Mel Hopkins

not so fast... have you checked out Publica https://publica.com/

Well, in the case of President Obama, "a brother" was more than good enough. Obama's father is a black man who met the President's mother in college when both were studying Russian. But President Obama is married to a black woman he met on the job (White Shoe Law firm) "When Barry Met Michelle." There is a pattern, and it's called access. We rarely leave our comfort zone to find a mate. Judge Brown Jackson met her husband when they were in school (Harvard). A mutual friend set Madame Vice President up on a blind date with her future husband (former Partner at a multinational law firm). They married when she was 50 or already in her 50s. If there's something to gripe about, it's how they all run together like some badass wolfpack. Btw, betcha didn't know the Late Senator John McCain's daughter-in-law is a black woman. McCain's son met his wife in the military. 😲

Let's say you have a publishing company and want to release the next bestseller, "Grind and Hustle." Would you pay a ghostwriter $40000.00 to write the book? Or would you use Artificial Intelligence software to produce 20,000 words for $29 and hire an editor?

I don't have the app - and they haven't updated it in 3 years. 😨 Also, I'm not thrilled by GoMeta's privacy policy. http://help.gometa.io/privacy.html

@Troy Interaction defines the metaverse, not necessarily the website platform. The word folks are using in connection with the metaverse is "interoperability," defined as: "the ability of computer systems or software to exchange and make use of information." We connect to the internet with personal computers and handheld mobile devices in "cyberspace." Well, to successfully interact with the metaverse, we'll have to incorporate devices that allow for augmented reality, virtual reality, 3D media (which has been in use forever - remember those blue and red glasses they used to hand out at the theater?), etc. The brands designing those lifestyle products, i.e., software embedded in hardware, will most likely benefit from consumer consumption. For comparison, think of Apple's micro semiconductor chip. The Apple A14 Bionic is a 64-bit ARMv8.4-A system on a chip (SoC) that makes the iPhone the must-have device today. While I don't have to use iCloud or even go there as a destination, it is an option because I'm a product consumer. In contrast, I don't have to go to Facebook for any reason. I'm even less likely to engage in the Meta platform in the metaverse. Yes, of course, most people go to Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, but the internet doesn't belong to those websites, any more than the metaverse will belong to them tomorrow. Mark Z - and the other ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) brands will always work together to get the biggest payday from consumers. Here's where it gets sticky and appears to be a "gold rush" mania in the making. Folks involved in cryptocurrency make it seem like you have to trade 'coins' and buy 'land' in the metaverse. So far, it appears that you can still register a metaverse domain and develop your website through coding. Some say that NFT (non-fungible tokens) will replace trademark laws, so "get yours now." Some have tried that with internet domains and have lost, with-quickness, to the major brands who hold those trademarks. Anyway, I believe the metaverse will be another way to engage readers. I plan to write more about this topic on #readingblack.com.

And Let the Church say, "Amen!"

Maybe. I've interviewed you on a few occasions. Or it's just the reporter in me. 😉

Former President JC did get elected to lead. But I agree he is a rare air man and the problems he’s willing to solve - are too difficult to assemble a large following. I’m still tripping over his willingness to go into a nuclear reactor. Carter also tackled affordable housing - and joined habitat for humanity in the 80s to put together a annual home building program that offers different levels of involvement. That’s strong leadership there to get folks from around the world to build homes for people they don’t know. Good food for thought here @Delano

Ding, Ding, Ding! Powerful observation! We have so many leaders today - and all start out by responding to the will of the people. Celebrities rarely become leaders - leaders sometime become celebrities. For example, Beyonce became a leader not because she could sing but because her journey mirrored the millennial woman’s journey. The songs she chose amplified what some women (all ethnicities and ages) were experiencing but had a hard time articulating. She sang their trials and provided solutions. “Put a ring on it” Beyonce led many young women to consider marriage while promoting the nuclear family. Troy Johnson became a leader not because he reads books - but because he decided books by and for black people needed a platform to get the recognition they deserved. Lawd knows publishing companies weren’t doing it. Today, Troy leads many people to consider black books first! True leaders are rarely in front of a group. Leaders center themselves in a group that has problems no one is addressing. Leaders organize a group that already exist and provides them direction. Bravo @richardmurray You nailed it!

Yes! I’m excited by the possibilities! Bring it! 🙌🏽

I'm familiar with and use "dialogue," - meaning conversation between two or more. It also means "exchange," which is better suited. I moderate for this forum but it is our discussion. So, for clarity, and the benefit of our members, since I didn't understand your question or the context. I looked it up before I responded. It appears Multilog/multilogue is a nontraditional word. Written like this, MultiLog appears to have a specific definition in computer technology. It's an interesting concept related to multiple logging applications and tracking user actions. However, I'm not sure the MultiLog program will help independent authors incorporate 5G wireless technology or D2D communication into the bookselling model. I'd like for us, #readingblack members, to explore the latter, how to use 5G and D2D in bookselling. As I mentioned in another thread here,- since Verizon partnered with Malik Books, there may be a way for independent authors to use the technology. In answer to your question, we can post most media types in this forum, video included.

I’m not sure what you mean by ‘multilog’. Also to what video are you referring?

What do you mean, "go on your lulu, to start this thing rolling with you." I did publish my first book and an updated short story via lulu.com [ https://www.lulu.com/spotlight/melhopkins ]. I'm looking for content to post on readingblack.com Technology and I think you've seen my blog on here marketing is a four-letter word I also post on my portfolio website, melhopkins.com occasionally but I'm not writing a novel or even nonfiction at this time.

as Chris Tucker said, "And you know this, Man!" If I ever plan a trip down under...and I'm not blowing smoke - I'm messaging before I make the travel plans!

2021 - Print book retail sales increased but publisher’s weekly also reports people are also reading/listening to digital books. digital content sales increased when bookstores were on lockdown but once they opened again digital returned to the previous years’ rate. [Forbes “Sales are up nearly 9% for Print Books - But who’s reading them” Jan 7, 2022 and Statista] And people are buying print books based on digital promotion. So one thing that remain constant is book marketing gets folks to buy print books. But like you, I’ll also share my habits. In 2021, I purchased about 8 books. I bought 3 of one title through am*zon unfortunately. My friend published exclusively on am*zon so I couldn’t get it through any other seller. I bought 3 hardcovers through Penguin Random House 2 hardcover backlist through abe books. I only started to read one of the books I purchased last year. I read everyday but I read more digital content than I read print books. It appears my habits reflect the statistics. 🙃

This should thrill “pro-life” conservatives. It appears the goal of this grant is to save lives. “All lives matter” right? “In a first-of-its-kind federal grant to be distributed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a branch of HHS, dozens of organizations across the country would be able to spend the money over three years on a preapproved list of resources, including referrals to treatment, infectious-disease testing kits, condoms, and vaccinations for hepatitis A and B. Also on the list: “safe smoking kits.” Typically, such kits include a rubber mouthpiece to prevent cuts and burns, brass screens to filter contaminants and disinfectant wipes, according to Harm Reduction International.”

I don't know. Purpose gives me meaning -and meaning is purposeful. So, knowing a purpose is what I'd like out of life. However, I like what @richardmurray shared - it was simple not easy - but very satisfying. He said, a human's purpose is to live on this planet." So if that's the purpose -I say "Hell Yeah!" ✊🏽

To know what purpose the human species serves. It appears every other species are caretakers of this planet - and accomplishes their role in the ecosystem. I'd like to know the human's purpose.

Coming Soon: We discuss how 5G wireless communication technology and device-to-device (D2D) communications will help independent authors produce, promote, and sell their books directly to their readers. Share how you're using computer technology to accomplish your business goals too.

I miss you too! And in typical “me” fashion - I’m still putting together the files and links from the research I promised to send to you. The main reason I got side track is because I found a PhD Kenyan woman who hosts a blog that is adding primary source data! 😳 I will do my best to send what I have -including the link to her blog! 💕💕💕

I’m so glad @Del tagged me or I would have missed this deliciousness! Blessed Be for your wit @Cynique! It is beautiful! 💕💕💕 Happy New Year!!! I miss you all too and yes @Pioneer1 😃 You all challenge me and broaden my perspective! Thank You! Happy New Year!

I get to go to my next unmasking! 💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽

It finally makes sense! LOL!

I don't even watch comedy on Netflix …In fact the last comedian I probably listened to was Eddie Murphy. BUT with all the 'faux" controversy I had to watch. Wow Dave Chappelle's THE CLOSER sent a message I definitely needed to hear! And by the way @Pioneer1 I finally know your real identity lol