Today, it seems only right to clarify what I mean by The Internet Has Become So Serious...
It seems like every twitter, blog, website, human being, and robot exists these days only to sell you something. Usually it's not even something you need - it's advice, or it's some b*s* way to make money, or it's expertise in an area in which the seller them self possesses no expertise.
What the heck!
And I thought about this, and I posted this thought, because...
The worst offenders of all are writers! Broke, unknown writers.
Now, I know what some of you are thinking: "But...Jordan, aren't you always trying to make sure people check out the sample pages of that novel you have coming out?"
Yes.
But herein lies the difference: I want to make as many people as possible aware of the existence of myself and my writing. However, I will never try to convince you to purchase anything I write. Ever.
Writers should understand that every reader has different tastes.
I know that some people will adore my writing, and I know that some people will hate it.
If someone loves my writing enough for my writing to warrant their time and money, they will purchase and read my book.
If someone dislikes my writing, they won't purchase and read my book.
But...see, there is a chasmic difference between spreading news about something and then saying, "Hey, make your own decision," and instead saying, "You'll like this! You should buy this! Come on, I know you want it!"
This is my admonition to writers: Please, let your writing speak for itself.
I will never fault you for trying your damnedest to direct me to your writing, and if you try enough times I will eventually click and read and possibly even enjoy, and I'm sure there are other people who feel the same way.
But I will never buy something just because you tell me I will like it. And I will never read something you're trying to sell me.
I say again: Writers, call all readers! But when they come, please --
Let the writing speak for itself.
Other Places Where I Hang Out:
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(Download A Delicious Sample Of The Great Lenore,
Available From Atticus Books Summer 2011)
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I can't entirely disagree, but I don't think it should concern you so much in terms of everyone telling you should "like it" or should "buy it." The issue is simply over-confidence in authorial right. Let the writing speak for itself, yes, but because only then can you discover the real writers.
ReplyDeleteWith the ease of instantaneous self-publication on the internet, everyone has assumed that they ARE writers, and that is why they are taking themselves so seriously. In truth, just as many people have true literary talent as before (which is not a large number), but more people are able to push their "content" onto potential readers. Not necessarily to "buy" but just for someone else to believe.
I, for one, find it obnoxious :).
Also, I certainly hope that if readers do like the writing they encounter online, they WILL still purchase books (otherwise I won't have much of a career). I am currently hopeful that the power of publishing will prevail for quite a bit longer--despite how frustrating it may be at first for you and other new authors. It seems to eventually pay off to go through a publishing house instead of limiting yourself to self-publication.