The Kickstart Newsletter #187 - June 30th, 2008

Settling into it again...    by Ian Shires

I think it's safe to say, for those of you who come to the Dimestore site regularly, and those that read the newsletter as it hits your Inboxes...you've noticed Dimestore's changed things again. Wasn't part of the plan (well, hasn't been the last couple times!) but the interruption has been fairly minimal. You'll note a bunch of changes, and many improvements, to the overall Dimestore experience. We'll note them as we go through the newsletter.

So I just wanted to thank everyone for the well wishes and otherwise just being there, as we settle back into a solid stride again. The new system is affording us a few new options for presenting things, and getting the different URLS of our family of sites to work together. The only other part of things to mention is: If you are having ANY trouble logging in, please send us back an e-mail to: Ian@dimestoreproduct ions.com - most people have had no problems and passwords translated to the new system...but if you can't get in - just ask, we'll get you fixed ASAP.

You'll note that the Kick Start is moving back to the Dimestore site front page. You'll also note you can now COMMENT on the Kick Starts. Feedback. Let's get the SPA talking!

Remember, you can now place BANNER ads right here in the Kick Start, and get your word out to thousands of enthusiasts both in their in-box and on the front page for a week! for just $5.00! See here: http:// www.dimestoredistro. com/kickstartad-p- 315.html

SMALL PRESS IDOL

The Round 3 Judges Veto Talks are DONE, and you can now comment on them...controversy abounded this year. We even already have a thread for suggestions on how to make next year better. Join in, I will be considering ALL THINGS, when the contest is done! But MEANTIME: We're going to be getting ready for Round 4 - and the crowning of the year's Small Press Idol.

1. Warpath
2. The Adventures of Spud
3. Tokyo Gonzo
4. New York Heroes
5. Shamrock
6. In Flight Service
7. Zombie of the Month
8. Geek-Girl
9. Angel's Wake
10. Rasgal
11. Dragonwing
12. Sketches

DIMESTORE COMMUNITY

 Obviously, the big changes this week are at the main Dimestore site...where we have a whole new set of things for everyone to dig into. These include a new Website Links section, where you can upload info about your site, and the public can rate and comment on it. There's a new Member Map system, where you can see where other members are located in the world. To get YOUR spot on the map, you simply go into your profile and place your marker! Your profile link is right under where you log in. We'll be continuing to build up the networking features of your profiles! SPA-Net is now firmly the only way to advertise your stuff on Dimestore. Advertising is insanely cheap, and if you show banners on your site, you earn free showings on the whole network, SPA-Net is the best way to get new eyes checking out your latest book, blog, webcomic posting, etc, that there has been in ages. Advertise where the eyes are! Don't let it cost you an arm and a leg. 1,000 free banner showings just for signing up. The current reach of SPA-Net:

We have moved a few things OFF the Dimestore site. This includes the Reviews, and the News section. Those will reside on other URLs in the family as described in the rest of the newsletter. We will be continuing to adjust and further integrate the Dimestore family of websites as we go!

DIMESTORE DISTRO

Well, the Distro, which was ready for new stuff, took a back seat to fixing Dimestore, so we're still right where we were: Ready to add stuff. Actually, part of the Dimestore changes have landed the Reviews of publications into the Distro site. That will begin playing a solid part of Distro activity as we go. Other than that, we'll leave the following offer in place:

If you place the Proud Member SPA Logo inside your publication, anywhere, you will receive a free html upgrade for that publication in the Distro. Just make sure, when you send the copy in as required to be put up for sale, to make note of it, so we can do the upgrade with you ASAP. With the backlog being worked on right now, things will be going up pretty quick. So, let's toss that out there, and see what publishers think of that! Basically, all the Logo and dress up things that can be done in the Distro, can be earned for free by using the SPA-Net or showing a logo. So there's no reason NOT to make your listings everything they can be, except laziness! Let's not be lazy folks. Let's show the world what the SPA can do!

SPA COMICS

I managed to get the SPA Comics site converted over to the new website system, it's basically blank right now waiting till I can get there, and set everything up that we want to. Watch for news!!!

SELF PUBLISHER! MAGAZINE

To get SP! Magazine started, we've decided to move the NEWS functions of the Dimestore site to this one. We think that will polarize and clairfy things and - as integrated - will work for everyone, publisher, fan, or whatnot. We are going to make it so that ANYONE, ANYWHERE can submit news, and then we'll have a team set up to review what people post, and adjust/approve it as needed. If you want to be on this team (set to be lead by ThePerfessor, Rob Sodoro) please let us know!

INDYFEST USA

Just 7 tables left! We're beginning to turn our attention to promotions for Indyfest. We've made the decision right now NOT to change the website for the show until AFTER this first show. So all looks to be fine for a September 21st launching to the Indyfest concept! If you're still looking to get in on this at $25 for half a table, $40 for a full table, contact us right away!

Dimestore Productions is at: P.O. Box 214, Madison, OH 44057