Maddox - The alphabet of manliness: revised and updated

This is the part in books where I usually skim the names in the off chance that somebody mentioned me, as you are undoubtedly doing now. Im always disappointed when I dont get mentioned, so I did my best not to leave anyone off the long list of people who helped make this book possible.

First and foremost, I would like to thank Cherry for putting up with my ill-temperament, grumpiness, and general bullshit while I wrote this book. She has been the most supportive person throughout this entire process, experiencing many of the same hardships that I experienced in seeing this book to its end. She tirelessly gave me advice and feedback at all hours of the day, even during my 5 AM red-eye sessions. Her understanding and tolerance know no bounds. Its not possible to overstate her importance in writing this book. There would be no book without her, and thats no joke. Check her out at www.yoyochinese.com.

I know I sound like a shit stabber by saying thanks to all my fans, but really, thanks to all my fans who have supported me, sent me amusing e-mail, porn, viruses, or signed me up to spam lists over the years. Its been a blast deleting all your e-mails. Really, though, thanks for spreading the word and checking my site even in between infrequent updates. Id especially like to thank everyone who created fan sites over the years and my fans on IRC for their dedication. Without you assholes, none of this would be possible.

Next, I would like to thank my Alphabet of Manliness editor, and now agent, Jeremie Ruby-Strauss, for all his hard work and enthusiasm for this project. Hes by far one of the most straightforward and honest guys Ive ever had the pleasure of dealing with; he just plain tells it like it is. Jeremie first contacted me over seven years ago, and persisted until I finally got a deal. He adapts to emerging talents and technologies, and is one of the few people out there who truly gets it. That sounded way more business professional than I intended, so suffice it to say that Jeremie kicks ass.

I would also like to thank the Numbers of Manliness editor, Richard Ember, for all his hard work and patience with this project. Richard has been very helpful and understanding with all of the delays, and is one of the friendliest, most interesting, and best-grounded people Ive ever met. Im proud to call him my colleague and my friend.

Several of my friends were especially helpful in writing this book by reading early drafts and spending countless hours giving me advice and feedback at late night coffee shops: Dan Taskmaster Berman for his tremendous support and input. He kept me in line when I was on the verge of burning out and inserted gay porn into my manuscript to make sure I was paying attention. Dan and I collaborated on several sections in this book, and Im very grateful for his help (check out his site at DanBerman.com). I also have to thank Tim Baker for his always lively commentary, solid advice, and for his very quick response to my initial draft. Thanks to Robert and Jamie DAusilio for their input, support, and encouragement over the years. My family for making this world a better place by having me.

Thanks to Robert Hamburger for paving the way for authors such as myself. Without the success of his book, Real Ultimate Power , many authors like me wouldnt have ever been given a chance. My Internet service provider, Xmission (xmission.com), for their excellent service and anti-censorship policy that has allowed my site to stay up for over 12 years and counting. Curtiss Lopez and Erin Tyler for their help with the cover layout. Justin Killion for his friendship, enthusiasm, and input with several sections of this book. My good friend Shawn Schepps for imparting me with her sage-like wisdom over the years. Tamara V. Thorne for her very helpful advice and insight. Shes not only a talented author, but knows her way around a DOS prompt. Michael Gross from the Authors Guild (authorsguild.org) for his enormous help with the technical details. My book agent, Howard Yoon, for helping me with the contract negotiations and his forthrightness. WJFKs Don & Mikeradio godsfor being the most talented voices on the air, and for being the catalysts for a lot of this craziness (my famous childrens artwork article was first read on the air on their show).