Discussion of the man and his work.

To: Robert Morales, re: FRANKENSTEIN recommendation
Robert-

Thank you for your recommendation of the 1818 text in your detailed response. I just placed an order for that Oxford edition. Can't wait to read it!

Ebay
Although Ebay would seem to be the most natural place for Harlan's Typewriter to be placed there is a cockroach or two on the wedding cake.

First and foremost, there is a difference between the someone bidding the highest and that person coming across with the scratch when its times to pay up. There have been problems with this time and time again, and Ebay has not yet found a way to resolve this.

Another problem is Ebay itself. Bruce Hershenson, who once used ebay as auction site for his movie poster business, has removed himself because of their problem with their 'ethics' standards. Considering, Harlans' own standards regarding ethical behavior and distrust of the internet this might not be the match made in heaven.

A reputed auction house does at least guarantee bonded bidders who have the scratch, takes all the details off the shoulders of Harlan (and Susan and all of us who would be happy to assist with a internet sale), and would give it the kind of promotion that would bring a large pile of long green. I do like the idea of Harlan including a "last page" that would be unique to the sale, and perhaps some reproductions of any exsisting pieces as part of the packaging.

Typewriter
1) Promote this web-wide/media to the hilt (e.g., Blue monkey gardyloos, a press release, etc.) about a couple weeks or so before listing.

2) Harlan lists on Ebay with reserve price. Though he may be loathe to do so, Harlan should list this himself (with assistance, of course) under his own account and he can identify himself as the seller in the listing, which would alleviate any hesitation about him being a new Ebay seller. Further, there may be a tax consequence (e.g., taxable income from the sale, sales tax) and yet another reason why this should be done under Harlan's own account.

Re: Frankenstein
Le:

Get the Oxford World's Classics edition of the 1818 text. A few years ago, Vintage put out a dual edition of both versions but the Oxford has a solid introduction by Marilyn Butler which puts Shelley's novel into context and explains the political climate that led to its revision. There was a wonderful oversized edition some years back with incredible illustrations by Barry Moser - and more recently, Dark Horse reprinted Bernie Wrightson's justly celebrated illustrated edition with a new, unreadable text design - but I believe both are the revised texts. The original is more accessible, wittier, and moves like a dream.

OT: Frankenstein edition
Can anyone recommend a good edition of Mary Shelley's FRANKENSTEIN? Specifically, does anyone have a preference between the 1818 text vs, the revised text?

Alan, I Can't Stand It Any More...
Alan, would you at least put a space after your commas? Jesus Fucking Christ.

Tim Raven

Harlan’s Typewriter
I haven’t the slightest idea of how to sell the typewriter at the highest possible return. I wish I did know. I wish I won the lottery today, and gave half of the millions to Harlan. I would really do it. At that scale, how much money does one person or two really need? I would like to help Harlan Ellison. His life inspires me to continue writing. Writing makes me feel like a human being.

Financially, on a smaller scale, I’m a handy guy with a shitload of tools. Plumbing, carpentry, hauling stuff in my big gigantic pickup truck, etc. Harlan, I am at your command. I live in Burbank, very close. In return, perhaps you would read a bit of my work. I would be grateful for that and it would be an uneven exchange, certainly. This Tembo would be getting the better part of that deal.

Offering the best thoughts that I can contribute to the Great Typewriter Heist,

Tim Raven

Typewriter Visiting?
Okay, in the interests of getting the richest reward out of this thing, and with the obvious notion that just about everybody on this forum (as well as most likely many other people), perhaps there is a way to make some quick money on this prior to the actual sale.

This idea is very rough and hopefully some of the elite (yep, I said it) on this list might polish it a bit. Is there any possible way that it can be put somewhere that those of us financially incapable of purchasing it might at the least get to sit in front of it and "feel" the magic? It would be even more worthwhile if perhaps at the same time we could pay homage at the temple. I know Harlan does not have time or desire to hang out and dance like a monkey for the fans, but maybe it could be arranged with a local bookstore like the Bradbury 90th birthday thing, where he might say a few words and then one of his faithful could watch the thing while those of us able and willing dropped an offering in the hat and merely sat in front of it?

I don't know how realistic that idea is but it would net some revenue prior to selling it, would generate some publicity online and among fandom, with assuredly each of us writing a glowing review that will hopefully spark some interest? I sat at Edgar Allen Poe's writing desk as a kid and still remember the feeling I had.

Beyond that idea I think that the more personalized the experience, the more value that will be obtained. Perhaps a typed message to the buyer (as was suggested before) from Mr. Ellison as the last time it was used. Ideally maybe lunch with Harlan and Susan or perhaps even just a hand-off in person would escalate the value for a fan, and in the hands of a fan to be honest is where this precious item should end up.

I for one think that someone who collects typewriters is not the ideal audience for this item. For one they won't value it all that much and for another it's unlikely they will make an offer worth as much as a well-heeled Ellison fan (of which there are more than a few).

I still think an auction house will net the most money, but there will be a delay (as mentioned) which might be considerable. I have held and participated in hundreds of E-bay auctions, some of considerable value, and I have to say I think that the numbers being thrown around are very conservative. Economy or no economy, it's a proven fact that collectors (the audience for this item) find the money. Look at any comic book auction (not modern, but Golden Age rare stuff) and tell me when the economy hurt that value?

This is a one of a kind item, preferably personalized. Even if someone else sells it, they are selling it as an investment. This is buying it directly from Harlan himself. There are MANY producers and writers in Hollywood and elsewhere who pay great homage to Harlan in private and in public. Truthfully, $5,000 is chump change for this item. To be honest if it goes at that level I personally will think strongly about buying it.

If promoted online (as I am sure it will be) I think the market will bear much more than that. Did anybody remember the Dukes of Hazzard car auction on E-bay? And that was only one of several used in the series. What about that huge Star Trek Memoribilia auction (not on E-bay, I know)? Several pieces at $250K, and there were literally thousands of items listed.

I would imagine that E-bay is the easiest and most productive way to list. I would take all of Mr. Silver's advice, but would not pay a 20% commission. That's a big chunk (at least $1000 probably considerably more) and you've got fans out here that would eat the fees just for the honor of meeting you (under the guise of taking pictures of the typewriter). The only thing you would be paying for is a strong listing (which anybody on E-bay with any experience can give you, the fees of which will cost less than $100 along with final value fees, perhaps another $100 or slightly more) and market penetration/advertising, which you should get from the viral nature of having literally hundreds of fans promoting it.

I do not have a 10,000 feedback E-bay account, but I can tell you with certainty that most bidders on E-bay for an item like this could absolutely care less about that. They want to know its genuine (which you can provide complete proof of) and they will want the experience of talking to you, Mr. Ellison. If that is the case you could list it yourself. I would be happy to list it and not charge you a penny. I'll even eat the fees for the pleasure of being part of it. 100% feedback over five years with hundreds of listings, never a single unhappy customer. That is not what I do for a living, but I do it well.

In fact this listing will sell itself if promoted properly. I agree 100% with Mr. Silver's methodology and don't doubt that he is a helluva E-bay merchant, but would argue that for a real fan the most you should pay would be E-bay fees, not another thousand dollars of profit for a middleman. If you are going to do that then do it right and use an auction house, where the consignment fee will be similar (perhaps even less) and your net will most likely be considerably better.

Sorry for the rant, but that's my two cents.

Ben

And Now For Something Completely Unrelated

(Forgive me if I missed someone else posting this...)

Roger Ebert is simply amazing.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/01/dining/01ebert.html?_r=1&src=me&ref=homepage
_______________________________________

I might remind you all that there's plenty of additional room over on the Forum side to discuss The Typewriter. It's a great discussion, but it's really rather overwhelming to try to read through and everyone is only getting one shot per day. The Forum is a great deal more interactive and leaves the Pavilion loose for the final "Group Agreement" of our collective recommendation(s).

(Note: I agree with the thoughts that David Silver and Rick Wyatt offer the best suggestions so far.)

HE's Typewriter - Will it go 'round in circles?
1) It seems to me that Paul Allen would have inclination and incentive for this investment. Did that loan make him salivate?

2) I'm guessing Richard Branson would have a similar interest. That might mean the typewriter wouldn't remain on this planet. Are Allen and Branson ebay bidders?

3) Cleveland would be a fine home. Lebron left to tan his tattoos, so, Clevelanders have been deceived by another King James version. (I was in Cleveland/Painesville the week Art Modell announced he was moving the Browns to Baltimore. People were in shock.) Maybe Cavalier owner Dan Gilbert could win a bidding war with Allen and Branson.

4) Harlan, If I had the coin I'd buy it and return it to the owner.

Richard Halasz

PWA#1 reviewed by Greg McElhatton for Read About Comics
www.readaboutcomics.com/2010/09/01/phoenix-without-ashes-1/
"...for now, it just feels too dated to be that exciting."
---
Possible things to include with the typewriter:
* exact certificate (of course)
* signed photocopy of manuscript, fanzine or letter written on it
* old edition of book containing material written on it
* framed photo of the time of Harlan (possibly at typewriter)
* DVD of DWST as bonus, bridging past and present
---
The typewriter itself is holy and complete in itself - should not have anything in it nor be used (I doubt it has a working ribbon). New material would be anachronistic and take attention away from the object.
---
Harlan listed at myTypewriter, a store and "a growing project documenting the important role classic typewriters played in the formation of literature master pieces."
www.mytypewriter.com/authors/list/Ellison.html

HARLAN'S TYPEWRITER

So far, at least, David Silver & Rick Wyatt's suggestions seem the most promising. Of course, if the typewriter collector's got the green, that may be a good way to go.

SUSAN: I received MIND FIELDS today. Thanks so much for the careful packaging. Once again, the tome arrived in excellent shape. Thanks, Harlan for the signature. Not to mention MIND FIELDS itself. Jacek Yerka is a mind-blowing artist.

Chuck

Rick Wyatt, genius. Pure genius. You frisbee boys have brains.

-----------

"Education is a progressive discovery of our ignorance."

Will Durant.

Something I suggested to Susan some time back....

A monthly Watching column online at this site;small fee to watch new one and archive ones down the road perhaps.Find a security outfit online to handle credit and debits.
Shit,even a monthly draw for signed copies of manuscripts would peak my interest month to month;winner sitting out every other month.
I have Franks back on best course here.Good luck with final course majority wants to send to HE. Alan

Doing a little leg work on my own.

Hey,checked USF library special collections Super. and he just spent a wad on Mark Twain telegram but thought maybe another special collections institution could be found but they were to continue building Twain portfolios. Checked with UofF in Gainesville and their special collections are so underfunded they thought not the best of times to be shopping around. I also tried Poynter Institute in St.Pete which hosts journalism events but have not heard back,will give them another shot on Thursday.
Sure e-bay could pay off,maybe not.Try it,try the collector,if not working to your advantage then allow the reader base to see if you can make the minimum you need to have and let Susan tally and draw,if not enough interest just return all entries of drawing for Greatest Living American Short-Story Writer's first typwriter.

I know I proofed that...
David Silver, while a slave of a worker who is slavish in his devotion to Harlan, is not a Slaver.

Two paths for Harlan's Typewriter
David Slaver is of a mind with mine own. As I wrote yesterday, an eBay auction that is an event, yeah Baby.

I also agree with Rocin's comment. Even with all the bells and whistles and connections Silver brings to the table, if you want $5 Grand for the machine, and his magnate dude offers that much, and if money is the thing, then Take It. I have fifteen years experience selling things like this, on and off eBay (trade shows, collector fairs, flea markets and walking around with a bag of goodies at hotels where collectors are staying for a convention, and cold calling others), and my instinct is that on eBay you will likely max out somewhere just below four or five thousand.

I hope I am wrong. It wouldn't be the first time. But I support taking the bird in the hand when there is any significant doubt about what is in the bush.

As this is an election in which truly there is "One Man, One Vote", I eagerly await the opening of the polls, and that One Man's Singular Choice.

Good luck.

HARLAN'S TYPEWRITER

May I suggest giving Greg Ketter a call?

peace,
Rick

Harlan's Typewriter
I agree with everyone who has mentioned Ebay.

You may want to get it appraised by someone so that you can set that as your minimum bid.

Or I found a gentleman here in San Francisco who buys vintage typewriters. I doubt you'll get your asking price, but at least you'll be getting what it's worth.

Seeing as how you'll need photos of it, If you would like I could see if the gentleman here in SF would at least appraise it for you. If you're interested, please let me know.

Harlan's Typewriter

I know nothing about auctions or antiques, so my initial instinct was that you should go with a big auction house...

But then I read David Silver's suggestion.

I think he nailed it. I'm just as ignorant as before, but just reading the idea - the single sheet "last story on the first typewriter," using Ebay, but in a smart way that maximizes exposure - it just got me excited and made me want to bid.

And I ain't got bupkis to bid on cool stuff like that. It just suddenly felt like an event and made me want to be a part of it.

I imagine that for people with actual money to spend on collectables, it'd be irresistible.

Silver nailed it.

MM

Wow, I wish I could use Harlan's typewriter in a scene in my film - scene's set in a kind of reliquary. Oh, well, but wow...

Harlan's typewriter
Been reading comments here. Just wanted to say I think David Silver has the best idea. Ebay is where everything is happening now and it won't take years and years to get your money. I am sure everyone here will do whatever we can do to publicize the event.I'm hardly an expert at collectables but I think the Ebay idea would work. And I love the idea of the last typed page being in the typewriter when it's sold. Perfect!

Go with the old man and his Xanadu collection. You're not going to get $5000 on E-bay, or anywhere near that, no matter what's on the spool.

My Vote

Go with David Silver. Sounds like he knows that about which he talks, and if you are gonna sell the thing, why not get the most you can for it? Nothing wrong with clearing out the space and replacing it with a check, and why on Earth wouldn't you want the numbers above the signature to be larger rather than smaller, all things considered?

I mean, "Pay the writer well." is better than "Pay the writer." ain't it?

Perry

Harlan's Writer of Type
After letting everyone else do the work, I'm adding my voice to the E-bay chorus. My only other suggestion would be to have the Smithsonian pay a few million for the typewriter and display it proudly next to the Ruby Slippers, but nobody's gonna listen to me.

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