We as a generation are responsible to build on what was established before us as we are responsible to educate and train the next generation. We are supposed to be committed as pastors, community leaders, as parents, older brothers, aunts, and teachers to help those who come after us grow and carry the torch of development and change on into the future. One of the most effective ways I have witnessed this being successfully accomplished is through books. It is the Holy Bible that continues to regulate the minds of millions of people all around the world and the best and most lasting format that has ever been created to sustain history and the account of the ages is the book. Not the television, the radio, the satellite, the internet, the cd, the cassette, or the seminar but the book.
So then if you want to join the club of being super-effective in changing the world and delivering important information to the future generations then you need to publish your work. It’s obviously the one medium that hasn’t become outdated or advanced to the point of being an old way of doing things. Authors have the power to useful and beneficial well beyond their years.
Leaving a legacy is important for the sake of productivity. God tells us to be fruitful and to multiply. We are supposed to be fruitful everyday and in every way that we possibly can. There is no time greater than this time that people can become published authors and rise to the top of this industry like this. The rise of POD companies as a viable source for writers to become published authors has leveled the playing field dramatically. Writers, educators, speakers, and leaders now have the opportunity to make their own way and take control of how far they go as published authors. I believe that the fact that there are more published authors now than probably any other time in history, the next generation is guaranteed to be much more sophisticated and advanced than we are now.
In other words, because we are all able to publish books and deliver our message of hope and empowerment, future generations will be able to use our experiences and best work as a starting point to their productivity as a citizen of the world. We have the potential to create even greater astronauts, even greater teachers, even greater, pastors, greater politician, and greater businessmen tomorrow by taking the time today to lay out the blueprint of our success through a book. I encourage you to become a trail-blazer, a leader, and a legend of this day by becoming an author!
Ignorance results in the art being relegated to a dusty and moldy storeroom or, worse, being consigned to the trash. More conscientious 'beneficiaries' may give away the pieces to thrift stores and charities. Commonly, haulers are summoned to dispose of the pieces. Some shrewd haulers have learned to consult art dealers on their 'finds', as they have discovered that there can be gold in dirt.
Imagine paying someone to take away priceless art! Sadly, this scenario is played out year after year around the world, because too many art collectors fail to plan for future owners of their art. Have you planned for posterity?
Who would you like your art collection to go to some day? A loved one? A charity? A foundation? Or perhaps a museum? Who will be the beneficiary of your much-loved and treasured art? If you don't want your art pieces to fall into undesirable hands or be destroyed, you'll need to start keeping detailed records and make clear provisions NOW.
The Importance Of Documentation Some years ago, while clearing out my parents' rambling old house which had just been sold, I came across 10 glass beer mugs, stored away in a small musty storeroom under the staircase. The mugs were plain and ordinary-looking, except for a circular, thumbnail-sized design an inch below the rim. No documents accompanied them.
For a moment, I contemplated keeping the mugs, as I thought they could serve some practical use around my own home, although they were rather unattractive. That moment passed very quickly, as I still had much clearing and packing to do. After all, the mugs appeared very pedestrian. I knew that I could always get more appealing-looking mugs whenever I wanted. So I left the mugs behind in the old house. I don't know if anyone ever took them before the demolition crew started their work.
Less than a month later, there was a newspaper advertisement looking for beer mugs just like the ones I had seen in my parents' old house. The company which had placed the ad was willing to pay $500 for each mug in good condition turned in. Those 10 mugs I had left behind were practically in mint condition. I could have cried.
From Treasure To Junk Have you ever seen the sign "We buy junk and sell antiques"? While this may sound humorous, there's also a lot of poignancy and irony intermingled. Don't let your art treasures become junk. Do your utmost to ensure that they are treated with respect and go where you wish them to go.
List Options And Directions Whatever the size of your art collection, do provide a list of options and directions to go with it. Besides the usual documentation which should accompany every item, this should include the contact particulars of parties who can assist in the valuation, sale or dispensation of the art pieces.
Choose Beneficiaries Do also mention any parties you may like to give your art to. Remember, you may know the subject and its market like the back of your hand, but others probably won't. Don't leave your beneficiaries at the mercy of opportunists or others who may not be able to appreciate the value of your art collection.
Provide Values It's a very good idea to include the insurance or replacement values of your art pieces. You might even wish to provide suggested wholesale values, so your beneficiaries will be more prepared should they decide to sell your art pieces.
Ideally, if you haven't already begun, let the people closest to you understand the importance of your art collection now. Once they develop a healthy respect for it, the chances improve that your art collection will be in good hands and go where you want it to go.
Be an artful collector - plan like a pro all the way.
Both Anthony Obey & Carol Chua are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Anthony Obey has sinced written about articles on various topics from Writing, Writing and Writing. Anthony Obey is the owner of GMA Publishing providing book publishing and marketing services to Writers, Pastors, Leaders, and Speakers. At. Anthony Obey's top article generates over 33100 views. to your Favourites.
Carol Chua has sinced written about articles on various topics from Interior Design, Health and Interior Design. Copyright (c) 2006 Carol Chua - Carol is an ex-corporate warrior turned entrepreneur, writer and co-owner of Cherish Collectibles, an online gallery of art, collectibles and gifts by multiple award-winning American artist Edna Hibel. Visit. Carol Chua's top article generates over 2900 views. to your Favourites.