iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Eric Butow @butow.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

As you probably already know, I’ve been busy the last several months writing Instagram For Dummies, 3rd Edition, and I wanted to share that Barnes & Noble is running a 25% off campaign for members for all pre-orders, including my book! The sale goes through Friday, September 11th.

The cover of Instagram For Dummies, 3rd Edition by Corey Walker, Jenn Herman, and Eric Butow.

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Eric Butow @butow.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Hello again, and I hope your weekend is going well. There's been a lot going on around here, including an unexpected royalty payment from a long-ago Italian blogging book, recognizing and appreciating the co-authors I've worked with, and recapping my latest medical adventures.

butow.net

With Thanks and Appreciation

Hello again, and I hope your weekend is off to a great start. Around here, the most interesting thing that happened was a surprising $316 royalty payment from a book that was published 15 years ago. ...

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Eric Butow @butow.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Hello again. Around here, the first half of August has been busy even without books to work on. I have to make important decisions fairly soon, as I talk about in my latest website post: www.butow.net/mid-august-p... I hope you had a great weekend, and have a prosperous second half of August!

butow.net

Mid-August Post? Check

August has been quiet around here. One custom Dummies book is on hold as I wait for the client to return feedback for the chapters I sent over a month ago, and I'm waiting for decisions on two more pr...

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Eric Butow @butow.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

Happy August, and I have an update for you about my new and possible upcoming books here: www.butow.net/hello-august/ If you like what my website offers, please consider subscribing. When I get enough subscribers, I'll start unlocking more subscriber benefits.

butow.net

Hello, August

August is the month when I hunker down and get ready for autumn. I don't do well in the summer heat of interior northern California, and autumn can't get here soon enough. (The equinox is on September...

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Eric Butow @butow.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Hello again. Now that I've come up for air before I dive into writing my next book, here's my latest update with book news and neurostimulation news: www.butow.net/proof-of-life/

butow.net

Proof of Life

I've been running pretty hard since I had my head stitches removed in mid-May. In the past two months, I've written four custom Dummies books for the following clients: * Cloudera * SailPoint * W...

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Eric Butow @butow.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

Happy Independence Day to everyone celebrating the day in the U.S. I have an update about my health, what I'm working on, and a new book project my editor is excited about on my website: www.butow.net Enjoy your weekend, and I hope you're staying cool and hydrated wherever you are! #4thofJuly

The Jackson, California 3rd of July fireworks show seen from Eric Butow's family room window.

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Eric Butow @butow.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Happy Canada Day to all my Canadian friends and colleagues. I hope you're having a wonderful day celebrating your lovely country, and I'm lucky to know you. #canadaday

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Eric Butow @butow.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

I’ve been busy the last several months writing Instagram For Dummies, 3rd Edition, and I wanted to share that Barnes & Noble is running a 25% off campaign for members for all pre-orders, including my book! The sale goes through Thursday, March 26th. www.barnesandnoble.com/w/?ean=97813...

barnesandnoble.com

Instagram For Dummies

Barnes & Noble’s online bookstore for books, NOOK ebooks & magazines. Shop music, movies, toys & games, too. Receive free shipping with your Barnes & Noble Membership.

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Eric Butow @butow.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

Happy Father's Day to all you fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, and father figures. Also, happy summer solstice, which means it's only three months and one day until autumn. Here are some photos of my dad, David Butow (1938-2012) in the 1970s when my sister and I were young. #fathersday

My father David Butow holds me on Halloween in 1971.

My dad David Butow with my sister Lisa (left) and me after trick-or-treating in our Oakland neighborhood in 1973.

My dad David Butow carving pumpkins with my sister Lisa and me in 1975.

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Eric Butow @butow.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

Hello again. Yesterday I had my first follow-up appointment with my neurosurgeon at the new UC Davis Medical Center 48X building in Sacramento. My neurosurgeon is pleased with my healing progress, and the Medtronic rep set up my implanted neurostimulator. #brain

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Eric Butow @butow.bsky.social · 25/05/2026

Hello again. May was a busy month, and we still have a week left to go. I have several parts to this update: A big change in my mom's life (and mine), a busy book summer, and a lot of brain health stuff. (Warning: surgery photos included with the last post.)

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Eric Butow @butow.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

Here's my first article on my website detailing my first disappointment with deep-brain stimulation. Please consider subscribing (it's free) to get more news as it breaks -- and help my brain by pushing me to keep writing. May you have a prosperous second week of May! www.butow.net/wired-but-no...

butow.net

Wired, But Not Connected

It's been one week since I survived my deep-brain stimulation implants and hospital food. The only changes I've noticed are the bandages on the top and side of my head, more pain in my head, and a bad...

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Eric Butow @butow.bsky.social · 10/05/2026

My deep-brain stimulation surgery on Monday was successful, and Mindy drove me home on Wednesday evening. I'm recovering gradually, and some hours are worse than others. (I've posted my post-surgical photos in the last of this four-post thread.)

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Eric Butow @butow.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

Good news, everyone! Instagram & Facebook All-in-One For Dummies is now available to purchase! This book is 3 books in one: the latest information on Instagram (with a bonus chapter on Threads) and Facebook, and on using Meta Business Suite and ads effectively.

Eric Butow holding up a copy of his latest book Instagram & Facebook All-in-One For Dummies.

The front cover of Instagram & Facebook All-in-One For Dummies by Eric Butow, Amanda Robinson, et al.

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Eric Butow @butow.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

Hello again. I've published a new post on my website about my new books, health updates, and a book I'm reading by an old friend. You can read it at butow.net. My brain MRI had no new issues, so I'm clear for neurosurgery on 5/4. If you're here in California, stay warm and dry this weekend! #booksky

butow.net

Butow Communications Group

Business and computing book news and guidance.

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Eric Butow @butow.bsky.social · 05/04/2026

Happy Easter to those of you who celebrate. Yesterday's MRI scan was (mostly) uneventful. After the scan, my mom and I enjoyed dinner at The Old Spaghetti Factory. Today we're enjoying a quiet Easter at home. I hope you're enjoying your Sunday, and have a prosperous first full week of April! #easter

Me with my usual order at The Old Spaghetti Factory -- the Manager's Special with half clam sauce and half mizithra cheese -- and a big bandage on my right arm from the IV. (The MRI scan was performed with and without contrast.)

The tiramisu from The Old Spaghetti Factory is big and light, so it didn't weigh me down on the night of April 4.

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Eric Butow @butow.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

My neurosurgery for deep-brain stimulation hardware installation is set for May 4, so I'll be offline until after the surgery. You can get today's entire update on my LinkedIn profile here: www.linkedin.com/in/ebutow/ I hope March treated you well, and have a prosperous April!

Dogwood trees in full bloom at a neighbor's house at the end of Eric Butow's street in Jackson, California, in March 2026. You'll see this photo in Chapter 3 of Instagram For Dummies, 3rd Edition, which Eric's working on now and will be published this holiday season!

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Eric Butow @butow.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

There's only one day left to save! The entire Dummies series is 30 percent off at Barnes & Noble through March 31. You can purchase one of my Dummies books at a healthy discount, and browse the entire Dummies catalog on the B&N website here: www.barnesandnoble.com/s/dummies #booksky

The covers of Eric Butow's most recent Dummies books about Instagram For Business, Digital Etiquette, Programming Interviews, Funding a New Business, Bluesky, and AI ChatBots.

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Eric Butow @butow.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

My new book Instagram & Facebook All-in-One For Dummies will be released on May 4, and you can pre-order your copy now at Barnes & Noble for 25% off or 35% off for Premium Members! The code PREORDER25 only works through Thursday, March 26, so act now! #booksky www.barnesandnoble.com/w/?ean=97813...

The cover of Instagram & Facebook All-in-One For Dummies by Eric Butow, Amanda Robinson, et al.

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Eric Butow @butow.bsky.social · 15/03/2026

My mom completed 85 orbits around the sun today, so to celebrate, I took her out to a midday lunch at Saluti's, a local Italian restaurant on Main Street in Jackson. Our meals were very good, and we will return. I hope you're having a relaxing Saturday night, and have a pleasant Sunday!

Eric Butow's mom with her Chicken Marsala at Saluti's on her birthday, March 14.

My mom's Chicken Marsala at Saluti's in Jackson. She said it was good, but not as good as the dish served at another Italian restaurant in the Jackson area.

I kept it (somewhat) healthy and ordered spinach mushroom ravioli, which came with a chunk of bread. There was plenty of spinach and mushrooms, and the garlic cream sauce actually tasted like garlic.

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Eric Butow @butow.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

Good news, everyone! The entire Dummies series is 30 percent off at Barnes & Noble this March. Browse the entire Dummies catalog, including my Dummies titles shown in the photo, on the B&N website here: www.barnesandnoble.com/s/dummies

6 of Eric Butow's For Dummies books that you can buy for 30% off in March at Barnes & Noble.

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Eric Butow @butow.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

I received my 10 copies of Ultimate Guide to Social Media Marketing, 2nd Edition today! This book is your resource for using social media and building effective campaigns in 2026. Purchase your copy here: bit.ly/4bVPrtx I'll have more after my neurosurgery. Have a great rest of your week! #booksky

Eric Butow, one of the four authors of Ultimate Guide to Social Media Marketing, 2nd Edition, holds a copy of the book on March 2, 2026.

Ten author copies came in the box, and I'll give out some signed copies soon.

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Eric Butow @butow.bsky.social · 02/03/2026

I have a new website at butow.net, as I test-drive Ghost.org as my website and community platform that supports my books. It's in soft launch mode as I navigate a lot of pain and (maybe) upcoming surgery at the end of the month. I hope you're having a great start to March! #booksky

butow.net

Butow Communications Group

Business and computing book news and guidance.

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Eric Butow @butow.bsky.social · 19/02/2026

After a year, I received my author copy of Learn to Lead Effectively. My job was not only to write the introduction, but also select the source material from Entrepreneur Magazine contributors and put them into the why, what, and how parts of the book. Pick up your copy here: bit.ly/4qQ0fgJ #booksky

The front cover of Learn to Lead Effectively, an Entrepreneur Quick Guide by the staff of Entrepreneur Media and Eric Butow.

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Eric Butow @butow.bsky.social · 18/02/2026

My new book, Ultimate Guide to Social Media Marketing 2nd Edition, is here and updated with the latest information for 2026, including one chapter devoted to AI. My co-authors are top-flight social media creators and instructors. Learn more and buy your copy here: bit.ly/4bVPrtx #booksky

The Cover of Ultimate Guide to Social Media Marketing 2nd Edition by Eric Butow, Stephanie Garcia, Roberto Blake, and Amanda Robinson.

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Eric Butow @butow.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

I enjoyed working with @stellar247.bsky.social , the chatbot expert, on this book. I wrote Digital Etiquette for Dummies with her and @kendralosee.bsky.social a few years ago, and I'm happy to co-author with Kelly again. I learned a lot in writing this book, and you'll learn a lot by reading it. 2/2

Eric Butow holding a copy of AI ChatBots For Dummies that he wrote with Kelly Noble Mirabella.

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Eric Butow @butow.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

Book 55 is here and it's available for you to buy today! AI ChatBots For Dummies is a no-nonsense and easy-to-read guide to finding and using AI chatbots for your business, as well as creating effective marketing campaigns with them. Buy your copy on Amazon here: bit.ly/4bvkxrG 1/2

bit.ly

Amazon.com

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Eric Butow @butow.bsky.social · 17/01/2026

Time to take a neighborhood walk to get my blood pumping. I hope you’re well and have a great weekend! 3/3

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Eric Butow @butow.bsky.social · 17/01/2026

Though I feel like my head is at a 30-degree angle since I returned home, I’m stable enough to do my usual activities. This weekend, I’m updating several chapters in Instagram & Facebook All-in-One For Dummies as my co-author @thedigitalgal.bsky.social and I work to beat our deadline in 10 days. 2/3

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Eric Butow @butow.bsky.social · 17/01/2026

2026 hasn’t treated me well so far. On January 13, I felt substantially worse and called for an ambulance. CT and MRI scans were negative. Even so, only an MRA scan can show if my brain’s blood vessels and aneurysm are in worse shape. I’m waiting for UC Davis to call and schedule the scan. 1/3

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Eric Butow @butow.bsky.social · 02/01/2026

Happy New Year, and I hope your 2026 is off to a good start. 2025 was illuminating and bracing, and my neurologist has put me on limited work duty to start 2026. I'll set a small win each day and pace myself. I expect to share some exciting news next week. Have a great weekend!

A rainbow appears in Jackson, California, on New Year's Day afternoon after the first of several storms rolled through. This photo was taken from the front deck of Eric Butow's house.

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Eric Butow @butow.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

My new book Master Your Money, Secure Your Future has been out for about a month now, and it has a five-star rating on Amazon! The book is available in print and on Kindle here: bit.ly/4mHAhdq Have a wonderful holiday season and good financial health in 2026! #AuthorSky #BookSky #financialliteracy

The Amazon listing for Master Your Money, Secure Your Future by Marc Butler and Eric Butow shows an average reviewer rating of 5 stars out of 5!

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Eric Butow @butow.bsky.social · 29/11/2025

After a busy eight-day stretch, I'll relax and write for most of the weekend. Have a great weekend and a good start to December! 4/4 #jacksonca #amadorcounty #christmas

The entrance to the Festival of Trees display and competition at the corner of California and Main Streets.

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Eric Butow @butow.bsky.social · 29/11/2025

Unfortunately, we didn't do any Plaid Friday shopping because I hurt my left leg early on in our walk, but I'm glad I was able to finish our tour of Main Street. My mom was pleased, and I have Aleve and pain cream. 3/4 #christmas

Looking north on Main Street from the corner of Court and Main Streets.

This blow-up Christmas display is new this year. It's in front of the fence where the Ratto Theater once stood before it burned down in the '90s.

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Eric Butow @butow.bsky.social · 29/11/2025

We were happy to walk around and see the decorations, including the Festival of Trees event inside a vacant store, where visitors could review trees decorated by different community organizations and vote for their favorite. 2/4 #christmas

More decorations on the second floor of The Globe building.

The historic National Hotel is where Santa greets the kids.

The Tunnel of Lights on the bridge over Jackson Creek between the National Hotel and the Jackson Civic Center.

Looking north across the Jackson Creek bridge.

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Eric Butow @butow.bsky.social · 29/11/2025

My mom and I went to Jackson Main Street on Friday afternoon for the first day of the annual Christmas Delights festival. We came early to find a reasonably close parking spot and avoid the large crowds that peaked around 6 p.m. for the tree lighting ceremony at the fire station. 1/4 #christmas

An activity area for kids was in the parking lot of the automotive repair shop.

Main Street Designs is a Christmas-only shop that's open from late October through early January. We walked through the shop and admired all the trees.

Looking south on Main Street and at the decorated lampposts.

The upper floors of historic buildings were all decked out.

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Eric Butow @butow.bsky.social · 28/11/2025

It's late on Thanksgiving night, and I just finished cleaning my home office. I enjoyed dinner with my mom and took walks before and after dinner to work off the calories. I'm thankful for our connection here. I hope you had a fulfilling Thanksgiving, and enjoy the rest of your holiday weekend!

Eric Butow holding two-year-old Jack, his mom's daycare charge, with an inflatable turkey in the playroom of Eric's house on November 25, 2025. (Jack's face is blurred for privacy.)

Thanksgiving dinner at the Butow household featured turkey, rolls, tater tots, cranberry sauce, and green bean casserole.

Eric's mom makes mincemeat pie for Thanksgiving dessert each year.

After dinner, Eric Butow enjoyed his first slice of mincemeat pie with Grandmother's mincemeat filling.

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Eric Butow @butow.bsky.social · 23/11/2025

Here I am at Taste in Plymouth, California, for my 56th birthday. I've lived in Amador County for 16 years and I never ate at this popular spot until today. I'm glad I went. The chances of reaching my 57th birthday are not good. But I'll keep working and writing as long as my body will allow.

Eric Butow marking 56 completed orbits around the sun at Taste Restaurant in Plymouth, California, on November 22, 2025.

Eric's birthday Taste Burger featured arugula, mushrooms, and bacon jam along with a medium-rare beef patty, all between a brioche bun. Rosemary truffle fries came on the side.

Eric ordered a fig tart and vanilla pudding for dessert. Two halves of a fresh fig, four pecans, two dollops of pudding, and a small dark chocolate bar with the words Happy Birthday appeared around the inside of the plastic container Eric brought home with him so he could eat his dessert in the evening.

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Eric Butow @butow.bsky.social · 18/11/2025

The books are here! I received my complimentary author copies of Master Your Money, Secure Your Future this afternoon. I wrote this book (my 54th now) with financial expert Marc Butler so readers can learn how to achieve financial security. Order your copy now by clicking here: bit.ly/4mHAhdq

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Eric Butow @butow.bsky.social · 02/11/2025

Happy Authors Day to my fellow authors. October: nerve EMG tests showed no damage, 4 books in different stages of development, more books coming, and I'm writing an article for Laserfiche. I hope you had a great Halloween and have a prosperous November! #authors #halloween #November

Eric Butow holding his mom's daycare charge Jack (age 2) next to a seven-foot-tall stack of inflatable jack-o-lanterns on the back deck of his home on Halloween 2025.

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Eric Butow @butow.bsky.social · 14/10/2025

Happy Thanksgiving to all my Canadian friends and colleagues! 🇨🇦 🥧

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Eric Butow @butow.bsky.social · 07/10/2025

September brought confirmation of chronic small vessel disease and an aneurysm in my brain, so I'm at high risk for a stroke. I'm still able to write/edit books and catch up with people like @thesavvycmo.bsky.social on 9/24. I'll update when I have news, and have a prosperous October!

Eric Butow and Michelle Silva at the Starbucks coffee shop located at 53rd Street and Folsom Boulevard in Sacramento on September 24, 2025.

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Eric Butow @butow.bsky.social · 11/09/2025

Today's unsolicited e-mail from a reader of my Microsoft Word exam book from 2021: "I just want to let you know that I appreciate your communication style in presenting Word Exam MO-100. Would you believe I am now confident in exploring Microsoft Word!" Cool beans. #authorlife

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Eric Butow @butow.bsky.social · 07/09/2025

The bad news: I'm not being paid fast enough. My health has worsened in the past 6 weeks, especially with a lot more head pressure, dizziness, and left side weakness. I'll keep working and have an update later this month. In the meantime, have a prosperous September!

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Eric Butow @butow.bsky.social · 07/09/2025

The good news: 6 books in various stages of production. Signed a contract to write Instagram & Facebook All-in-One for Dummies with @thedigitalgal.bsky.social. Enjoyed lunch on 9/5 with @askyvi.bsky.social. Finally got neck/brain scans scheduled. Baked a raisin pie and it turned out pretty well.

Yvonne Heimann and Eric Butow at The Cheesecake Factory in Roseville, California on September 5, 2025. Yvi is lovely, and if you need systems in your business, talk to her right now.

The raisin pie in all its glory, and you didn't even see the spillage on the kitchen counter and in the oven. I used a recipe from Allrecipes.com, and the pie was baked with stevia instead of sugar.

The first slice of pie was good, but after the pie sat for a couple of nights, the second slice was even better.

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Reposted by Eric Butow

Rebecca Bollwitt @miss604.com · 14/08/2025

Our book, yay! 😁 Available in stores, online, and at your local library now

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Eric Butow @butow.bsky.social · 02/08/2025

My thanks to everyone who's followed me recently. Worsening health, book deadlines, and business development mean I need to go offline for a while and focus. Here's a photo of me with daycare kid Lily on July 31, her last day with us. Have a great weekend, prosperous August, and happy Labor Day!

Eric Butow at left posing with daycare kid Lily, 23 months, in the backyard on July 31, 2025.

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