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”