For the first time ever, I’m doing a reader survey. The main goal of this is to learn more about what you like and what you don’t so I can tweak the blog to make it better. Please go in and answer every question honestly. Here’s the link:

The Cranky Flier 2010 Reader Survey

http://surveymonkey.com/s/cranky

Thanks for doing this. I’ll keep it open for a week (and will remind you on every post next week). Hopefully the results will lead to a better Cranky.

Oh, and if you want to talk about something down below, how about the Zagat Survey which came out this week?

You guys know that I love writing Cranky, but there’s one problem. I’m spending too much time writing it and not making enough money in return. So, I’m going to do a little experiment between now and the end of the year. Instead of daily Cranky, I’m going to cut back a little and see how things go.

Beginning next week, I’ll write posts Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday (with Saturday having “Cranky on the Web”). Wednesday will now be dark, and I’m going to try something a little different on Friday. Instead of writing a post, I’m just going to put up an open thread. Quite the community has developed around this site, so I figure that every Friday, it’ll be a good place to get together and talk about anything you’d like in this industry in the comments section. For example, want to talk about Star inviting Avianca-Taca and Copa to join? Start the thread down below. Besides, sometimes the comments sections is far more interesting than the post. (Look at the body scanner radiation thread this week for proof.) I’ll certainly jump in, but I won’t be leading the discussion on Fridays as I usually do with my posts.

Let’s see how things go until the end of the year and then I’ll re-evaluate to see if it’s something to continue.

As I mentioned, though I love writing Cranky, it’s not easy to make much money directly from the site. (I really hate ad sales.) Though I have no doubt that nearly all of my success in writing, consulting, and Cranky Concierging (let’s pretend that’s a real word) has stemmed from writing the blog, I just can’t commit to writing as much as I do without being able to, frankly, make more money. I need to spend more time focusing on things like Cranky Concierge (and I have some exciting stuff in the pipeline over there).

That being said, I can’t imagine simply abandoning the blog. I love it too much. I could try charging readers, but let’s be honest, 99% of you wouldn’t pay. I don’t blame you. That’s how things go in the age of the internet. And if 99% of you leave, then this stops being much fun.

So let’s see how things go between now and the end of the year. I’m going to try to put together a reader survey in the next couple of weeks to get some feedback from you, so I hope you’ll participate. But for now, consider this the first open thread. Start your comments below.

I’m tired. As you know I pump out blog posts five days a week here on Cranky and also over at BNET Headwinds. I don’t take vacation. Or I should say, when I do take vacation, I pre-write posts for the days that I’m gone. The last time I took a real vacation was about a year and a half ago when I went on my honeymoon. (If I didn’t take that time off, it might have been a short-lived marriage.) But now, I’m feeling burnt and I need a week off, so that means it’s time to sharpen your writing skills and get ready for some guest posting.

My birthday is September 4, so I’m just going to start there and take the whole week off. Since Monday the 6th is Labor Day, I really only need to fill the spots on four days. That being said, I’m looking for guest posts on Cranky and on BNET, so there will be a total of 8 that go live. If you’re interested, here is what I’m looking for.

Cranky Posts
The criteria for guest posting on Cranky is relatively broad. Just make it about airlines and make it interesting. (And yes, it has to be well-written.) If you’d like to see guest posts that have made it in the past, check these out:

http://crankyflier.com/category/guest-posts/

The last few guest posts have been pretty thought-heavy, but that’s not a requirement. In fact, some of the ones I like best are just enjoyable reads. If you have expertise working in the industry and want to write about what you do (a la, The Dispatcher), then that’s great. If you’re a traveler and had an interesting experience that would appeal to the masses, go for it. There really aren’t any guidelines except that it should be a good read and it should be grammatically correct. (I’m a stickler.)

The one thing that won’t make the cut? If you’re trying to promote a product or service, it’s not going to happen. That’s what advertising is for, and this isn’t advertising.

BNET Posts
Since BNET is owned by CBS and not by me, the rules for posts are much more strict here than on Cranky. For that reason, I ask that if you’d like to write a guest post for BNET, you’ll need to clear the topic with me first and you can expect revisions, a lot of revisions.

BNET is a site about management, so your post has to be something relevant to managers in the industry. It can be about a business decisions, macro or micro trends, or anything along those lines. Since the post will have to be written in advance, it’ll need to be more of an “evergreen” post, meaning that it can’t be based on the day’s news but rather larger trends so that it will still be relevant when it goes live.

A BNET post has to contain analysis. It cannot just be reporting on the news or situation. It has to break down a topic and give insight on it.

Hopefully some of you will be interested in having your name in lights. If you’re interested, just send me an email at cf@crankyflier.com.

It’s been a fun week of reading emails and comments on why you should get a free copy of my book. Some were funny while some were just downright strange. I should note that veiled (or not-so-veiled) threats are usually not going to get you a copy. Also, how is it possible that two entries are Romania-related? I must have a huge following there. Sounds like it’s time for me to write about TAROM. But alas, I had to pick the top five, as un-fun as that was. Here they are (in no particular order).

1) Axelsarkis

1. I’m 13. 2. I have no income. 3. I’ve read you blog everyday since I was 11. 4. I like the book. 5. I’m terrible coming with this things, but hey, I tried.

Seriously, did anyone think our 13 year old friend wouldn’t get a copy? He has been reading and commenting here for a long time, and I’ll say that the fact that he has no income is a compelling argument. (Still, Axel, maybe you should ask your parents.) But the groundswell of support for him in the comments showed that he is certainly deserving. I think some are fully expecting a book report from you, Axel. If you write it, I’ll post it here.

2) Kristin

Here is my reason for wanting to win a copy of your book; I live in Canada and Amazon.ca says your book is temporarily out of stock! I would be more than happy to purchase your book if I could; even for $15.74 on the Canadian site. Help a Canadian spread your good word and send a copy up here! Still not convinced? Here are some other reasons: 1) I too am an airline geek and love working in the industry 2) My husband’s name is Brett also 3) I forwarded your review of jetBlue’s new snack boxes to at least 20 people at my company

If there’s one thing I can’t stand, it’s prejudice against Canadians. Ok, that’s not really true. Making fun of Canadians is hilarious, but Amazon shouldn’t be in that business. It is sadly true that well-meaning Canucks are unable to purchase my book since it’s “Temporarily out of stock.” For shame, Amazon. For shame. Take this book and start a maple leaf revolution, Kristin.

3) Dustin H

I would love to have a free copy so that I may bring it with me to the airport. I plan to wear a pilot’s uniform and sit down to read the book in a highly visible area of the boarding gate. Ideally, when passengers walk by and see the title of the book, they will have a minor anxiety attack. Top that off with extra thick glasses and a copy of The Idiot’s Guide to Flying and Gliding and I’m pretty sure I could clear out a terminal.

Now that’s what I’m talking about. A pilot reading a book on where the hell he’s going is a great visual. It reminds me of the excellent Man Show parody of drunk pilots. I want some hidden video, Dustin. Bonus points for passengers who visibly look frightened. (Maybe you could try reading it upside down for maximum effect.)

4) CJ Taylor

I want to take my free copy of your book on my upcoming “around the world” tour as a passenger on the world’s best airlines which i will contract the Cranky Concierge to orchestrate. Once airborne with the volume, I will garner signatures of best wishes to you from members of every cockpit and cabin crew I can manage and on my return, give it back to you as a keepsake since I am now convinced that next to you, I am in the minor league of airline “aficionados.” More than anyone, Brett, you have given me a sense of belonging to a special group of people who possess an innate passion for aircraft types, seat configurations, aerial views, liveries, flight schedules, menus, perks, airport maps, upgrade options, and a myriad other details of the business and pleasure of flying. Congratulations on your new book!

There are a few reasons for picking this one. First, I must admit that I’m not above flattery. Second, I’m pretty stoked about the idea of getting the copy back to me signed by cabin crews on an around the world trip. I’m gonna hold you to it. And last, well, your love for Birmingham is admirable. I’m not above alienating readers from time to time (got a post that’ll most likely do that next week), but not in this case. Enjoy the book.

5) Brett R

I have a 6-week old girl whom I’m told I should be reading to (despite her inability to read, understand english, hold a consistent job, or even focus her eyes for prolonged periods of time. This book would be a great tool to educate her on geographic adventures around our great sphere, in hopes of getting her into prep school at the age of 7 and riding her coattails of success by becoming an overbearing stage father.

I’m all about the importance of strong education, and this one plays to that. (Seriously, I am. I sit on the board of Equitas Academy charter school and have been involved in education for years.) I’m also a huge fan of living off your children. One day, I aspire to such an easy life, though I suppose I’ll need to actually have children first.

So there you have it. The five winners will all get a free copy of my book. For you rest of you, there’s nothing stopping you from buying a copy yourself. Thanks for playing!

Where the Hell Am I Going? paperback via Amazon for $10.79
Where the Hell Am I Going? for Kindle for $9.99

Today is the official launch of my book, “Where the Hell Am I Going?” (What makes it official? ’cause I said so.) It’s now up for sale on Amazon (with the search inside feature, for those who want to read a sample) and on Kindle. I’m surprised to see places already offering used copies as well. Sounds shady to me. Since it’s the official launch, I figured I should take the advice of one of the commenters on my last post and give an opportunity to win a copy of the book. If you’re game, keep reading.

For those who didn’t see my previous post, this book is a combination of a couple of things. It’s a travelogue about my three-week odyssey driving around the US shortly after a) getting married and b) getting laid off. As you can imagine, sitting on the road for that long gives one a lot of time to think. So the travelogue is combined with me searching through memories and trying to figure out, uh, where the hell I was going (figuratively, not literally – I’m awesome with navigation, usually). If you’re worried that it’s going to be a sappy, boring book, you clearly don’t read this blog often. It’s got my usual snark in there, and I’ve received some great feedback from people who have read it.

The list price is a mere $14.99, but those wacky book people at Amazon are selling it for $10.79. That’s a mere 4 cents per page. Can’t do better than that on a per page cost! (Ok, maybe you can if you hoard those free pamphlets in Vegas that tell you to get over your gambling addiction, but whatever.) The Kindle edition is only $9.99 and you get “free delivery” via Amazon Whispernet. Sounds like people who used to name airplanes (Whisperjet) have found a home at Amazon.

Is $10 just way too much for your budget? That sucks. But don’t worry, there’s hope. I’m looking for the five best reasons as to why I should give you a free copy. It’s easy to buy and it’s pretty cheap, so you’ll need to get creative on this one. You can post your reason in the comment section below (make sure you use the email you’d like to be contacted on if you win) or you can email it in to cf@crankyflier.com. The deadline for submission is one week from today. Yep, you have until Thursday, July 22 at 12 noon Pacific Daylight Time. Winners will be posted on Friday, July 23.

If you can’t stand suspense and just want to buy a copy, you know where to go.

Buy “Where the Hell am I Going?” From Amazon
Buy “Where the Hell am I Going?” For Kindle

[Original photos via Flickr user wbaiv and Flickr user Matt Mordfin]