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Thumper
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Thumper
Post Number: 353
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, February 20, 2005 - 08:46 pm: | 
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Hello All,
*evil grin* I've always wanted to do this...ask an author who gave a positive blurb on a book that I felt the direct opposite about. Keeping this on a very light note, I have to ask my good buddy and pal, Solomon Jones, about The Apostles by Y Blak Moore; What book did you read cause the book I read sucks?
While The Apostles, a novel about a gang leader who wants out of THE LIFE, has its good moments, there's not enough good moments to make a good book. More on what I think about the book later, but Solomon gave the book a glowing blurp. I ask, what is so good about this book, Solomon? *eyebrow raised* |
Carey
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Carey
Post Number: 454
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, February 20, 2005 - 10:34 pm: |
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Hello
On the surface your post sounds like a challenge of sorts but fair is fair and I've done the same to you *smile*. I saw another reviewer get challenged in the same manner and they took it all wrong and got all defensive. Oh yeah, it was a thang up in here. I know you simply want to find out what you may haved missed and your query is not really "evilish" inspired..........or is it *smile*. |
Thumper
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Thumper
Post Number: 354
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 21, 2005 - 01:56 am: |
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Hello Carey,
I get "challenged" all the time about my reviews. I don't have a problem with it that goes with the territory. As you know, we have discussed authors blurps on books before, so I decided to take advantage of it. I'm not meaning anything behind it or to take this post that serious at all. But, since Solomon stops by here every so often, I figured why not. |
Carey
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Carey
Post Number: 455
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 21, 2005 - 05:56 am: |
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Hello Thump
You know I know. I got a laugh out of reading it. Ol'Solomon appears to be straight-up and like you said, is one of the crowd. So I know he took it as it was intended, an devilish poke in the ribs by a friend.
btw, I bet you were saying, "that damn Carey trying to start some mess on the QT, stirring a pot that ain't even there .........wellllll *LOL*.
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Solomonjones
Veteran Poster
Username: Solomonjones
Post Number: 58
Registered: 02-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 21, 2005 - 09:38 pm: |
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Thump -
You know you ain't right ... What am I supposed to say -- I think the book sucks, too? Oh sure, that would go over really big in the author fraternity ...
Anyhoo, I honestly think that Y. Blak Moore is among the best I've read in the street lit genre. There are others in the genre who straight-up cannot write, but this brother has some talent and I think that he will eventually go on to do good things.
We have to encourage each other, Thump. If we don't, who will? |
A_womon
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: A_womon
Post Number: 1235
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 22, 2005 - 12:50 pm: |
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Yeah, That's what Im talkin about...supportin one another.... |
Solomonjones
Veteran Poster
Username: Solomonjones
Post Number: 59
Registered: 02-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 22, 2005 - 08:56 pm: |
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True dat ... |
Linda
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Linda
Post Number: 105
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 03:26 am: |
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Being supportive does not mean the truth should not be told. I mean really, everyone knows it is an accomplishment in itself to take on the labor and complete writing a book. But, I would be wrong to automatically say it was good if it wasn't, even in the fraternal order of writers. If authors are never told about the mistakes that were made, how would they ever become any better? Is it better to have them smeared by the media when we as friends can stop the madness before hand. Hurt is not easy to overcome and unfortunately there is going to be a lot of that going around because nobody wanted to bust the bubble and take the smile from their face that in time will be burst by an honest opinon causing harsh feelings once they know they are not what others had held them up to be. Be for real people, this is a tough business, very competitive and often times very disappointing, not always the place for timid friendship. No, insult intended for you Solomon, but I know many authors with positive blurbs on crappy books that stand in the corners and belittle and smirk and crack on the same book. Heck, some just write something nice without reading the book for the author to keep their own name out there. So, tell me....who's really supporting/helping who? Seems a little two faced to me. |
Chrishayden
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 1009
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 09:56 am: |
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Linda:
First of all, your honest opinion will not make it on the cover if it is not favorable. Can you see any author, editor or publisher putting a blurb on that says, "I hated the book"
Frankly everybody knows what the game is when they are approached for a blurb--at this point they are not asked for editorial comments, or criticism, at this point the project is going forward--find something positive to say, and there are few books put out that one couldn't find at least one thing.
You can't stop no madenss and you aren't going to stop anyone at blurb level from puttting out their book--what will happen is that the book will go out anyway, and when you are desperately seeking a blurb, you won't get it.
It amazes me how people are outraged that the blurb does not match their opinion of the book (there is, of course the possibility that the blurber could like something that a reader would not--
Also, it amazes me in a world where we are told that a toothpaste gets our teeth "whiter than white" or we are told that we can have all the pretty women if we buy a certain kind of car or drink a certain kind of beer, or where someone can launch a war on a pack of lies that folks can get excited about blurbs on a book.
It is bizness. And this is America. Nobody is trying to change it so they must like it just fine.
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Thumper
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Thumper
Post Number: 356
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:51 am: |
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Hello All,
Hold up a sec. I did not intend for this thread to jump serious. I apologize for that Solomon.
I do know why authors provide each other blurps and it is to show support for their fellow collegues. That is a good thing.
BUT, Chris, an author is also putting his rep on the line as well. Because that particular book will get readers, it ordinarily would not have gotten, if it was not for an author's blurp. I've fallen into that trap myself. I've read or started books that I would not have picked up if it did not have a blurp from an author that I loved and respected. So the blurp author is very much putting his butt on the line. It's very much a double edge sword: 1.) its good PR, 2.) if the book is bad, that blurp author gets dirty too. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 1977
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 01:50 pm: |
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Funny, I said what you just wrote, a long time ago, Linda. And you insisted that people had to be encouraged whether they were good writers or not. This was pretty much your response when I once made the observation that if a person had to learn grammar, sentence structure and punctuation, such a person had no business writing a book but should get a tape recorder and a ghost-writer. However, as a favor, if one writer wants to say in a blurb what he found good about a book of a friend, then why not? Does anybody really pay attention to all of those quotes. People make up their own minds. |
Thumper
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Thumper
Post Number: 359
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 05:28 pm: |
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Hello All,
Cynique wrote: "However, as a favor, if one writer wants to say in a blurb what he found good about a book of a friend, then why not? Does anybody really pay attention to all of those quotes."
Aaah, Duh, the purpose behind this thread was what...? Obviously, I noticed a blurp. And people do notice blurps, that's why they exist. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 1979
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:33 pm: |
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I should've said: is anybody "influenced" by any of those blurbs - which, in a way, is what "paying attention" boils down to. |
Linda
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Linda
Post Number: 106
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:38 pm: |
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You are correct Cynique...I said aspiring writers need encouragement and support if they are serious about their craft, want to learn and realize that writing is hard work. And for the record, if I remeber correctly we were on the subject of needing an editor when we had that discussion. We disagreed about needing an editor. But, not once did I say a person should be lead on, lied too or left believing that their work is better than it is just for the sake of friendship or a unwritten secret code of the writing world. That is not support in my opinon. It's more like being given fake temporary acceptance to a private club that is going to kick you out as soon as you get too comfortable. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 1981
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:50 pm: |
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Well, if you're encouraging somebody who can't write, then in a way, you're "lying to them and leading them on." LOL. As far as editing was concerned, the subject narrowed down to whether or not a person could edit their own work. |
Jmho
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Jmho
Post Number: 109
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, February 24, 2005 - 07:59 am: |
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Lying is lying ... no matter the profession or product. You can call it what you want, but it's still the same ole thang.
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A_womon
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: A_womon
Post Number: 1236
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, February 24, 2005 - 01:01 pm: |
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whatever... |
Linda
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Linda
Post Number: 107
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, February 24, 2005 - 03:44 pm: |
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Cynique
Now you want to split hairs. Let me break this down for you. If a person really wants to learn how to do something....they can. Not every writer out on the market was born with the gift you always seem to bring up. They were taught the mechanics of writing. They learned how to structure their stories, they follow the advice of editors, professors, and other authors who know about the business. They learned the craft because they wanted to put out a quality product. Has nothing to do with being born with the gift. Now, with the emergence of so many self published authors, every one feels they have no need to be taught anything, they know it all because their family and friends rave on and on about how good they are and they take it too heart. Obviousely, that is why we have some many sloppy works floating around. It's not that they can't write. It's the fact that they haven't learned the techniques or taken the time to make their work better. So, when I run across individuals that show me their work and ask my opinion I do not lie. If the writing stinks, it stinks. I simply tell them they need work, that I would hold off on putting it out for the world to see until they make an attempt to better the product by way of learning more about writing. Yes, I give that encouragement, no lies included. But, if an individual makes the choice to do it their way, put out a bad product, brings it back to me still untouched, and thinks I am going to give it a glowing review, all bets are off, encouragement stops and truth prevails. That individual shouldn't be writing for the public. They are not serious. Their best bet would be to keep it in their closet for their eyes only unless they are a glutton for punishment. Lol.
By the way you are right it was about whether an individual can edit on their own. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 1986
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, February 24, 2005 - 05:24 pm: |
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I disagree with your opinion that a talent for writing is not a gift, Linda. I think it is, - just as it is in any of the arts. There are piano players, and then - there are PIANO players, many of whom play by ear. So, to me, the ability to put words down creatively is a gift. You can have all the mechanical skills in the world but if you don't have that certain creative spark, your work will simply be efficient. There are people who aren't up on the technicalities of writing but who do have the soul of a writer and these are the kind who grow as a writer, not advance as one. And a best-selling author is not necessarily a good writer. They may just be a formulaic craftsman. Reviewers have always slammed John Grisham for his lack of artistry yet his legal thrillers sell millions. This is why the writing profession has become bastardized. Money has become the bottom line and too many approach the field of writing with visions of becoming rich and famous. And, I presume it has occurred to you that anybody can be a self-appointed critic but it takes something special to be a real writer.
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Thumper
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Thumper
Post Number: 364
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, February 24, 2005 - 09:24 pm: |
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Hello All,
Cynique: Is it writers you are talking about or storytellers? Being one of those things does not necessarily mean that he will be good at being the other. And I'm sure you've read books by writers who basically shot their wad on their first book and who's following books sucks? I will agree that in order to be a good writer, a writer of da bomb level, that person has to be a gifted writer. But anyone can sit down and go through the motion of cranking out a book, and still be officially called a writer.
Money has always been the bottom line for the publishing business. Why are you so surprised or astonished by that? *eyebrow raised* |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 1988
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 12:02 am: |
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Yep, being a good story teller figures into the package of being an impressive writer. And I am, of course, romanticizing the art of writing. I'm not surprised that money propels the publishing industry, and writers do deserve to be compensated for sharing their talent with the world. It's just a little disconcerting that nowadays mediocrity commands such a high price. |
Thumper
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Thumper
Post Number: 367
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 05:57 am: |
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Hello All,
Cynique: On that note, I totally agree with you. |
Troy
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Troy
Post Number: 227
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 03:05 pm: |
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Book blurbs are best thought of as commercials for the book. They should not be confused with a critical review of the book.
The ability of an author to obtain a blurb by a prominent person is more a function of that author's connections, rather than the quality of the book.
I suspect most book blurbs are written by people who have never read any of the book they are praising.
I never use blurbs, on a book cover, to assist me in determining if I would like a particular book.
That said, if I had a two books in my hands and one has blurbs by people or oganizations I've never heard of and the other has blurbs by people I respect; I would probably by the later. This is not a contradiction to what I said earlier; because I'll probably never be in a situation where I'm evaluating books that have no distinquishing characteristics other than the blurbs.
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Solomonjones
Veteran Poster
Username: Solomonjones
Post Number: 60
Registered: 02-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 11:50 pm: |
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Thumper, I'm not shocked that this got serious. There's no need to apologize.
Linda, I believe you are intimating that I somehow lied about my opinion of the book. I didn't lie about my opinion of that book, and I have never lied about my opinion of any other book. But I digress.
The Apostles is Street Lit. It's not supposed to be War And Peace. It's not supposed to be Their Eyes Were Watching God. It's a book about gangs in contemporary Chicago. Please. Lighten. Up.
I think Y. Blak Moore has potential, and I think the story was interesting light reading. That's why I read the entire book and gave it a positive blurb.
I also gave a blurb to Blood On The Leaves by Jeff Stetson. It was a totally different kind of book. Much more literary. I read the whole manuscript before giving my blurb on that one as well (I also told the editor what I didn't like about the book, but that's not for public consumption).
I'm working on my fifth book right now. I feel blessed to be a part of this business. But I am beginning to understand that publishing is just that--a business. I try to impart that to my Creative Writing students at Temple University, to the members of books clubs I meet with, to the reporters who interview me, to the people I talk to on the streets.
While working in this business, I've watched some of the worst books ever written sell the most copies. I've learned that not everybody likes the same thing. I've learned that not everything is for everybody. I've learned not to take myself or other writers too seriously. Books, after all, are entertainment. They've always been entertainment, and different kinds of people like different kinds of entertainment.
When we as readers begin to tell everyone else what should or should not entertain them, we lose what drew us to books in the first place; the abilty to draw our own pictures, to come to our own conclusions, to enjoy the words on the page however we want to. That's the difference between books and movies. We all see the same thing with a movie. But we all see something different with a book. |
Linda
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Linda
Post Number: 108
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, February 26, 2005 - 01:53 am: |
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Solomon
As I stated I was not aiming my post at you. Just trying to show a difference where Cynique and I somewhat disagreed. I was trying to explain that I don't feel like encouraging or supporting an author should be out of some sort of obligation or friendship or courtesy if I don't feel there is any sincere desire or potenial for that individual. Perhaps this time I said it better, So, Cynique? How'd I do? A little better I hope. LOL |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 1993
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, March 02, 2005 - 12:04 am: |
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Linda writes to Solomon:
"As I stated I was not aiming my post at you. Just trying to show a difference where Cynique and I somewhat disagreed. I was trying to explain that I don't feel like encouraging or supporting an author should be out of some sort of obligation or friendship or courtesy if I don't feel there is any sincere desire or potenial for that individual. Perhaps this time I said it better, So, Cynique? How'd I do? A little better I hope. LOL"
Cynique replies:
Well, Linda, I give your explanation about the process you go through when you rate the efforts of a wanna-be writer a "B" for clarity, and a "D" for originality. What you described as your approach to assessing someone's work is what all critics worth their salt do. Hellooooo. |
Linda
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Linda
Post Number: 109
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, March 02, 2005 - 01:44 am: |
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Thank you Cynique...I'm gald I didn't completely fail. |
Linda
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Linda
Post Number: 110
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, March 02, 2005 - 01:45 am: |
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Oh well, maybe in the spelling department I did. I meant glad. |
Jmho
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Jmho
Post Number: 110
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, March 02, 2005 - 02:58 pm: |
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It seems to me some want to have it both ways. Or are talking out of both sides of their mouth. Of which, I fully acknowledge they are entitled to do. It appears that nearly everyone knows that, most of the authors don't read the books, of which they provide a blurb, yet authors still seek them, and some readers read and give them some weight when selecting book, though as it’s been said, they know those who provided the blurb more likely that not didn't read the book. How insane is this? All sounds like a farce for the sake of doing 'business'.
It's mentioned that, this book, under discussion is categorized as 'street lit', as if it shouldn't analyzed or expected to written as well as or great as 'literary' books, or books of any other genre. Whenever you say this book isn't like so and so book or wasn't written to be like so and so book, then that underscores that's been point being made. Can't it be not good, on its own merit, rather than in comparison to something, especially something way on the opposite extreme of the literary spectrum? There wasn't a mention of any other 'street lit' book in comparison but instead, classics -- War and Peace and Their Eyes Were Watching God. When there is any criticism -- regarding the writing, the storyline, the characters, etc., -- then the familial retort is: it's just fiction, it's just a book, it's purely for entertainment. If a book is written solely for entertainment purposes only then it still needs to be or should be well written, characters need to be fully developed, etc.
I don't think anyone on this board has tried to another reader what they should or should not read to be entertained nor what they should or should not read. Though that is exactly what those who provide a blurb do. |
Solomonjones
Veteran Poster
Username: Solomonjones
Post Number: 61
Registered: 02-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 03, 2005 - 10:27 pm: |
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Jmho -
You make good points about character development and other qualities of good writing. I think that those qualities were present in The Apostles, especially where the main character, Solemn Shawn, was concerned. I found the author's use of flashbacks and family background especially useful in creating an understanding of the character's actions. That's why I read the entire book before giving it a blurb.
Having said that, I write the following, not with malice, but out of genuine curiosity as to where you get your information. Please take it in the spirit in which it is written.
You said (and I won't copyedit here): "It appears that nearly everyone knows that, most of the authors don't read the books, of which they provide a blurb ..."
Again, if I am asked to give a blurb, I read the entire book before offering the blurb. I consider it an honor to be asked, and I don't offer blurbs for every book I'm given.
Jmho, when you are asked to give a blurb, I would hope that you, unlike these unnamed people to whom you refer, will actually read the book, too. Which brings me to my point. How do you know that these unnamed people you talk about don't read the books? Have they told you that they don't read the books? Have you watched them only partially read the books? I'd be interested to find out how you and "nearly everyone" acquired this information.
You also say (and again, I won't copyedit): "I don't think anyone on this board has tried to another reader what they should or should not read to be entertained nor what they should or should not read."
With all due respect, how do you know that no one on this board has ever told another reader what should or should not entertain them? Do you know the people on this board? Are you with them when they have conversations with other readers? I'd be interested in finding out if we are being watched or followed to that extent. Because if we are, I'm out!
If, however, we are not being followed that closely, you are simply offering an opinion -- albeit an unsubstantiated one -- and that's fine. Just recognize that a blurb is an opinion as well. And those of us who are asked to give them have every right to offer our opinions freely, just like you and "nearly everyone" else.
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Jmho
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Jmho
Post Number: 113
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, March 04, 2005 - 09:21 am: |
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Solomonjones wrote:
Jmho, when you are asked to give a blurb, I would hope that you, unlike these unnamed people to whom you refer, will actually read the book, too. Which brings me to my point. How do you know that these unnamed people you talk about don't read the books? Have they told you that they don't read the books?
Yes, I have been told by those who have given blurbs, that they didn't read the book or the entire book. And, from discussions with others, on this board and off, those persons who told me such, were not the only ones.
Solomonjones wrote:
With all due respect, how do you know that no one on this board has ever told another reader what should or should not entertain them?
I've been reading this board for years, and I don't recall reading anyone to tell another what should or should entertain for them. And, no, I haven't read every single post, which is why I said, "I don't think", and not that I knew for certain such was true.
Solomonjones wrote:
Do you know the people on this board? Are you with them when they have conversations with other readers?
Yes, I do know some of the people who post on this board. And, yes, and I have been with them when they have conversations with other readers.
Solomonjones wrote:
If, however, we are not being followed that closely, you are simply offering an opinion -- albeit an unsubstantiated one -- and that's fine.
Yes, I have offered an opinion. Such as you have. And, nearly everyone else who has posted on this post. Geez. Even Troy said: I suspect most book blurbs are written by people who have never read any of the book they are praising. And, others have said nearly the same. Just as you seem to surmise, that I can't know many who haven't read the books they have provided a blurb, I also surmise that you can't know that everyone who provided blurbs have read actually the books, either partially or wholly.
Solomonjones wrote:
Just recognize that a blurb is an opinion as well.
Yes, I recognize that a blurb, when one has actually read the book, is just one's opinion.
Solomonjones wrote:
And those of us who are asked to give them have every right to offer our opinions freely, just like you and "nearly everyone" else.
Yes, of course, you all do, but I would never provide a blurb, or offer an 'unsubstantiated' opinion, of a book that I haven't read. |
Solomonjones
Veteran Poster
Username: Solomonjones
Post Number: 64
Registered: 02-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, March 04, 2005 - 10:25 am: |
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Jmho -
I read the books that I'm asked to blurb. Period. So I'm going to assume that when you say, "most of the authors don't read the books," you're talking about someone else.
I'm also going to assume, based on your answer here, that you've talked to some of the authors who give blurbs. However, I'm sure I can say with reasonable certainty that you haven't talked to "most of the authors," since literally thousands of authors give blurbs.
Your opininon is valuable, and if you believe it to be true, that's fine. You should. But when you make broad statements like "nearly everyone knows most of the authors don't read the books," knowing that you cannot possibly have talked to nearly everyone, or most of the authors, it diminishes the validity of your point. |
Thumper
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Thumper
Post Number: 371
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, March 04, 2005 - 06:12 pm: |
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Hello All,
To everyone who read the post that I deleted, I apologize. Don't you just hate it when the neighbor's DOG come and take a dump in your yard. It's most irritating. So please accept my apology for the interruption...carry on. |
Jmho
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Jmho
Post Number: 114
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 07, 2005 - 09:52 am: |
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Solomonjones
If you don't fall into that category of "most of the authors don't read the books" then your assumption is absolutely correct. You've stated at least twice that you read the books that you are asked to blurb and I've believed you, each time you've mentioned it. Just the same, as I believed those who told me differently.
And, your second assumption is probably absolutely correct, as well. Besides just as you say that I haven't talked to "most of the authors" then I'm sure that I can say with reasonable certainty that you haven't talked to "most of the authors" either, to know that they have actually read the books that they offered a blurb.
As you think, the validity of my comment is diminishable, I think the same about those who provided a blurb though they haven't read the book. It's rather amazing that some (do I have an exact account, no, but can safely say it's more than a couple), on the board, have made similar statements, and it seems it’s as acceptable as just 'part of the book business'. Yet the validity of my statement/s, is in question, yet those who lie about the blurbs aren't. Simply amazing.
If you disagree with my any of my statements then that we can agree to disagree, or if you have any proof or evidence that proves my statements to be false, then I will consider it and rethink my position, or if you believe that every author who provides a blurb, actually read the book, then I can accept your opinion, as such, yet disagree with it.
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Solomonjones
Veteran Poster
Username: Solomonjones
Post Number: 66
Registered: 02-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 07, 2005 - 12:52 pm: |
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Jmho -
You're right. If people provide blurbs without reading the books, their opinions aren't valid. You're also right when you say that neither of us can speak for "most of the authors." Because my integrity is important to me, I can only provide blurbs for books I have actually read and enjoyed. As for those who provide blurbs just because that's part of the business, they're responsible for thier own actions, just as we are responsible for ours. |
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