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

Kind of Annoyed

I joined this group some months ago because I believed it would be a great learning resource for not only myself, but the other authors who are contracted with me as well. When I started, I gleaned the forums and the posts, and there were some really good ideas and even words of encouragement. It was great. Finally, there was a place to converse with like-minded people and give and receive ideas. Lately, however, I've stopped looking at posts. I've stopped reading, and I've stopped coming to the website. Every time I log on here, I get advertisements from other authors and from people promising excellent editing services. Now, I'm a publisher and an editor and an author, but I don't reply to every post and forum that I can give the best rates around or a good turnaround time. I come here for information, not Girl Scouts selling cookies to each other. There are other places to post and advertise, even on here. Replying to every person's question with an advertisement is, in my opinion, tacky and unnecessary. For what it's worth, it's my opinion we should see more support in the forums and less sales pitches.

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Comment by Paul Doerwang on April 11, 2010 at 1:09am: I would have to agree that the lack of distinction/differentiation between advice forums and ad-space can be discouraging. However, I think that the failure of the vast number of users to utilize the amazing opportunities offered by these forums leaves a vacuum that tends to be filled by what little is out there. I imagine that those who frequent this site have much to occupy their time. It is hard, however, to sustain any real conversation if we all are quick to speak and slow to listen. We all have the opportunity to bring this site humming to life. To paraphrase a famous movie line, "If we build it up others will come." It is in all of our interests to do so. We all have something to offer even if it's only to share our frustrations over writer's block,or to complain about low sales figures! I have tried, and will continue to try to do my (very) small part.

Comment by John Kremer on April 9, 2010 at 2:53pm: I agree with that statement. If you let me know who the egregious offenders are. I will talk to them.