Mandolin For Dummies - For Real

[AnneFlies]

At the risk of sounding like an overeducated snob, I never buy any of those books, "... For Dummies" or "...For Idiots." Hate the titles, and yes, I'm judging a book by its cover. Why would anyone be glad to consider themselves a dummy or an idiot?

Crabby Old Lady (aka, Anne)

[ColdBeerGoCubs]

At the risk of sounding like an overeducated snob, I never buy any of those books, "... For Dummies" or "...For Idiots." Hate the titles, and yes, I'm judging a book by its cover. Why would anyone be glad to consider themselves a dummy or an idiot?

Crabby Old Lady (aka, Anne)

Well, for the rest of us who don't take ourselves that seriously- its not really a big deal to admit that we don't know everything, having some form of a sense of humor doesn't hurt either and lastly, and you should understand this being overeducated and all-why would someone deny themselves a great wealth of information based on something as trivial as a book cover and title?

[Don Julin]

Anne, you should do yourself a favor and look through one of the "Dummies" books on any topic. I can't speak for the other leading brand but the Dummies series are packed full of great information organized in a way that is modular and easy to navigate. I agree that the title is a bit demeaning but it is HUMOR. The books are not for dummies at all. We know you are not a dummy because you play mandolin and read the Mandolin Cafe. Have some fun!

[Scott Tichenor]

At the risk of sounding like an overeducated snob, I never buy any of those books, "... For Dummies" or "...For Idiots." Hate the titles, and yes, I'm judging a book by its cover. Why would anyone be glad to consider themselves a dummy or an idiot?

Crabby Old Lady (aka, Anne)

The Dummies series is one of the most successful concepts in modern book publishing. Some may not like it, but the proof is in the success of the company and the breadth of their topics. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but the public is voting with their wallet (or purse).

[pickloser]

Congrats, Don. I've pre-ordered mine. Be sure not to edit away anything that interests me.

(I was given "Juggling for the Complete Idiot." It began with brief instruction on "The Drop." That was funny. I'm a decent juggler, but I'm excellent at The Drop.)

[Mandolin Mick]

I read the Dummy books on London & Paris before visiting both and found them nothing less than lifesavers. They told me things about the culture, how to get money, what not to say even though I meant well, etc. If it wasn't for London for Dummies, I'd still be waiting to be served in a pub ...

[OldSausage]

I have used a number of "For Dummies" books over the years and have always benefited from them. The point is that, no matter how smart and well-educated we are, it's wise to admit that there are many things we have little or no knowledge of, and there's no shame in not being an expert in every field. It's a lot easier to learn something new if you just own being a dummy about it and go up from there.

[trevor]

"If it wasn't for London for Dummies, I'd still be waiting to be served in a pub ... "

I must get one..

[journeybear]

Thanks for that, PL. The Drop is the only juggling technique I have been able to master. I'm no juggler, but I nail The Drop 100% of the time. ;

The title is eyecatching and memorable, thus satisfying two of the basic tenets of successful marketing. And it's funny, to boot. Plus it helps to keep from intimidating the beginners and curious out there, and that's a good thing. A real good thing.

[Steve-o]

I have used a number of "For Dummies" books over the years and have always benefited from them.

My favorite: Ventriloquism for Dummies

[Mike Bunting]

I always wanted to print a fake book cover to use on a book to take to work, it would be titled "Working for Dummies".

[rgray]

Great idea Mike.

"Dummies" is a catchy phrase that I would gladly admit to 3 years ago with my first post here. This place has taught me a lot but stil lots to learn.

[Ed Goist]

I teach a college-level Wine Appreciation course, and I have Wine for Dummies (McCarthy & Ewing-Mulligan) on the course's reading list. It is an excellent instructional book.

[catmandu2]

"Dummies" is a catchy phrase that I would gladly admit to 3 years ago with my first post here. This place has taught me a lot but stil lots to learn.

I admit that I once used the word "dummy" also here on the cafe, although it was intended more in reference to an effigy, rather than a critique of intellect (although it may have been apt in the latter case, as well)

[Paul Busman]

They should write a book about dressmakers' mannequins called Dummies For Dummies...

I agree, the "For Dummies" and the clone series "For Complete Idiots" are very useful books. I've read and benefited from quite a few of them. Heck, we're all dummies about any given topic at first!

[John Goodin]

Congratulations to Don for finishing up this project and public thanks for using my simple tune in the book! I'm highly honored to have my name mentioned in the same paragraph with so many of the finest mandolin players in the world in your post. I'm not worthy!

I've now pre-ordered my copy as well and I'm looking forward to learning some new tricks.

John G.

[Ed Goist]

Congratulations, John! That is great.

[Philphool]

At the risk of sounding like an overeducated snob, I never buy any of those books, "... For Dummies" or "...For Idiots." Hate the titles, and yes, I'm judging a book by its cover. Why would anyone be glad to consider themselves a dummy or an idiot?

Crabby Old Lady (aka, Anne)

I'm betting that the book title was chosen because
it fits on the cover better than "... For Crabby Old Ladies".

I'm waiting for "Mandolin for Old Bald Guys"

[KennyE]

I've pre-ordered mine. That way the next time someone in the band calls me a dummy I can say, "H#LL yeah. I've even got the manual!!"

[George R. Lane]

At the risk of sounding like an overeducated snob, I never buy any of those books, "... For Dummies" or "...For Idiots." Hate the titles, and yes, I'm judging a book by its cover. Why would anyone be glad to consider themselves a dummy or an idiot?

Crabby Old Lady (aka, Anne)

Count me in as a "DUMMY". I just ordered my copy.
I love that the Webers were used for the front cover. Nice work Trevor.

[Rodney Riley]

I aint no "Dummy"... I order mine.... Wait...

[scootergirl62]

Back after a break and a deviation into UKe.....where I found that "for Dummies" book amazing. Looked for one on Mando, saw this coming out and not ashamed to say I'm pre-ordering. This gal needs all the help she can get and she ain't afraid to say it!!!! REally looking forward to this book and glad to be back at the Mando!

[trevor]

I ma velry cleber an wont be gitting 1.

[lukmanohnz]

I already own The Complete Idiot's Guide to Bluegrass Mandolin Favorites, which is an excellent resource and includes 2 play-along CDs of very well-recorded and well-played reference/backing tracks plus slow-down software. As soon as my pre-ordered copy of Don's new For Dummies book arrives, I'll have completed my simpleton's mandolin library! In all seriousness, these Dummies books (and I own several of them) are all well written by experts in their respective fields. I can't wait to start working with Don's materials. I've been a fan of his ever since seeing this wonderful video.

[David Rambo]

Thanks, Don. I will have to order one, too.