For book/ebook authors, publishers, & self-publishers

When is Internet Book Marketing Offensive?

There is a fine line between what is appropriate book marketing and what is offensive or over the top. But where is it drawn, and who draws it? Consider these examples:

1) Discussion Forums

Is there some kind of Internet etiquette regarding what authors should include after the main content when they initiate or respond to discussion forums such as this? Some forum moderators say that including a link to a book seller, a blog, or a website constitutes excessive marketing, whether it's one link or more than one link. These moderators prefer that authors only write discussion content. They say that link information regarding the author’s book implies that the author only started or responded to a discussion in order to market the book. This is particularly frustrating to the author when the author’s book links would be helpful to the discussion. Authors have been asked to remove links if they want their discussions included. Some bloggers have rejected posted comments for the same reasons.

2) E-mails

Some people say they are offended when their author friends keep sending them emails signed with their names and book-related links, as if they are continually reminding friends to buy a book they have already bought or chosen not to buy.

3) Website/Blog Postings

Large and plentiful book-related announcements, videos, animated pictures, etc., which authors post on others’ comment walls and blogs can also be a source of irritation sometimes, even to other authors who want to support their colleagues, but still maintain some semblance of focus on their own home pages without excessive distractions from peers promoting their own products.

When is Internet book marketing offensive? What are your comments regarding any of the above examples or others you think can be viewed as crossing the line of good etiquette?

(No Offense?)

Frances Shani Parker, Author
"Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes”
“Hospice and Nursing Homes Blog”

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Stacy-Deanne on March 3, 2009 at 11:59pm

Hi Frances,

I'll try to answer your questions as you numbered them, LOL!

First off, who draws the line? Simple, the person who owns or moderates the site, blog or group.

1. Author links are only offensive when the group moderator prohibits them. Some don't mind them and others may consider it spam. This may be frustrating to the author but you must remember that being in a group is like being in someone's home. It's their forum and their rules. If you participate on a regular basis then it won't matter about the link because you'll gain interest from people just by your presence. Most groups don't mind if regular participants leave links. They mainly have a problem with spammers who have no intention of participating in the group but just pop in to leave their ads or links. That's what most of them have a problem with. It has to do with respect for their groups and not much else.

2. When regarding emails, it amazes me how many authors seem to "forget" the rules and pretend they don't know what spam is. SPAM is any form of advertisement for any product that was not solicited by the recipient. This includes sending advertisements to other authors (even pals), signing up people for your newsletter without their permission, sending them book announcements without permission or blatantly trying to sell your book through email blasts which most people don't read and it can get an author on the person's block list quick. I have many author friends who have decided to SIGN me up for their newsletter without asking my permission. I don't say nothing because I do know them and don't want to offend but this is not the way. It is rude for an author do to this. An author should give the person a chance to be their fan and not force them to. Spam can backfire and that's what most email that comes from authors fall into.

3. With website/blogs it's the same as the "my house, my rules" thing. The point is that the blogger or the website owner/creator is in charge so even if it may seem unfair to some authors, what they say goes. We must respect the rules of the blogs and sites. If not it only brings the authors enemies in the end. I believe everyone has their own special rules regarding what they want on their sites and we just gotta respect it.

I don't really think book marketing is offensive if people respect these rules. There are so many ways to promote books now that authors don't need to get bent out of shape over someone's site or blog. Who needs them? While there are some blogs and sites who have strict rules, there are many who are more willing to let an author promote effectively.

Great questions!

Best Wishes!

Stacy
http://www.stacy-deanne.net