There are no words to express how much Head First Java book helped me in learning Java beginning concepts. I am still very new to it but with each page of this book I feel I know much more than I knew yesterday.

I wanted to write a big 'thank you' note to you, but have been compiling a very small list of things (feedback) about the read material. I am sure you got so many emails from readers with their feedbacks.

Today, I found your Manifesto and started reading it.

Your book made a huge impact on me, but your article made even greater impression.

Thank you for voicing your opinion and driving the nail into the problem.

Nail one: (your words)
[
"But what about computer programming? Security? Networking? Spreadsheets? Could we make some of the geekier and more traditionally work-oriented topics at least appear more like hobbies? Could we single-handedly reposition some of these technologies ourselves--to make people want to learn them? If people don't perceive the need, can we help create the need?
"

]
Thank you for that! I am one of the people who wants to learn new technologies (because they are new, in demand, and because I 'feel' they are going to be in demand when I read about them). But, I also sometimes want to 'learn', just to be on top of technology. When I pick up some books on some interesting subjects, I get literally 'turned off' -- why? -- too intimidating, too dry, too technical, too academic, too 'robot-like' a mindset. Unless you are a geek who wants to learn it and knows what to look for in that book, then many books on the market really cool off your appetite to ever read about this subject again.
Just go to ( I know you are a Java person, but for just my example, because I am currently programming in .Net) Microsoft site and really, really try to look at their articles and learn about their new technology...Too watery-like explanation, or too techinical explanation. I just want to ask after reading five pages of those explanations- "So what is it this wonderful thing you have been talking about ???!!!!"

Beleive me or not, your book not only helped me in understanding Java but also some parts of Java-mini-me-clone -- .Net technology.

Nail two: (your words)
["Maybe it's not even books at all that they want. Maybe they want to "learn differently," even if they can't articulate how that should happen"
]
True, very true. Thank you for noticing it and shovinig it in all our faces.

Ok, how about having Java tv shows?? Radio talk about recent technology trends? No, not recent hardware toys, we have it already (tech-tv like things). But really, a very down-to-earth tv shows meant for people who want to listen about latest technologies and maybe, more, learn something from people like you?

(Your words)
[
"...and I have pretty much zero talent for computer book writing..."
]

Wrong. You are a talent. Genius. Really. I think , a genius is not the one who comes up with something new, but who looks at something old , existing and says , - "hey , look at this, how about doing it this way?" People say : "Wow, Eureka!". No , not wow, it was in front of your eyes, you just did not see it this way, or deliver it this way.

(your words)
[
"
I am in the business of changing people's lives.
"
]

Yes, true. You are like a water in the desert of boring technical, geeky-oriented, life-absent books, failure books that plague the stores. You really give us the hope of wanting more and more from you.

If you write a book about cloning mice with rock from Mars and tell us there is life on Mars and it is populated with clones of mini-Michael Jackson, -- I will read it.

Again,

Thank you very much for being this soldier in a field and not willling to give up and producing such a wonderful piece of literature (yes, I dont read it as a technical book , but rather as a literature).

You are an inspirator

and please, please

don't

stop

writing!

P.S
Your opinion in your article MUST be heard everywhere, the book industry and those boring, damage-carrrying authors have to get a smack in the face before they really make a damage to people who want to learn.