$1000 for ESTA/Behind The Scenes, and 100 Books for Live Entertainment Industry Workers

To kick off the release of my brand new book Introduction to Show Networking, (which should, FINALLY, start shipping this week!), I ran a giveaway of 100 copies to those who donated to o ESTA’s Technical Standards Program or the Behind the Scenes charity, or those who have been put out of work by the COVID-19 shutdown of our industry. 23 people donated $890, and this morning I donated an additional $110 to bring it up to a nice round $1000. Thanks to all who donated!

120 people from around the country (I limited this giveaway to US addresses because of shipping/duty issues) entered for the 50 free books. Reading through the responses is heartbreaking, and just shows how completely devastated our live entertainment industry is. Since I was planning to give away 100 copies, and 23 people donated (including my father who was already getting a copy) I’m able to give away 78 copies to those out of work. I randomized the response spreadsheet and picked the first 78. And I’m working on the possibility of giving the other 42 a discount once sales finally start.

Below is a map of those who are out of work and entered for a free copy, which shows the awful, nationwide impact of COVID-19 on our industry:

Here’s a map of the donation addresses: