Media & Appearances
The Digital Spin with Mario Armstrong, July 30th
Endless Years, (ran in all McClatchy newspapers) July 7th
“A new book, Digitally Daunted by Sean & Jean Westcott, is the book I’ve always wanted to write – but didn’t.
To sum it up, it answers all the questions that my family and friends constantly call me about. Which camera should I get, what is HDMI, does GPS really work, etc.
In today’s technology era, many things are easy to figure out but missing one small, simple step can be critical. So if your VCR is still blinking 12:00, get yourself a copy.
The contents are exactly what the authors say it is, The Consumer’s Guide to Taking Control of the Technology in Your Life.
It’s divided up into seven categories: your computer, connecting to the Internet, telephones: landline and cellular, television, cameras, media and probably the most important – what went wrong. Within each category there are breakdowns for most everything you don’t know and need to know.
For example, within the camera category users will be instructed on choosing the right camera by explaining the differences in specific features. Users will be instructed on basics about the resolution and the never ending megapixel questions along with lenses and other accessories.
Very often getting the camera is the easy part. Getting your images into a computer can be a challenge. The book explains photo editing, storage (CRITICAL!) along with printing and digital frames. For those who are into the video end, there is a whole section on camcorders.
It doesn’t end there, as each category is well-explained for the technology challenged.”
5MinutesforBooks.com, Father’s Day Giveaway, June 19th
“I’m not sure if a manly man would read Digitally Daunted. I mean, is reading a book subtitled to “The Consumer’s Guide to Taking Control of the Technology in Your Life” the equivalent of asking for asking for directions? Well, actually, that’s what makes it so ingenious! This book is written by an IT guy (Sean Westcott) and translated into non-techy speak by a writer (wife Jean Riescher Westcott). They aim to give you the information that you need to let technology work for you.
This will help any manly man (or woman) be able to talk tech like a pro (or fake it enough to make the right choices without looking stupid at the big box electronics store).”
Digital Computer Talk (Syndicated Radio show), weekend of June 5-7, 2009
Shelf Awareness, Tuesday, May 19th
TechWatch Radio, (Accent Radio Network), Saturday, April 18th
Internet Advisor (WJR, Detroit), Saturday, March 21st
Hour One Podcast — We discussed our book
Hour Two Podcast — Sean helped answer tech questions
Digital Computer Talk (Syndicated Radio show), weekend of January 31st-February 1st
11 Alive, Atlanta GA, “Super Shopper Robyn Spizman”,January 10th, 2009
WGN Radio, “Your Money With Bill Moller”, January 3rd, 2009
The Saturday Evening Post, January 2009
“Ten Tips for Navigating the Web”
The Christian Science Monitor, December 12, 2008
“Six Picks from the Monitor Staff”
AAC, CCD, GUI, HUH?
It’s easy to get overwhelmed with initial-itis, especially when talking technology. In Digitally Daunted: The Consumer’s Guide to Taking Control of the Technology in Your Life, authors Sean and Jean Westcott (a techie and a nontechie, respectively) explain the hieroglyphics, plus the pros and cons of each technology. Which cellphone to buy? Laptop or desktop computer? What if something goes wrong? Their guidance is clear, concise, and helps you TCB ASAP.”
The New York Times, December 1st, 2008
“To Have and To Hold”
“Whenever the holidays roll around, advertisers suggest that cellphones make terrific presents. Yet the purchase is anything but simple, said Jean Riescher Westcott, the co-author of “Digitally Daunted: The Consumer’s Guide to Taking Control of the Technology in Your Life.”
Interview with Sean regarding high-definition televisions
St. Louis Post-Dispatch, November 28th 2008
A new (old) generation seeks computer skills
“Overcoming that fear is a challenge, said Sean Westcott, co-author of “Digitally Daunted: The Consumer’s Guide to Taking Control of the Technology in Your Life.”
“Some people are just terrified,” Westcott said. “They’re afraid they’ll break it or do something wrong.”
ABC News Now’s Ahead of the Curve, October 27th 2008 and November 24th 2008
October 27th – Digitally Daunted
November 24th – The New Xbox Live Experience, for family gaming
Bobvila.com, June 2008
“Smart Shopping: Tips for Getting the Best Deal on an HDTV”
Think you’ll walk into a big-box store and be able to make an educated decision about what television is best for your home setup? Think again, says Sean Westcott, author of the book Digitally Daunted: The Consumer’s Guide to Taking Control of the Technology in Your Life. “Buying an HDTV is a big purchase for most consumers,” he says. “You want to do your homework, read lots of articles and reviews, and understand the different types and brands before you ever go to a store to start looking.”
From the blog of Eric Lincoln Miller, partner in Miller Trade Group and President, National Association of Independent Publishers Representatives
“I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my friend Jean Riescher Westcott’s new book she is publishing with her husband Sean Westcott, called Digitally Daunted: The Consumer’s Guide to Taking Control of the Technology in Your Life. Capitol Books in Washington, D.C. is the publisher here, and Jean is on staff at IPM. The book is a consumer’s guide par excellence, and is filled with practical information to help educate everyday folks about choosing, using, and maintaining a whole host of gadgets and gizmos. For those of us who are “daunted by specs,” this is a stress-free way to get the most out of technology ranging from computers, phone systems, televisions, cameras, and more.”
Publisher’s Weekly, Fall Titles Roundup 2008, June 2008
“CAPITAL BOOKS (dist. by IPM)
Digitally Daunted: The Consumer’s Guide to Taking Control of the Technology in Your Life (Oct., $15.95) by Sean Westcott and Jean Riescher Westcott reveals stress-free methods to choose, use and maintain technology.”
Appearances
The Virginia Festival of the Book, March 24th, 2012 “Innovation and the Internet of Things”
Book Expo America–May 31, 2009
Book Crossing, Brunswick, MD–May 16, 2009
Borders, Woodbridge, VA–February 21, 2009
Book Expo America – May 31, 2008
New Atlantic Independent Booksellers Association Fall 2008 Conference, Moveable Feast – September 21, 2008
