tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post4798758364428252463..comments2024-03-18T06:16:18.802-05:00Comments on A Newbie's Guide to Publishing: Identity and the WriterJA Konrathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08778324558755151986noreply@blogger.comBlogger154125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-63037707312998727992014-05-18T16:14:56.185-05:002014-05-18T16:14:56.185-05:00Hi Joe,
Can you remove all my comments from your ...Hi Joe,<br /><br />Can you remove all my comments from your blog regarding the Ann Rice Petition please? (Barring this one. This one I'm happy to let stay because I think it's enlightened). <br /><br />After misguidedly, believing in protecting young authors against trolls, I discovered that Ann Rice and her 'friends' at STGRB are attacking young authors like trolls would!<br /><br />I alas couldn't unsign the petition when I realised it was all a sham, but I will not publicly defend it.<br /><br />I think I might have seen the light. Well, it was more like blindness that I saw, but it had an enlightened effect on me.<br /><br />My co-author (a sweet guy with Asperger's and ADD, who doesn't know how to use Goodreads) was attacked by STGRB for defending a 16 year old girl they had also attacked. <br /><br />Since STGRB seem to attack anyone they like and that's okay by Ann Rice, then I say let freedom of speech be free. If the people who are attacking the innocent are the people pretending to defend against it, then I'd rather have all out slanging matches online than corrupted police in charge.<br /><br />I will not be a defender for corrupt individuals who attack children or people with Aspergers.<br /><br />Because Ann supports STGRB, my co-author asked her to stop supporting a site that harmed minors. She responded by accusing him of being a GR Bully, and supporting the libel that had been spread about him.<br /><br />[screenshots: http://postimg.org/image/jd8f459br/full/]<br /><br />Kevin may have a mouth on him, but he doesn't even know how to use Goodreads. I know this because I helped him put his book on the site in the first place. He never visited it. He likes Wattpad and can't see the point in Goodreads.<br /><br />He's a wonderfully funny, sometimes inappropriately outspoken guy with a ridiculous amount of talent, and not one bad bone in his entire body.<br /><br />My debate on your blog may be a sound argument for another universe, but in this one the person I'm being supportive of is clearly not functioning in reality, especially if she is supporting a crazy internet stalker, who is harming innocents on Wattpad (the most PC, non-troll environment in the world!)<br /><br />Anyway, I thought I'd drop by to eat some humble pie for being completely wrong, and also to ask that my stupidity be removed from your blog. I do appologise for the longest debate in history. Had I known how corrupt it all is, I would never have signed that petition.<br /><br />I don't know if Ann is aware of the people she's associating with, but I want no association with a criminal that attacks children (or that attacks my co-author) without reason.<br /><br />I think it's fair to say that next time someone brings up trolls, I'm just going to find one and give them a big hug instead. <br /><br />It's true what they say. As a writer, you never stop learning. *wipes the egg off my face*<br /><br />Still, at least I now know what calibre of people those crying out for justice really are, irrational, crazy fools.Claire Chiltonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14333323056571329991noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-19246055045852059432014-04-13T14:00:57.177-05:002014-04-13T14:00:57.177-05:00Although I'm seeing this post a month after th...Although I'm seeing this post a month after the fact, the content is relevant to where my head has been the past few weeks. I can always count on your wisdom to pop up just when I need it. Blessings - AngelaAngela Drakehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08881839119097552967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-22735457243330010972014-03-17T23:28:05.827-05:002014-03-17T23:28:05.827-05:00While we're talking about labels, it's als...While we're talking about labels, it's also worth giving some thought to what makes a publisher a publisher.<br /><br />There is of course the myth that the purpose of a publisher is to curate for quality, refine the product, package the product, print the product, promote the product, and distribute the product. And of course publishers do all those things to varying degrees.<br /><br />But what gets missed in the definition is _why_ they do all those things. Because the essential purpose of the publisher is to distribute the product. Everything else in the equation is just the result of the economics of what they do.<br /><br />If a publisher could take on all comers, make no changes to the maunscript, print everything that comes over the transom, distribute it everywhere regardless of quality and appearance and still make money at it, they would do so in a heartbeat. The reason they do all that curating, packaging, editing, and so forth is that it lowers the odds that they'll lose money on the venture.<br /><br />The central value is distribution. The other stuff is simply a way to reduce the risk inherent in distribution under the traditional model.<br /><br />So now we have a distribution platform that we can access on our own. And good business sense tells us to make our products the best they can be to engender loyalty in readers, so we hire professional cover designers for the best cover art we can get. We hire editors. We use beta readers.<br /><br />So while we are countering the notion that we are not "real" writers, we might as well also toss in the corollary:<br /><br />Not only are we real writers; we are also real publishers.Zander Marksnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-74445939243184891282014-03-14T01:20:17.389-05:002014-03-14T01:20:17.389-05:00On a final note, I fully support and admire Anonym...On a final note, I fully support and admire Anonymous, and Wikileaks for their ongoing work in making the world a better place and in exposing the truth.<br /><br />I also admire Joe for doing the same thing.<br /><br />I don't personally believe that members of Anonymous are writing bad reviews on Amazon to make the world a better place. I think they have bigger fish to fry than a helpless indie author. If they're in the mix, and they may be, I can't see an indie book being their target.<br /><br />I tend to believe that the bullying on Amazon is largely due to skanky con men, trying to harm innocent authors for greed and profit, based on actual evidence. <br /><br />I think that oppression is a dangerous thing, because if enough people are bullied into silence, you end up with a dictatorship. <br /><br />Already, authors live in fear of speaking about bullies, reviews or trolls. Historically, authors have used literature to expose the truth about media BS and government coverups and crimes against mankind. When you silence authors, you're also silencing the truth.<br /><br />I don't think it makes a difference if it is a massive corporation or a group of trolls silencing a group of people. The point is that many authors fear speaking out because of that group of trolls. The more power the trolls gain, the worse it is going to get until literature is dictated by anonymous hitmen.<br /><br />But I do see the reason for concern over the petition. If it were to escalate, it could harm freedom of speech on a wider scale. Since no authors have died yet under the troll regime, I guess we'll let them stay in charge. <br /><br />I do think the Amazon community environment is unbalanced in favour of trolling, which creates an oppressive environment for a lot of innocent people. I do think it could be done better than it is and that ignoring the issue isn't going to make it go away.<br /><br />But, as always, that is just my opinion.Claire Chiltonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03684078138794357774noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-38663996841846300232014-03-14T00:45:21.355-05:002014-03-14T00:45:21.355-05:00Susan,
you weren't addressing my ideas. You w...Susan,<br /><br />you weren't addressing my ideas. You were commenting on me as a person.<br /><br />"I am beginning to see the problem. It seems to me that YOU are willing to put your opinions out there, but when pressed to defend them, YOU take offence and interpret as a personal attack rather than a legitimate challenge to your ideas." <br /><br />At what point in that quote do you discuss my opinions? None of that is a comment about my opinions. It is your opinion of me, which does seem a little biased.<br /><br />Since I am not a topic of discussion here, that I know of, I don't see why there is a need to comment on the inner working of my psyche. <br /><br />Much as I'm sure a discussion about the inner workings of my psyche would be an interesting topic to at least one person in the universe, I do have to question your expertise on the subject of me since you don't actually know me at all.<br /><br />I'm tired of discussing me. I'm really not interesting enough to warrant this kind of attention. <br /><br />So, okay, you win.<br /><br />Claire Chiltonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03684078138794357774noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-58812243749334396982014-03-13T22:17:45.627-05:002014-03-13T22:17:45.627-05:00Even when I have held up my hands and said, 'o...<br /><i>Even when I have held up my hands and said, 'okay, you win,' you have continued.<br /><br />I'm not sure that responding to you is going to improve the situation, but you are kinda proving my point about anonymous identity.</i><br /><br />Claire, I don't know of you and outside of this thread, have never responded to a comment you have made anywhere else and frankly, don't remember ever hearing about you before this thread. Please, don't flatter yourself that I am one of "your personal trolls". <br /><br />Finally, if you have interpreted what I have written in response to your comments as a personal attack or unreasonable in tone or content, I am beginning to see the problem. It seems to me that you are willing to put your opinions out there, but when pressed to defend them, you take offence and interpret as a personal attack rather than a legitimate challenge to your ideas.<br /><br />Apologies to Joe for belabouring this.<br /><br />SusanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-54491251206152863142014-03-13T18:02:06.399-05:002014-03-13T18:02:06.399-05:00That free speech means letting people abuse you, b...<i>That free speech means letting people abuse you, because you write for a living.</i><br /><br />Free speech means people have the right to say things you don't like. <br /><br />Anonymity allows people to say things--in some cases positive things--that they wouldn't say otherwise. Writing a review of erotica without your children knowing it is you. Weighing in on a heated debate without making yourself a target. Whistle blowing.<br /><br />A slipperly slope means there is no place to draw the line. If you demand soemthing be deleted from a forum because it offends you, where does that end? Amazon doesn't allow hate speech or threats. But calling someone names, even anonymously, has to be protected. If it isn't, watch how quickly you get hauled off to jail for criticizing a government, or a law. In countries without free speech, anonymity is the only way to voice opinions.<br /><br />The group Anonymous needs to stay anonymous for their own protection, and IMO they do a lot of good in the world.<br /><br />We have to let the pinheads spout thier nonsense in order to be truly free. Forcing manners on someone doesn't make for a polite socitety--it makes for a totilitarian society.<br /><br />Ignore the trolls and cyber bullies, and when they break laws or terms of srvice, report them, Trolls only do it for attention. If everyone ignored them, as they should when ridiculous, thoughless comments are posted, the trolls would go elsewhere.<br /><br />Civility is good. Teach your children cyber manners. Teach by example, and be civil online. <br /><br />I can be very judgemental on this blog, but I'd never say something here I wouldn't say face to face.<br /><br />Also remember that tone is hard to judge. Assume the other person had good intentions, not mean ones. Avoid escalation. Think before you respond, and if you're still emotional, don't respond at all.JA Konrathhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08778324558755151986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-72153889742676355342014-03-13T17:08:38.531-05:002014-03-13T17:08:38.531-05:00Many of us writers have dual identities, especiall...Many of us writers have dual identities, especially if we have day jobs. As a private citizen and writer, I have one identity, my "real" one. As a worker trying to navigate the shoals of corporate America, where the prejudices of others can cost you your job, I have another. I do not let my co-workers or bosses know I self-publish, because the backlash and prejudice that would ensue would cost me my livelihood. Outside of work, I don't hide my self-publishing work. But as long as we live in a world where the <b>vast majority</b> of people define "published writer" as "published by a Big New York House", that's the game we have to live with.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-40538591035413847832014-03-13T16:59:24.671-05:002014-03-13T16:59:24.671-05:00Yeah...
I hate to go against Joe in his own house...Yeah...<br /><br />I hate to go against Joe in his own house, and don't mean this in any way to be impolite, but I have to disagree with him here, on part of what he's been saying.<br /><br />There is no "slippery slope" to people using their real identities online.<br /><br />This is way different than asking people to be banned forever. In fact, a lot of the trouble people are having with reviews would vanish, the second people knew that they, personally would need to be able to back up what they were saying and doing.<br /><br />For instance, I have over 1,200 reviews on Amazon. I'm not a huge name, but I get around, and considering that I've only been around for two and a half years, that's a bit of notice.<br /><br />About half my negative reviews would look hilarious, if you could see who put them up, I'm willing to bet.<br /><br />People using sock-puppets and so on.<br /><br />I'm not suggesting their efforts be removed, just put in the single hopper that is their place. If Tim Smith is writing half of the bad reviews for a single book, under different names, then it would be good for readers to be able to see that, wouldn't it?<br /><br />Civility is good. Kindness is not weakness, and being anonymous pushes some people to forget those facts.<br /><br />The idea that using your own name is somehow the same as sending people to a gulag is a bit... different.<br /><br />Maybe I'm taking what you said the wrong way, Joe, but that seems the ultimate point. That free speech means letting people abuse you, because you write for a living.<br /><br />You, the author, NEED thick skin. But it's skin, not armor. You having written a book doesn't mean someone else should comment on you, your supposed or imagined personal traits, or possible crimes that you may be guilty of.<br /><br />Yes, you can't sue anyone for most of that, not legally. There is a difference between legal, and right, however. It may be legal to say that Joe must indulge in various crimes, since his books are about such people, but it isn't right. (Unless, like this, it's a joke. Even one not to funny.<br /><br />This also isn't about Amazon. This is a social problem of western society. They might be pointed out, but the real call if for people to end bullying, not control free speech.<br /><br />The problem there is that, when they can hide, the bullies are willing to keep on going after others, and won't stop.<br /><br />It makes for a worse world, and we shouldn't let it happen.<br /><br />Does that mean that my name might show up next to my comments? Yes, it does. The thing there is, I don't say or do things online that I can't back in real life.<br /><br />If you live in fear of litigation, being called on your behavior, or having a kung-fu master actually show up at your house, to see if you really can kill him with one punch, being that he's a pussy, then perhaps changing what you do is a good idea?<br /><br />No one is forcing that to happen, just trying to end some of the bad behavior.<br /><br /><br />P. S. Powerhttp://pspowerbooks.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-42080640955546470142014-03-13T13:50:30.346-05:002014-03-13T13:50:30.346-05:00Susan, You're welcome to your opinion, but I d...Susan, You're welcome to your opinion, but I don't think that is what this is about.<br /><br />I have noticed that you've accused me of something, incorrectly, in every post you've made to me on this thread. I'm not sure why you feel the need to do that, but clearly you do.<br /><br />I've corrected you as politely as I could every single time. <br /><br />Misquoting me because you feel it will prove a point doesn't make you correct, and sending me defensive posts because you disagree with me doesn't make you just or right.<br /><br />I think I've been quite clear about the evidence, but to make sure that it's fair. <br /><br />**Joe, could you delete my evidence posts please. I don't seem to be able to.**<br /><br />There, problem solved. Hopefully that will make you happy, Susan.<br /><br />Whatever is happening, you don’t seem to be happy with me, although I can't fathom where all the anger is coming from.<br /><br />I originally posted here to speak about anonymous identity because I've been exploring the psychological and technological side to it for one of my books. Joe seemed like a good guy, with readers that would be up for a discussion. Because, identity is what this is all about.<br /><br />Along the way, the petition became the focus, but it's really not that important. I think the subject of identity is probably the more important one on this thread, and I think--partly due to me--the conversation went off-topic. Abuse is bad. It happens. I've already said what I thought about that.<br /><br />However, identity is at the heart of my argument. I questioned the use of anonymous in an Amazon review compared to the abusive, sadistic and psychotic tendencies that an anonymous profile is likely to bring out in people.<br /><br />Those are scientifically proven theories, by the way. I find it interesting on a psychological level what happens to people when they become anonymous.<br /><br />Right now, for all the snarky comments. I don't hate you. I feel a little bit attacked by you, but I sense that there is a person talking to me. I also am very aware that the world is watching me because of course, I'm posting under my real name. This means that everything I say will come back to me. These things, I believe, all make me act as I would in real life. <br /><br />In fact, I think I'm acting a bit nicer than I would in real life. If someone walked up to me in real life and accused me of being a liar, a noob author, whining about reviews and a then proceeded to misquote me in a public venue, I'd probably tell them the F-off.<br /><br />I don't know why you're defensive and disagreeing with me in every post. You seem to want to keep arguing. Even when I agree with you, you keep arguing back. I've come to the conclusion that you're arguing over something else. <br /><br />Maybe you think I'm attacking Joe? I wasn't. Aside from the fact that I'm pretty certain he can defend himself quite well, I would never attack one of my indie heroes! If that's your gripe, then I think you have misunderstood me. Not to worry, it happens. No hard feelings.<br /><br />Perhaps you are one of my own personal trolls. I mean, you do sound an awful lot like one of them by matching the word-for-word comments that I've seen many times before. If that is the case, then I'd greatly appreciate it if you could F-off because I don’t like trolls.<br /><br />But then, maybe you just like being anonymous and missed the many, many, many times that I agreed the petition wasn't the perfect solution, At which point, hopefully you'll notice it this time. <br /><br />As a case study on anonymous, you appear to be proving without a doubt that being anonymous can make people act unreasonably. I tried to understand why you feel the need to attack, and I think it's a form of dehumanizing me so the attacks can appear justified.<br /><br />Even when I have held up my hands and said, 'okay, you win,' you have continued.<br /><br />I'm not sure that responding to you is going to improve the situation, but you are kinda proving my point about anonymous identity.Claire Chiltonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14333323056571329991noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-86786546174370706742014-03-13T13:50:17.664-05:002014-03-13T13:50:17.664-05:00It's wonderful to know that, these days, a wri...It's wonderful to know that, these days, a writer has options for becoming published. Better yet, that there is no one way to achieve your goals or to have an identity. The identity comes from us and what we write. End of story. Terri Herman-Poncehttp://terriponce.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-41073321278946407232014-03-13T11:41:16.979-05:002014-03-13T11:41:16.979-05:00"But yes, I'm not quoting the scripture o...<i>"But yes, I'm not quoting the scripture or anything. I'm just voicing my opinion, which to my knowledge, does not require evidence. It just kinda exists."</i><br /><br />Claire, there is a difference between voicing an opinion e.g. <i>"I think people should be forced to use their real name on Amazon reviews."</i> and making accusations e.g.<i>" Joe Blow is a serial eRapist and con-man."</i> <br /><br />I am all for you voicing your opinion even if I disagree with it. I do <i>not</i> feel comfortable when people make accusations that have not been proven and call someone a criminal when they have not been convicted of a crime. I don't know this person from a hole in the ground, but if I don't defend due process, who will?<br /><br />As I said earlier, I think there is a way to deal with abusive reviews and comments in forums without forcing reviewers and commenters to use their real names. I believe people should focus on improving the existing processes to deal with abuse rather than restricting participation even more. That's my opinion. <br /><br />To me, this current petition is an extension of the whole Authors Behaving Badly / Goodreads Bullies brouhaha. I followed this when it happened. Yes, there are bullies, and yes, some authors do behave badly, but I felt the whole thing was an example of everyone involved behaving badly. I thought it escalated far beyond what was necessary on everyone's part. It became a moral panic and the underlying truth got lost in the grandstanding that resulted. This petition is just more of the same.<br /><br />That's my opinion of course. <br /><br />SusanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-87214098175411995562014-03-13T11:15:16.721-05:002014-03-13T11:15:16.721-05:00I am gonna go out on a limb here and post...I don&...I am gonna go out on a limb here and post...I don't usually post anywhere. Back in the 60's I made up a character based on my mother and grandmother's...I told my daughters stories about her. In the 90's I wanted to see if she would fly as a book so i put her in the fanfiction sections to see if people liked her. I got a lot of really fine reviews. Then I googled my own name on the WWW, 95 or 6 I think and found a paper written by someone getting their degree who ripped me a new one for my character. I was never asked if it was ok to use my piece or my name and if the author of the paper had read any of my other stuff I could see her point, apparently she only read one story and based her review on that. Today that paper is still on the WWW. But I googled my name and its down past the 4th page. Yes we do care what people say. I had an agent tell me she couldn't sell my character unless I changed a lot about her cause the big houses wouldn't buy it at was, (the traits, not writing). BTW, my character would make a nice sister for Jack Daniels. I've never been published, except on the WWW, I do not even try to self-publish. I think back in the day, with a little more encouragement, I might have. Be careful what you say onlnie cause this shit NEVER goes away, who knows you might be trashing the next Joe Konrath, though I doubt a trashing would affect anything he wanted to do. Love your blog Joe, read it everytime its published and somewhere along the line, even I might grow a spine.mhmoorehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08534566485315304997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-57284723468967331982014-03-13T04:02:46.972-05:002014-03-13T04:02:46.972-05:00There is a such a thing as a bad comment made with...There is a such a thing as a bad comment made with no malafide intentions and there is such a thing as a bad comment made out of pure meanness. Anne Rice does have a point.Venkatesh Iyerhttp://www.venkiyiyer.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-61560156988147164602014-03-12T20:53:53.894-05:002014-03-12T20:53:53.894-05:00Ok, this is an aside, but the guy who outted the J...Ok, this is an aside, but the guy who outted the Judy Holland-Vince Stead connection has some of the strangest tastes I have ever read. Funny reading.<br /><br />Power to the freaks.<br />Julienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-58015581991587843482014-03-12T20:27:43.243-05:002014-03-12T20:27:43.243-05:00Anonymous: Why do I need to prove anything to you?...Anonymous: Why do I need to prove anything to you? I'm just curious why my opinion, which is essentially all I have stated here, requires anyone's approval? <br /><br />I did state a couple of things I've experienced, but I know what I've experienced, so I'm comfortable in the knowledge that it happened, because I was there.<br /><br />I mean, approval is nice and all. There have been some lovely posts here tonight, but I don't see the need for evidence unless I'm trying to achieve something like a prosecution or to sway the masses. I'm really not. I'm just having a discussion. Those are allowed,right? I can never tell on the internet these days. <br /><br />You go to a forum, you join in a conversation and then bam, someone starts making it into a competition for the winner. I'm not sure what you win, but I'm thinking it's giant fluffy toy or something. I'm okay, you can have it. I don't really want to win anything. I was just enjoying the conversation. It was interesting before the anony-crap began.<br /><br />If you don't believe my words, that's fine. You don't have to. I don't mind.<br /><br />I was sending Joe the files because he politely asked. I assume he's just curious. Unfortunately, his email won't work for me, so I'll have to see if I can find another way. Maybe if try using gmail...<br /><br />But yes, I'm not quoting the scripture or anything. I'm just voicing my opinion, which to my knowledge, does not require evidence. It just kinda exists. <br /><br />If you don't like my opinion, that is your right. Feel free to exercise it, and have your own. I like other people's opinions too sometimes. <br /><br />On the evidence that Joe asked for, I have quite a lot more, but I won't be posting people's personal files online to satisfy anonymous curiosity. Sorry, that show is not playing tonight.<br /><br />And yes, I do sense a witch-hunt, but it's not coming from me.<br /><br />I'm sorry the abuse wasn't abusive enough for you. Claire Chiltonhttp://www.claire-chilton.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-7443965454481534512014-03-12T20:02:32.026-05:002014-03-12T20:02:32.026-05:00Claire, that is one sorry tale your links have tol...Claire, that is one sorry tale your links have told. I saw a lot of accusations thrown around but little actual proof so that it smacks to me of a witch hunt. I don't know enough to pass judgement on the guilt or innocence of those accused, and feel quite tarnished having read them because there is little worse in our society than an innocent accused wrongly. <br /><br />Perhaps I'm too old to get caught up in it all for I feel no moral outrage but instead, feel sorry for everyone involved. After reading everything, I feel this overwhelming need to be thankful my life is not filled with such needless drama... Some people seem to thrive on it. <br /><br />I don't want to downplay the seriousness of actual abuse, but increasing age and the prospect of the inexorable approach of the grim reaper makes me want to focus on my writing and good friends and not internet drama.<br /><br />SusanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-38922589812078471512014-03-12T19:50:23.544-05:002014-03-12T19:50:23.544-05:00Hi Joe,
I tried to email you, but I think Comcas...Hi Joe, <br /><br />I tried to email you, but I think Comcast hates me. It keeps sending it back. I don't suppose you have a gmail or something UK friendly? (I think that's why it's coming back)Claire Chiltonhttp://www.claire-chilton.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-20200923870319066592014-03-12T18:32:19.695-05:002014-03-12T18:32:19.695-05:00Well, since you asked Joe..
Alas, my personal lin...Well, since you asked Joe..<br /><br />Alas, my personal links are old. The best I've got that's current is a fake 1-star from a guy who ripped off some customers in the past that reported him to Ripoff.com. He currently 1-stars other people's books while selling stories about kittens, puppies and porn on Amazon under a stolen identity (with evidence to back it all up of course.) (1 star landed this year)<br /><br />Basically, *takes a deep breath*<br />This reviewer:<br />http://www.amazon.com/review/R3KBLJA5A3LWTB/<br /><br />Who claims to be this girl:<br />http://web.archive.org/web/20101006192350/http:/www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/A2M55SGTZ6HXQC<br /><br />Who wrote this book:<br />http://www.amazon.com/Cats-Kittens-Stories-Entertain-You/dp/1481279882<br /><br />But was outed by this reviewer:<br />http://www.amazon.com/review/R3DPJ4C8TAEH5N/<br /><br />Leading to this guy: http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:20uyrxcmzZ8J:www.ripoffreport.com/r/bargainpricewholesale-Vince-Stead/internet/bargainpricewholesale-Vince-Stead-ripoff-liar-dishonest-Internet-207532+&cd=16&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=uk<br /><br />For ripping people off and identity fraud on Amazon.<br /><br />Prior to that I've got, the indie publisher who picks up innocent new authors on the ABNA forums, giving them to shaft (0% royalties forever) and installs them in a cult-like publishing company that will not only hold their books hostage, but will deface them if they try to leave. He's fun. <br /><br />He also used to run a strip club and has a restraining order against him for attacking a female author (and it was 'I'll kill you bitch' style things) in front 5k people on Facebook. Currently, I guess he'll be recruiting at ABNA this year, and he does use Amazon to keep books hostage. <br /><br />Amazon agree with the publisher, no matter what BS he told the authors or Amazon. (I'd have to email those files. I do have a copy of the restraining order. The guy;s crimes are circa 2010-present day that I know of).<br /><br />Have you seen this site:http://www.stopthegrbullies.com/category/amazon-fora-trolls/<br />This site seems they believe there is abuse on Amazon.<br /><br />http://www.amazon.com/Robin-Roseau/e/B00C0459ZA <-- Actually a guy who cyber-rapes lesbian fans in his spare time and slams all the other lesbian authors in scathing reviews. I will have to contact the lesbian fic authors for their evidence on that one. It happened a month ago.<br /><br />I'm sure there will be more next week.<br /><br />But, I suspect that a lot of people don't like to show their evidence publicly. It will probably mean they get abused more online.<br /><br />I'm just a glutton for punishment though, so there you go.Claire Chiltonhttp://www.claire-chilton.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-75675359044889079532014-03-12T17:32:44.981-05:002014-03-12T17:32:44.981-05:00How interesting. A few years ago Scott E over at G...How interesting. A few years ago Scott E over at Greyhaus headed a column responding to the possibility of self-publishing with the title, "Do you want to be published, or just printed?"<br /><br /> That said it all for me. His advice was to keep writing and endlessly querying overwhelmed agents. You can waste an entire adult life in this pointless venture. Just get out there and let the chips fall as they will. Don't die on a mountain of (unread) queries.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-91974164216989389452014-03-12T17:20:25.534-05:002014-03-12T17:20:25.534-05:00How is a person saying whatever they want, but kno...<i>How is a person saying whatever they want, but knowing their real name will appear with it, censorship?</i><br /><br />By definition, a private company can choose what it allows and doesn't allow. It isn't censorship.<br /><br />In the case of a large public company like Amazon, removing all anonymity, or removing anonymous posts, will cause more harm than do good. That's what happened when the sock puppet moral panic led to thousands of legit reviews being removed. Now the moral panic of this petition could lead to thousands of legitimate comments being removed, and also an overall resentment of the system (as I said, I don't review books on Amazon anymore).<br /><br />Where is libel or hate speech being protected on Amazon? Can anyone point to an active link?<br /><br />It seems like Amazon is doing fine policing itself, yet there is a petition for them to do more policing. Which, I've pointed out, isn't wise.<br /><br />Censorship comes into play further down the road. If we stop being tolerant of speech we don't like, what's to stop lawmakers from being elected who do with the government what the petition is asking Amazon to do? There are legitimate cases where anonymity can protect someone with noble intent. Cracking down on anonymity is a slippery slope.<br /><br />My two cents.JA Konrathhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08778324558755151986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-38084350642839814312014-03-12T16:40:03.672-05:002014-03-12T16:40:03.672-05:00How is a person saying whatever they want, but kno...How is a person saying whatever they want, but knowing their real name will appear with it, censorship?<br /><br />I get the idea of a quelling effect, that if a person must own their words, they are more likely not to say things that they can't back up, and that some will fear reprisal when speaking to power.<br /><br />If a powerful dictator does it, that can be a form of censorship, but if Amazon says "post reviews, but own them" that isn't.<br /><br />The only "problem" would be with people that post hateful or libelous things, that might then be (legally) sued for it.<br /><br />And? Free speech doesn't mean you have the right to lie about others. Or threaten, attack or harass them outside of what is legally allowed.<br /><br />That isn't and never will be, censorship. You have the ability to still say what you want, after all. You can just be called on it. Future employers will be able to see the support you gave to neo-Nazi causes and those racial slurs used will show up right next to your name in search engines.<br /><br />Next to your Bronnie fan site slash fic.<br /><br />Now, some will hear that and curtail what they say and do online, but no one is forcing them too and most won't. It's a choice, and if you have the ability to say what you want, then you aren't being censored.<br /><br /><br /><br />P. S. Powerhttp://pspowerbooks.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-82429095204603301312014-03-12T16:38:59.732-05:002014-03-12T16:38:59.732-05:00Anon: No, I never met her. I just saw the story on...Anon: No, I never met her. I just saw the story online ages ago and stuck in my head. I threw it out as an example to someone who was questioning why I was talking about author abuse. Then Joe asked about it, so I sent him a link.<br /><br />Although, if she did it herself, why are trolls still tagging her book? Aren't they giving her more validity by doing that?<br /><br />I mean, as an outsider who's read one story, about it, then seen the fake story today. I glanced at the first book tag on her GR preview, and what's the first tag I see about? Rape. <br /><br />Tagging her book with rape again isn't really getting the truth out if she set it all up. Either she added it again (doubtful if she just confessed to doing it the first time) or someone else did to show what a bad person she is (which is totally counter-productive because it's someone adding a tag about rape to her book to troll her, something that apparently never happened before).<br /><br />But then, I'm so not getting into that sticky situation. I don't know her, and I don't know the full story. But trolling someone who fake trolled herself, assuming she did, is not the best way for the review community to show that she did it. <br /><br />Although, this whole anonymous thing is beginning to make some wild accusations about what I say now in a slightly defensive manner, but then that was kind of my point wasn't it? Anonymous does seem to bring out the beast in people.Claire Chiltonhttp://www.claire-chilton.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-45668528233522399632014-03-12T16:15:45.776-05:002014-03-12T16:15:45.776-05:00IIRC the comment "the author should be raped ...IIRC the comment "the author should be raped in prison" (or similar) never happened. The author in question later apologised and blamed her overreaction on PMT. Of course, her retraction didn't get nearly the level of attention of her earlier statements, but that's nothing new. See the update at the bottom of the Salon article on 21 August 2013 (sorry, can't link for some reason).<br /><br />If you're trying to argue a point, facts are your friend.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11291165.post-82154483737785135942014-03-12T14:48:10.317-05:002014-03-12T14:48:10.317-05:00As I said earlier, Susan, I really don't disag...As I said earlier, Susan, I really don't disagree with you on that. I think if people feel strongly about being anonymous, then that's fine.<br /><br />My only purpose of any of my comments was to say why I signed the petition, and to finally say hi to Joe, since I've been reading his blog for ages and have never thanked him for his advice and reports. <br /><br />I guess I must have felt the urge to highlight that there is a need for change. Whether the petition is a solution to the problem is what has been under debate. <br /><br />And, I think the general opinion is that something needs to be done, but perhaps not the removal of anonymous.<br /><br />The interesting thing that came from it though is that people feel the need to be anonymous because they've been bullied by trolls. I mean that's kind of a 'What came first, the chicken or the egg?' social quandary right there.<br /><br />For my part, I hope Amazon do something about abuse on their website. What they do, I don't mind as long as it works.Claire Chiltonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14333323056571329991noreply@blogger.com