colleagues in Mexico and Cost Rica may have inquired about having it translated into Spanish.

[scubabryan]

I personally wouldn't mind paying more for the waterproof pages. Not so much for the waterproofing but the overall added durability. I have some maps on my boat that are printed on waterproof paper and I couldn't destroy them if you wanted to, they will last me a lifetime. In my opinion, it would be a worthwhile investment.

As far as content, I hope to see a good portion of info on the rescue side: haul systems, different methods for mechanical advantages, methods/techniques of ascending etc.

From the sample sheets posted so far, it looks like its going to be a great tool.

[rcwild]

Sample charts look outstanding; very professional and practical. Hopefully, the handbook will end up in every canyoneer's pack and turn you a nice little profit.

Thanks, Augie.


I would imagine your canyoneering colleagues in Mexico and Cost Rica may have inquired about having it translated into Spanish.

Spanish translation already started. Hoping to get the Spanish version out 30-60 days after English.

[rcwild]

As far as content, I hope to see a good portion of info on the rescue side: haul systems, different methods for mechanical advantages, methods/techniques of ascending etc.

All included.

Just received the revised quote. Editing out 20 pages (down to 160 total) and cutting tabs down from 12 to 8 saved a whopping 7 cents per copy. :cry:

[Parker]

I'll spend the extra for waterproof. durability. If it's only saving 7 cents, keep it in.

[rcwild]

I'll spend the extra for waterproof. durability. If it's only saving 7 cents, keep it in.

The 7 cents had nothing to do with waterproof vs not. It only reflects difference in page count and number of section title pages with tabs. I have not asked for a price on non-waterproof paper.

[rcwild]

The synthetic paper is called YUPO ...

http://www.yupousa.com/paper/about-yupo/what-is-yupo

[barleywino]

I hope you are keeping in items like the voodoo and balancier and knots like the blakes hitch and inline 8? Please keep waterproof paper too...

[rcwild]

I hope you are keeping in items like the voodoo and balancier and knots like the blakes hitch and inline 8? Please keep waterproof paper too...

My burning question -- Do I really need to show people 10 different ways to tension a guide rope? Do I really need to show people 10 different friction hitches? Etc.

The field handbook is meant to be a resource you can pull out when you need to tension a rope and forgot how. ??

[hank_moon]

My burning question -- Do I really need to show people 10 different ways to tension a guide rope? Do I really need to show people 10 different friction hitches? Etc.

The field handbook is meant to be a resource you can pull out when you need to tension a rope and forgot how. ??

no, and please consider leaving the voodoo out...it's not nearly as good (or simple) as the 'kayak' or EZ 5:1 system you and Stefan taught me at that first ACA course way back when...

Simplicity in field guide= good

[barleywino]

My burning question -- Do I really need to show people 10 different ways to tension a guide rope? Do I really need to show people 10 different friction hitches? Etc.

The field handbook is meant to be a resource you can pull out when you need to tension a rope and forgot how. ??

wasn't aware you were going to show *any* ways to tension a rope... wasn't asking for 10 ways, just one good way! thanks

[rcwild]

wasn't aware you were going to show *any* ways to tension a rope... wasn't asking for 10 ways, just one good way! thanks

My post wasn't directed at your post specifically, Hubert. I've been having this conversation with quite a few people.

I will show several different ways to do it, including Voodoo, in the subscription PDFs. But I need to pick one simple way for the field handbook.

[abarbosa]

Rich,

Regarding the type of paper, waterproof or non-waterproof. Can you create the two versions?

I personally prefer the waterproof one.

Regards

[rcwild]

Regarding the type of paper, waterproof or non-waterproof. Can you create the two versions?

I will only do the waterproof version.

Received samples of the Yupo synthetic paper this morning. It is really nice stuff. Waterproof and tearproof.

[rcwild]

Progress Report

1. Preparation - 100%
2. Knots & Components - 80%
3. Anchors - 80%
4. Rigging - 80%
5. Techniques - 60%
6. Rescue - 80%
7. First Aid 100%
8. Signals & Reference 100%

Anticipate accepting orders for the subscription version in a week or two as I can start delivering immediately.

Anticipate finished 4x6 waterproof field handbook version in 30-60 days. Subject to printing time required.

[rcwild]

Question for our techno-geeks ...

I need a program that will allow me to upload PDF files to a protected directory on a website. When people subscribe, they will need a username and password to access the PDF files. Ideally, the entire process will be automated.

I assume there is an off-the-shelf program to accomplish this. Started poking around on hotscripts, but not sure how to evaluate to choose the best solution. Any suggestions/advice will be greatly appreciated.

[degbert]

Well Rich, it depends! :-P

What type of subscription is it? One-time, Yearly, Monthly, per chapter?

Does the system need to track what the customer has already downloaded?

Are you concerned about piracy enough to implement "measures".

Does the system need to have built-in CRM features?

Are you willing to pay a % of profits, or month fee for a service?

Would you prefer to bootstrap it (maybe a one-time fee for a "hotscript")?

[woadams123]

Rich, I do not know of an automated software package that does this. When I was selling softgoods like a protected pdf is, I programmed my own Paypal IPN server request/response pages using jsp (similar to php). You can avoid all that hassle with a service like https://www.payloadz.com/ (I have not used them).

You can create copy-protected pdf's using adobe's pdf suite. A protected PDF has a mechanism to prevent printing and copying. Here is a link about how some people are getting around the DRM of secure pdfs:
Cracking a pdf: http://www.kquee.com/blog/2006/04/19/breaking-a-protected-pdf/ebooks - Pirated books - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ebook_scene

Once you create the protected pdf, you'll use a web page on payloadz to upload the pdf for sale. Each paying customer gets a link to download your pdf. Once they download it a few times, the link will expire preventing other people from downloading it. You will need a Paypal merchant account with IPN enabled for payloadz which you can read about on paypal. Paypal and the IPN service are pretty slick.
PM me if you have additional questions.

Oh, I almost forgot. You might try to produce a secure pdf from openoffice (or you could try neooffice on the mac - both are free) to avoid buying adobe pdf suite. You might want to stick with the adobe product if you are really concerned about it being copied.

[rcwild]

Dave and Bill,

Thank you for the input. Your questions have provided food for thought.

I want this to be an annual subscription, which I plan to set up through PayPal. I want to keep it as simple as possible. Because people will receive some material from courses, some online and some via subscription, it could become a nightmare keeping track of who has what info.

Preferable to have one place subscribers can go to see a list of the PDFs that are currently available, like this: http://canyoneering.us/pdf/ Any PDFs they are missing they can download. The "Bolt Selection ..." and "Signals ..." PDFs are examples. Some of the documents on this page will be free to anyone (i.e. Totem instructions). Others will be marked "subscribers only". Clicking on the link to subscriber only documents will bring up a prompt for username and password because the actual PDF is in a protected folder.

Of course I am concerned about people stealing my work and am willing to implement reasonable measures. But I believe that people who are hell-bent on stealing (which includes forwarding PDFs to friends) will find a way. Every page will have website info on it, so perhaps even the pirated copies will result in new subscriptions and students, gear sales, etc.

Payloadz looks pretty cool, but it appears to work on a per-transaction basis. I don't want my subscribers to be hit with a new cost every time I create an update. But I might use it to sell a few individual sections as "reports" that include information about the full subscription.

I have Adobe CS3 and Acrobat. I am creating both books with InDesign, which allows me to save as PDF. I can open the PDFs in Acrobat to add password protection, etc. Just not sure how viable that is. If I put one password on all PDFs, people can forward the PDFs with the password. Preferable to give each user their own username and password so they lose access if they let their subscription expire.

I do want subscribers to print their PDFs to insert in their 3-ring binders. Limiting downloads certainly makes sense for a per-transaction setup like Payloadz, but not sure if it matters for the subscription. Less concerned about people sharing their username and password with friends than I am about them forwarding PDFs via email.

I found this: http://www.mediacollege.com/internet/security/password-protect/

I know it's not very sophisticated, but should work ?? One downside will certainly be the fact that I would have to enter the usernames and passwords manually, so there will be a lag between sign-up and access. Not good.

Perhaps a more elegant script from hotscripts ?? Or ?? Thoughts ??

[rcwild]

I just had one of those "Why didn't I think of that?" moments. I am using WordPress for the subscription site. Searching for WordPress plugins. Maybe something like these:

http://member.wishlistproducts.com/
http://www.memberwing.com/
http://www.primothemes.com/post/s2member-membership-plugin-with-paypal/
http://wp-member.com

[degbert]

I think you have the right attitude towards copy protection. It's a fine balancing act between protecting your content and pissing off your loyal customers. I'd at least lock your delivered PDFs from further editing and perhaps prevent the PDF from being embedded in another PDF document.

Way to think outside the box with Wordpress! For simple sites it makes a wonderful content management system. That s2member plug-in looks very interesting. I'm going to check that one out. Free is good. :-)

I was going to recommend SiteLok (http://tinyurl.com/sitelok) from Vibralogix (haven't use the product but used another product from the same company. LinkLok is the product I used. Its a transactional solution I used for selling software. It worked well and I got great support from the company). I'm thinking Wordpress may be better for you. I'll checkout S2 this evening.

[rcwild]

Thanks, David.

I've been poking around the WishList site for the past couple hours. It's $97, but has some very impressive features.

[rcwild]

Also found this WordPress plugin:

http://blue-anvil.com/archives/wordpress-download-monitor-3-documentation/

[scooter]

I am glad to hear you want to let people print out the pages. I would consider that paramount if I were to use the subscription info somewhere like red rocks to practice techniques.

[rcwild]

I am glad to hear you want to let people print out the pages. I would consider that paramount if I were to use the subscription info somewhere like red rocks to practice techniques.

Understood. I'm going to take David's advice about preventing edits and embedding, but beyond that ... seems pointless.

Decided to use WishList Member. Installed it a few minutes ago. Working on the setup now.

[rcwild]

The subscription version will be available by the end of this week.

Please accept my apologies for neglecting the forums a bit over the past couple weeks. Never was much good at juggling.

[rcwild]

I thought I could do the subscription for $4.50/month, but just nailed down all of my direct costs. At $4.50 I would lose money for two months. Changed it to $5.95 so I start making a couple bucks in the second month.

Curious to hear opinions. How many of you plan to subscribe? $5.95/month okay?

[yyakk7]

Sure, I'm ready and willing, how would we pay?
Thanks, Glen

[rcwild]

Sure, I'm ready and willing, how would we pay?
Thanks, Glen

My only remaining task is figuring out the encrypted URLs for the secure data storage service I am using. As soon as I get that working, I will add a PayPal button to the subscription page.

[rread]

I thought I could do the subscription for $4.50/month, but just nailed down all of my direct costs. At $4.50 I would lose money for two months. Changed it to $5.95 so I start making a couple bucks in the second month.

Curious to hear opinions. How many of you plan to subscribe? $5.95/month okay?

Any thoughts on a lifetime subscription cost, similar to being a member of the ACA. Pay a set cost once, then don't have to worry about month to month paying.:fishing:

[rcwild]

Any thoughts on a lifetime subscription cost, similar to being a member of the ACA. Pay a set cost once, then don't have to worry about month to month paying.:fishing:

I will likely offer a discounted annual subscription, but not sure about lifetime. We'll see.

[alphashifter]

I personally wouldn't mind paying more for the waterproof pages. Not so much for the waterproofing but the overall added durability...In my opinion, it would be a worthwhile investment.
I'm with scubabryan on this one!

As far as content, I hope to see a good portion of info on the rescue side: haul systems, different methods for mechanical advantages, methods/techniques of ascending etc.
Yup. This one too.
Another one for pre-payment.

[rcwild]

In case there is any confusion ... The book is coming out in two versions.

One is the subscription version. 8.5 x 11 PDF pages intended to be inserted in a 3-ring binder. The format allows me to continually add content. It will ultimately contain virtually every skill, technique and system that exists for canyoneering.

The other is a 4x6 field handbook printed on waterproof paper. Because space will be limited, it will only contain what I believe are the most critical and useful skills. Not a lot of text, but many photos and illustrations. A small reference that you can take with you to practice sessions and even when descending canyons.

[rcwild]

I accepted pre-orders for my book a few years ago. When I failed to finish, I gave refunds to a few people. Others refused, asking me to keep the money; a ploy to encourage me to finish or as a donation "to the cause". Appreciated the generosity, but it has weighed heavy on me. Finishing the book should have been a much higher priority.

Sent out an email yesterday letting people with pending orders know that they will receive a subscription to the online book and a copy of the field handbook.

Quite a few of the emails came back undeliverable. If you ordered a book, but did not receive my email yesterday, please contact me at rcwild at canyoneering dot net.

[rcwild]

My only remaining task is figuring out the encrypted URLs for the secure data storage service I am using. As soon as I get that working, I will add a PayPal button to the subscription page.

Encrypted URLs are now working. :happydance:

[rcwild]

Apologies if I'm asking a redundant question, but could you summarize what the offerings are? A hard copy handbook and a subscription service or one or the other? Thanks.

Both.

This project kinda snow-balled on me. I set out to do just the 4x6 waterproof field handbook. Showed what I've done so far to a couple of friends. One of them has been waiting for the "Freedom of the Hills" of canyoneering and seemed very disappointed that I was settling for completing just a field handbook. The other friend asked me if there was a way I could add pages to the field handbook so it could be updated on a regular basis.

The discussion got me thinking about the possibility of doing both.

The subscription version consists of 8.5 x 11 PDF pages to be inserted in a 3-ring binder. It will ultimately become the "Freedom of the Hills" or "On Rope" of canyoneering. No page counts to worry about like a normal book. I can crank out a continual stream of content.

The field handbook will have a finite number of pages (around 180). It will be more like a normal book (1st edition, 2nd edition, etc), except that it will be printed on waterproof synthetic paper.

The subscription version will appeal to all of the techno geeks who want to learn 10 different ways to isolate two strand of rope, so they can choose their 5 favorites. The field handbook will only show one way (maybe two).

The subscription version will run off of one of my websites -- http://www.canyoneering.us.

And more snow-balling ...

I set out to find a way to password-protect a directory on the website where I could load all the PDFs for the subscription version. As I learned about software that is available, I discovered so many more possibilities. Like providing online instructional videos, courses, etc. So add a third offering -- online canyoneering courses.

[canyuneer]

I'm thinking Rich may be sticking around a little longer...

[paraizaa]

Hi Rich ??

In México, can I buy a book with Chuy Guerrero or directly with you ??

Greetings !!

[rcwild]

Hi Rich ??

In México, can I buy a book with Chuy Guerrero or directly with you ??

Greetings !!

Hola Pedro,

Chuy is working on the Spanish translation of the field handbook. It will be available through him when it is ready, but that may be a few months.

Not sure how we are going to handle the subscription version yet. I hope there will be a Spanish version.

[paraizaa]

Thank you Rich !

I'll be hoping to have the opportunity to have this, almost on English to practice my translation too !!

A Hug !!

[rcwild]

Ready.

Finished all the programming. Installed the subscription system with monthly and annual option (may add lifetime in the near future). Tested and re-tested.

Several documents already uploaded. Will be uploading more every day through the rest of this week.

www.canyoneering.us (http://www.canyoneering.us)

[paraizaa]

:2thumbs: Excellent Rich !! Happy beginning !!

[rcwild]

:2thumbs: Excellent Rich !! Happy beginning !!

Thank you for becoming my first annual subscriber, Pedro.

[FredinUtah]

Rich,

I am having a bit of trouble logging in to the book. It accepted my payment & after a couple of try's it took my ACA log in credentials to get registered but I can't get past the wordpress log in screen. It tells me that I have an invalid username. I am very excited about this so please help.

Is the monthly subscription an automatic renewal?

Fred

[Dwayne27]

"Can someone join, download all your material, then cancel their membership?
No, the software we use prevents that from happening. Each month members are upgraded to a new level with access to additional content. If a member cancels, then re-joins later, they will start over at the first level. --Rich"

I am not sure I understand this. So if I joined now, I would not have access to everything currently available? Or is it just that I could download and print what is up there now, but if I cancel, I obviously wont have access to new material? If I joined now, then decided to cancel because I wont be able to get out canyoneering for a while, and 8 months down the road I decided to rejoin, I wont have access to any of the material that was updated since I cancelled?

Also, any update as to the date of the actual book being available?

[rcwild]

I am not sure I understand this. So if I joined now, I would not have access to everything currently available? Or is it just that I could download and print what is up there now, but if I cancel, I obviously wont have access to new material? If I joined now, then decided to cancel because I wont be able to get out canyoneering for a while, and 8 months down the road I decided to rejoin, I wont have access to any of the material that was updated since I cancelled?

I originally set out to find a simple way to password protect a directory where I would dump all my material and let subscribers access it all at once. A little research led me to a much more sophisticated approach. It is a subscription, so material will be fed out in blocks. Subscribers are automatically bumped up a series of levels with access to a new block of material at each level. If you join, stay around long enough to work up to, for example, the third block, then quit ... if you come back you will start over again at the first block.

But that's an over-simplification for a couple reasons. I will be adding new material to every block, so none of the information at any level will remain static. Plus, it's not a normal book with a finite collection of material. It is a dynamic project that will be updated regularly.

[rcwild]

Wow! 58 subscribers in the first day. :2thumbs: Wish I was smart enough to come up with this idea a long time ago.

[rcwild]

I am having a bit of trouble logging in to the book. It accepted my payment & after a couple of try's it took my ACA log in credentials to get registered but I can't get past the wordpress log in screen. It tells me that I have an invalid username. I am very excited about this so please help.

Sorry I missed your post here, Fred. We fixed the problem via private emails.

There is a 2-step process for registering. When you click on the subscribe button (after selecting monthly or annual), the system takes you to PayPal for payment. After payment is made, the system takes you to a page back on the site to set up your username and password.

It is an independent site and does not recognize login information from any other site.


Is the monthly subscription an automatic renewal?

It is automatic, but you can cancel at any time on PayPal.

[degbert]

Quick question... When you subscribe annually, do you get access to more content up front than the monthly subscribers?

[rcwild]

Quick question... When you subscribe annually, do you get access to more content up front than the monthly subscribers?

No, but it is priced to give you two months free.

I am in the process of re-formatting the material I had done on the original book. It was laid out for a 6 x 9 book. Pages on the website are 8.5 x 11. I will add one or two sections to the subscription later today.

Also found a cool little video program that will allow me to post some "mini video tutorials" using photos, audio (voice), etc. Hope to get one up over the next couple days.

[woadams123]

Rich, I just subscribed. This is a very convenient service. I had my own gear list but can now replace it with your shiny new one.

It might be a good idea add a link to http://canyoneering.us/ subscription content on the ACA home page (right side) so users won't have to dig for the link.

Thanks

[rcwild]

Thanks, Bill. I'm here in SLC this weekend for the leader course/exam. Finishing up a video tutorial that I will post when I get back home.

Not sure about posting a link on the ACA's home page, but I am working on some banners for the forums and elsewhere.

[twobadfish]

Rich,

I became a subscriber but cannot find any printable content on the canyoneering.us page. It took me to a blank page (besides the layout) after I created my login. I cannot find links to content anywhere. I have however found some blog entries... no offense! But I hope that's not what I payed for. :grenade:

Also, am I not going to have access to all of the current content? I'd rather not wait some indeterminate amount of months to get access to subject x.

[twobadfish]

Rich,

I was able to find the content, but only after logging in from wp-login.php. I cannot find a link to the content anywhere after directly accessing canyoneering.us.

Also,


SILVER MEMBER
Subscribe as a Silver Member for just $5.95 a month. This special monthly rate is for new members to celebrate our launch. Regardless of whether the monthly rate for new members goes up in the future, members who take advantage now will always receive this special price. Silver members receive:

Access to all ART of Canyoneering downloads
Index tabs and cover sheet for your 3-ring binder
Access to the Member Forums
10% discount on gear from Canyons & Crags
10% discount on courses offered by Canyons & Crags

gave me the impression that I would have access to all downloads after becoming a subscriber. How long am I going to have to wait until I actually have access to the rest of the subjects? Is there a defined structure somewhere?

[rcwild]

I was able to find the content, but only after logging in from wp-login.php. I cannot find a link to the content anywhere after directly accessing canyoneering.us.

Because the content is only available to subscribers.

[twobadfish]

Because the content is only available to subscribers.

....

I am a subscriber. Silver membership.

[rcwild]

I am a subscriber. Silver membership.

I know. So you will have access to the content when you log in.

[twobadfish]

Are you being curt with me for a reason? I'm trying, but I'm not finding your responses particularly helpful. I already said in one of my posts I was able to find the content but there is no link to access it from the website. Right now I am logged in but don't see anywhere how to get back to the member content. If this is by design, and I have to manually navigate to /wp-login.php each time and re-login (as opposed to a link to login) then so be it. Sorry if I'm not being clear.

That still doesn't address my other concerns about the details of my membership.

[ajhump]

I feel for you Badfish. I'm having the same problems, and I haven't been able to get anybody to respond to me. They seemed to be able to accept my membership fee without any problem?

Andrew Humphreys
Senior Guide
Canyoning.co.nz

[bigjonsp]

Quick question for Rich is the Handbook going to make it out in the near future, and if so do you have a date?

[mountain man]

I haven't been able to get anybody to respond to me.

last I heard Rich was out of the country. you may have to wait until he gets back home for everything to work properly.

so when does canyoning season start up for you?

[ajhump]

Fair enough about RC. I'm in no hurry. Just wondering what was going on.

The canyoning season in NZ has been in full swing since October. We're getting snow melt at the moment, so the canyon levels have been interesting. Our canyons are fairly high volume without melt. All good fun.

Andrew Humphreys
Senior Guide
canyoning.co.nz

[bretoyce]

Has anyone got an update for the 5th month or later for the online book or know what is going on. Am I the only person having problems getting updates, I am in my 7th month and haven't had any updates for a few months?! Just want to know what is up?!

[mwardle]

You aren't the only one who isn't getting updates. I registered in September. I didn't receive an update for November (I did receive an update in October). I emailed Rich about it a week or so ago about it, but haven't received a response yet. It would sure be nice if we could just buy it all at once.

[barleywino]

when is the (hardcopy) book coming out?

[rcwild]

It has been a struggle.

I accepted the advice given to me by the software programmers to establish different levels of membership with monthly updates, but the administration of the system is taking way too much time. Even tougher considering my travel schedule.

Over the next week or so, I will switch over to a one-time registration fee of $27. Anyone who has already paid more than $27 will receive a refund for the difference.

Doing this will also allow me to provide one single index page URL. One of the problems people are having stems from visiting one page, then attempting to go directly back to the index. It's not working because currently each membership level has it's own index URL.

[mldavis]

Not trying to bug you Rich, but wondering if this is still happening soon.

Thanks,

Lee

[FredinUtah]

Dying to get my hands on this as I have the rest of the winter to practice.

Any updates on when we might expect to be able to purchase this Rich?

[mwardle]

What I have seen so far in the handbook is EXCELLENT. Looking forward to the membership/index issues getting resolved.

Rich, based on your last post, this appears to be more difficult than expected. Let us know if there is anything we can do to support this project.

:2thumbs:

:hanginthere:

[rcwild]

Rich, based on your last post, this appears to be more difficult than expected. Let us know if there is anything we can do to support this project.

Yes, there have been some challenges, including hundreds of spam Bronze registrations. Most from Russia.

I've been trying to deal with the issues on my own, but I'm getting stumped. Found someone who is an expert with the software that I am hiring to take over all the admin stuff.

[rcwild]

It's official. I have hired someone to deal with the admin issues so I can focus on content.

[bretoyce]

Sweet!

[rcwild]

Lots of progress made over the past couple weeks. The programmer I hired fixed the things I broke and has updated all of the plug-ins to current versions. The multi-level indexes have been consolidated into one. No longer charging a monthly subscription fee; instead, just a one-time fee of $27.

I tested the system by posting a couple new blog entries. It worked fine. I'll get back to posting and uploading more content.

Also in the process of moving my online store to the ART of Canyoneering site. Should have it done by late next week.

[PuraVidaNC]

Do those of us who we subscribed to the site prior to the reworkings need to reregister or should our user name and password still work?

[rcwild]

Do those of us who we subscribed to the site prior to the reworkings need to reregister or should our user name and password still work?

No need to re-register, Joe. Usernames and passwords should still work. The programmer set it up so anyone who subscribed on a monthly basis will automatically switch over to the lifetime deal once their monthly payments pass $27. That should be in the 5th month.

The free Bronze membership option will go back up before the end of the day. It was hit by a bunch of spam registrations. What's up with these guys in Russia? Bored? Nothing better to do with their time? Anyway, programmer is adding a feature to eliminate spam registrations before it goes back up.

Also adding some new workshops to the site that will allow registration through the shopping cart and an affiliate program to pay commissions to members for referred members, workshop registrations and gear sales.

[bigjonsp]

Hey Rich,

What do we do if we have taken your art of canyoneering course, and have yet to register for the website?

do we just register bronze and let you know, or is there a different protocol?

Thanks, and best of wishes to you and your family

Jonathan

[rcwild]

What do we do if we have taken your art of canyoneering course, and have yet to register for the website?

Do we just register bronze and let you know, or is there a different protocol?

Correct for anyone who has already completed participated in the workshop. You will find the bronze registration link is back near the bottom of the page at: http://www.canyoneering.us

Future workshop participants will register on the site first, paying the $27 so they have access to the material in advance. Their membership will entitle them to a 10% discount so they will get $19.50 of the $27 back. I think this makes for a better process flow. The workshop and the required gear will all be in the shopping cart program on the site.

Funny how much easier this is to accomplish when I hire someone who knows what they're doing.


Thanks, and best of wishes to you and your family

Thank you

[shagdeuce]

Just a quick endorsement of the Handbook for those of you who haven't jumped in. There are a lot of topics that haven't been built out (to which I am very much looking forward), but I just signed up for a silver membership a few days ago and my feedback is that the content that is already built out in the Rigging section and the Rescue section is worth the $27 alone. Great product Rich. The diagrams are clear and to the point. I'm sure, some day that I hope never comes, I will realize a ridiculous return on the $27.

Now, if I can just remember to print it out on durable paper and bring it with me...

[barleywino]

For those of us who like the old-school model (think Freedom of the Hills, which comes out with a new edition every 5yrs or so and has been enormously successful), why not also publish a durable/waterproof etc hardcopy which can get immediate broad mainstream distribution in bookstores/amazon/REI etc and then republish with accumulated updates every few years?

[FredinUtah]

Hey Rich,

Is the handbook ready to be purchased yet? I can't quite figure out if I am missing something or if the whole thing is not completely posted yet & ready for purchase.

Either I am too anxious or too ignorant of how this is supposed to work!

Thanks,
Fred

[moab mark]

Hey Rich,

Is the handbook ready to be purchased yet? I can't quite figure out if I am missing something or if the whole thing is not completely posted yet & ready for purchase.

Either I am too anxious or too ignorant of how this is supposed to work!

Thanks,
Fred
X2 I got an email a while back stating my membership or something had been canceled. But I go in and I am still a siilver member but nothing has changed?

[rcwild]

I changed the subscription from monthly to a one-time fee. Those of you who had already paid more than $27 saw your subscription cancelled on PayPal so the payments would stop. The cancellation on PayPal did not effect your access to the site.

[mwardle]

Rich,

Per my comments earlier on this thread, what I've seen so far is awesome.

When you log in its says, "The content listed below will be included during your subscription. Linked items are available now at your current subscription level. Keep your eye on the list; it will continue to grow every month."

I haven't seen any new content since October of last year. Am I missing something, or did the spamming/index problems suspend all updates? In other words, am I supposed to be seeing monthly updates, or is there something wrong with my subscription?

Thanks!!!!

[rcwild]

For quite a while the system would not let me upload new PDFs. That is fixed now, so up to me to get back at it. Anyone who thinks the book is completely finished has not read this entire thread. I started the website to give people access to material as I finish it. I have a lot of material that was originally designed for a 6x9 printed book. I am reformatting it for a 4x6 field handbook and using the same formatting for 8.5x11 sheets for a 3-ring binder.

I recently caught some errors in the rigging section. I think I uploaded an unfinished version. Very surprised no one brought it to my attention yet.

Currently working on the knots section. There will be many more knots on the site than there will be in the field handbook. Here is the list for the site:

KNOTS
No Knot
Overhand
• Simple, Retraced
• Simple, On a Bight
• Double, Noose
• Double, Stopper
• Triple, Noose
• Triple, Stopper
Figure 8 Family
• Simple
• Retraced
• On a Bight
• Super
• In Line (directional)
• Figure 9
Bowline Family
• Inside vs Outside
• Yosemite Finish
• On a Bight
• In Line
• In Line with Retraced Loop
• Double
• Double with Retraced Loop
• Portuguese
• On a Coil
Butterfly

BENDS
Double Fisherman
Square Fisherman
Flemish
Becket (sheet)
EDK

HITCHES
Static
• Girth
• Clove
• Constrictor
Dynamic
• Munter
• Super Munter
• Mule
• Half Hitches
Rope Grabs
• Prusik
• Klemheist
• Bachman
• Hedden
• Blakes
• Autoblock (French Prusik)
VT Rope Grabs
• VT (Valdotain Tresse)
• Autoblock
• Prusik (symetrical)
• Schwabish (asymetrical Prusik)
• Distel (clove hitch Prusik)

WEBBING
Ring Bend (water knot)
Overhand
• Retraced
• On a Bight
Frost Family
• Simple
• Double
• Bow Tie
• Retraced Bow Tie

[rcwild]

Just posted a VT Prusik video on the blog at:

http://canyoneering.us/the-vt-prusik/

[erstanl]

Rich, not to poke or prod, but anything new in this area?

[mwardle]

Rich, not to poke or prod, but anything new in this area?

X2

[dancrev]

Just a quick question about Silver & Bronze. I pressed the "Join SILVER Membership For Just $27" button and paid the $27 via paypal with a credit card. When it sent me back to the site it showed me as Silver. After logging out and, several hours later, logging back in again, it has me back to Bronze :o/ Is this something that will fix itself after a few days?