J.R. Barker's Blog: Interviews, rants, blogs and insane bits of fluff from my mind.
March 13, 2015
#RespectArtists- Help Create A Movement
This is day 4 of my 100 days of happiness challenge and I decided that, rather than saying something that makes me happy, I would try to start something to make others happy.
Why? Today I had an e-mail from an extremely talented artist, she put her work on the internet and she was harassed, plagiarised and stalked. She now doesn’t want to share her art any more and has removed some of her work from the internet.
Her work is not controversial, it is not lewd or crude, it’s beautiful fantasy landscapes with dragons in silhouette. There is no reason it should provoke such animosity.
I find it disheartening to think that anyone can be bullied to the extent that they lose the love of something they have such an amazing talent for.
I won’t say who she is, I’m sure she doesn’t want to be dragged back into the interwebs again.
So what message do I want to portray? It’s simple- Respect the Artist.
It’s too easy to see a piece of artwork and think it’s ok to use it because it’s not immediately obvious who created it. Someone did create it, so it’s not yours and you can’t use it unless you have permission to do so.
In fact if the work is copy written it’s also illegal and could leave you open to lawsuits, even if you didn’t know it wasn’t ok to use it. Yes, even if you have changed it, it’s still their work. If you want to use it, ask.
I’m not just talking about people who create artwork, I’m talking about authors, comedians, bloggers, photographers, film makers etc.
It can take days, weeks, months or even years to create certain things and the damage it can do when someone steals it or defiles it it can be devastating.
If you come across some work and you don’t think the person who is using it is the original author, see if you can find out who is and let them know that their work has been stolen.
Bullying is unacceptable.
It’s fine to leave an honest review or a comment. Reviews and constructive criticism are welcomed and often begged for, that can help us grow, but nastiness is unnecessary and it’s not ok to bog people down with e-mails. It’s not ok to stalk them.
Treat others as you would want to be treated.
I’m sure many of you already know this, but there are obviously some people out there who do disrespect others work, and sometimes it gets to the point they start attacking the artist. This is unacceptable. The lady who has inspired this post has said she has even been attacked by fellow artists, to me that’s just crazy. We’re all in this together!
We need to rally round and raise awareness against bullying, against harassment and against plagiarism. We don’t have strict internet laws yet so we need to respect and look out for each other.
Forget respecting art, respect the person who created it. Don’t be a killer of dreams.
Please help spread the word using #RespectArtists
Why? Today I had an e-mail from an extremely talented artist, she put her work on the internet and she was harassed, plagiarised and stalked. She now doesn’t want to share her art any more and has removed some of her work from the internet.
Her work is not controversial, it is not lewd or crude, it’s beautiful fantasy landscapes with dragons in silhouette. There is no reason it should provoke such animosity.
I find it disheartening to think that anyone can be bullied to the extent that they lose the love of something they have such an amazing talent for.
I won’t say who she is, I’m sure she doesn’t want to be dragged back into the interwebs again.
So what message do I want to portray? It’s simple- Respect the Artist.
It’s too easy to see a piece of artwork and think it’s ok to use it because it’s not immediately obvious who created it. Someone did create it, so it’s not yours and you can’t use it unless you have permission to do so.
In fact if the work is copy written it’s also illegal and could leave you open to lawsuits, even if you didn’t know it wasn’t ok to use it. Yes, even if you have changed it, it’s still their work. If you want to use it, ask.
I’m not just talking about people who create artwork, I’m talking about authors, comedians, bloggers, photographers, film makers etc.
It can take days, weeks, months or even years to create certain things and the damage it can do when someone steals it or defiles it it can be devastating.
If you come across some work and you don’t think the person who is using it is the original author, see if you can find out who is and let them know that their work has been stolen.
Bullying is unacceptable.
It’s fine to leave an honest review or a comment. Reviews and constructive criticism are welcomed and often begged for, that can help us grow, but nastiness is unnecessary and it’s not ok to bog people down with e-mails. It’s not ok to stalk them.
Treat others as you would want to be treated.
I’m sure many of you already know this, but there are obviously some people out there who do disrespect others work, and sometimes it gets to the point they start attacking the artist. This is unacceptable. The lady who has inspired this post has said she has even been attacked by fellow artists, to me that’s just crazy. We’re all in this together!
We need to rally round and raise awareness against bullying, against harassment and against plagiarism. We don’t have strict internet laws yet so we need to respect and look out for each other.
Forget respecting art, respect the person who created it. Don’t be a killer of dreams.
Please help spread the word using #RespectArtists
July 3, 2014
Falling into words
Image © J.R.Barker 2014
Don't you love it when you're so into a book you just fall into the words, when you stop reading and find yourself in a film in your own imagination?
I have to admit it doesn't happen to me as much as it used to. Probably because I usually feel I should be doing something else.
I'm currently reading Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere and today I fell into words.
What books have come to life for you?
June 24, 2014
Book games and other tings
Hello folks!
I have made some changes to me old blog. It's taken me a long time to figure out what I like to blog about, of course it's mainly books, so with that in mind I have made my changes.
The first being writing style. I like to write as if I were in a conversation. All posts will now begin with a friendly hello and, where I can, I will write as if I were writing a virtual letter to you.
Gone are the Wildlife Wednesdays; they have been replaced with the nature files.
Gone are the Fairy Tale Fridays; they have a classical fairy tale section under reviews. The reviews are still laid out by genre!
I have a writers blog where you can see the method behind my madness, if there is any... *cough*
There is also a writers tips section. I will be putting anything useful I find there for all you fellow writers.
There is the BRAND NEW Recommended Reads section. This is where the books I have reviewed and enjoyed the most get to live on a pedestal!
I've even spilt them up into separate genres for your browsing ease, because I'm nice like that. It will be added to so keep coming back to peruse.
There will be a new ratings system.
Each book will be rewarded in cups of tea (one to five) and the best of the best get a Golden Biscuit Award.
There is a now a giveaways and events section, so check that out to see if I, or any fellow authors, have things happening.
My new Judge a Book by its Cover game has a little button all to itself. Some of them have prizes available, these are time sensitive, but the games are not, so jump in and comment whenever you like!
Here's the link! http://jrbarker101.wordpress.com/cate...
If you have any comments or suggestions on the changes I'm eager for feedback.
In the meantime happy travels amigos!
February 11, 2014
On re-reading Harry Potter
Harry-Potter-Books-Kindle-Qoos-Magazine
I'm a Potterhead and recently I decided to read the Harry Potter books back to back. I had not done this before as previously I read them as and when the came out. I didn't need to go back over them because I knew the story very well.
It took me very little time to read them all, I couldn't put them down, in fact I have a hankering to read them again even as I type.
So how much has my love of the Potter books dwindled?
Not one jot!
I've always loved the books, up to the The Order of the Phoenix. On the first read it irked me that Harry spent so much time sulking and shouting at people. I knew he was upset, he'd seen things he shouldn't have, but still, I thought the amount of shouting and sulking was unnecessary.
Re-reading them now I found it to be realistic reaction to everything that had happened to him. I don't know whether it's because I read the whole story straight through, or I because I've "emotionally matured". (I typed that with a straight face, honest.)
On the first read through I missed little details. Things that annoyed me, I thought 'why can't everyone be saved with the Time Turners? Surely Sirius, Dumbledore and Fred, could all have been saved.'
On the re-read however I realised was not possible because Harry and his friends destroyed them all In the Order of the Phoenix, thus making any time travelling shenanigans impossible.
(Though this doesn't explain why they couldn't have gone back to thwart Voldemort before they were destroyed)
It has taken me many years to be able to read these books again, simply because of the films. They made such an impression that it was a while before I could go back to reading them without their influence.
I am glad to say that I did give it enough time and I was able to keep my imagination film free.
So all in all is Harry still a classic? For me, yes,
Would I read them again? absolutely.
How long does it take you to be able to read a book after watching the film?
I'm a Potterhead and recently I decided to read the Harry Potter books back to back. I had not done this before as previously I read them as and when the came out. I didn't need to go back over them because I knew the story very well.
It took me very little time to read them all, I couldn't put them down, in fact I have a hankering to read them again even as I type.
So how much has my love of the Potter books dwindled?
Not one jot!
I've always loved the books, up to the The Order of the Phoenix. On the first read it irked me that Harry spent so much time sulking and shouting at people. I knew he was upset, he'd seen things he shouldn't have, but still, I thought the amount of shouting and sulking was unnecessary.
Re-reading them now I found it to be realistic reaction to everything that had happened to him. I don't know whether it's because I read the whole story straight through, or I because I've "emotionally matured". (I typed that with a straight face, honest.)
On the first read through I missed little details. Things that annoyed me, I thought 'why can't everyone be saved with the Time Turners? Surely Sirius, Dumbledore and Fred, could all have been saved.'
On the re-read however I realised was not possible because Harry and his friends destroyed them all In the Order of the Phoenix, thus making any time travelling shenanigans impossible.
(Though this doesn't explain why they couldn't have gone back to thwart Voldemort before they were destroyed)
It has taken me many years to be able to read these books again, simply because of the films. They made such an impression that it was a while before I could go back to reading them without their influence.
I am glad to say that I did give it enough time and I was able to keep my imagination film free.
So all in all is Harry still a classic? For me, yes,
Would I read them again? absolutely.
How long does it take you to be able to read a book after watching the film?
January 10, 2014
The Adventures of the Frog Prince now only $0.99- Bargain!
In this Fairytale retold find out about the Frog Prince from the Prince's point of view.
Disappear into a fairy tale land and find out whodunnit with The Adventures of the Frog Prince, now a mere $0.99 (0.77p).
So get your copy here and make Prince Leo and his cohorts hoppy today!
http://getBook.at/The_Adventures_of_t...
Disappear into a fairy tale land and find out whodunnit with The Adventures of the Frog Prince, now a mere $0.99 (0.77p).
So get your copy here and make Prince Leo and his cohorts hoppy today!
http://getBook.at/The_Adventures_of_t...
September 15, 2013
New and Improved- The Adventures of the Frog Prince
Hokey Dokes folks, today I am going to do a bit of flagrant self publishing, but only because I’m excited.
I have been reworking The Adventures of The Frog Prince based on suggestions that some fabulous GoodReads readers have suggested.
Now I am pleased as punch (however pleased that may be) to announce that the revamp is now available to you good folks!
I have been reworking The Adventures of The Frog Prince based on suggestions that some fabulous GoodReads readers have suggested.
Now I am pleased as punch (however pleased that may be) to announce that the revamp is now available to you good folks!
For those GoodReads readers who have already reviewed my book, they will be entitled to the updated version, all you need to do is to email me with your email address, complete with a link to your review. This applies to people who have reviewed on GoodReads before the 1st of August 2013 only.
Thank you all good folks and we will be back on track with more fairy tales next week.
Au revoir!
August 30, 2013
Kid Lit Giveaway hop
To celebrate the summer and all that is awesome about 2013 I am, once again, joining Mother Daughter Book Reviews and Youth Literature Reviews in a blog hop/ giveaway bonanza!
The Hop takes place from August 26 to September 6, 2013.
In honour of this celebration I shall be giving away 3 copies of New and improved The Adventures of the Frog Prince eBook!
All you need to do for the chance to win one is follow Click the Rafflecopter giveaway on my website.
So sit back, relax and unwind with some of the many amazing things and people that you will find this summer in the linky list on my website!
Happy hopping!
Regards
Prince Leo and the gang.
http://www.jrbarker.info/best-of-summ...
The Hop takes place from August 26 to September 6, 2013.
In honour of this celebration I shall be giving away 3 copies of New and improved The Adventures of the Frog Prince eBook!
All you need to do for the chance to win one is follow Click the Rafflecopter giveaway on my website.
So sit back, relax and unwind with some of the many amazing things and people that you will find this summer in the linky list on my website!
Happy hopping!
Regards
Prince Leo and the gang.
http://www.jrbarker.info/best-of-summ...
April 20, 2013
Bring Back Poetry
I have just had the pleasure of being interviewed by the wonderful and talented Vickie Johnstone.
Her mission is to bring poetry back into popularity.
If you would like to be interviewed by Vickie you can drop her a line.
Here is a poem on cats
Life of a cat
Nap, purr, meow,
Human come and feed me now.
Claw the carpet, chew the rug,
Go outside and catch a slug,
Catch a mouse, let it go,
Fetch the mouse, kill it slow.
Wait for human,
Start to purr,
Look at me, small ball of fur!
Pirrip purr meow.
Human come and love me now.
Scratch my chin, rub my back,
Stand in gooey mousey patch.
Hiss, spit, scratch,
I’ve had enough, I’m hungry now
Human come and feed me Meow!
I gave you food now it’s my turn.
Give me food or feel the burn.
See the interview and more of my poems at:
Interview with Vickie Johnstone
Her mission is to bring poetry back into popularity.
If you would like to be interviewed by Vickie you can drop her a line.
Here is a poem on cats
Life of a cat
Nap, purr, meow,
Human come and feed me now.
Claw the carpet, chew the rug,
Go outside and catch a slug,
Catch a mouse, let it go,
Fetch the mouse, kill it slow.
Wait for human,
Start to purr,
Look at me, small ball of fur!
Pirrip purr meow.
Human come and love me now.
Scratch my chin, rub my back,
Stand in gooey mousey patch.
Hiss, spit, scratch,
I’ve had enough, I’m hungry now
Human come and feed me Meow!
I gave you food now it’s my turn.
Give me food or feel the burn.
See the interview and more of my poems at:
Interview with Vickie Johnstone
April 10, 2013
Happy Anniversary!
Yes that’s right, It’s my one year anniversary with wordpress!
Or if you look to the good Old English happy mynddæg, “mind-day.”
I have now been blogging (not non-stop) for a year!
I want to thank all you lovely people for reading my posts and I can truly say it’s been marvellous to meet you all.
For those I’ve yet to speak to I welcome you with open arms, please feel free to introduce yourselves and I look forward to meeting you!
Or if you look to the good Old English happy mynddæg, “mind-day.”
I have now been blogging (not non-stop) for a year!
I want to thank all you lovely people for reading my posts and I can truly say it’s been marvellous to meet you all.
For those I’ve yet to speak to I welcome you with open arms, please feel free to introduce yourselves and I look forward to meeting you!
March 19, 2013
Win a copy of The Adventures of the Frog Prince ebook
The Adventures of the Frog Prince
I am currently designing a factsheet with all the weird and wonderful snippets of information I have gleaned in the research for The Adventures of the Frog Prince.
It will include such treasures as;
"Frogs swallow food with eye balls"
and
"The boudoir was a pouting room for women"
Anyone with any questions they would like answered to do with frogs, witches, castles or royalty please leave a comment below!
The person who asks the best question receives a free ebook!
This contest closes on Friday 22nd of March!
So enter now for your chance to win!
I only ask you keep it clean.
I am currently designing a factsheet with all the weird and wonderful snippets of information I have gleaned in the research for The Adventures of the Frog Prince.
It will include such treasures as;
"Frogs swallow food with eye balls"
and
"The boudoir was a pouting room for women"
Anyone with any questions they would like answered to do with frogs, witches, castles or royalty please leave a comment below!
The person who asks the best question receives a free ebook!
This contest closes on Friday 22nd of March!
So enter now for your chance to win!
I only ask you keep it clean.
