Abdul Mhd and the guy who runs the Kushi Balti House, Mhd Ali Haydor, are two very kind and generous exceptions to this situation. They've worked in BIRs for decades and, presumably, really know their stuff.

But, increasingly, the so-called experts who are now writing most of the books which claim finally/absolutely to reveal secrets of the special BIR tastes are Brits who, until recently didn't claim to know any more than the rest of us.

Is this the fault of the Kindle revolution, whereby any Tom, Dick or Harry can self-publish a book? At least in the old days, a book publisher might demand some evidence that the author had credible experience and qualifications, and a non-fiction book had been properly checked and tested.

I don't think it is fair to suggest that George, you cannot merit either simply from the authors background. Do I believe that the ABC contains every detail of the Kushi's recipes and preparation procedures, no I do not. That doesn't mean that Chris's forthcoming best kept secret will either, but neither does that mean it won't. Regardless of the author, or it's delivered format, the book can only be merited on it contents. I am confident however, that neither will ever get me any closer to producing old school BIR dishes.

Personally, I think it's great that publishing is much easier and accessible to people, though I do understand your concerns and agree to an extent. But you cannot believe everything you read, no matter when it was published.

Quote from: George on February 15, 2013, 10:50 AM
Is this the fault of the Kindle revolution, whereby any Tom, Dick or Harry can self-publish a book?

No.  That long pre-dates the Kindle.  At first it was called "Vanity publishing" (first attested use in British English : 19th c.) and after that Desktop Publishing ("DTP") (responsible for more atrocities in typesetting and design that any other single cause), and after that Print on Demand ("POD").  The Kindle and analogous e-readers are just the latest, but you may rest assured they won't be the last.  And of course the ubiquitous web log ("blog") must also take a not inconsiderable share of the blame.

** Phil.

I think If someone writes an Ebook with passion and honestly and believe their book will influence or help people in to making better curries then that's fine.
It is our choice at the end of the day whether we buy it or not
I've said this before as long as you find one recipe or an idea then that book is Worth having
Sadly I fall in to the category of buying any book with curry on it.
And George if you came out with a book    The Fine Art Of Moderating on a curry Forum .
Yes I would buy it 

Quote from: michael.t on February 15, 2013, 05:04 PM
I think If someone writes an Ebook with passion and honestly and believe their book will influence or help people in to making better curries then that's fine.
It is our choice at the end of the day whether we buy it or not
I've said this before as long as you find one recipe or an idea then that book is Worth having
Sadly I fall in to the category of buying any book with curry on it.
And George if you came out with a book    The Fine Art Of Moderating on a curry Forum .
Yes I would buy it 

Totally agree. Most of the ebooks mentioned average around the

George,

you're thoughts are something i've pondered recently given h4appy-chris intent.

my question was does it change the fundamentals of this site - which we cherish immensely.

it really is heart wrenching stuff.

the only help i have is from work and going through a period of openness and documenting best practise. although all were very sceptical it really is a win win scenario.

the alternative of us becoming secretive (ie a pm site) really would be step backwards.

chins up even if there just a tinge of the unknown to conquer.

I personally don't think that you need to be a good "practicioner" in order to write a book about a subject. I'm sure that someone who's a good writer (and does his research well) will write a better book than a master of his art who is not interested in typing and/or giving any background information (I personally found Abdul's book disappointing compared to others I've read, btw). Just my 2

I can't help but feel that with the wording of the initial post, this thread was intended to be a thinly veiled attack on the new book proposal by H4ppy-Chris.

Maybe I'm wrong, but there recently seems to have been a curmudgeonly collective, voicing opposition to his sheer audacity for charging for the book and vids.

Quote from: Dajoca on February 19, 2013, 01:14 AM
I can't help but feel that with the wording of the initial post, this thread was intended to be a thinly veiled attack on the new book proposal by H4ppy-Chris.

Maybe I'm wrong, but there recently seems to have been a curmudgeonly collective, voicing opposition to his sheer audacity for charging for the book and vids.

I think you are right that some people on this forum feel that way but not everybody by any means. I'm looking forward to getting my copy!

Paul