I'm curious about this topic for many reasons. Least of which is that I'm a writer. Every now and then, an author will seem to lose her mind on the loops, ranting in public or frothing at the mouth about her publisher, editor, etc. As a reader, how does that make you feel? Do you dismiss the rantings as nonsense? Or does it impact the way you buy books in the future?
Kind of like the Mel Gibson factor. He goes off the deep end publicly, and it hurts his marketability and movie sales. But I'm not talking about a racist or sexist author. I'm talking about an author who discredits those she works with, and in effect, her own work.
I know when it comes to actors disparaging their movies, it makes me like them less. Hell, if you can't stand behind the movie you made, why should I go see it? And if the producers and directors were that bad, why would anyone want to see it?
I've always been taught you reprimand in private and praise in public. I've had some terrific publishers I can't say enough about. And a few I wanted to run far, far away from. I would write long, scathing posts about them on my computer, then delete them later (without publishing to the public), knowing I'd just be burying myself by spreading negative words. (Though I will admit getting my feeling out by writing them down helped.)
As an avid reader, when I hear about an author complaining about her sales, her publisher, or a negative review (and that's another topic worthy of discussion), it just makes me want to avoid her and her books altogether. But that's me. Anyone have any thoughts on this? Curious.
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12 comments:
I kind of have to agree with the old adage, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." At least in a public forum.
*And that's why people think I'm so anti-social most of the time. ;)*
Words to live by, Elle. :)
To some extent I think that what an author says publicly can affect whether a reader will buy their books or not.
I remember making a post concerning the issues with Amazon and the Big publishers when they were fighting over the agency model. An author posted a response that was very rude and basically insulted the intelligence of readers. I can assure you I will never buy a books she writes and I basically ignore any posts she makes.
I have to say that it may not turn me off completely, but it stops me from telling others about their work. I've also noticed that I tend to enjoy those authors less as time goes on. If they got mad enough to be so unprofessional, the anger tends to show up in their books, and I don't like angry books, so I tend to stop buying the author. It might be that the public rant turned me off more than I realize, but I really think that the writing didn't reach me any more.
A ha! See? Here's another person who doesn't like to see authors acting like idiots. :) I agree, Tina. Wholeheartedly.
Interesting take, Kristie. But I have to admit I can read into an author's voice sometimes. And if she/he is unhappy with something in life or work, it can bleed through to the words. Yeah.
Yes, an authors behavour matters! I quit reading an author who bad mouthed erotic romance. Each author represents a whole profession. To bad mouth others is damaging to everyone in that field. Plus, its just plain rude!
Yeah. What Misti said. I agree, totally. :)
I currently follow a very popular fantasy author's Facebook page, and this definitely reminds me of some of her latest rants on reviewers. The author can write what she wants and makes a living doing it...hello, not everyone thinks you are God! :P I completely agree that it is best to appear positive and encouraging, and above all grateful for the opportunity to be published. I do think that it helps other writers to be aware of scams and what-not, but otherwise, public bashing of publishers/other writers/reviewers is simply unprofessional. I find that the romance community is a little kinder toward each other. I don't understand how the animosity helps anyone. I have had a writer's mindset for so long, however, that I can't really comment on how it affects me as a reader/buyer of fiction. I do remember it next time I buy books.
For example, I *love* Orson Scott Card. But when he rants about homosexuality or, of all things, capitalism it makes me want to shake my head and throw his newest book against the wall. Sometimes its best not to know the personal opinions of a writer/actor/etc.... it can ruin their art. *shrug*
Good post! Thanks.
Well, there are a few authors I love (Nora Roberts, JK Rowling, Elizabeth Peters, Orson Scott Card, J.R.R. Tolkien, and - of course - Marie Harte), despite anything they say about their work, and I proudly display their books on my built-ins in my living room. So when I heard that Nora said "Promise Me Tomorrow" was the worst thing she has ever written and will never re-release it, I paid over $100 to get that piece of drivel. I am also eager to collect and display the entire works of certain other brilliant authors who admit their own mothers suggest they write something tamer, like childrens' books. My collection of my favorite author's books isn't complete until I have all of them.
Yeah, Rowena. I get you. I love Ender's Game by Card, but I'm not a fan of bigots and haters. Good thing I didn't know that before I read the story... ack.
Thanks, Stacey. But I have it on good authority you're biased. haha
Marie
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