Go ask the lizard-guy something....

[Sstavix]

We've got to replace a cracked hot water pipe that's feeding a washing machine. We're just waiting until the weather warms up a bit, so that cutting off the water won't lead to more cracked pipes. We've actually got similar fittings to what you're talking about (ones that form a seal without glue), and I'm looking forward to trying them out.

Those might be Sharkbites, since they're focused on inlets, rather than drains. And those things are cool... but man are they pricey! I looked at those while working on my sister-in-law's pipes. The Sharkbites were more than $8 for a simple coupling, compared to 50 cents for the more traditional approach. I went traditional.

When you hold a book in your hand, and know what you wrote it?

My proof copy came in today. <3 Hadn't told anyone about it either, so that was fun times. XD

Very cool! And yes, that is a fun feeling... until you open the book and immediately find a typo.

[Chozon1]

Those might be Sharkbites, since they're focused on inlets, rather than drains. And those things are cool... but man are they pricey! I looked at those while working on my sister-in-law's pipes. The Sharkbites were more than $8 for a simple coupling, compared to 50 cents for the more traditional approach. I went traditional.

Looks similar, and the price matches. -_- We only need to replace one chunk of pipe, and it needs to be done quickly, and we fell prey to the "listen to the guy at Lowe's because we don't know what we're doing" trap. To be fair, we didn't know the price until we hit check out...thankfully, we only needed a coupling and the piece that screws into the valve. We're hoping to get by without the coupling, even.

Very cool! And yes, that is a fun feeling... until you open the book and immediately find a typo.

Heh. I didn't even have to open it. XD There's a typo on the back, in the description. Good times. No one has noticed it yet, and I'ma not help them. >_>

When you're so tired, you can't even think of a decent question?

[Sstavix]

Those might be Sharkbites, since they're focused on inlets, rather than drains. And those things are cool... but man are they pricey! I looked at those while working on my sister-in-law's pipes. The Sharkbites were more than $8 for a simple coupling, compared to 50 cents for the more traditional approach. I went traditional.

Looks similar, and the price matches. -_- We only need to replace one chunk of pipe, and it needs to be done quickly, and we fell prey to the "listen to the guy at Lowe's because we don't know what we're doing" trap. To be fair, we didn't know the price until we hit check out...thankfully, we only needed a coupling and the piece that screws into the valve. We're hoping to get by without the coupling, even.

Hey, I'm not knocking the Sharkbites at all. If I had the money, I wouldn't mind redoing all the pipes using just those and copper. Although for indoor use, PVC may be a good way to go for inlet pipes as well.

So what kind of a break is it where you may not need a coupling? I would think you'd have to cut out the broken pipe and fit in a new length. Depending on the break, you may need two couplings.

Very cool! And yes, that is a fun feeling... until you open the book and immediately find a typo.

Heh. I didn't even have to open it. XD There's a typo on the back, in the description. Good times. No one has noticed it yet, and I'ma not help them. >_>

That's why it's a proof copy. Your chance to go back and redo all the errors before you go live with it. Are you planning on going the self-publishing route through FastPencil?

When you're so tired, you can't even think of a decent question?

Maybe it's time for you to head to bed, then. Sleep well!

[Chozon1]

Hey, I'm not knocking the Sharkbites at all. If I had the money, I wouldn't mind redoing all the pipes using just those and copper. Although for indoor use, PVC may be a good way to go for inlet pipes as well.

So what kind of a break is it where you may not need a coupling? I would think you'd have to cut out the broken pipe and fit in a new length. Depending on the break, you may need two couplings.

This is all CPVC; I want to call it the hot water inlet valve? It's where hot water is fed into the washing machine. It's cracked right up on the threaded part, where it joins the metal shutoff valve. We're hoping all we need to do is cut the pipe flush to the old fitting, remove it, and finagle the pipe and the new metal fitting together without having to totally remove the original pipe. We bought the coupling in case that doesn't work. Lowe's guy said it was possible, and actually recommended it, but I'm not sure the top fitting is going to be long enough by itself.

That's why it's a proof copy. Your chance to go back and redo all the errors before you go live with it. Are you planning on going the self-publishing route through FastPencil?

I'm not sure. I couldn't get FastPencil to work the way I wanted. If I imported my text using their word processor, it didn't take any of the formatting. I would have had to rewrite the entire thing inside their processor, and while I'm dedicated...Couldn't get the PDF import to work either, as it takes PDF/X-a2001, and I don't have access to a program that can export to that without paying for it. I ended up making a CreateSpace account and paying for the proof from there.

I also did a bit of googling and read some negative things about FastPencil, so my plan was to get the free proof and run. I haven't decided on the self publishing angle at all, really...I'm a long way from done, so I've sorta shelved publishing until I've got the second or third revision behind me. I would prefer pro publishing of course, but I know that's a very hard thing to attain, and self publishing seems like a very feasible thing nowadays. Especially with all the print on demand companies. I'ma send out some copies to a few publishers anyway, just to get the experience.

When you plan on going to bed, and suddenly realize you could stay up all night playing video games instead? >_>

[Deepfreeze32]

How do you feel about first-person narrative vs a more traditional third-person narrative?

[Sstavix]

Hey, I'm not knocking the Sharkbites at all. If I had the money, I wouldn't mind redoing all the pipes using just those and copper. Although for indoor use, PVC may be a good way to go for inlet pipes as well.

So what kind of a break is it where you may not need a coupling? I would think you'd have to cut out the broken pipe and fit in a new length. Depending on the break, you may need two couplings.

This is all CPVC; I want to call it the hot water inlet valve? It's where hot water is fed into the washing machine. It's cracked right up on the threaded part, where it joins the metal shutoff valve. We're hoping all we need to do is cut the pipe flush to the old fitting, remove it, and finagle the pipe and the new metal fitting together without having to totally remove the original pipe. We bought the coupling in case that doesn't work. Lowe's guy said it was possible, and actually recommended it, but I'm not sure the top fitting is going to be long enough by itself.

Is it possible to take the pipe out of the metal valve? I'm wondering if it would be better - and easier - to simply cut the pipe off below the crack, then cement a new PVC valve in its place.

On a related note, I love pipe cutters! They're so elegant in their simplicity, and fun to use!

I'm not sure. I couldn't get FastPencil to work the way I wanted. If I imported my text using their word processor, it didn't take any of the formatting. I would have had to rewrite the entire thing inside their processor, and while I'm dedicated...Couldn't get the PDF import to work either, as it takes PDF/X-a2001, and I don't have access to a program that can export to that without paying for it. I ended up making a CreateSpace account and paying for the proof from there.

I forgot you were using CreateSpace... and given your experiences with FastPencil, I don't blame you. It's been years since I got my free proof copy from CreateSpace for my first NaNo (it was their promotion that year), but it sounds to me that they give you much more creative control over what you are able to publish.

I also did a bit of googling and read some negative things about FastPencil, so my plan was to get the free proof and run. I haven't decided on the self publishing angle at all, really...I'm a long way from done, so I've sorta shelved publishing until I've got the second or third revision behind me. I would prefer pro publishing of course, but I know that's a very hard thing to attain, and self publishing seems like a very feasible thing nowadays. Especially with all the print on demand companies. I'ma send out some copies to a few publishers anyway, just to get the experience.

That's where I am now - trying to get published. No luck so far. I haven't ruled out the self-publishing route, though. It has worked for a few other authors, like Tom Clancy, Larry Corriea and Jim Butcher. They all self-published before catching the attention of big-name publishers.

When you plan on going to bed, and suddenly realize you could stay up all night playing video games instead? >_>

Such a tempting feeling, isn't it? But when you find yourself falling asleep playing video games, it might be time to throw in the towel and go to bed.

How do you feel about first-person narrative vs a more traditional third-person narrative?

I don't have a problem with either approach, really. The only issue I would take is if a writer uses first person, but then keeps changing the character who is narrating the story. That can get unnecessarily confusing.

For myself, I tend to prefer third person limited, but I've been thinking I should try a first person sometime....

[Deepfreeze32]

So I've been reading the Dresden Files, and I think the narrative style used there (First-person narrative focusing solely on the protagonist) could be interesting, so my current novel (Meant to help get my NaNo novel out of my head) is using the same style, even if the genres are quite different.

How do you edit? I don't mean how does editing work, how do YOU edit? I'm trying to come up with a process for when I start working on the NaNo novel, and I'm fielding ideas.

[Sstavix]

How do you edit? I don't mean how does editing work, how do YOU edit? I'm trying to come up with a process for when I start working on the NaNo novel, and I'm fielding ideas.

Sigh, I had a response typed, and somehow it got lost. I'll try to remember what I wrote....

I start from the beginning and I read. I correct any typos and grammatical mistakes as I go along. However, one thing that's different is that I know how the story ends now. I can tweak the scenes as I go along to add more elements of foreshadowing, or enhance characters that become more prominent later in the story. I can rewrite - or completely cut - scenes that didn't work so well the first time around. I tend to take notes as I go along as well, often in a different font color (usually red) so I can remind myself of other things to watch for when I start on the third rewrite. If, during one of the revisions, I happen to have reader feedback, I consider what they have suggested or written and factor that into the editing process as well. By keeping the entirety of the plot in my mind, it allows me to fine-tune the individual scenes in the process.

[Emwok]

I can't think of any practical applications of the fourth dimension right now. But, I did find a game called Miegakure that the maker claims is in 4D.

Jazz fusion?

[Sstavix]

I can't think of any practical applications of the fourth dimension right now. But, I did find a game called Miegakure that the maker claims is in 4D.

That looks odd. If you get a copy, I'm sure this site would love a review about it!

Jazz fusion?

I'm not terribly fond of jazz. What are we fusing it with?

[Chozon1]

Is it possible to take the pipe out of the metal valve? I'm wondering if it would be better - and easier - to simply cut the pipe off below the crack, then cement a new PVC valve in its place.

On a related note, I love pipe cutters! They're so elegant in their simplicity, and fun to use!

It unscrewed from it, but my dad did the install whilst I was sleeping. He ended up cutting the pipe out, using the couple, a new length of pipe, and the new inlet valve attachment thing. He said the fittings worked well, and were easy to install. He prefers the glue and plastic fittings though.

I forgot you were using CreateSpace... and given your experiences with FastPencil, I don't blame you. It's been years since I got my free proof copy from CreateSpace for my first NaNo (it was their promotion that year), but it sounds to me that they give you much more creative control over what you are able to publish.

Eh...it's possible I was doing it wrong. Someone who isn't a goober may have an easier time with the site. Plus, I'm using Libreoffice; an M$ office file might import better. However, I really have no complaints with CreatSpace. I wish I hadn't had to assign a free ISBN to my book quite yet, but I don't think that's necessarily a problem.

That's where I am now - trying to get published. No luck so far. I haven't ruled out the self-publishing route, though. It has worked for a few other authors, like Tom Clancy, Larry Corriea and Jim Butcher. They all self-published before catching the attention of big-name publishers.

Interesting. And encouraging. ^_^ It seems like self publishing requires a fair amount of money to do properly, though. But maybe not.

Space marines vs. Ancient sentient robots?

[Sstavix]

Eh...it's possible I was doing it wrong. Someone who isn't a goober may have an easier time with the site. Plus, I'm using Libreoffice; an M$ office file might import better.

LibreOffice - which I tend to use as well - allows you to save your documents as a .doc file, just like Word. So if you've saved it as a .doc, and that's one of the formats that the site supposedly accepts, then that shouldn't be the issue. But still, to have the site reject a basic PDF seems wonky to me.

However, I really have no complaints with CreatSpace. I wish I hadn't had to assign a free ISBN to my book quite yet, but I don't think that's necessarily a problem.

It isn't if you are just getting the proof copy. And if you eventually go the self-publishing route, it's one less step you have to take.

Interesting. And encouraging. ^_^ It seems like self publishing requires a fair amount of money to do properly, though. But maybe not.

I haven't done it yet, but from what I've heard... it depends on how many books you want to print off to give out for promotions or reviews, or how much you want to spend on advertising. The biggest investment, though, will be time - it's all on your shoulders to get the word out about your book and why other people should purchase it. This will likely be necessary if you get picked up by a small press too, but at least in that case you have the backing of the small press to handle the bookkeeping / budget portions of it.

Space marines vs. Ancient sentient robots?

Space marines. I have a harder time believing ancient sentient robots, unless they were built by aliens or something. Or were you asking about the results if they got into a fight? In that case... probably still the space marines.

[Chozon1]

LibreOffice - which I tend to use as well - allows you to save your documents as a .doc file, just like Word. So if you've saved it as a .doc, and that's one of the formats that the site supposedly accepts, then that shouldn't be the issue. But still, to have the site reject a basic PDF seems wonky to me.

It's funny, but that solution never occurred to me. XD I might go back and see if that makes a difference. Apparently, the PDF. format is specific to printing books. It supposedly flattens it into data easier for the printers to work with, or somesuch. It seemed like another 'buy this to be professional' thing, but maybe I'm just cynical.

It isn't if you are just getting the proof copy. And if you eventually go the self-publishing route, it's one less step you have to take.

So far, that's it. I really appreciated the helpful atmosphere of the site, so I don't think I would mind publishing through them. I'd need to do more research.

I haven't done it yet, but from what I've heard... it depends on how many books you want to print off to give out for promotions or reviews, or how much you want to spend on advertising. The biggest investment, though, will be time - it's all on your shoulders to get the word out about your book and why other people should purchase it. This will likely be necessary if you get picked up by a small press too, but at least in that case you have the backing of the small press to handle the bookkeeping / budget portions of it.

I was more concerned about the bookery itself; whether I'd need to hire a professional editor and stuff like that. Those are very valid points though, that I hadn't considered...Huh.

Space marines. I have a harder time believing ancient sentient robots, unless they were built by aliens or something. Or were you asking about the results if they got into a fight? In that case... probably still the space marines.

Necrons. I just don't know if Spess Mahrines could beat them.

Maze Runner?

[Sstavix]

It's funny, but that solution never occurred to me. XD I might go back and see if that makes a difference. Apparently, the PDF. format is specific to printing books. It supposedly flattens it into data easier for the printers to work with, or somesuch. It seemed like another 'buy this to be professional' thing, but maybe I'm just cynical.

There should be a free way to convert any document into a PDF. The Mac operating system has an option built in every time you go to print. I don't know what version of Windows you're using, but at the office I found a free program called CutePDF that works quite well.

I was more concerned about the bookery itself; whether I'd need to hire a professional editor and stuff like that. Those are very valid points though, that I hadn't considered...Huh.

Hmm, an editor might be a good idea, especially if you're not confident in your (or your friends') proofreading skills. It never hurts to have another set of eyes.

Maze Runner?

I've never read the books or seen the movies. Do you recommend them?

[Chozon1]

here should be a free way to convert any document into a PDF. The Mac operating system has an option built in every time you go to print. I don't know what version of Windows you're using, but at the office I found a free program called CutePDF that works quite well.

I'm using Ubuntu. Getting it into PDF form is easy enough, since Libre exports it without issue. It needed to be in PDX/X-1a:2001 format, which I couldn't manage. I'm sure there's a way, but I couldn't find it, and after four hours, I gave in and went with CreateSpace.

Hmm, an editor might be a good idea, especially if you're not confident in your (or your friends') proofreading skills. It never hurts to have another set of eyes.

It's more that I don't trust my grammatical skills. If I were going to devote a lot of time to a single thing in order to improve my writing, it would be punctuation and grammar.

I've never read the books or seen the movies. Do you recommend them?

I don't know, actually. I saw the first movie, and it was good, but I don't know if I'd recommend it since I don't know where it's going to go, or how it's going to end. XD

Enchiladas?