mr. gardiner, i'm ronald stiegler, of harvard books.
mr. gardiner, my editors and i have been wondering if you'd consider writing a book for us? something on your political philosophy. what do you say?
of course, who can nowadays? i have trouble writing a post card to my children! look, we could give you a six figure advance, provide you with the very best ghostwriter, research assistants, proof readers.
of course not! no one has the time to read! one glances at things, watches television.
sure you do! no one reads!.  listen, book publishing isn't exactly a bed of roses these days.