tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9791523.post113920221763053382..comments2024-03-04T03:40:11.172-05:00Comments on No rules. Just write.: Why there is no such thing as a free bookBrenda Coulterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528691681455659296noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9791523.post-1139402531421060292006-02-08T07:42:00.000-05:002006-02-08T07:42:00.000-05:00To recap: Jaynie e-mailed and asked me a question....To recap: Jaynie e-mailed and asked me a question. I answered it. She didn't like my answer and sent me a lengthy argument. That's when it occurred to me that this might be a subject worth blogging about. I did not mention Jaynie's name or quote from her e-mails in my post, but wrote something I thought might interest and inform my readers. As a courtesy I e-mailed Jaynie to tell her I'd posted. At that point I thought she was actually interested in hearing a more detailed explanation.<BR/><BR/>Obviously, Jaynie, you were not. You "outed" yourself here and tried to draw me into a public fight.<BR/><BR/>I believe I have stated my position very clearly, and my ego does not demand that I argue these points further. Unfortunately, no matter how busy I am elsewhere, I can't ignore any discussion that takes place on my blog because I must monitor the comments and filter them for spam, profanity, and sheer nastiness. So as soon as I send this message I will turn off the comment feature for this post.<BR/><BR/>There is no onus on me to provide a forum for people who want to talk about how stupid I am, so if you want to continue this discussion, you'll have to take it somewhere else.Brenda Coulterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13528691681455659296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9791523.post-1139384152419132372006-02-08T02:35:00.000-05:002006-02-08T02:35:00.000-05:00Bravo, Alison! And, Mir, you're right again, but w...Bravo, Alison! And, Mir, you're right again, but what I mean is simply this, I wouldn't want to have 100 fans and lose someone because I'd excluded them in a contest for ANY reason. If there were any readers in Europe who read Brenda's work, some might not take too kindly to this kind of exclusion.<BR/><BR/>Surely, it must hurt to have your favorite author discount you because you're a fan in the UK or Indonesia and certainly, there must be one or two that exist. Much like the person you blogged about.<BR/><BR/>Putting any kind of restriction on your contests that has to do with readership anywhere just seems like a promotional choice that's not as reader friendly as it is economic.<BR/><BR/>My theory is, if the post office will ship it to you and you win it fair and square--I'll send it :)However, as I've maintained, I respect your choices.<BR/><BR/>Best,<BR/>Dakota :)Dakota Cassidyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13633331367566581311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9791523.post-1139372001561101522006-02-07T23:13:00.000-05:002006-02-07T23:13:00.000-05:00That's not a bad suggestion, Brenda, about the dis...That's not a bad suggestion, Brenda, about the disclaimer. I'd go for it.<BR/><BR/>And Dakota, readership is always limited by one factor or another. You can't always have the 100, because someone will always take offense. I have yet to see an author blogging and promoting not have "disgruntled customers" of one ilk or another. It's the way of the world. If she said, "Okay, I'll mail to English Speaking countries," then folks in non-English speaking countries would cry foul. If she said, "Okay, all countries with reliable mail," someone in a country with non-reliable mail would complain.<BR/><BR/>You can't please all the people all the time, and sometimes, folks need to chill if they get a "no."<BR/><BR/>MirMirtikahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04668769199544406582noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9791523.post-1139370868557322992006-02-07T22:54:00.000-05:002006-02-07T22:54:00.000-05:00Quote from the web site of Brenda Coulter "I used ...Quote from the web site of Brenda Coulter <BR/><BR/>"I used to run quarterly prize drawings here on the website. It was fun to do and it helped build my mailing list. But now I'm thinking the nice people already on my mailing list deserve some special attention. So from now on, prize drawings will be mentioned only in my newsletter. Sign up today so you won't miss out! Subscribe to My Newsletter"<BR/><BR/>Perhaps a disclaimer added to the above quoted information on your site telling non-U.S. residents they will not be eligible for your contests would go a long way in avoiding this complaint in the future. <BR/><BR/>You, Ms. Coulter are the one who invited the internet masses to join your newsletter, maybe you should be honest with those not living in N.A. and tell them they will not be eligible to enter.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9791523.post-1139370170106462682006-02-07T22:42:00.000-05:002006-02-07T22:42:00.000-05:00Indeed, we will, Brenda and as always, I respect a...Indeed, we will, Brenda and as always, I respect anothers POV. I certainly wouldn't ever be so arrogant as to tell you how to budget your promotional money. However, I also feel it's a genuine complaint from a reader and one who well may feel discarded after a post of this nature. I do believe that ALL readers count--overseas or not and I can't blame them for feeling slighted because they are so often counted out.<BR/><BR/>I can see both POV'S, agree or disagree.<BR/><BR/>And absolutely, Mir, the author certainly has a right to limit her promotions, but it then may limit her readership and those who take offense by the US residents only, are lost to you. 100 readers is always better than 99 :)<BR/><BR/><BR/>With that, I wish you much success :)<BR/><BR/>Dakota :)Dakota Cassidyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13633331367566581311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9791523.post-1139370070907247632006-02-07T22:41:00.000-05:002006-02-07T22:41:00.000-05:00My, my, my, Brenda...I had my own hardcase this we...My, my, my, Brenda...I had my own hardcase this week. Is it a full moon!Bonnie S. Calhounhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11769607640246518804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9791523.post-1139369585714268852006-02-07T22:33:00.000-05:002006-02-07T22:33:00.000-05:00May I just point out that Jaynie was only asking f...May I just point out that Jaynie was only asking for the same chances you're giving to your American readers? I know from the experience of sending her stuff (and she does the same to me) that it really doesn't cost all that much to put it on the slow boat to Australia. It also takes up a whole oh lets say 5 minutes of my time (on busy days) to stand in line to pay the postage. If time and money is your argument I don't believe you.<BR/><BR/>If your goal was to encourage your readers to be closed minded, and to only pursue only one side of a story then I applaude you! Good Job! It must be nice to not worry about what other opinions might be. It must be nice to not care about learning new things. Who knows! By visiting Jaynie's blog and being open to discussion you might have won more readers over your your books! They might have been introduced to a great new author. They're just going to see a closed minded, not all that inspiring (IMO at least) person who could care less about others opinions though. <BR/><BR/>Oh well. It's a shame really. Jaynie is a MASTER at talking up books and people she's been impressed with. I know her blog gets a LOT of hits too. That's quite an opportunity that's been missed.<BR/><BR/>~ErinAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9791523.post-1139369345721383892006-02-07T22:29:00.000-05:002006-02-07T22:29:00.000-05:00While Dakota makes some good points, it comes down...While Dakota makes some good points, it comes down to where an author can best promote her work. IF the book is not widely available to a EU audience, why spend the 10+ bucks to mail a book to the EU? I wouldn't. The only way I'd promote a book globally is if I believed it would sell well globally. If I thought 99% of the market was going to be U.S., because the publisher was not going to distribute outside of N.A., then that decides where promotions will go.<BR/><BR/>I know many, many writers. Their promotional budgets are really tight, so they have to decide where each dollar might do the most good. Gotta side with Brenda on this one.<BR/><BR/>And the simple fact remains: An author, being the one making the offer, has a right to limit the scope of her promotion in any way she feels like it. Period. There is not global obligation. There is only her druthers. If I own it, I do what I please with it. :)<BR/><BR/>But your points are well taken, Dakota.<BR/><BR/>MirMirtikahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04668769199544406582noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9791523.post-1139361782352787322006-02-07T20:23:00.000-05:002006-02-07T20:23:00.000-05:00Dakota, I'm afraid we'll just have to disagree on ...Dakota, I'm afraid we'll just have to disagree on what is the best use of my time and money. ;-) And Jaynie, may I suggest that I am the best person to decide which blogs I should visit and which arguments I should take up?<BR/><BR/>I didn't post this entry to spark a debate. I simply thought it would interest my readers.Brenda Coulterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13528691681455659296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9791523.post-1139355906425795152006-02-07T18:45:00.000-05:002006-02-07T18:45:00.000-05:00Wow, I honestly don't know what to say. You guys ...Wow, I honestly don't know what to say. You guys aren't even willing to give me a chance by reading what I had to say. That's awefully immature IMO.<BR/><BR/>I was trying to be polite by not taking up all the comment space, hence why I moved it to my blog.<BR/><BR/>...and I'm not allowed to have an opinion? Just because you've decided I'm wrong, then I'm not even worth talking too or discussing things with? <BR/><BR/>I'm not looking for a fight - I just wanted an adult discussion.<BR/><BR/>I just don't understand why y'all feel the need to bitch about me when you won't even go over and read my side of the story.<BR/><BR/>You don't know me and your opinions are being based on one blog post.Jayniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17240533482754091426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9791523.post-1139354305639104422006-02-07T18:18:00.000-05:002006-02-07T18:18:00.000-05:00I never would have found this blog, simply because...I never would have found this blog, simply because we write in very differnt genres of romance. However, I read the other blog and I was very interested in what you had to say.<BR/><BR/>I respectfully, of course, have to disagree about limiting a contest to the US only. I can't see the big deal in paying seven dollars for shipping a book.<BR/><BR/>If in fact, you hope word of mouth is what sells more books, then I'd have to assume sending one overseas could only be a good thing in the interest of branching out. I don't know what the contest entailed, but I believe there was only three books involved. Even if the shipping were seven dollars a book, plus the cost of the book, we're not talking a lot of money to see fruition for sales in a venue as large as Europe.<BR/><BR/><BR/>And of course she wants a free book. Much the way you want free promo by word of mouth. One hand washes the other in my mind.<BR/><BR/>Maybe less is more. Offer one book to ALL contest seekers...<BR/><BR/>As to not being able to buy your book in a store. Well, yes, that might be true, but the Internet is a powerful promotional tool and if they like you enough, want to see more from you, I feel certain they'll hit Amazon to purchase your book. Even with the extra expense of having it sent to them overseas.<BR/><BR/>Just my 02.<BR/><BR/>Dakota :)Dakota Cassidyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13633331367566581311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9791523.post-1139352568230160562006-02-07T17:49:00.000-05:002006-02-07T17:49:00.000-05:00I don't agree that American authors don't apprecia...I don't agree that American authors don't appreciate their foreign readers. <BR/><BR/>It's clear she just wants a free book - at your expense.<BR/><BR/>Now if you have a publisher in that country, perhaps the same promotional efforts could be considered for those readers. It's all about the investment you're willing to make.Millenia Blackhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04946305818793386484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9791523.post-1139351544226489422006-02-07T17:32:00.000-05:002006-02-07T17:32:00.000-05:00Hey, I'm not bothering with that site either. If t...Hey, I'm not bothering with that site either. If the best response is "pot, meet kettle", there won't be anything worth reading. Clearly, this person wasn't reading what I was saying.<BR/><BR/>I don't expect anything for free from authors. Period. If I ever get offered something, I am hugely grateful. But I don't expect it.<BR/><BR/>My fave band only tours Europe. I get their cds a year or more after they come out, and I pay more for them if they're export sales. I don't write to complain that they have fans in the US and should come tour here. I don't complain that I pay more for their music. I don't complain that I get it one or two years after England and Holland and Germany.<BR/><BR/>I'm just happy as a peach when I CAN HEAR THEM, any way I cn hear them. :D<BR/><BR/>Not black pot here. Just a tan gal who doesn't feel "entitled."<BR/><BR/>MirMirtikahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04668769199544406582noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9791523.post-1139349520564780782006-02-07T16:58:00.000-05:002006-02-07T16:58:00.000-05:00I'm sorry, Julana. The primrose is not looking goo...I'm sorry, Julana. The primrose is not looking good.<BR/><BR/>All of those contest entries are packed away in a folder. When I've finally decided to take the primrose out and dump it on the compost pile, I will then look inside the folder and see who came closest to calling the date of the plant funeral.Brenda Coulterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13528691681455659296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9791523.post-1139349347589438032006-02-07T16:55:00.000-05:002006-02-07T16:55:00.000-05:00Please don't overwater the primrose. It has over t...Please don't overwater the primrose. It has over two weeks to go.Pilgrimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13263860830512792429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9791523.post-1139347520288876852006-02-07T16:25:00.000-05:002006-02-07T16:25:00.000-05:00Jaynie, I won't be visiting your blog because I be...Jaynie, I won't be visiting your blog because I believe I already <I>know</I> what's on your mind, and it's that you're spoiling for a fight. Please excuse me.Brenda Coulterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13528691681455659296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9791523.post-1139346530435460832006-02-07T16:08:00.000-05:002006-02-07T16:08:00.000-05:00I won't take up all your commenting space by respo...I won't take up all your commenting space by responding here. You can visit my blog www.jaynier.blospot.com to find out what I think.<BR/><BR/>I am disappointed in your rewriting of the facts of our conservation however.<BR/><BR/>...and to your commenter. Pot, meet kettle.Jayniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17240533482754091426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9791523.post-1139333655330134892006-02-07T12:34:00.000-05:002006-02-07T12:34:00.000-05:00After dealing with a sister-in-law with entitlemen...After dealing with a sister-in-law with entitlement issues, I have learned some people just feel that the world is owed to them. There is nothing you can do to change their mindset and it will only drive yourself to frustration to try.<BR/><BR/>I see the freebies as promo - but I am a writer, so I guess my mindset is from that angle anyway.Denise McDonaldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08584403086400080056noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9791523.post-1139333432059395632006-02-07T12:30:00.000-05:002006-02-07T12:30:00.000-05:00Sheesh, Mir, I'm glad you're on my side. ;-)In my ...Sheesh, Mir, I'm glad you're on <I>my</I> side. <BR/>;-)<BR/><BR/>In my correspondent's eyes, I was doing nothing more than showing appreciation to my faithful readers by offering them a chance to win free books--and I was excluding non-U.S. residents from sharing that "appreciation" simply because of high postage costs (which I could easily afford, being a Rich Author and all). Since this lady complained about authors like me making her feel like a second-class reader, I figured there must be others who feel equally abused but just haven't spoken up. That's why I posted what I did. I hope it makes sense and doesn't sound like a tirade.Brenda Coulterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13528691681455659296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9791523.post-1139331683724533972006-02-07T12:01:00.000-05:002006-02-07T12:01:00.000-05:00Human selfishness is a global problem. What's new?...Human selfishness is a global problem. What's new? :)<BR/><BR/>Your reader was only thinking about herself. Oooh, a freebie. What? I can't have it? Why shouldn't this writer pay what it cost to buy her book (and more) so I can have it. (Throw a tantrum.)<BR/><BR/>You know what? I got a book. It's not free. To get that book, I had to agree TO YOUR TERMS about reading it, reviewing it, blogging about it, time contstraints, etc. I understood PERFECTLY that this is about promoting YOUR HARD WORK, not making lil ole me feel tingly to her toes. (Although, if I enjoy the book, I'm sure I will tingle a bit somewhere thereabouts.)<BR/><BR/>To your cranky reader: Grow up!<BR/><BR/>I consider it A FREAKING PRIVILEGE to PAY HARD-EARNED MONEY in order to buy a book THAT WILL GIVE ME HOURS OF PLEASURE AND JUST MAYBE ENCOURAGEMENT AND INTELLECTUAL STIMULATION(depending on the author). I slobber in slavering appreciation when an author gives me a transcendent moment of gorgeous literary beauty and will happily throw dollar bills at them for the joy they bestow into my days.<BR/><BR/>YOu know what. Yeah, I'll say it again: STOP WALLOWING IN SELFISHNESS AND GROW UP.<BR/><BR/>Mir--who has been known to actually PAY, yes PAY, for two and three copies of particularly good books to GIVE AWAY....crazy Cuban that I am.Mirtikahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04668769199544406582noreply@blogger.com