Is your parrot story good enough ? ? ?

Back in May Henpecked asked:

henpecked said:

So what's the big secret ??

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Well, the secret was not really a secret, but I was just trying to drum up some advanced interest. As you probably know, Antoinette's on a mission to make Mishka world famous, though I'm not sure she's engaged an agent for Mishka yet, but I'll offer to at least get her a conversation with the senior VP of one of the top entertainment & sports marketing agencies in the U.S.

I'm also involved with a book project. A couple of friends & I have been, for the past couple of years, been collecting stories of our various experiences with our feathered friends. When completed, there will be some 400-500 stories with photos and other tidbits of information. We have just passed our 3/4 mark for stories and I thought the membership might like an opportunity to have their bird(s) story get published.....sort of like an open casting call, but there's no Hollywood contract waiting & the only remuneration will be having a few more people read your stories.

Our intentions were/are to create a compilation of not the everyday stories we all experience, but the ones that stand out. Whether funny or sad, the ones that also impart to the reader, a better understanding of parrots and what might be required of someone interested in sharing their home with one or more.

While we are primarily interested in stories that fit the following categories/topics, we will accept any interesting parrot story:

1. The Good (stories of good things that have happened to your parrot or parrots)
2. The Bad (stories of bad things that have happened to your parrot or parrots)
3. The Funny (stories of funny things your parrot or parrots have done)
4. The Sad (stories of sad things that have happened to your parrot or parrots)
5. Why We Got A Bird, Or Two, Or Three, Or... (stories of why you got your first bird & stories of why you may have been infected by MBS (multiple bird syndrome)
6. Parronting, The Things That Give Us Pause (stories of something your parrot or parrots have done that has worried you)
7. Mischief Makers (stories of what your parrot or parrots has/have done when left to their own devices)
8. Rescues Not Re-homes (stories of true rescues of parrots from dangerous, life threatening situations...not just re-home stories)
9. Spoil My Parrot...Not Me! (stories about how bad you have spoiled your fid)
10. In The Nick Of Time (stories of your parrot or parrots has/have done in the nick of time and had they not done what they did something unforeseen would have happened)
11. Cute (stories about something cute your parrot or parrots do or have done)
12. Some Think We’re Just Birds (the stories that make you wonder if it’s really a parrot you’re talking about)
13. Cautions (stories about things you, your bird(s) or others have done that raise cautions)
14. Challenges (those things that our birds do that challenge our perception(s) of how life with companion parrot(s) should be)
15.Who’s The Boss (those stories about times when who is in charge gets blurry)
16.Who’s Training Who (stories about those times when we run after our feathered friends, only to find out they think it’s just a game or those times we begin to do what we are trying to teach them to do)

Along with the stories, we like to insert a photo or two of the topic bird(s), however we can’t use photos with copyright stamps, time stamps, borders or thumbnail photos...most of the time we use pics that have been posted with the story, but will occasionally request a pic or pics to accompany a story insertion.

So, if you have a story you think might fit in our project, feel free to PM me with it/them and if the story is already posted to the forum, you may get a PM or E-mail from me.

I would have attached a short PDF of some of the stories already included in one of the volumes, but I could not get it compressed down to appease the forum's constraint gurus, so if you want a sample copy, PM me your E-mail address & I'll get a copy off to you.....

Sounds like a good book idea, but 400 stories is a bit excessive. I love to read and I like to read about parrots, but it would be daunting even to me. Perhaps you should pick the 100 best and have material for future editions, should you wish. (Sorry for the unsolicited advice, but the editor in me broke out.)

christinereed said:

Sounds like a good book idea, but 400 stories is a bit excessive. I love to read and I like to read about parrots, but it would be daunting even to me. Perhaps you should pick the 100 best and have material for future editions, should you wish. (Sorry for the unsolicited advice, but the editor in me broke out.)

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Or, 365 stories -- one for every day of the year so readers could treat themselves to a story a day for an entire year!

I find when I go back and read my old posts from many years ago, I often see things differently now. Experience is a great teacher. I hesitate having anything I've said published.

christinereed said:

Sounds like a good book idea, but 400 stories is a bit excessive. I love to read and I like to read about parrots, but it would be daunting even to me. Perhaps you should pick the 100 best and have material for future editions, should you wish. (Sorry for the unsolicited advice, but the editor in me broke out.)

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We had the same reservations...there will be 4-5 volumes of 100-125 stories each.....

In three years, we've read through several thousand stories & believe we have picked the best to use.....always welcome critiques...good or bad.....

I've got the story of Merlin getting his head trapped in a travel cage (And the fire brigade getting involved) and the one of him getting out in Victoria Park and having to go up a cherry picker for him.

Interested in any of those?

sodakat said:

Or, 365 stories -- one for every day of the year so readers could treat themselves to a story a day for an entire year!

I find when I go back and read my old posts from many years ago, I often see things differently now. Experience is a great teacher. I hesitate having anything I've said published.

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With the stories we've included so far, I'm sure no one that has OK'd use of their story(s) will be dissatisfied with their insertion(s) nor feel any recrimination or embarrassment from use of the stories.....

If you're still apprehensive, send me an E-mail & get a sample copy of how the stories are used/presented.....only first names are used or you can request anonymity.....

Mayden said:

I've got the story of Merlin getting his head trapped in a travel cage (And the fire brigade getting involved) and the one of him getting out in Victoria Park and having to go up a cherry picker for him.

Interested in any of those?

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Feel free to send them to my PM.....I thought I'd included an E-mail link when I first signed up for the forums, but apparently that's for use by our SUPER MODERATORS & ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL instead of the membership.....

weco said:

Mayden said:

I've got the story of Merlin getting his head trapped in a travel cage (And the fire brigade getting involved) and the one of him getting out in Victoria Park and having to go up a cherry picker for him.

Interested in any of those?

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Feel free to send them to my PM.....I thought I'd included an E-mail link when I first signed up for the forums, but apparently that's for use by our SUPER MODERATORS & ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL instead of the membership.....

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Sure, want a quick run down of what happened or a full story?

I don't know how long I should make then. Will attach links to pictures too, which you'd be more than welcome to use.

Mayden said:

Sure, want a quick run down of what happened or a full story?

I don't know how long I should make then. Will attach links to pictures too, which you'd be more than welcome to use.

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We prefer shorter stories rather than book lengths, but if we feel sharp scissors are required, we give the author the option of refusal of our edit before insertion space is committed.....

weco said:

Mayden said:

Sure, want a quick run down of what happened or a full story?

I don't know how long I should make then. Will attach links to pictures too, which you'd be more than welcome to use.

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We prefer shorter stories rather than book lengths, but if we feel sharp scissors are required, we give the author the option of refusal of our edit before insertion space is committed.....

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Messaged you the cage bars one, let me know if that's the format you're interested in and I'll see what else I can dig up

"Well, the secret was not really a secret, but I was just trying to drum up some advanced interest. As you probably know, Antoinette's on a mission to make Mishka world famous, though I'm not sure she's engaged an agent for Mishka yet, but I'll offer to at least get her a conversation with the senior VP of one of the top entertainment & sports marketing agencies in the U.S."

Why would you say this? I would think Mishka is all ready world famous having won by winning the international bird talking competition in 2011. I think all of us self promote our birds in some fashion. I have a Youtube video section of my birds and their antics because it's a free outlet. Now, if Macky were in better feather and wasn't chewing his feathers and looked as beautiful outside and I know he is on the inside, I would take you up on the offer to promote him.

I remember you were interested in Pepsi and sprites story . I'll pm the whole story .

I'll sent you a outline of jake's story. I think i'll have something that will fit some/all of your topics,LOL. After 43 yrs there's a lot of stories.

How are the stories going, Walt??

Apparently my post of 7-5 was misunderstood, so maybe this will allay any undue concerns.....

While a look at my profile info will show I initially signed up for the forums in 2010, a closer look at my activity will show that I did not become active until early this year, so anything that has gone on, forums wise, prior to my initial signup and until the past six months is pretty much lost on me, though I do take browsing forays into the message archives, but the volume pretty much guarantees that a lot will be missed.....

The offer of a contact introduction was an honest one, however, it's now apparent introductions are/were not necessary.....the past 25 years have allowed me to know a number of very well placed advertising, marketing and entertainment management personnel and promoters, but then, someone already in the business would have their own contacts.....

As to the stories, if there is anyone interested in submitting stories that have not already done so, please do so in the next few days…..we are beginning to commit layout space to stories in two of the topic categories……

antoinette said:

Well, the secret was not really a secret, but I was just trying to drum up some advanced interest. As you probably know, Antoinette's on a mission to make Mishka world famous, though I'm not sure she's engaged an agent for Mishka yet, but I'll offer to at least get her a conversation with the senior VP of one of the top entertainment & sports marketing agencies in the U.S.


[FONT=&quot]Walt please explain what mission I am on to make Mishka world famous? [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Wherever did you ever get that idea from? [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Exactly what do you know about what I have tried and not tried?
[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Actually I was approached by a top S.A. Advertising agency this week, pertaining to Mishka doing a TV advert. (I will post a thread shortly) [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]
I have also been approached by someone from Good Morning America, (The Breakfast Show) wanting to do a documentary on Mishka.

I entered Mishka in the International Bird Talking Competition to see how well he would compare to birds from all over the world.

Mishka became world famous when he won the International Bird Talking Competition in 2011, beating 70 birds from all corners of the globe. He gained national stardom here in S.A. as well appearing on TV, talk shows, many interviews and making front newspaper headlines nationally.

I did attempt to enter Mishka into the Guinness Book Of World Records, knowing he has the most incredible vocabulary with a last count of over almost 2000 words. Unfortunately I do not agree with certain procedure that has to be followed, and have declined.

I have 298 videos of Mishka on YouTube for all to enjoy his wonderful God given talent. [/FONT]

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Hey there Walt, still awaiting a reply for the above mentioned, have pm'd you 2x no reply, just curious

antoinette said:

antoinette said:

Well, the secret was not really a secret, but I was just trying to drum up some advanced interest. As you probably know, Antoinette's on a mission to make Mishka world famous, though I'm not sure she's engaged an agent for Mishka yet, but I'll offer to at least get her a conversation with the senior VP of one of the top entertainment & sports marketing agencies in the U.S.


[FONT=&quot]Walt please explain what mission I am on to make Mishka world famous? [/FONT]

http://www.parrotforums.com/off-topic/27852-writing-book-pictures-your-birds.html

Writing a book usually connotates a desire to highlight and/or further a topics notoriety, with thus being my understanding and having some 500 images in one of my projects , I am aware of the use of images to promote/further the acceptance/notoriety of the topic…..


[FONT=&quot]Wherever did you ever get that idea from? [/FONT]

http://www.parrotforums.com/off-topic/27852-writing-book-pictures-your-birds.html

And from your various postings

[FONT=&quot]Exactly what do you know about what I have tried and not tried?
[/FONT]

Other than what you’ve posted, I’m quite sure nothing, but from what you have posted, it is not difficult to make quite educated assumptions, especially when you are familiar with the requirements of creating, producing and promoting an idea, whether it be a sporting event, rock concert, advertising package or bird….. but to specifically reply to your question, probably noting other than what you’ve posted…..

[FONT=&quot]Actually I was approached by a top S.A. Advertising agency this week, pertaining to Mishka doing a TV advert. (I will post a thread shortly) [/FONT]

OK…..

[FONT=&quot]
I have also been approached by someone from Good Morning America, (The Breakfast Show) wanting to do a documentary on Mishka.

I entered Mishka in the International Bird Talking Competition to see how well he would compare to birds from all over the world.

Mishka became world famous when he won the International Bird Talking Competition in 2011, beating 70 birds from all corners of the globe. He gained national stardom here in S.A. as well appearing on TV, talk shows, many interviews and making front newspaper headlines nationally.

I did attempt to enter Mishka into the Guinness Book Of World Records, knowing he has the most incredible vocabulary with a last count of over almost 2000 words. Unfortunately I do not agree with certain procedure that has to be followed, and have declined.

I have 298 videos of Mishka on YouTube for all to enjoy his wonderful God given talent.
[/FONT]

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OK, but all of this just further supports my position of assumption based on information provided…..



Hey there Walt, still awaiting a reply for the above mentioned, have pm'd you 2x no reply, just curious

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I don’t always promptly read PMs, much preferring E-mails, however, since these forums don’t seem to allow a method of inviting the membership to contact you via E-mail, though I thought I had ticked allow members to E-mail you when I completed my initial registration. For those who might need a more prompt reply than waiting for met to get around to answering a PM, please feel free to contact me directly at: we co 100 at g mail dot com removing blanks and replacing words accordingly…..

I thought I had addressed the above questions…and…the PMs with my inclusion of: “…a look at my profile info will show I initially signed up for the forums in 2010, a closer look at my activity will show that I did not become active until early this year, so anything that has gone on, forums wise, prior to my initial signup and until the past six months is pretty much lost on me, though I do take browsing forays into the message archives, but the volume pretty much guarantees that a lot will be missed.....

The offer of a contact introduction was an honest one, however, it's now apparent introductions are/were not necessary.....the past 25 years have allowed me to know a number of very well placed advertising, marketing and entertainment management personnel and promoters, but then, someone already in the business would have their own contacts.....” in a previous reply/post, possibly it was missed…..

Until recent posts, I was totally unaware of your involvement in advertising, in whatever capacity…..


Sorry about the text size of the quoted text, I did not increase it, it must have happened when I cut & pasted it back into the little text frame.....I much prefer using a larger screen for writing extended dissertations.....