This post replaces the previous one here that basically lambasted Mr. Johnson into the next century. Now that the book is finally in hand, albiet some years later, I feel it is best to let bygones be bygones.

I'll venture to guess this experience was far worse for the author than most of my tribulations over the past few years and empathy is in order when someone does make good on their word, no matter how far in the future. After all, I recognize the process was not entirely in his hands and I'll bet he'd like to take a 'mulligan' or two on this fiasco.

From this point, I'll read the book without thoughts of my "buyinig experience" and perhaps return with a review or opinion.

I got it, thanks Mike. Four years almost to the day, since I ordered it at pre-publication pricing, but who's counting. As expected, worth the wait (in gold). I'm a fan and am glad this is here. It is interesting (to me) to read Mike's style of writing for the magazines and compare to his writing now on the blog. I'm thinking that successful blog writing is very different from magazine writing. The blog piece is much more economical with its prose than magazine style writing. Could be the medium, could be that I develop a shorter attention span in front of the monitor.
Bottom line: highly recommended bedtime reading.

I too was one of those who pre-ordered and had not received a copy of the book. Having had friends self-publish I was aware of the difficulties of the process and, quite frankly, had written it off.

However, following the previously mentioned blog post (see other reviews), Mike delivered the book to me very quickly and I was glad to receive it. Kudos to him for that.

If you have not received your book, do contact him via his website.

Mike will send you a copy if you've paid for it and he never sent one. Like several other posters, I paid for this book a few years ago and never received it. Sometime later I emailed Mike and he said he was still working out the publishing details but he did send me the PDF.



I had given up on ever getting until I saw Mike's blog http://theonlinephotographer.blogspot.com/2007/05/publisher-as-casino.html

entry. He asked people who had paid for but not received the book to email him. I did so and he mailed a signed copy the next business day.



I really enjoyed the book--anyone who likes his online posts will find the book worthwhile. I would buy another book from this author!



I suspect Mike, if he hasn't already, could tell a pretty good story his book self-publishing experience. I think his mistake was not keeping people updated with the book's progress. To his credit he always responded quickly to my emails.

[UPDATE-2]:
I'm happy to report that Mike Johnston has done everything he can to make things right. After the problems with the original order fulfillment were brought to his attention on his new blog (and these date back quite some time), he was good to his word and his book arrived in Australia within the week. Well done Mike. I have been enjoying your writings piece-by-piece, and they remind me of why I started reading your work in the first place. Top effort.

[UPDATE 1]:
After I posted this note, I also posted a note to the above-mentioned blog. Mike quickly replied that he would send me his book if I e-mailed him my mailing address. I notice that he has since posted a note on his blog for Wednesday 16 May 2007 as follows:
..."If you paid for but have never received a copy of The Empirical Photographer, please contact me by leaving a comment that starts "NOT FOR POSTING." But you must leave your email address in the comment or I won't have any way to get in touch with you. Please don't forget to include your email address."

Sounds like he is trying to do the right thing. I am now hopeful that Mike will follow through - and regain a reader!

[ORIGINAL POST:]
Mike Johnston has disappointed me too.
The much-anticipated book was never delivered, and "The 37th Frame" newsletter folded shortly after I subscribed to that as well. In May 2005 (after many delays) he said he'd be ordering the first bulk printing from Lulu to fill back orders, but nothing ever happened. Such a pity because I really enjoyed (past-tense) Mike's writing.

I got the impression that he had some personal/health challenges around that time, so I can understand that he might have had some trouble fulfilling his promises. I now see he has re-appeared on the internet with a blog: http://theonlinephotographer.blogspot.com/

This would be no big deal, except for his posting a couple of days ago: "Monday, May 14, 2007 - Help Me Decide What Book to Write". You've got to be kidding me. It doesn't matter what you write about if you can't deliver it.*.

Peter Phillips

I bitched about not receiving my copy of The Empirical Photographer and lo! Mike emailed me in a flash — seemed my order got lost in some shuffle way back when (my bad karma?)

Shortly thereafter I received my copy of The Empirical Photographer via mail to Europe.

I have enjoyed the book. Contrary to Mike's advice at the beginning to take it in random bits, I "inhaled" it in a few sittings but keep going back to read chapters again and again. This is bedside reading for me and sits atop my copy of "Talking Photography" by Frank Riper.

The read was well worth the wait.

Shortly after Mike published the post in TOP requesting people that had bought the book but never got it, to send a post with the current email, Mike contacted me, and now I have my Empirical sample that I´m enjoying very much, The wait has been worthwhile.

Thanks Mike

Mike has made a solid effort to square away some old business regarding unfilled orders for this book going a fair way back. I got my copy now, just for the asking, and am very pleased. Thanks, Mike!

This book is a worthwhile read, in my humble opinion. And the writing is quite fine. I like Mike's style, and now and then a curmudgeonly flavor comes through that strikes a chord with me.

Ole Loberg

I am happy to say Mike sent me the book (after him soliciting feedback on his blog from people who purchased the book but never got it), and I think it's fabulous. Mike went out of his way to make things right, the book is great, and all's well that ends well.

Thanks, Mike.
paul

I, too, purchased two copies and never received anything. This was one of the only times I've been burnt on the Internet and I was not very much pleased. I thought I'd done something incorrectly until now! All these other unsatisfied customers! Misery loves company.

Cheers,
Mike O'Donoghue
odonoghue@tele2.at

Like all of you, I paid for but have not received a copy. But it seems like they still are being printed, according to the note that Mike posted on May 12th. I sure hope Mike has not lost the list of people (me included :-) who paid for the book. I am at "paulbeiser@yahoo.com".

I also paid for this book but never received either a refund or copy of the book. I really would like to read it but am reluctant to "buy" it for a second time.

Mike, my email is ray.petty@yahoo.com

Like Thomas, I also purchases this book from Mike directly and never received anything, or my money back. At least if you purchase through Lulu you know you will get something.

I've never paid for a book that I was able to read so quickly! As a matter of fact, it literally took me no time at all.

The reason? I bought this book from Mike Johnston a couple of years ago or more, but never received it. Then he posted a note saying that he had lost some of the orders; he asked people to send him an e-mail if they had already paid for the book. I did so, but never heard another word.

Now I see this book for sale on Lulu. I won't take the risk of sending a second payment for this rumored-to-exist book. But I sure would like to read it!

Want to send me a copy, Mike? You can reach me at thomas.mckenna@comcast.net