notes on publishing RUN

RUN is currently being distributed to audiences in two ways.

• An electronic version of the book is being distributed free of charge through this website, so grab a cup of coffeee and begin reading now (nearly 3,000 people have downloaded and read a .pdf version of the book that was previously being distributed at no charge).
• A bound printed version of the book is on sale for around $18 at Amazon.com (I'm trying desperately to get the publisher to lower the price).

For a number of reasons (some interesting, some dreadfully boring), I've decided to share this book with readers in somewhat non-traditional fashion (basically by giving it away) that doesn't at this time involve working with a major publisher. I've tried to explain my rationale by highlighting some of the more interesting reasons below.

• I want to get this book into the hands of as many people as possible as quickly as possible and believe this is the best way to do it.
• My goal with the project is not to make money (though if it somehow happens, I won't complain), but rather to challenge the American people to think. I believe we will all see our quality of life deteriorate if we don't actively demand change and reform from our politicians.
• A very successful book will reach @50,000 people. I want to reach milions with this story. That's the only way it will make a difference. That's why I'm giving it away.
• The web is the fertile crescent of grass roots movements. This book is a couple blog posts, media mentions, or e-mail forwards away from sparking an important dialogue about what must be done to save this country (this is not hyperbole... bad times are coming unless we do something to avert them).
• Here's my dream. A handful of readers work their way through this book online or purchase a copy. They realize the issues it deals with are important. They realize Noa Kalakaua's approach is the only away to effectively address the issues our nation faces. The readers tell their friends, who download, read, and tell their friends. Soon there are tens of thousands of people reading the book and beginning to demand change from their representatives in Congress. Term limits quickly become part of the national dialogue.
• I started this project because I wanted to write a novel about a candidate who managed to get elected without sacrificing his integrity and independence. Through my research, I came across a bunch of information that is, frankly, scary. I think you will find this information pretty compelling, too. If you care about these issues and want to change them you can begin to do it by telling your friends about this book.