A few things happened in the last few weeks and I’m going to adress them today. First up, authors and websites that promote nastinesss and negativity.
It happened to me recently. Yep, I had someone poke fun at my website and then I was called stupid. STUPID? Yeah, stupid…by a grown woman ( well, that I’m assuming) a fellow author and really, obviously a biatch…all because I happened to disagree with what was being discussed in that particular forum. It was a discussion on contracts, options and clauses. And it really spiralled out of control and fell into the shitter. I was appalled at the lack of professionalism, pettiness and downright nastiness. I mean, come on…name calling? What are we, teenagers in highschool?
but, it taught me a few lessons. 1) avoid said website in future, and any like it 2) be careful when you put yourself out there because you will invite all the nasties to come after you 3) listen to the Bradford Babes with all their words of wisdom because they’ve all been there and done that 4) shake it off
I also realized that I’ve been lucky so far. I started posting on eharlequin two years ago and have met so many wonderful authors….all supportive and celebratory of anyone’s success. Oh, we might secretly be jealous when someone else got the sale…that’s human nature, but we still were genuinely happy for them….so yeah, guess it was naive of me to think that all authors are so wonderful. Because a lot of them aren’t. Some are just bitter nasty globs of bitchiness and…..ok you get the picture!
My point? Lets celebrate all of our successes and promote a positive attitude. I don’t even know how these people can write when they’re in that frame of mind. Watch what you’re saying when you’re posting in a public forum, because it will come back to bite you in the ass. If you come across as a phsyco….I’m not gonna buy your book, and you know what? I’ll tell others not to buy your book…really I will.
Spam:
Hate it. With a passion. I want to scream at the amount of spam that fills my inbox some days….how can I get rid of it? can I trace it back to the originator and sick some secret government spam agency on them? huh? What can I do? any ideas? Is it because i’m on facebook? dunno……hate it though…..with a passion
so…that’s it chicklets…it’s a beautiful fall day here in sw Ontario and I’m gonna walk the dog and continue to write my YA
not going to think about the economy….nope, just gonna smile and find my inner peace and have a lovely day! I hope you all do as well!!!!
And if you’ve ever been involved in a snaffu over the internet, how did you deal with it?
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Hi Jules,
Actually, I saw the thread you were referring to – I’ll admit to a fascination with that site, though I, too, have been turned off by the negativity I’ve witnessed there – and I thought you handled yourself with admirable calm. My problem with that site is the attitude some posters seem to have that if you argue with them, it’s attributed to your inability to handle criticism. Me, I’ll never claim to understand why a person needs to be mean in a public forum, regardless of the situation. It’s just not necessary. But then again, I’ll probably never comment there! I’m too "thin-skinned" obviously.
But you handled yourself well, and you’re right – word of mouth can ruin you faster than anything else in this business!
BTW, I’m doing my first ever guest blog tomorrow at http://www.dayanaknight.blo…, and I’d love it if maybe you could stop by to comment. Heavens knows how much your story’s inspired me!
Plus, I’m really scared no one will show up! LOL Thanks so much!
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Hey Cari!
Yeah…that was pretty awful eh? thanks for your kind words though, and I tried my best to come across as intelligent and mature, but wow…I had a few words at home before I did my last post…the funny thing was, the entire time I had my contract in front of me….I knew what I was talking about…anyway, learned my lesson…mouth shut!
Good luck with your guest blog tomorow, I’ll stop by for sure!!!!!
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Cari…I just tried to leave a comment, but the website wouldn’t let me….kept saying my address was invalid….sorry!
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Hey Jules, I didn’t catch the thread because this is a lesson I learned about a year ago. After months of being sucked into the bitterness and feeling compelled to follow it like some sicko ambulance chaser, I finally just made up my mind that under no circumstances would I visit certain sites. Not even as a lurker. Right off the top of my head I can bet your experience happened one of three places, and while there is some good info on those sites, the commenters get out of control waaaay tooooo often for my taste.
And you’re right, if you’re a scabby l’il name calling bitch, I’m gonna remember your name! I have a list of authors I wouldn’t read if they hand delivered me their damn book!
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Hey Lainey!
Yeah, I guess this is something we all have to learn eventually. It was nasty…and I’m sure you do know which one…I’ll email ya the details!! If these women only knew what a turnoff they are…not only to me, but to the readers that peruse these blogs….sheesh…just be nice people and respectful!
have a great weekend!
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Thanks for stopping by Dayana’s blog, Jules, especially since you had to go there twice to make it work. Really appreciate it! Have a terrific weekend.
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No problem Cari….I’m just excited you’re getting ready to sub….send me the link to your blog so I can add to my website and my favorite’s so I can keep up with your good news!
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Here you go: http://cariquinn.blogspot.com/
Thanks for adding me! I added your site to my blog, too. And I just saw your book review today! As someone who had the cover from At Grave’s End as their desktop for quite awhile *g* I have to say, great choice!
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i didn’t see the blog you are talking about, but I am with you 100% chickie!
I just don’t understand the negativity and rudeness of some people. The deep seated need some people have to tear others down.
Your website rocks and you are one smart, fabulous woman who has more class than to behave so unprofessionally, negatively, petty, or spitefully on a public forum.
So sorry you were on the receiving end of such venom and ignorance.
Oh yeah. lothe, LOTHE spam. When I get it I report it as spam with the single click of a button. But it still keeps coming. LOL.
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Hey Linda…thanks chicklet….I’ll email you the the webbie it was pretty brutal….