BARMAN

Critics Proclaim: Paperback is Far Superior

For the BARMAN paperback, we worked out all the kinks from the hardcover. No more typos, better grammar, more suspense, richer characters, quirkier situations, more pages, alternative endings, outtakes, a preview of future writing projects, hidden Easter eggs, and an audio track with author's commentary.

Here are another three reasons why the paperback quite simply trumps the hardcover:

(1) The packaging: The cover is glossy, vibrant, and fun, and the book is compact,

(2) The paperback contains images of the innovative table tennis paddle that started it all, and

(3) If you buy the BARMAN paperback on amazon.com between August 24th and the 31st, I'll send you a free Candy Barman. (Legal Disclaimer: While supplies last and reasonably doctored-up proof of purchase required.)

Ping-Pong Paddle of the Future

The story of BARMAN revolves around an innovative table tennis paddle that I invented back in college. Were you ever able to secure the rights to the patent? I'm frequently asked. Or rather, I'm occasionally asked. Someone asked me once. Yes, I did. Patent Number 5,549,294 was born on August 27, 1996. Here is the first page of the eleven page patent:

If you want a closer look, the publisher has reproduced a copy of the patent in the new BARMAN paperback. Also, if you have questions about the invention process, please don't hesitate to email me.

For A Limited Time Only

If you buy the paperback on amazon.com between August 24th and the 31st, I'll send you a free Candy Barman. Just email me. (Legal disclaimer: While supplies last. Reasonably doctored-up proof of purchase required.)

Law Review: What's the Point?

The answer, dear friends? I yield to the wisest person in the industry.

Law: What Is It Good For?

That's the name of my law school speech. You can find more information about that speech here (Just click on the "N" in BARMAN). Or email me. Here's some of the text from the speaking engagement literature:

Based in part on his critically acclaimed non-fiction book, BARMAN: Ping-Pong, Pathos, and Passing the Bar (Random House Paperback, August 24, 2004), Wellen’s speech targets and emboldens law students seeking advice on what it takes to become an attorney, undergo the bar exam, and pursue both traditional and alternative careers.

Topics include:
• What’s in a law school ranking?
• How does participation in journal writing, moot court, trial team, internships, teaching, and student government contribute to a legal career?
• What are some of the ins and outs of the interviewing process?
• What are the 400,000 US lawyers not involved in private practice doing?
• How is a law degree the foundation for any professional career?
• What are the realities/challenges young attorneys face at large firms?
• Discussion of non-traditional careers and first-hand experience re among others: television production and newsmagazines, television legal dramas, print journalism and investigative reporting, defense attorneys & prosecutors, small businesses, in-house counsel, publishing & authors, dot-com businesses, and new alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

Click below for a list of schools visited last fall and some additional topics covered.

Completely Petrified

Mr. Wellen,

I recently graduated from Syracuse University College of Law (Tier 2, when I was accepted). I was given your book as a gift and read it in about a day. Loved it. Very funny, poignant, the works. I am currently studying for the Ohio Bar, and, to be honest I am completely petrified. So it goes. I was also a member of the Law Review and am joining a fairly large firm in Cleveland, Ohio (90 plus attorneys). I also love Bob Feinberg. Anyway, loved the book. Take care.

Gwenless,
Kent

Nine Points...

Hello Alex,

Thanks for signing my copy of Barman, and for writing such a wonderful book! It really did bring back all the crazy memories of the bar. As you may or may not know, I failed the California Bar repeatedly before going off to Colorado and passing on the first try. What a nightmare! I failed by 9 points out of 2000. Still not really sure why, but I think part of it was just burnout from law school and the fact that I really didn't want to be a lawyer. Still, it was weird to fail something for the first time since grade school.

Kind regards,
Alex

What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?

That's the title of my college speech.

Here's the basic text from the back of the flyer:

In 1996, Alex Wellen invented (and patented) a unique table-tennis paddle that would take him on a seven-year journey with jobs in engineering, law, investigative journalism, business, television production, on-air reporting, documentary filmmaking, technology, screenwriting, and book publishing. Based on entertaining anecdotes, extensive interviews, concrete advice, and his critically acclaimed book BARMAN, Wellen's college speech reveals the keys to indentifying your own table-tennis paddle and methods to securing your dream job. Discover new ways to network, tap alumni, interview, gain access to the job decision-makers, overcome school-ranking stigmas, and leverage on career for another.

A closer look? Here's a link to the full flyer. And click here if you want more information about the speaking engagement. If you'd like me to visit your college, please email Jayne or Kevin at CIA Speakers or call them at 1-800-842-2179.

Barman Part II: "The Paperback"

Where have you been? It's a good question. I respect you for asking it. What kind of self-respecting blogger doesn't write anything for more than two months? I apologize. No excuses. I've been remiss and I promise to make it up to you. If it helps, I've spent the summer working on a new novel. More on that soon. As for Barman Part Deux, here's the latest:

1. The Paperback: The release date was originally slated for October 26th, but my publisher decided to move it up to August 24th in order to coincide with the new school semester. People frequently ask me how the hardcover did. Another good question, you're on a roll. Random House says it did well and instead of doing another hardcover printing, it made sense to go with an earlier paperback release.

2. Speaking: Starting in mid-September, I will be speaking at various law schools and colleges around the country. The title of the college speech is "What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?" The law school speech is "Law: What is it Good For?" I'll post my schedule once it's set in stone. If you're interested in having me visit, you can find more information about the college speech here, and more information about the law school speech here (Just click on the "N" in BARMAN). Or email me.

3. Party: I'm aiming for the shindig to be, as the kids say, "off the hook." San Francisco, Barman Paperback Party, September 9th. Mark your calendar. Door prizes!