Budget Books

This is a very pratical book in my opinion, as one can creat ideas from the simplest thing.

A fun read. The concept: Parisian decorating on a budget. And, for the most part, the author tries to work in the budget idea. She cheats, though, gets friends to come up with labor and trompe l'oeil work that anybody else would pay good money for. And it does make a difference, flea-market it ain't. But the read is still fun, the decor heavy on romanticism, dark lighting, darker colors, a kind of decorator's bodice-ripper. Strasser seems to think it's no good doing something when you can do a heck of a lot more. Simplicity? I don't think the she ever heard the word. Over-the-top, now that she understands. I recommend it.

Ryland Smith

This book was filled with fabulous creative (affordable!) ways to live like you dream of living. I was in NYC and had the honor of meeting author, Claudia Strasser, in person. She is beautiful, bubbling with enthusiasm, personality and fabulous suggestions! I think this book is a must buy for anyone with big dreams and a smaller budget. In fact, it's a must buy for those of all budgets!

Over the past 7 years when I discovered this talented woman & couldn't wait to purchase her book I must have given away over 20+ of her books because when people visit my plantation on the Northshore of New Orleans or visit my mountaintop home 20 minutes from San Francisco in Silicon Valley California they all ask...........who is your designer????? I respond with a copy of Claudia's book.

As a Global Traveler I had never seen this style in the states all of those years ago & she was one of the first. I instantly copied in both homes on both coasts of the US & I still go online to her website for inspiration. She is cutting edge & the world has copied her. I always thought she should have had her own TV Show. When I pull her book out I see something new every time.

A devoted fan with an entire new home again. . . . a la Parisian Style. Thanks Claudia!!

This book has no interest for someone interested in decorating. Very boring, not enough photos. A real vanity book.

Yes, this book has made it to my reference desk - if only to keep me reminded of my intention to LOOK like a Hollywood production without costing like one.

There are some really useful suggestions and references - some which are now dated due to the age of the book. However I found it an easy read and a good start for anyone looking to get into film production using your camcorder.

Before you buy your equipment or launch your product, do yourself a favor and read through this book first.

This was one of the most pretentious books I've ever read. Seriously. What I expected to be a guide to DV film making was really just an excuse for the author to push his own personal aesthetic, and I learned virtually nothing about the nuts and bolts of film making at all. If I wanted to know how to shoot Dogme 95 like a pretentious art-house irritant, I would buy a book on THAT rather than having to skip over an entire chapter of useless information. Plus for some reason he seems to assume that nobody already owns a computer, and includes an entire chapter on buying one. That was pretty weird too.

Making movies is one of my hobbies. I was excited when I recieved this book as a gift, but was immediately turned off within the first couple of pages. Schmidt does some serious Hollywood bashing. Yes, some of Hollywood's movies are crappy, but it is unfair to say that all good films are indie films. This was the idea the book gave me. Then he goes on to bash O. Henry and Spielberg and his movie Shindler's List. No one does that. Ever. He is a great film maker. This is the finishing move: Schmidt goes on to say that plot has little to do with a movie, and that movies shouldn't be about telling stories. What the heck. What do you think movies are?

It has some good advice, but the author should be shot for dissing on some of the world's best directors and authors.

This is a great book for any aspiring filmmaker. A lot of people talk about making movies... Schmidt shows you how to ACTUALLY get out and do it.

Big, Hollywood movies cost big, Hollywood cash.

An independent filmmaker just can't afford to do things the "studio" way.

Rick Schmidt tells you how to make a feature length movie with little or no cash.

Just grab a camcorder, round up some friends, and make the damn thing.

If it sucks... so what?

Learn from your mistakes and make the next one better.

This book will inspire you to quit talking about it and get out there and do it!

Highly recommended!!!

This book is hopelessly outdated (as are my own), so I can't rate it any higher; but at least this guy is sincere. Some of the other reviewers act as if they expected the keys to the kingdom for under 20 bucks. And L Roc from Chi-town certainly got up on the wrong side of the crab dolly, except, of course, for hyping another book. In an age when you can buy your own production and editing equipment for under $10K, you don't need the strategies in this book or any other--save your money for tape stock--or to listen to the nay-sayers.

So glad I found this still available for sale Amazon. I'm still missing the original "Budget Living" magazine, though. Especially in these rough economic times, Budget Living is sorely missed as a resource for the frugal lifestyle.

This is a terrific book for those of us who are fans of Todd Oldham, Amy Sedaris, and Jonathan Adler- It's like a mixture of their personalities all in a book that shows you how to make affordable, unique items for your home.

Most of the items shown are DIY crafts- for those of us who'd rather MAKE than BUY. Even as an inspirational tool, this book is wonderful for those kinesthetic learners who need visual help... like me. It gave me the inspiration to take my grandmother's old brass/cream colored lamp and spray paint it green- ready to use for another generation! Even afterwards, I took a lampshade for 5$ from IKEA (which is often referenced for cool ideas throughout this book) and I covered it in astroturf and sewed some sunflowers on it for my living room.

Basically, if you want a resource for funky, original ideas on how to make your space more mod, contemporary, or just plain cool, then get this book. It's well worth the price. I'd just recommend it for the crafty people who will actually use it and not just look at it!

I've gotten quite a few design books in the past couple of years, and this is one of my favorites. While I wouldn't replicate some of these designs (suitcase as end table? gothic house? blech!!), I thought that the ideas presented in the book are inventive and align with my thrift store/modern aesthetic.

What I like about the book is that presents ideas that use more creativity than money, yet dont't look cheesy/kitschy. And unlike other books that draw from thrift store finds, it doesn't look like some sterile '50s Danish furniture museum. Old stuff is mixed with modern and rustic. It's a look that's attainable and easy to live with.

I don't have the time or energy (or money!) to create a period perfect living environment, yet I want to have something that doesn't look too modern and cookie-cutter. This book I believe strikes the correct balance.

Anyone remember the 1970s magazine, Apartment Living (or was it Apartment Life)? The style and projects in this book remind me of that innovative magazine. I wish the projects had the step-by-step instructions and graphics, but actually they look manageable even without the details.
The book starts you thinking of offbeat sources of art to make your space special. Think of kid's art, instead of pricey modern art, or spray paint glass vases silver to mimic expensive mercury glass. Iron applique letters onto throw pillows to get a monogrammed effect.
The book gives examples for rearranging what you have for greater impact. Read the list of common decorating mistakes to get started. I liked the fun touches (a window seat full of vintage sock monkeys) and the liberating free-wheeling decorating that they advocate.
The projects include turning an ice bucket into a lampshade, painting your own zebra skin rug on vinyl, slipcover your headboard, and making wooden wine crates into storage bins. A particularly striking project turned three hardback books into wall art by folding the pages. This project did include step-by-step instructions.
Don't mistake this for Shabby Chic. Yes, many of the rooms feature flea market finds, but this is not the gentle pastels and rich touches of that decorating trend. This features bold rooms with an offbeat look.

Don't have a subscription to the magazine, but bet I'd like it! Also, I don't mind when magazines publish "best of" compilations of articles to a specific theme -
it saves me having to go hunt down those particular issues, which I may not have saved anyway!!
The photos in here are fabulous for examining in detail. Definitely a swell idea book. I found the prices quoted to run the gamut from REALLY low, to what I personally might consider moderately high, but I am more of an "idea gleaner" type girl than an "I want to copy this entire room down to the very tschotkes on the tschelves and not pay a penny more" type girl. And there are so many cool ideas between the pages of Home Cheap Home you'll be inspired and doing the interior design thing yourself as quickly as you can utter the words "Oh yay! Pop Art's still alive"!

Great explanation of accounting! Highly recommended for all accounting majors before taking an actual class! Great reference during course as well :)

This book is basically a novice's introduction to accounting and has, for that individual, very good detail that is straight forward and easy to understand. The author covers the essentials of balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow very well with pretty easy examples and good interpretations and definitions. The latter part of the book has more discussion of current accounting issues and principles in fairly simple terms. Not a lot of hard detail, so this book is not for an individual experienced in the world of finance. An example is Sarbanes Oxley, which although the cover says it is covered in a blurb, it really is only covered in a few pages. The book is entertaining in areas as all these books are. Thus, it's a good introduction for those with little knowledge and should be seen as a building block to a more challenging publication.

This book is well-written, and covers the topics I had hoped it would. It has helped me get an understanding about the basics of accounting. As a small business owner I don't need all the technical stuff... and this was geared to my level. I'm glad I bought it. I'm actually going to read it again just to cement some of the ideas into my thinking.

Great book. It helped me understand accounting and it was easy to pick up the tricks and the trades of this course.

Great book. I can't do math (I went to private school) but even I was able to follow the clear, well written formulas in this book.

This guide to independent films is quite a mess. A straight alphabetical order makes it easy to find films, but without some mention of distributors or a production company, it really doesn't explain what makes each film an indie. The reviews themselves are subjective to the point of annoyance, focusing more on the author's lies and dislikes than on the merits of the film. Some reviews actually have two different scores, ("Evil Dead" three bones for fans, but for me just one.") a concept that makes absolutely no sense. Have an opinion and stick with it don't hedge your bets. Even the indices serve no real purpose, listing some actors and directors and not others and only in the indies that are in this book-pointless. As a critical guide, this book is useless; as a list of films you might not be familiar with, it has a purpose.

I enjoy reading books by movie buffs and I think that this book reveals the spirit of a reviewer who sees a lot films and is not afraid to like or dislike what she sees.

She puts it out boldly in her review on 'Valentino'. That is a film most people clearly disliked-- but she loved it. It is clear that Sullivan has seen everything she reviewed and for that reason it makes the book very special. Even if she dislikes a film, its worth it to me to have this reference when I see it. I certainly agreed with what she wrote about 'A Boy and a Dog' ( and I would say BARF, not just WOOF). After all, Don Johnson begs for ridicule, and its funny to hear that the press attaché begged her to go back in! And that's an example of a film that people seemed to like.

The same went for'Cold Feet' when the press kit included instructions on what to laugh at or not. I enjoy these insides to a reviewers life, just as all aspects of the movie business. I particularly loved Sullivan's review of 'Jackie Brown'! That was what I was thinking exactly. Pam Grier rocked in 'Coffie' but in Tarantino's film, she remains only an icon. I was also disappointed with the film 'Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! by Almodovar after his brilliant 'Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown', and the insights of the review point to some reasons why it didn't work.

Check out the review on 'Good Will Hunting' and you can imagine the effects of media bombardment that tells the public to like something, through sheer advertising. How about 'The Player', which Sullivan cryptically warns us if its a case book study: 'Heaven help Hollywood in the 21st Century'. ( And we 'were' warned! I am not looking forward to the Oscars 2002!). And I want to see Altman's 'The Delinquents' now, which she suggests.

Sullivan demythologizes film demagogues even in the Indie scene for us. I can understand that this is controversial but I love it!. With so much information (and since this in second reprint) I'm sure that any small discrepancies can be patched in for a third book, and I'm waiting. 1000 films are reviewed, and the special inserts are colorful and interesting for example on Lawrence Tierney, Ida Lupino and Sandra Goldbacher, to name only a few. Sullivan reveals so many aspects of independent film history which are valuable such as production code indies. ( 'Who Killed Teddy Bear') and Mary Pickford's work ( 'The Sparrow').

How about an overrated enigma indie like 'Spanking the Monkey', my sentiments exactly. And plots are revealed. 'Take Clay Pigeons' and 'The Journals of Jean Seberg' for example I have to say this is an excellent and personal review book. Critics have to dare to speak their truth, and I can't imagine their lives are always fun when their work is questioned. As Monica says "under threat of social torture, I will confess to being a movie reviewer". Further, she says 'I don't want a film to reinforce an opinion I already have. I want to see and hear the world from a perspective other than my own. I love it when a filmmaker shares a world that is wildly different from the one I've experienced up till now. Indies fill that need".

Monica's website 'Movie Magazine International' lives on in between reprints where I can keep up on independent film. I enjoy being a Monica Sullivan fan, she deserves her own cult and I sign up!

"The reason films are made outside of Hollywood is usually because Hollywood won't produce films dealing with their subject matter, and the author doesn't understand that."
Adam Tremwhatsky from Merryville INDIANA.

I just have to laugh at the comment from the post hailing from 'Merryville' that so far has garnished the most responses to this book. Why let a confused and opinionated armchair critic speak for this volume? I'm glad Adam isn't reviewing Led Zeppelin's Greatest Hits....

The REASONS films are made outside of Hollywood are multiple. Steven Soderbergh's 'Bubble' is a recent example. It wasn't that Hollywood wouldn't have produced it--Soderbergh didn't want it produced there. Should there be more than one study on independent film? Yes. Is Sullivan's study worthy of your shelf? Yes. Why? Because it reveals an eclectic mix of entries, and it displays a personal style that is consistent, - and provokes discussion. So in the absense of a new VideoHound, and at a generous savings for being five years old, with some obscure and sophisticated titles to the collection to boot this film guide is definitely worth owning - or borrowing. I rate it 4 stars --because its five years old...so VideoHound update please!

It is clear that Sullivan has seen everything she reviewed and for that reason it makes the book very special. Even if she dislikes a film, its worth it to me to have this reference when I see it. I certainly agreed with what she wrote about 'A Boy and a Dog. After all, Don Johnson begs for ridicule, and its funny to hear that the press attaché begged her to go back in! And that's an example of a film that people seemed to like.

The same went for'Cold Feet' when the press kit included instructions on what to laugh at or not. I enjoy these insides to a reviewers life, just as all aspects of the movie business. I particularly loved Sullivan's review of 'Jackie Brown'!That was what I was thinking exactly. Pam Grier rocked in 'Coffie' but in Tarantino's film, she remains only an icon. I was also disappointed with the film 'Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! by Almodovar after his brilliant 'Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown', and the insights of the review point to some reasons why it didn't work.

Check out the review on 'Good Will Hunting' and you can imagine the effects of media bombardment that tells the public to like something, through sheer advertising. How about 'The Player', which Sullivan cryptically warns us if its a case book study: 'Heaven help Hollywood in the 21st Century'. ( And we 'were' warned! I am not looking forward to the Oscars 2002!). And I want to see Altman's 'The Delinquents' now, which she suggests.

I will confess to being a movie reviewer". Further, she says 'I don't want a film to reinforce an opinion I already have. I want to see and hear the world from a perspective other than my own. I love it when a filmmaker shares a world that is wildly different from the one I've experienced up till now. Indies fill that need".

Monica's website 'Movie Magazine International' lives on in between reprints where I can keep up on independent film. I enjoy being a Monica Sullivan fan, she deserves her own cult and I sign up!

There are over 355 reviews of 'American Psycho' on websites. Some people loved it, others hated it. What is interesting about this debate on 'Videohounds Independent Film Guide' is that it raises gender differences on how women and men perceive film! Because film is so much 'a male territory', I don't hesitate to give the book a read. That it is written by a knowledgeable woman alone compelled me to have a look. It seems that critical reviewers having one thing in common: resentment that their sacred territory has been encroached upon by an alternative thought system. This is an upfront and personal anthology. And I definitely recommend it!

... [bad] maps and instructions. Stupid jokes in place of much-needed information. Lacking coverage on all too many places. And worst, advertisement for every other book in the series at the opening of the section on each country.

... .

Stick to Lonely Planet. Far, far better than this junk.

First of all...If you are going to any of the western European countries then narrow your research by buying Lets Go: WESTERN Europe, 2002. This review will be more specifically for that book.

This book is a necessity for any independent trip to Europe. It covers everything from lodging, restaurants, what to do, sample itineraries, language guide, city maps, culture and history. A very thick and well researched book...but to really nail down your trip before you go you must bite the bullet and couple this book with at least one other if not two other books. First is Rick Steves Best of Series. Either choose his best of europe or best of the individual country you plan to visit. Rick's book complements the let's go series by being picky...he covers only the places which he considers worthy; and while this may miss many worthy places you are assured of hitting the top spots. Use 'lets go' to find the other out of the way spots. The other book to pick up is the DK writers Eyewitness series, and once again you can choose either Eyewitness Europe or Eyewitness of the country you choose. These are great books because they show you so many pictures of the places to visit that you can see for yourself if it looks like the type of place you would like to go. All three books are worth their weight in gold when you arrive in Europe fully prepared with your itinery completely planned.

I know this combo is expensive (way cheaper here than in your local bookstore...saves 25 bucks) but when you are spending a fortune going to europe an extra 50 bucks in books will help make every minute count. Instead of wasting an hour every morning trying to decipher what to do you will be halfway through your tour of the local dungeon at a hidden castle you would never have known about without these books...Good luck and happy travels!

My friend and I have used Let's go Europe three times.
The guide is highly reliable as regards lodgings and instructions about transportation and important sights to see. Yes, I admit sometimes the hostel was not as clean and spotless and there were some mistakes, that is turn left when it was right. But when you really want to travel budget (I live in a South american country so I MUST do it this way) it is excellent.
Rick Steve's is wonderful but too expensive per day for us!!.

Let's Go is THE guidebook for cheap traveling, especially for students. It's secret? It's written by students, mainly for students...It's strength is that it has a lot of truly budget accomodations listed -- hostels, etc. -- in practically every city in Europe. The main weakness? Because it is put together by students, who by definition are amateurs, the writing can sometimes be weak, the info can be out of date or wrong, and the reviews of lodging and sights are incredibly uneven. (For example, when I used Let's Go almost exclusively for a 3-month Europe trip, some of their $10-25/night budget accomodations listed were fantastic -- but others were dumps unworthy of a listing in any guidebook). The problem is that, unlike a Lonely Planet or a Rick Steves guidebook, which are written by professionals, Let's Go has had hundreds of writers over the years, with students writing about one country but not all the others...If you are unlucky enough to go to a country reviewed by Mountain Man Jack, for example, and he doesn't care about a lack of air conditioning, lumpy beds and smelly rooms, and fails to mention these items, you are out of luck. All in all, though, a great resource for people who need truly budget accomodations, with lots of good maps and other tips... I've personally outgrown this guidebook, having moved on to Rick Steves, who focuses not on the cheapest possible budget but on getting the most possible out of your trip...($50-$100 day vs. the $25-$50 that Let's Go specializes in).

Let's Go is THE guidebook for cheap traveling, especially for students. It's secret? It's written by students, mainly for students...It's strength is that it has a lot of truly budget accomodations listed -- hostels, etc. -- in practically every city in Europe. The main weakness? Because it is put together by students, who by definition are amateurs, the writing can sometimes be weak, the info can be out of date or wrong, and the reviews of lodging and sights are incredibly uneven. (For example, when I used Let's Go almost exclusively for a 3-month Europe trip, some of their $10-25/night budget accomodations listed were fantastic -- but others were dumps unworthy of a listing in any guidebook). The problem is that, unlike a Lonely Planet or a Rick Steves guidebook, which are written by professionals, Let's Go has had hundreds of writers over the years, with students writing about one country but not all the others...If you are unlucky enough to go to a country reviewed by Mountain Man Jack, for example, and he doesn't care about a lack of air conditioning, lumpy beds and smelly rooms, and fails to mention these items, you are out of luck. All in all, though, a great resource for people who need truly budget accomodations, with lots of good maps and other tips... I've personally outgrown this guidebook, having moved on to Rick Steves, who focuses not on the cheapest possible budget but on getting the most possible out of your trip...($50-$100 day vs. the $25-$50 that Let's Go specializes in).

My kids were not fond of many if any of the recipes in this book . I don't have the time to cook for just me and not have family style meals. This might be better for a single person or a couple.

I found the structure of the book annoying - you constantly had to flip around to get menues and recipies and grocery lists, etc. Also, while the book description says it gives calorie amounts, it doesn't break down where the calories come from, so if you want to make substitutions or swap meals from one day to another, you don't know how that changes the calories.

I am online searching for a replacement book, because mine is so dog-eared. I've had this book for years, and I always go back to it. A lot of these recipes are definitely old standbys for my family. There is some prep time involved with chopping onions, peppers, etc. Veggies are cheap and healthy; therefore, they're in a lot of these recipes. Chop up a bunch at once and keep them in Baggies, ready for the next time.

I had high hopes for this book and was sadly mistaken, the food is mediocre at best, the portions are very small, i would recommend purchasing "The 1200-calorie-A-Day Menu Coobook" by Nancy Hughes if you really want good food with good portions!! i have also checked out other books by Ms. Smith and I was equally disappointed. I hope you have better luck than me.

If you're looking for low-cost, you can start by not buying this book. It's possibly the worst cookbook I've ever looked at.

The recipes are filled with errors. The nutrition information with each recipe is wildly inaccurate. Here's an example: The Stromboli recipe (p. 238). It says it makes 4 3-ounce servings. It starts with a "1-lb. loaf of French bread." Those of us who possess rudimentary math skills can see that that's 4 ounces of bread per 3-ounce serving. And that's before you add the ground beef, cheese and other ingredients. Furthermore, it claims each of the four servings will have 332 calories. I calculated it out and it's going to be over 500 (more like 600) calories per serving.

This is typical of the recipes in this book. Another example: Beefy Mushroom and Barley Soup (p. 167). If you made this by the directions in the book, it would be inedible. It has "lean stew beef" as one of the ingredients. The total cooking time is 30 minutes. I hope you're ready to chew for a LONG time.

Save your money and your time. Don't buy this book.

Like others here have said - the book offers a promise but doesn't deliver. Ironically - much like the sub-standard contractors the author faults for all of the industry's problems.

The book has serious deficiencies - it is questionable how much the authors really know about certain industry practices such as cost estimating, building information modeling (BIM)or Job Order Contracting (which is never mentioned). Some of their observations are simply anecdotal (despite an over-abundance of footnotes, like some academic text). They seem not to realize some of the circumstances that lead to the current configuration of the industry - such as specialized crafts and training required by contractors in order for owners to get manufacturer's warranties on certain products such as roofing. A general contractor can't keep people like that on the payroll all the time - it's just-in-time work, and a good deal of it is refurbishment, not new construction. Also, much of what the author faults the entire industry for are simply examples of bad management - on the part of architects, contractors and owners. Nothing new there. Then again - that's how the author makes his living - as an attorney in contract disputes. As another reviewer opined - he never sees the good projects.

For example - the author lauds architect Frank Gehry and specifically the Strata Center at MIT. Apparently the book was written before MIT sued Gehry for the many flaws in the design of the $300 million Strata center (search the Boston Globe of November 6, 2007 for the full article.) Just because MIT paid Gehry $15 million - MIT expects a building that doesn't leak, have poor drainage and a host of other problems. The nerve!

Here's another take on Gehry's Strata Center:

"It really is a disaster," said former Boston University president John Silber, who sharply criticizes the Stata Center's design in a new book, "Architecture of the Absurd: How 'Genius' Disfigured a Practical Art."

I was especially amused at how the authors tap-danced around the issue of how the construction industry in the US is supposedly deeply flawed, but leads all the others in the world in productivity! An interesting oxymoron that really isn't addressed.

This book is a scan read, and library loan at best.

I agree with several other reviewers, this book starts off strong then quickly fizzles into repetitiveness and too much "armchair economist" speculation.

Contractors bid low to get the job then try to make it up on change orders. Therefore we should maybe try something different with contracts. Anyone who has been around construction for any length of time knows this.

I take issue with his call for consolidation (and bureaucratization) in the industry. Do we really want foremen as lobotomized as Target Team Members? Construction today, while not an egalitarian workers paradise, is a place where a person with ambition can still rise to a decent standard of living with just their own hard work and wits. There are meritocratic elements, consensus decision making, and cooperation within the command structure. Why try to make it more like cubicle life?

With regard to productivity, when delays (expected or unexpected) happen in a centralized office or diversified manufacturer, one can often switch to other productive task while waiting. On the job site you can wait drive somewhere else, with productive hours lost to transit and setup time. Perhaps some efficiencies can be gained but for instance what else do you have workers do when finishing concrete? They have to work the concrete a little bit, sit around in the truck, go back and work it a little more, wait in the truck, etc.

A decent book and well written but it is thin on solutions and alternatives. Changing the construction contract is the theme of this book and the only relevant solution proposed.

Barry LePatner's essay on the state of the failed construction world in the US reminds us that not all things are created equal. The concepts of financial leverage, specialization of trades, diffusion of risk, and vertical/horizontal integration are explained so the lay person can grasp the intent of the book. The essential truths of "time, price, and quality" have been replaced by "time value of money" and this theme is quietly woven throughout the book.

No single volume can elucidate the myriad forces affecting an industry some call the `second oldest profession,' but Mr. LePatner's admirable attempt to uncover the sources of inefficient and cost overrun construction makes us want to understand more. It used to be there was an `art' to construction that matched the glorious designs of prolific architects and what was built was a source of pride for all. Mr. LePatner's book is both nostalgic and forward thinking; it offers us glimpses of the malaise that characterizes the antiquated design-bid-build business model.

Not since Dana Cuff's "Architecture: The Story of Practice"--the exposé about the esoteric underpinnings of the architectural profession--has an essay attempted to exorcise the silent demons lurking in the counterpart profession of construction. If asymmetric information is a source for unequal footing at the outset of every project, perhaps the economic context of construction too is antiquated.

I appreciate the boldness with which Mr. LePatner argues his position. As a developer and financier of high-end real estate, I empathize with each scenario illustrated. The lessons and practical advice to owners to overcome false starts and overbudgets are put forward with a studied determination guided by good intentions. Will Mr. LePatner's book single-handedly be the catalyst to fix the construction industry? No one can predict the future, but we can't say he didn't warn us. -Roy R. Pachecano, Real Estate Columnist, BUILDERnews Magazine

I was disappointed by this book. It started out very well, with a promise to unlock the mysteries of a horribly inefficient industry. Hoping to find a manifesto for change, I instead found the proposed solution quite underwhelming.

The authors laboriously breakdown the current system in great detail, setting the stage and mentally preparing the reader for the great unveiling. And I kept waiting for that moment to come when the "ah-ha" would happen and everything would click into place. I had to double check that I was done when I reached the Notes section to make sure that there wasn't any more. "Is that it?" I thought.

It does provide a fascinating look at the inner workings of the industry. It is a good read for anybody in the construction industry, whether as an owner, contractor, or design professional. The authors certainly do give you a lot to think about, but little promise that it can be adopted industry-wide.

I recommend reading this book, but do not expect it to be world-changing.

This book is useless if you already own "The Master Handbook of Acoustics" by the same author. However as the title suggests it's all about being on a budget, which it explains fairly well. If you are building a projects studio in your house for example..this is a must read.

This book is an update of Everest's classic "Acoustic Design for Home and Studio". It is great for what it is. For more capable types, Everest's "Master" book is more complete. This one has the basics. For those who thought this is too technical, I wonder how they expect to deal with the other aspects of audio engineering. Just knowing how to twist a knob is not a path to excellence.

In actuality this is a well written, very direct primer, starting with very basic physics, and leading to easy design engineering. It's not hard to calculate, design, finance or construct good acoustics, and the payoff is huge. It does require a modest amount of work, and calculations to get good data. Remember: "Garbage in, garbage out." Acoustics control your recording and playback. This book will give you a fighting chance.

if you are on a financial budget, you are likely on a time budget, and this book can be a time sucker. it reminded my of my high school trigonometry book. I didn't spend much time with that, either. To the defense of the writer, my friends in the business who actually know what they are doing, swear by this guy and his books. I, however, am just trying to make a room in my house sound a little better, and could care less to know about the science behind it any more than I care about the science behind a combustion engine while I'm driving. I recommend 'basic home studio design' by paul white. simple, small, easy, the minimum that you need to know- but as much as i think 90% would need.

as another reviewer says, this appears to be the previous edition of what is currently titled "how to build a small budget recording studio....". also, as another reviewer has noted, you dont have to read it in order -- each example project its its own chapter with its own self-contained presentation. each example does stress diffferent design goals that translate to different acoustic treatments.

its a little annoying that every page seems to be an advertsemen for an rpg product. this is mitigated by the author's inclusion of journal and patent references that tell you everything you need to know to build these treatments yourself if you like. or if your budget doesnt allow for the beautiful wood forms from rpg, just take the keywords and run -- diffusor, absorber, abfussor -- and its easy to find someone besides rpg that makes the things using less expensive materials.

i enjoyed the book enough that i'm ordering the next edition. i also recommend his book on stereo theory if you want an overview of the psychoacoustics involved.

Too much time spent on the mathematics of sound transfer and acoustics. Not enough on how to build the studio. Could not find a "complete parts list" for any of the plans. This is not for someone looking to build a simple studio. Very technical and boring.

I found this book to be very easy to understand, very well written and full of valuable information that anyone interested in self publishing should read. I have referred back to this book time after time, if you are even considering going the self publishing route, buy this book.

This is a practical, simple and easy-to-follow guide to economical self-publishing built on the personal experience of Linda F. Radke. Linda is an award-winning self-publisher who has helped numerous authors publish and market their books. In the book Linda tips the self-publisher in his or here way through the thorns of the publishing and marketing worlds. And she really suggests a lot of money-saving hints.

The book covers many topics such as style, manuscript, illustrations, editors, copyright, ISBN, bar code, establishing your business at home, developing mailing lists, how to market ant promote your book on a limited budget, and much more. It consists of three parts. The first one is about making a book from idea to printing. Writing the book is the easy and pleasing part, very the tip of the iceberg of book-publishing. The second part of the book is on business of publishing, as writing is an art and publishing is a business. And the third part is on publicity, promotion, and marketing. In appendix you'll find the list of some useful publications, periodicals, association and distributors' magazines, book distributors and wholesalers, mailing list sources, other useful contacts, and a sample of the Book marketing plan by Five Star Publications.

Dan Poynter said about this book: this is your recipe, your coach, your mentor, your guide, your beacon, and your secret weapon. And he is quite right. I recommend this book for writers and small publishers.

Linda Radke's practical,money-saving introduction to the self-publishing process will maximize profits and minimize mistakes. From start to finish, it is filled with essential information and scores of useful resources. If you yearn to maintain control over the timing and presentation of your first book, this informative Guide will skillfully introduce you to the secrets of self-publishing success."

Linda Foster Radke's book "The Economical Guide to Self Publishing" is a must read for all self publishers. It is easy to read, clear, provides a good step-by-step overview and gives great suggestions on how to save money. My only regret is that her book became available after I self published my book. Along with the books of Dan Poynter and Tom and Marilyn Ross her book has become a welcome addition to my library.

I enjoyed reading this book. It is a good overview of self-publishing and written in a light, "easy-to-read" style. If you really wanted to learn to self-publish however, there are better books out there. What this book lacks is some of the detailed information that is available in other book on this subject. If you really want to learn to self-publish, check out the books by Poynter, Ross & Ross, Brownstone or Cordoza. Unfortunately you really need to purchase a couple of these book to really learn what you need to know. I haven't found one of that covers everything in sufficient detail.