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# 5
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We've written a book called Do Hard Things. It's a hardcover, non-fiction book for teens -- a genre that is about as popular with young people as foreign language math textbooks. Conventional wisdom says we'd be lucky if more than a few dozen teens bought it -- let alone read it.
But Do Hard Things is our hearts' cry. It's our humble attempt to put into words the message of a powerful work God is already doing in the hearts of young people around the world. Our hope is that it would be used as a tool to remind a generation of timeless truth about the teen years -- and life.
What we've found through our interaction with you here on the website -- and through meetings with young people around the world at our conferences -- is that teens are ready for a different and better way. Our hope is that this book would serve to show and equip them to live that different way.
THE ROLE YOU PLAY
The Rebelution itself is an unlikely movement. It wasn't the result of a carefully laid out business or organizational plan -- it was just two ordinary teen guys with a blog and a desire to glorify God.
And it has never relied on slick marketing or targeted ad campaigns -- instead it has been driven by ordinary teens like you spreading the word in your circles of influence.
If Do Hard Things is to reach a generation, it will require that same motivation and determined action. That's why we're asking you to consider joining us in an exciting grassroots effort.
Here's the question: Could we drive Do Hard Things to the top of Amazon.com? Is it even possible? And what a platform to spread the message to a wider audience than ever before!
HOW DOES THIS WORK?
Every book on Amazon.com has what's called a "Sales Rank" which is updated hourly. For instance, at the time of this writing Do Hard Things held the following ranks on Amazon.com:
- #23,587 in Books
- #13 in Youth Ministry
- #46 in Teenagers
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU
It would be easy (and understandable) for you to view this as very self-serving on our part. After all, we're the authors and we're asking you to buy copies of our book! That is not our intention. Our motivation for the book bomb is the same one that drove us to write the book: to spread a message about what is happening in our generation to as many people as possible.
We want our generation to break free from low expectations and do hard things -- and we know that is your heart's cry as well. That's why we don't want our interest as authors to play any role in this effort. To ask you to join us in something like this requires that you be able to trust us to be of one purpose with you. It has to be about the message, not the delivery boys. Because of that, we want to make the following commitment to each of you:
OUR COMMITMENT: Whatever number of books are purchased for the Amazon.com Book Bomb on March 25th, we will set aside that same number of books to give away to anyone who cannot afford one. We will also make them available to other ministries and organizations for free distribution.Finally, please do not feel obligated to participate. Do so only if you believe it is good and right, not because we asked you to or because someone else is doing it. It's all "soli deo gloria!"
JOIN AND HELP SPREAD THE WORD
If you choose, you can join us in this effort by entering a valid email address and the number of books you plan on purchasing in the box at the top of the page. If you want extra copies to give away, go ahead and purchase them all at once on March 25th. Any books purchased on March 25th on Amazon.com will ship early and arrive at your house by April 15th (the release date).
However, the most important thing you can do is to help us spread the word. You can send emails, make calls, comment on websites, and post ads (below) on your own website or blog. Everything helps!
GRASSROOTS IDEAS
The best efforts are most successful when people are creative and share ideas. We'll be sharing ideas here that other teens (and grown ups) have sent in about spreading the word and the movement:
- Free Shipping: If you order three or more you'll get free shipping from Amazon.
- Local Library: Order one for yourself and one to donate to your local library.
- Youth Groups: Bulk order. Almost 40 percent off, free shipping, and release-date delivery!
- Graduation: Looking for a graduation gift for friends and relatives? Order Do Hard Things!
SAMPLE BLOG POSTS AND EMAIL BLASTS
One of the greatest ways to spread the word is through "old fashion" emails and blogs. Here is a sample blog post and/or email blast for you to use in spreading the word:
Hey Guys,
TheRebelution.com is hosting an Amazon.com Book Bomb for Alex and Brett's new book Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations. On March 25th we're going to try and push it to the top of Amazon -- and I need your help!
Alex and Brett are two teen guys who care about our generation. This book is like a manifesto for the Rebelution movement!
This book has a message that teens need to hear. The book bomb is a great chance to get a copy for yourself (plus a few to give away) at a great price (can't beat Amazon!) and help get the book in front of thousands of new people -- all at the same time!
Also, for every copy of the book that people buy on Amazon.com on March 25th, Alex and Brett will be giving away copies to teens and ministries who can't afford them.
If you want to help out, go to TheRebelution.com and sign up with the number of books you plan to order on March 25th. Then help spread the word by sharing this email or putting up one of the ads on your blog or Myspace. We don't have much time!
Your (Excited) Friend,
[Your Name Here]
P.S. One great idea some people have had is to see if you and some friends can order together. If you buy more than three, you get free shipping. You can also check and see if your church or youth group will buy some. Think outside the box!
THE AMAZON.COM BOOK BOMB
www.therebelution.com/dohardthings/book_bomb.php
WEB BANNERS AND WIDGETS
Copy and paste one of the banner codes below into your website or blog. We have less than two weeks to promote this -- but we can do this, if we work together.
