[Tommygun]

Hi guys

Since my first book was sold out (5000 copies) in just under two weeks, I decided to upgrade the book and sell it for a bit more:) These books are aimed at the tourist and the gold prospector.
The new book consists of two parts and also a free music CD of my father playing old songs on his guitar and harmonica and also a free DVD that contains a slide show of some spectacular views of waterfall, mines and animals of this area.
One side of the book tells tales of old and ancient history (some pure adventure and other of ancient mining up to a possible 4 000 years ago) around the Mpumalanga area. Low and highverd mixed.
The second part is what initiated my thoughts regarding a treasure hunting book ... It shows you how to find gold close to old mining sites. The interesting part is that I found far more buried metal objects than gold nuggets. Some of my finds includes old pics, shovel heads, large nails, buttons, hooves, bell sirens (made around 1930), gold pans, buckles, sorts of chain links, steel rods, far too many nails, bullets, knives, pots, pans and dishes and more.

Now this would be an interesting read to metal detector enthusiasts also, but not ideal as it is does not target your most desirable interest. I would like to ask your opinion...
I have come across some real nice old sites including wagon routes and wonder if i should compose them in a book aimed at the metal detectorist. The only issue is that 90% of the sites that i have found is also around the Umpumulanga area. Some on the way from Witbank to Pretoria and some on the Westrand around Strubens Valley.
Should I go through the effort to write yet another book that indicates these sites? It would include stories about some of the locations, maps and pictures of treasure that i have found there. I would also make mention of the hardness of the soil and date the sites.
I don't know it will be worth my while as it would take me around 12 months to document the sites and write the book.
Is our South African brotherhood large enough to justify such an adventure book? I have never bought a book like this and wonder if you would...
Do you think it could reach the 5000 copies sold mark?   

[Tony Curnick]

I don't know Bud.....there are 414 members on this site and around ten percent of those members carry the can and participate in the forum with posts and enthusiasm. Even if all 414 members bought the book that would still leave quite a few on the shelves!!

[Paul van Heerden]

It might be an interesting book, but i am not too sure there are enough metal detecting enthusiasts out there that would justify the trouble you will have to go to. Maybe if you write it more for the general public...

[Demian (Z-X-T)]

Tommy, you just need to decide if you want to do this for posterity or for financial gain... Personally, you can certainly count me in for a copy...  As for your first book, where can I get a copy?

If all the knowledge, photo's, stories, etc. are not recorded by you they will be lost to time and I think that's sometimes reason enough to want to write/create a book...  History is not history if it's not recorded... 

[Tommygun]

Thanks for your comment.
Judging by the three replies that i got, I would say the effort will not be for nothing but is will break my heart as less than 1.5% of the community feels it even worthy of discussing.
the book I have written about prospecting and some ancient and old local area history can be purchased from sales@mpsigns.co.za.
Cost is R200.00 including postage.
We have a few copies left of the original testing book. It has not yet been proof read. You will find some grammar errors but all tales and prospecting tips are factual and accurate.
I have helped a number of guys find gold in very unlikely places. But my prospecting services had to come to an end when I started my own gold mines:)
Happy hunting