Q. I am doing my
homework/research paper and I need to know who invented a certain invention,
when it was invented, and everything about the inventor, and the paper
is due tomorrow.
A. Go to "Historical
Inventions A to Z" or "Famous
Inventors A to Z" and you will find information on hundreds of different
inventors and inventions. I will not be able to answer every question
individually and this is the fastest way to get your answers. I am also
not able to do extensive research for individuals. The number one rule
around here is that I do not do your homework for you (including "interview"
style assignments).
Q. What was your source of
information? or How do I cite this site in my paper?
A. It's important to cite
your research materials, even those online. To cite my entire site, it's
sufficient to give the address of the site in the text. For example, "According
to Inventors at About (http://inventors.about.com)..."
To cite an article or page
on my site, use the following format...
Bellis, Mary "Cracker Jack" Inventors
at About. Retrieved January 1, 2001 from the World Wide Web: http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blcrackerjacks.htm
Q. Can I use photos or artwork
from your site, can I reproduce an article?
A. No, I'm sorry but I wish
to keep the look of my site special. I spend considerable time creating
artwork or researching photo sources and I do not wish to give that away.
However, I do provide web links for a selection of free "Science
Clip Art." I rarely grant permission for reproduction of an article. I do
encourage linking to any article as this would benefit both of us. If you
would like me to write something for you, send me your proposals.
Q. I have an idea
and I know nothing about inventing. What do I do?
A. Go to "Inventing
101" and read everything.
Q. How do I get my invention
to market?
A. Go to "Licensing/Marketing"
and learn to locate manufacturers, prepare marketing material, submit marketing
material to manufacturers, and negotiate licenses. Go to "Services
Providers" and find the best people who might be able to help you appraise,
patent, manufacture, and/or market your invention.
Q. How do I avoid getting
ripped off? How do I discuss my ideas with people that might be in a position
to help me or steal my ideas?
A. Read "Avoiding
Scams" and learn about invention promotion scams.
Q. Where can I find funding
for my invention?
A. Go to "Getting
The Money" and find information on government grants, small business
loans, scholarships, and other programs to fund your inventions.
Any other questions?
Email Your Guide
Like all the Guides at About, I'm a
real person. You can email me.
Please remember to set your AOL
account to accept mail from me.
If your email has not been answered
it may have to do with some of the conditions listed above.
Post to the Bulletin Board
I check our Bulletin
Board regularly and so do other professional inventors. Post your questions
or comments and you'll get input from a variety of voices.
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