Notes On Men

WHO DARES FAILS

A failed campaign to publish “Notes on Men – Book II”, the second part of the “WHAT IS A MAN?” series…

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So…What happens after a failed Kickstarter campaign?

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Thank you for you support – We will try again another time…

“Hi Everyone, 

This is just to say thank you to everyone who pledged to support the project. It means a lot to me.

Unfortunately, the campaign was unsuccessful. This was my first Kickstarter campaign and I have learned a lot along the way.

Although it did not work out this time, it is not the end of the project. I will be rethinking how to get the books published over the next couple of years.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any comments or questions, I’ll be happy to talk with you.

Onwards and upwards

from James

(creator of the notes on men project)”

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Story

Hi! Welcome to the ‘notes on men’ project

A grassroots project exploring masculinity, which began in early 2019 by inviting people of all ages and walks of life to write down their answer to the question: 

WHAT IS A MAN ?

1. Long story short

This publication will be the printed collection of the 111 responses collected in the second field book.

This book is the second book which forms part of a series, although it is the first book to be officially published!

The primary aim of this publication is to help others. It is aimed at people who, like me, may have a head full of questions trying to find their place in the world.

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2. Updates

This chapter is a placeholder in case I have any updates for you as time goes on. It’s here just so you don’t have to scroll to the bottom of the page. 

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3. How it started

In the middle of the night, in February 2019, I made a prototype for a book for people to write down their answer to the question “What is a man?” And that’s basically how this project started.

The goal at the beginning was threefold: 1. To help me find my place in the world; 2. To help others find their place in the world; 3. To provide a platform for people to share their thoughts anonymously, honestly and openly.

It can be easy to look at the state of masculinity today and think that there is reason to despair. It’s too easy… This project is an antidote to despair.

It can be tough being a man sometimes. Even more so for those without a positive role model. Without this role model to show the way, to impart wisdom, young men are faced with the hard task of finding the truth through trial and error, or to be swayed here and there by every wind of teaching. This project serves as a role model. 

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4. Book II

The answers within this publication were collected in 2019, primarily in the US. My creative friend Dara did the field work for this one, walking around with the book asking people to write their answers down. She was the first person who I presented the project to and encouraged me to continue.

In spite of its name “Book II” is the first to be published. It was the first book to be filled with answers, but it was the second book that was started, hence it’s name ‘Book II’.

The answers written the pages of this book were collected through conversation with friends, acquaintances, strangers and passers by. 

The answers were collected anonymously, although people were invited to specify their age and gender if they would like to and if they were comfortable doing so.

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5. The ‘notes on men’ project

The notes on men project started as a collection of handwritten answers to the question “What is a man?” and is – hopefully – growing into a mixed media exploration of masculinity, with your support.

The primary aim of this publication (and this project) is to help others. 

Everyone is welcome to participate and share what they have to say. Nothing is censored. This has been the way since the project’s inception, and this is how the project will continue.

6. Rewards

Digital Publication

PDF edition of the book. The layout is slightly different to the physical publications for ease of use, but the content is the same (with the addition of hyperlinks).

Paperback

A5 format (148 × 210 mm or 5.8 × 8.3 inches). Provisional paperweight assumed to be 80-100gsm. The book printing will be in Black and White. 

As the project is intended to be accessible to all, the idea behind this edition is that it would be more affordable. The handwritten answers are slightly smaller in scale (11/15ths scale to be precise), however, financial accessibility felt like a priority and legibility remains clear. 

Hardcover – Case Bound

This is to be the standard edition of the book. Letter format (210 mm x 297 mm or 8.27 in x 11.69 in). Provisional paperweight assumed to be 80-120gsm. The book printing will be in Black and White. 

The handwritten answers are recorded at full scale. 

Hardcover – Museum Edition

This is also intended to be a Letter format book (210 mm x 297 mm or 8.27 in x 11.69 in). A coffee table edition (very fancy). This edition will also include a dust cover. It is currently undecided whether the actual cover will be minimalist fabric or printed. This will depend on how much backing the project receives and the advice from the book making specialists.

The pages inside will be thicker (120-150gsm), high quality photographic printing.

This edition is the one that will hopefully be printed in limited copies which may also be brought to future museum exhibitions to be sold there.

The Sage

Wow! I mean…thank you for even considering this! (Are you ok?) Essentially, this includes the Museum Edition of the book, described above, with a nice box which hasn’t been designed yet because I’m thinking it’s so unlikely that anyone will consider this tier. However, if someone does, in this box I will neatly put everything.

7. Add-ons

Blank Answer Form and Return Envelope

As this project is intended to continue for many years to come, you may be interested in having your answer published in a future publication. This would give you the possibility to do just that, while supporting the project financially as well. 

In terms of ‘return envelope‘ this might be impossible in some cases. In this scenario, I will deduct from the cost the price of a standard stamp for you to post it back to me. Thank you for considering taking part!

Vitruvian Man Postcard

Not really sure about this one for now… It will be a print of the mysterious Vitruvian Man digital artwork that I made for the project and a special thank you note from me.

Merch

Who knows?…maybe this could be added if there is enough backing. There are definitely a few ideas in the pipeline…

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8. Timeline of the project

2019

• February 2019 : The first Field Book prototype is put together in my room in Dublin, Ireland ☘️, in the middle of the night. Presenting the project to my creative friends.
• Summer : Creation of Field Book II & creation of Field Book III that James carries with him all the time. Posting of Field Book II to Dara in America.
• Autumn :  Field Book II completed thanks to Dara and returned to James full of answers.
• Winter : Scanning answers and first attempt at transcribing them & Social Media launch.

2021

• Creation of project website.

2025

• Website updated.
• Official Registration of the Notes On Men project.

2026

• February/March : Full-time work starts on the publication of Field Book II.
• April : Proof copies ordered and reviewed.
• May : Kickstarter launch.
• June : Prepare books for publication following a successful Kickstarter campaign. 
• July : Printing Begins.
• August : Start shipping the books. Register books in British Library (Legal requirement).
• September : Digital Publications issued.
• December : The Wizard’s Library and Museum Editions shipped.

2027

• Find the Book in local bookstores (hopefully, although this depends on how successful this campaign is)
• Publication of Field Book III? Maybe 🙂

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9. Stretch Goals

Beyond getting the book out there and keeping the momentum of this passion project, there are some immediate stretch goals for the project:

1. Set up a small exhibition of the Project

I live in a small town in Cornwall, UK. Thankfully, this town is full of creative people and creative spaces and it would be great for the project to have its first exhibition over here. 

Hopefully, this will lead to a traveling exhibition that can grown and make its way into museums. I have already spoken to a local exhibition space that is keen to host the project exhibition.

2. Distribute the book to your local bookshops

The preparation for printing this edition is entirely my work and ready to be published to a professional standard. In order for the project to have a larger reach and make its way into your local bookstores and libraries, a reserve of printed books is required as well as a distributor. 

3. Keep the project alive

I have personally spent hundreds of hours on this project and would like to dedicate more time to it. This is my first attempt at turning this idea that is important to me (and maybe to you too) into something that I can live off and nurture into something bigger. Long-term goals include:

• Creating a series of video essays and online video channel on masculinity. 
• Keeping the social media channels as vibrant spaces to have discussions. 
• Facilitating workshops about masculinity in spaces where they could be beneficial. 
• Publish more books, like this one as a long term series exploring the topic of masculinity. The series could include special themed books like one dedicated to responses from people in prison, one for celebrities, one for athletes…etc…
• Collaborating with universities on research.
• Creation of merchandise to keep the conversation going. First and foremost: Bar coasters.
• Making the project more international and multilingual.

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10. Shipping

I’m hoping that you guys are from all corners of the globe and I want the project to spread to anywhere it can be helpful.

I know very little about shipping, so no doubt I will be faced will a number of things to learn from.

I appreciate you for being here and supporting the project, even if it takes a few weeks longer than planned, you will get your book!

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11. A note on the use of AI

All design work and all illustration is carried out by a certified real life human. How do I know I am human…well that might be a question for another project: what does it mean to be human?

AI is a tool. I use AI for help with boring admin tasks like file naming, spelling checks, second opinions on things when I’m working by myself. Never will I ever publish anything creative that is not 100% human certified or completely transparent. You have my word. I have very strong objections to the use of AI for art or attention 🤮, it’s paramount to theft.

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And on that note: May you find the answers that you seek. And enjoy the read.

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PROJECT BUDGET

Risks and challenges

This will be my very first time self publishing a book. I anticipate there being many setbacks, unknowns and delays.

However, I will stay true to my word and keep you updated on progress as well as any eventual issues. If adjustments are needed, I will give you clear, honest, and regular communication, keeping you informed at every step.

I have already invested so much into this project that I will do everything I can so that this runs smoothly, and that everyone receives according to their pledge.

There is a risk that, without the support from others, I will not be able to reach all parts of society and I want to do everything I possibly can to prevent this project from becoming an echo chamber. For that I do need some help from others.