Francis: One way to improve BJA...

[Francis]

Great book!

It came in the mail yesterday. I was dragging at work today because I stayed up until 2:30 reading it... 6:00 came far too soon.

Next printing, might I suggest a larger format (say 8x11) and a loose leaf or spiral spine which allowed the book to stay open lying a table.. Trying to study all the charts and tables without breaking the spine is tough.

I'd buy another copy, and pay 2x to boot!

I'm realizing how much there is to know. Again, this is a fabulous book! The first chapter alone is worth the price.

Regards,
Francis

[Don Schlesinger]

> Great book!

Thanks.

> It came in the mail yesterday. I was
> dragging at work today because I stayed up
> until 2:30 reading it... 6:00 came far too
> soon.

Tough schedule! Patience! Read it slowly.

> Next printing, might I suggest a larger
> format (say 8x11) and a loose leaf or spiral
> spine which allowed the book to stay open
> lying a table.. Trying to study all the
> charts and tables without breaking the spine
> is tough.

If you think it's tough now, you should have seen the spine on the first edition!! :-)

Yours is an interesting suggestion, and I'll consider it for the future.

> I'd buy another copy, and pay 2x to boot!

Unfortunately, not everyone would follow along. Truth be told, with all the new material, the price of the second edition should have gone up from $19.95 to, say, $24.95. But, Arnold informed me that the chains really start to balk at taking in books with price tags over $20, so we held the line, even though I was a little disappointed. Obviously, $35 or $39.95 would be out of the question, but I appreciate your enthusiasm.

> I'm realizing how much there is to know.
> Again, this is a fabulous book! The first
> chapter alone is worth the price.

Thanks. Often get that comment re Chapter 10. But, that first chapter has always been my favorite! :-)

I very much appreciate the kind words and your taking the time to write.

Don

[Buick Riviera]

> Next printing, might I suggest a larger
> format (say 8x11) and a loose leaf or spiral
> spine which allowed the book to stay open
> lying a table.

When Don announced he would be writing the 2nd Ed. of BJA I made the suggestion that the Chapter 10 charts be published in a laminated, 8-1/2x11 format with 3 holes in the side for putting in notebooks. The charts could be sold as a separate product which, of course, are worth at least the price of the entire textbook.

I still think the idea has merit but I'm not a publisher/bean counter and I have a feeling that is who controls these kind of decisions.

Buick

[Don Schlesinger]

> I still think the idea has merit but I'm not
> a publisher/bean counter and I have a
> feeling that is who controls these kind of
> decisions.

Then you'll probably think that, for the third edition, if we redo them all with optimal betting, they'll have even more merit, right?!

I don't know the ramifications of changing the format and binding of the book, but count on me to discuss it with Arnold before we print a new edition.

Don

[mister M]

Dear Don,
Exactly when ARE you putting out the 3rd edition?
How far along are you and how do you intend to match the excellent BJA2[ or even improve upon it?].
I also would Be willing to a price increase if extra presentation formating was necessary.
Oh,never mind the presentation,just put me down for a copy!!

[Don Schlesinger]

> Exactly when ARE you putting out the 3rd
> edition?

When the second edition sells out. I think about 60-65% is currently sold, so it will take at least another year, if not longer, I'm afraid.

> How far along are you and how do you intend
> to match the excellent BJA2[ or even improve
> upon it?].

The completion of the Chapter 12 departure studies will be included; we may completely redo the Chapter 10 charts to include optimal bet ramps; I'll probably include the "More on SCORE" article I wrote last year; I'll publish for the first time my double-barrier trip-goal ruin formula (which is currently available in Casino Verite, BJRM, and BJ 6-7-8); I'll definitely correct all known typos; and I have a few ideas for some more informational charts that could involve a collaboration with Mike Shackleford and/or Norm Wattenberger.

> I also would be willing to a price increase
> if extra presentation formating was
> necessary.

I would, too!

> Oh,never mind the presentation,just put me
> down for a copy!!

Fair enough. I'm looking forward to working on the third edition.

Don

[mister m]

Your a true gent Don!
I am only too happy to contribute to the Dons Carribean retirement fund!
With your superb knoledge and willingness to answer the most inane of questions[mine included] you deserve every cent.
Good luck to you sir.