>Oh, Darrell I hate authors who solicit good reviews ,
>especially when their book is so good (and especially when
>there are no other competitors on Amazon. On the other hand, I
>had no trouble writing my five star review before I read your
>solicitation. I'm glad I received your book the same week that
>I received my D800E, or I would have been hysterical wondering
>what settings to use. On the other hand, I don't forgive you
>for keeping me reading the book constantly for two days. It
>was hard for me to stop to eat or slee but well worth the
>effort.

Conrad,

Thanks for your excellent review. I like the way you discuss things in the review.

The reason I ask for reviews early on is because a review is one of the most important things a book buyer looks at before buying a book. If others like the book, its an easier buying decision. If a book is not successful within a week or two of release, the book sales people drop it like a hot potato and move on to greener pastures. The book then slides into oblivion.

I am simply asking Nikonians who really like the book to write a short review. It only takes a few minutes and really makes a difference to the long-term success of the book. Many of the buyers of the book are not yet Nikonians, and the book invites them in, so the good reviews assist Nikonians.org in acquiring new members.

There are definitely several competitors: Hogan, Busch, Thomas, Revell, and Stafford all have excellent D800 books out, or are about to be released. I respect each of them and wish their books much success. I just hope mine does well too.

Of course, I could just request a bunch of 1-star reviews and ask people to bad mouth the book to their friends. However, I'd rather everyone love the book and give it a 10-star review. That won't happen, and soon, plants from disgruntled publishing houses will start posting things like, "Oh how awful and boring and stupid the book is. It's not any better than the manual. In fact, the manual is less boring." ... and so forth.

Sounds like a conspiracy theory, huh?

You were the first reviewer I ever had on Amazon.com, back in 2008 (Mastering the Nikon D300). I met you at PhotoPlus Expo last October. I appreciate your fair reviews.

Hey, requests for excellent reviews are still open!