Send to KindleI just read the most condescending blogpost I have seen in some time. Without going into great detail and without linking to the post, I just want to mention that The Digital Reader will no longer be quoted or linked to by this blog, after this explanation. In case you are wondering why….
Apparently Rich Adin, in writing for The Digital Reader, announces imperiously that, well, let me put it in his words:
I do not support authors who go the Amazon-exclusive route.
Ok, well, my response is: I do not support blog writers who punish people for making their publishing decisions based on their own – and their readers’ – best interest. Amazon is by far the most popular publishing platform, and writers who wish to provide their readers with up to five opportunities for free downloads per 90-day period can only do so through this most-popular platform by remaining exclusive to Amazon. (Update: my latest ebook will be on its first free day – on Amazon! – this coming weekend. Please feel free to download it!) So, why I would even think of looking at the other self-publishing outlets is beyond me. Frankly, I go where my readers are, and my readers, overwhelmingly, are at Amazon. (Did I mention – I love Amazon? Yes, in spite of my frequent critical comments – I do very much love Amazon!)
He goes further to criticize roundly people who make mistakes in their books. Yes, I agree it’s a great idea to get a good editor and to listen to him. However, it’s even more important to foster a sense of compatibility and empathy with the reader, and this, I fear, is sadly lacking in Mr. Adin’s writing. Additionally, he, while decrying misuse of words, misuses words a good bit himself.
For example: Mr. Adin writes:
Disrespect
As important as it is for an author to let me know that the author has a new book available, that failure to provide me with a means to learn of the new book is really a secondary reason of failure. The primary reason is a disrespect for words and language, which is really a lack of respect for the reader.
This disrespect takes many forms and ranges from not caring to ignorance.
(emphasis mine).
What Mr. Adin appears to miss (or chooses to ignore) is that “ignorance” is not a form of disrespect. It’s simply a lack of information. Willful disinterest in learning – now that may be disrespect. But saying that the fact that an author does not know is demonstrating disrespect for the reader? I beg to differ, but if what he says is true, he himself disrespects his reader by being ignorant of the definition of the word “ignorance.”
So if any of you, my good readers, care to know what commentary and updates appear on The Digital Reader, you won’t find reference to them here.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I think you are misinterpreting what Rich wrote. As I see it, he was trying to attribute a cause to some authors’ actions (that type of mind reading is always a dangerous activity). Please allow me to rephrase it with my understanding of what he meant.
This disrespect takes many forms and ranges from not caring to .
Well, I’ll grant this much: I really hate it when I read ANY sort of writing that is clearly not even looked at cursorily for errors. That does, indeed, indicate disrespect for the readers, so I will agree with him to that extent only.
Unfortunately, he got my hackles up to start with his quick dismissal of people who write for Amazon only. Of course, he is totally within his rights to say so, and to support any writer he chooses; however, as an Amazon-only writer, I disagree with his choice and say so strongly. I also believe that leaving out Amazon-only writers ignores a very large bunch of reasonably good writers. Again, he can do so if he wishes, but I won’t let it go unchallenged.
Having said all that, thanks, very much, Nate, for your comments! It means I actually have a reader!
Georgene, you have more than one reader.
And thanks for commenting @ The Digital Reader; it’s how I found your blog. I’m pro-Amazon.com. My husband and I both have K-Fires. Before that, I had a K-Keyboard. I can’t say I use my device to its full potential, but give me time. I’ll get there.
Wow, Judith, thanks so much! I’ll state for the record that there are other writers, including Nate, above, who are excellent wordsmiths, and their posts are what attracted me to The Digital Reader from the beginning.
However, it seems to me a blog like Amazopia, whose **very existence** is due to Amazon, shouldn’t take lightly those who don’t like or refuse to consider Amazon-only writers. Of course, Rich has a right to his opinion – I am the first to defend that! But that doesn’t mean I’ll send my readers in his direction, just as he refuses to send his readers toward Amazon.
Thanks so much for making my day!