T.R. Robinson's Blog, page 10
February 18, 2020
Word Counts for Books
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Authors regularly encounter discussions regarding how many words an average book should comprise. This can be distracting; pressurising; and confusing nevertheless, it is an issue authors should at least consider.
The predominant questions are: Does it really matter how many words a book contains? Does it make any difference to the reader? The answer demands upon perspective and purpose. This article will consider the topic from the viewpoints of publisher; reader; and author and will also include commonly suggested word count guides.
Naturally, the aspect of a tale taking as long as it takes to tell is always prevalent consequently, for some the issue of word count may appear superfluous. However, in some scenarios word count does serve a very real and import purpose.
Note: Word count impacts upon number of pages (to state the obvious).
Publishers
The primary issues for those publishing physical editions of books:
Trim size (based upon market demand and national trends).
Publishing costs (formatting, staff, number of pages, paper, ink, binding, etc.)
Pricing (trim size and number of pages impacts).
Sale potential (acceptable size and length, customer preferences, customer demand, etc.).
Marketing (book needs to be in an acceptable format, length and size).
Stock (traditional publishers normally have to keep a quantity of physical editions to hand).
A book’s word count may therefore have a far reaching impact for traditional publishers and for those authors who utilise digital print-on-demand services (number of pages affects minimum price level).
Readers
In general books are either purchased from bricks and mortar bookshops or online (physical, digital, and audio formats). Beside a book’s appearance (cover, colour, etc. – not the subject of this article) the size may prove influential for a potential reader.
For example: If the reader is looking for a lengthy read to occupy winter evenings then a larger book may be what they want however, if they simply want something to occupy a short interval (commute, waiting for appointment etc.) a smaller publication may be preferable.
In bookshops, due to the constraints of space availability, books are usually displayed on shelves with the spine outermost. Naturally, the width of a spine, unless it is an image heavy publication, provides indication of length and consequent reading time. The word count will naturally have an impact.
Though spine width has no relevance in digital purchasing, the page count (usually displayed within the book’s details) may.
Authors
Going back to the idea of a tale taking as long as it takes to tell, some authors may feel the setting of a word count limit is in effect an assault upon their creativity. Of course, this depends upon outlook and, if an author allows the idea to become overbearing, it may indeed have that undesirable impact. Nonetheless, assuming the author is interested in obtaining sales, they need to seriously consider the points already mentioned under Publishers and Readers.
In addition, though it must be emphasised the following is by no means always the case, some (editors, agents, publishers, etc.) may think on over long manuscript is indicative of plot, pacing, etc., problems. As said, this is not always true: in a few, rare, instances, some excessively long books have become best sellers. Nevertheless, authors should be aware traditional publishers and agents may reject a manuscript purely upon initial assessment of potential publication costs.
In the modern world, with its digital self-publishing options, authors may ignore suggested word counts and go ahead with publication. However, they need to bear in mind reader preferences and not be so proud as not to consider there may indeed be something amiss with their work: as far as possible they should stand back and take an objective viewpoint.
It would be remiss not to also mention, for some, especially those new to authoring, word counts may prove helpful be providing approximate targets. Without these, a few will flounder unsure if they are providing something the market is looking for.
Word Counts
Depending upon the resource used, suggested word counts can vary substantially. The following are those that appear to be generally accepted (for those interested, some of the variations have been added in parenthesis).
Novel: 80,000 – 90,000 (59,000 – 90,000; 40,000 +; 80,000 – 110,000)
Novella: 17,500 – 40,000
Novelette: 7,500 – 17,500
Short Story: Under 7,500 (1,500 – 30,000)
Non-Fiction: 70,000 – 80,000 (Self help/How to: 40,000 – 50,000)
The above word counts are those generally suggested however, it appears genre can have some influence:
Fantasy/Science Fiction: 100,000 – 115,000 (50,000 – 150,000)
Romance: 80,000 – 100,000 (50,000 – 90,000)
Middle-Grade (eleven to twelve (secondary school in UK)): 20,000 – 55,000
Young Adult: 55,000 – 70,000 (60,000 – 90,000)
Mystery/Crime: 75,000 – 100,000 (40,000 – 80,000)
Thriller: 90,000 – 100,000
Memoir: 80,000 – 90,000 (40,000 – 80,000)
Western: 45,000 – 75,000
Of course, the above is not a complete list but does, hopefully, provide some guidance for those interested.
As may be seen there is considerable anomaly between some suggestions. Overall it would seem appropriate to adopt the trend of 80,000 – 90,000 for general fiction; under 7,500 for short stories; and 70,000 – 80,000 for non-fiction.
Conclusion
As emphasised throughout, the above word counts are essentially suggestions, even though they are widely recognised as valid. There are no ‘Hard and Fast Rules’ neither is there any implication of them being ‘Set in Concrete’. Nevertheless, authors would be wise to account for the following:
Word count impinges upon page count and the consequent costs of production (including print-on-demand services).
Generally accepted genre lengths (especially important for young readers).
Market trends, national trends, reader expectations, etc.
Anticipated popularity and saleability.
Authors should not feel unduly bound by these statistics but should, in combination, retain an objectivity with regard to their own work.
In the end the final word count is at the author’s discretion. They must decide how many words it takes to tell their tale.
February 14, 2020
A Year in the Life of Leah Brand by Lucinda E Clarke
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This is an intriguing read that certainly lives up to its designation as a psychological thriller.
All characters are well developed enabling the reader to visualise and comprehend each. While detesting some they will take to others but will often find reason to question the accuracy of their sentiments. Most will be able to empathise with the protagonist who faces many bewildering ‘challenges’ and may often wonder how she manages to keep going.
The story is set within the usual day-to-day routines of most households however, what in many circumstances could come across as mundane and consequently boring for the reader, are anything but. This attests to the author’s unique ability to bring life to all her stories whether adventure, memoir, or thriller. Lucinda is indeed an excellent author.
The reader will find themselves constantly developing theories and then re-developing them as the tale progresses. This makes the book a lively read that retains interest and curiosity. In some ways the reader wishes to be proven right but would also find it disappointing to be so proven. The book does not disappoint in its ability to keep the guessing going up to, and past, the end.
Indeed, though there is some resolution it is not entirely complete and definitely leaves the reader with anticipation for a sequel. That is not to say there is no satisfaction in the ending although it would probably be more accurate to call it an intermission.
Five stars (5*).
Available in paperback and digital (e-book) formats.
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Find out more about the author here.
February 11, 2020
What is an Affiliate?
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Increasingly references to affiliation are seen online but what does it mean to be an affiliate?
Definition
‘To bring or receive into close connection as a member or branch.’ (Merriam-Webster)
‘To associate as a member.’ (Merriam-Webster)
‘To bring into close association or connection.’ (Dictionary.com)
‘To adopt or accept as a member, subordinate, associate, or branch.’ (The Free Dictionary)
‘Officially attach or connect (a subsidiary group or person) to an organisation.’ (Unknown)
‘A person or organization officially attached to a larger body.’ (Unknown)
Comprehension of definitions can vary depending on perspective. In this article it is the private individual under consideration.
Affiliates
An affiliate is someone who encompasses some or all of the following:
Is licensed by a company to market its merchandise.
Brings people to a company’s website.
Helps a company sell its goods.
Is authorised to sell other people’s products.
Promotes a commodity not their own.
In all instances the person is considered to be formally connected to the company that provides the wares, merchandise, goods, products, services.
Benefits
Each time a person utilises an affiliate link AND makes a purchase, the affiliate usually receives a proportional (small percentage of purchase price) commission.
Allows people to help their friends and followers by recommending a product relevant to their interests or needs.
Generates passive income.
Identifies the affiliate (to their friends and followers ) as a reliable source of helpful information.
Negatives
No guarantee will make money.
Commissions payable are becoming smaller, minimal in many instances.
Constant, even frequent, promotion may appear ‘spammy’ (unsolicited messages) thereby putting people off from following them.
Income against time and effort required may not be viable.
Tax considerations. (Income automatically subject to tax.) See also under ‘Setting Up’ below.
Setting Up
In view of the limited benefits combined with the negatives, not everyone will consider being an affiliate is now worth the effort nevertheless, some will undoubtedly be interested in the possibility.
There are a couple of different ways to set up an affiliate account: direct with a company or by means of an affiliate programme. The following will be required when signing up:
Name and Address. (Will have to be validated.)
Payment method. (To receive commission.) (Will have to be validated.)
Agree a service agreement.
Probable need to complete tax forms. (These should hopefully obviate the need for separate individual decelerations.)
Affiliate’s website link and details. (URL, Name, Description, Content, etc.)
Acceptance of minimum amount required before any payment is made.
Note 1: Those signing-up should be aware of security implications because validation is often carried out by a third party. (They should research and check as much as possible, about the company and validator, before exposing their information.)
Note 2: Naturally, those companies offering affiliate programmes are keen to have people join consequently, it is normally easy for those interested to be approved. Nevertheless and undoubtedly, the company will first wish to approve the site the affiliate intends using but, unless there is something seriously amiss, this should be straight forward.
How Works
Obviously, for the individual, promotion of merchandise is achieved through their own website and/or blog. They may also link to these through their social media accounts but the main link needs to be through the website/blog.
The product company will often provide ready made banners; adverts; text; links; etc, relating to the item to be marketed for the affiliate to post. Where the company has not provided any readymade material, the affiliate will have to draft their own content.
Note: The affiliate may (will usually) be required to provide a disclosure stating they receive a commission for each purchase made. These normally have to be visible on the page containing the link.
When a visitor clicks a link it does not actually go direct to the merchant site but first accesses the page containing the affiliate’s details (to enable them to be identified for payment purposes). This is so quick no one notices because within milliseconds they find themselves on the product page from which they may make their purchase.
When a purchase is made the system calculates the percentage payment due. Once the agreed minimum limit is reached the affiliate is paid.
Note: This affiliate facility normally works best when the affiliate chooses products related to their content and which are relevant to their readers, followers, fans, interests.
Conclusion
Affiliate programmes are not for everyone. In large measure it depends upon whether the user has a reasonable following and whether they see the promotion of products as helpful to their connections.
Affiliation is a way for users to earn additional, passive income but, with the reduced percentages now payable, users may find the benefit offset by the time and energy required to create and post notifications.
The decision, to be an affiliate or not, is naturally the individuals own but they should be baring in mind how best to serve their followers, friends, and fans. It is easy to put people off and disincline them from continuing to follow: constant promotion of products may be interpreted as spam.
Please feel free to add a comment if you have any experience of being an affiliate, positive or negative.
February 4, 2020
What Does T. R. Robinson Publications Have to Offer?
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The conclusion regarding viability reached in a previous article Are Facebook Pages Worth the Effort?, raised the question of what this website and associated accounts have to offer. Regular followers, visitors, and readers will know, though over the years there have been occasional breaks, as far as possible articles are posted on a reasonably frequent basis. Following on from the previous article mentioned above, it seemed appropriate to reiterate the principle aims and intentions behind the establishment of T. R. Robinson Publications.
On the Website Home Page the stated purposes are:
1. Assisting authors with tips on publishing, marketing and writing;
2. Enabling readers to find interesting and entertaining books;
3. Helping authors, especially independent ones, publicise their books;
4. The publication and publicising of books by T. R. Robinson.
In an attempt to facilitate the above and to further enhance the intended aims, additional relative information on a variety of interests and topics is also shared. These principally surround:
writing;
the author path;
book publishing;
book publicity;
book marketing;
online activity;
social media;
reading;
reviewing;
computer usage;
etc.
Increasingly, the aim is to help as far as possible, amateur (and new) authors understand their craft and art. It is also hoped some of the information assists others who are not especially involved in authoring but are active online. Whether the information shared is considered truly helpful or worthwhile is not known: it is hoped it is.
It would be remiss not to also mention, in an attempt to facilitate the aim of also helping readers, a variety of books are reviewed and authors interviewed and highlighted. In addition there is the provision of interesting memoirs and biographical fiction (short stories and novels) which provide an insight into who T. R. Robinson is and of her unusual experiences.
Overall, the aim is to help as many people as possible with their careers and activity. All for free. When first setting out on their authoring career T. R. Robinson received, and benefited from, a lot of willingly given guidance and assistance and now wishes to reciprocate by sharing as much up-to-date information and insight as possible.
If this is your first visit to the site, you, should you wish, may subscribe to realtime notifications of new articles and posts by entering your e-mail address in the ‘Follow T. R. Robinson Publications’ panel near the bottom of the righthand column. Look forward to sharing together.
January 31, 2020
Author Spotlight – Suzy Stewart Dubot
[image error]Caveat: The following has been gleaned from information in the public domain without the prior knowledge of the author. Consequently, the writer bears no responsibility with regard to accuracy. All information has been interpreted or reproduced ‘as found’.
Suzy Stewart Dubot is a prolific author of novels, short stories, essays (published as short stories), and a limited number of brief memoirs. Her preferred genre: Regency romance through to contemporary romance with sc-fi/fantasy on a tangent.
Suzy is an Anglo/American born of an American soldier in the U.S. Air Force and an English woman in the Royal Air Force. Her parents subsequently divorced so, along with two brothers, she spent a good deal of time travelling back and forth between the States and Britain. She eventually moved and has lived in France for nearly 40 years. Probably as a consequence of experiencing the different cultures, British history has always been a favourite subject and, because some of her books have involved the Napoleonic Wars she has reference books to do with that period.
During her life Suzy has undertaken a variety of jobs both in Britain and France including Art and Crafts teacher, Bartender, Marketing Assistant for N° 1 World Yacht Charterers (Moorings), Paris Beaux Arts Model, Secretary to the French Haflinger Association… It was not until retirement she discovered her passion for writing, prompted by a very bad paperback Regency romance. She was convinced she could do better and hopes she has. A vegetarian and a supporter of animal rights, she uses words when not protesting in the street. Three daughters and five grandchildren add to her active life.
An interesting and amusing insight into how Suzy Stewart Dubot’s stories come about: Once I have given my characters their names, they begin to take over. Their personalities emerge and have very little to do with what I had originally planned for them. ……. I take dictation. My characters say what they like and often do as they like.
With the variety of formats and lengths, readers will be able to find interesting and entertaining books for almost any occasion. Suzy is a very generous author who makes many of her tales available for free and for the others sets a very reasonable price tag.
Further information about Suzy Stewart Dubot and her numerous books may be found at the following:
Website (Author note: I blog when something gets my attention. I don’t blog consistently.)
Additional Website (with other authors).
Disclaimer: Other than being a reader of her books and ‘friends’ through social media, Neither T. R. Robinson Publications nor T. R. Robinson have any commercial or financial affiliation with Suzy Stewart Dubot or to any subsidiaries she may have any connection with. Nor do either receive any remuneration for mentioning or sharing information relative to the author.
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Suzy has previously participated in an author interview which may be enjoyed here.
The following books by Suzy Stewart Dubot have been reviewed in this website blog. Click on the appropriate cover image to read the review.
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January 28, 2020
Social Media Business Accounts
[image error]As is usual in this website, this topic is being considered from an author’s perspective. In the past, with traditional publishing, an author’s primary responsibility was to write and to occasionally turn up at social, promotional, events and book signings. However, the world has changed and publishing companies are no exception. In modern days the author is not only responsible for the writing but also has a principle role in the publicity and marketing of their books. Apparently many new publishing contracts now include terms to this effect. That is how matters have changed for those authors. However, when it comes to independent authors, there is no change: they have always been responsible for their own publicity and marketing. It should be born in mind, although not universally recognised as such in the past, independent authoring is in fact a business and all activity needs to be viewed and enacted from that perspective. Nevertheless, most authors are reluctant to think of themselves in such a way. Many are introverts who shy away from public exposure and a majority just wish to get on with the writing, without having to dedicate time to other activities. This is no longer an option for them, if they wish to get their books noticed and sold. At the very least, they need to undertake some interaction with their readers, fans, followers and the general public (to expand their readership). In the modern world Social Media is the recognised means for engaging with people and, bearing in mind many authors have constrained resources, the most cost effective.
A high percentage find utilising the free personal profile accounts available in most social media sites sufficient for their purposes. Nevertheless, there may be those who would like to consider the more robust business accounts provided by some. For them, this article will consider some of the benefits, disadvantages, responsibilities, and issues of such accounts.
Benefits
A few statistics first:
It is estimated over three billion people use social media.
More people follow brands rather than celebrities on social media.
Eighty percent of Instagram users follow at least one business account.
Sixty percent of Instagram users state they discover new products through the site. (It is understood some Pinterest users also imply the same.)
General benefits:
Inexpensive (mostly free to set up and post to).
Provides increased brand awareness.
Displays the human side of the business. (Many users want to see this.)
Enables meaningful relationships to be built. (Users value the human connection.)
Keeps business in front of users. (Most log-in at least once a day.)
Potential for increased traffic to website. (By sharing relative content from website/blog.)
Helps gain insight into audience traits. (‘Likes’, comments, sharing, etc.)
Enables customer (reader) feedback. (Through ‘likes’, comments, sharing, etc.)
Helps sales. (Potentially expands reach to friends, family and contacts of those who ‘like’, comment, and share.)
Eases networking. (With other authors as well as readers, fans, and followers.)
Platform for organic (natural not paid for) posting.
Gives automatic access to advertising services.
Establishing a ‘Go-to’ resource for information and guidance. (Posts need to be relevant.)
Note: Authors should bear in mind contacts through these business accounts are essentially ‘personal’ (as far as social media connections can be). Therefore, to gain the best possible outcome, their sharing needs to be more conversational (chatty) than promotional.
Disadvantages
Demands time and effort. (Must be constantly managed, fresh, and up to date.)
Needs continual monitoring. (Should respond to customer questions and enquiries quickly.)
Requires financial investment. (Posts are not organically shared. Have to be promoted if to reach wider audience.)
May require experienced management. (A salary will have to be paid.)
Slow return on investment. (Takes time for people to become clients.)
Enables all types of comment. (Includes negative ones which will be seen by all.)
Exposes to hackers. (These may take over page or post false information.)
Makes vulnerable to trolling. (Trolls are people who are deliberately offensive or provocative.)
May embarrass the brand. (Where information is not kept up to date or relevant.)
Responsibilities
The following applies to all businesses no matter how, or where, they operate. (Remember in this scenario, authoring is considered a business.)
Note: There has been considerable discussion about what social media management should be responsible for and where they should intervene, or not (not a topic for discussion in this article). In the scenario under discussion here it has to be acknowledged site management is unlikely, except in extremes circumstances, to become involved in the author’s business. However, if for no other reason than reputation, authors should encompass the following principles.
Must be offering high quality products. (Books or products must be the best the author can make them.);
No prohibited products. (E.g. usually refers to: non-physical goods; live animals; alcohol; etc.);
Products must have authenticity. (Promoted goods should express what the company or person is and what they offer.);
Content must not comprise spam or anything similar;
Must comply with laws and regulations.(Local and International.);
Content must be appropriate. (No: explicit material; self-harm promotion; discriminatory statements; etc.);
Content must not infringe intellectual property rights or any other rights;
Must not suggest the social media company or organisation sponsors or endorses them or their products;
Must have a clear purchase process. (Authors should ensure the retailer from which a purchase will be made has clear, accurate, and up to date information.)
Acknowledge they are responsible for dealing with any dispute regarding content. (Where the received product (book) is faulty it is usually the retailer’s responsibility to sort. Nevertheless, the author should be aware of the issue.)
Note: Where an author chooses to sell products from their own site there are many other legal and customer service requirements which are not the subject for this article.
Issues
The majority of issues surround security and privacy.
Address: Most business accounts require a postal address that, in most instances, has to be viewable. For authors this may prove a serious problem because their business address is often their personal home address.
Telephone: Business accounts by their nature, require easy contact facilities for customers and clients. Consequently, any telephone number provided will be on public display. Unfortunately, this can expose it to nuisance (and sometimes malicious) calls. It is suggested, rather than expose personal numbers, anyone intending to fully utilise a business account may be wise to obtain a second, business dedicated, number.
E-mail: As part of adequate customer service, business owners are required to provide a valid, active, e-mail address. Again, similar to telephone numbers, this will be on public display and will be just as vulnerable as those. Hopefully, authors will already not be using their personal e-mail addresses for their author and book business. If they are, then it would be sensible to obtain a different e-mail address for such purposes.
Conclusion
Business accounts are not for everyone. Beside the necessary additional time commitment required the potential disadvantages, responsibilities and issues need to be taken into account. Many authors find the personal profile accounts available more than sufficient for their authoring and book purposes.
With the additional public exposure business accounts bring, authors need to very carefully consider whether the benefits are sufficient to justify the establishment of such an account. In addition they need to honestly decide if they are able to dedicate the time and effort necessary to make it viable.
Just a quick note about trolling, mentioned under disadvantages: Trolls are people who are deliberately offensive or provocative with the aim of upsetting or eliciting angry responses. They may also start quarrels, sow discord and post off-topic messages. All the with intent to provoke. What drives these people is anyones guess nonetheless, they exist and have to be dealt with somehow.
January 24, 2020
Book & Writing Competition Notifications
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In a recent post Poll – Usefulness of Competition Notifications followers and readers of this website blog where requested to indicate whether they found notifications of book and writing competitions useful.
There has been minimal response therefore, unless there is any dramatic indication to the contrary (the poll remains open), the decision has been taken to no longer publish any such notifications in this website blog.
The aim is to make the website as helpful and informative as possible consequently, it is pointless spending resource upon something that is not feeding into this purpose.
Thank you to all of you who regularly follow, read, or visit the site.
Please add a comment if there is anything in particular you would like considered for future articles and posts.
January 21, 2020
Preferred Reading Method(s) – Survey Results
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Recently in Survey – Preferred Reading Method(s) readers were requested to identify in which format they primarily choose to read. A number of options were presented including the combination of some methods i.e. Paperback + E-Reader; Smartphone + Tablet; etc.
The intent for the survey was to gain grassroots insight and to help authors identify, and provide, the favoured formats. These are the results of that survey.
How Do You Prefer to Read?
Respondents were asked to only choose one option.
41.67% – E-Reader
25.00% – Paperback
16.67% – Paperback + E-Reader
08.33% – Paperback + Tablet
08.33% – Computer
It is interesting to see the high level differentiation between E-Reader and Paperback though, when the results for the combined options are taken into account, the overall continuing popularity for paperback remains clear.
There were no takers for:
Smartphone
Tablet
Paperback + Smartphone
Paperback + Computer
Smartphone + Tablet
Smartphone + E-Reader
Computer + Smartphone
Computer + Tablet
Computer + E-Reader
Text or Audio?
85.71% – Text
00.00% – Audio
14.29% – Both
Despite the fact many currently consider audio the growing option for enjoying books, it cannot come as a surprise to see textual reading leading the way and that those who like audio also read textually.
Impact
Most authors should not be surprised by the results of this survey. Undoubtedly, most will already be publishing in paperback and digital formats though, they may be wise to note where someone reads on computer a .pdf format will usually be best.
Readers should note though audio is gaining in popularity it is an expensive option for authors many of whom have little in the way of ready resources.
January 17, 2020
Kids, Camels & Cairo by Jill Dobbe
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This engaging memoir is the second in the author’s series depicting the life she and her family encountered while on various overseas teaching assignments. In this one, as indicated in the title, they are in Egypt. Though Cairo was their centre, they did travel far and wide within the country.
Jill Dobbe has written with honesty as well as humour. The latter helps lift some of the more somber, darker, observations and experiences. What is particularly good is how, in the sharing of a variety of their own encounters, the author also provides insights into, and details of, the culture and attitudes of the indigenous population. Much is very different to anything they have encountered before. During their stay in the country they face many challenges, difficulties and adventures, both in the work environment and when on sightseeing trips. Some are the consequence of social differences while others are simply due to the situations they find themselves in. All the family are to be commended for the way in which they deal with the various circumstances, especially the negative ones. In general they tend to adopt a positive outlook but also, sensibly, accept they are in a different culture and understand, even though it may go against their sensitivities, what they observe is the way of the people.
The insights shared in this book cover daily life, the education system and the general nature of the country as a whole. Within these the prevalent attitudes of both adult and youth are incorporated which, to western minds, may often be a little shocking. In some instances the total disregard for life, especially when it comes to the poor, is hard to comprehend. But then, alongside that are some questionable allowances when it comes to the children of wealthy families. Throughout the reader is exposed to the awful poverty some find themselves in as well as the luxury of the wealthy.
Though, as indicated, there are some shocking insights it needs to be pointed out this is NOT A HEAVY READ. It is in fact an easy, light, though serious, read. The author’s sense of humour is always present and in truth some of their escapades are amusing.
Anyone who is thinking of going to Egypt, and has not been before, would do well to read this book beforehand. It truly provides very useful insights into the culture and people.
Four stars (4*).
The book is available in paperback and digital (e-book) formats.
The author’s first and third memoirs have been previously read.
Click on the relevant book cover image below to access each review.
Jill Dobbe has also participated in an author interview. Click on the image to the left to access it.
January 14, 2020
How to Deal with Online Insecurities
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In the previous article Online Insecurities the concerns online users generally have and the results of such concerns were highlighted and briefly discussed. This article now looks at how to deal with such insecurities by suggesting some work rounds.
Work Rounds
The fact someone has chosen to be active online means they DO wish to communicate with other people consequently, they will be reluctant to cease or diminish their interaction. But, bearing in mind the various issues mentioned in the previous article, how is this to be done without adopting the processes outlined in the ‘results’ section of that article?
Three aspects will be considered: Monitoring posts; Argumentative people; and Friend/Visit requests.
Monitoring posts
Check Facts – Before responding to, or counteracting, any comment, article or post, the writer must first check they have the correct facts. This may take some of their valuable time but it is well worth the investment if they have any uncertainty about valid details.
Edit – Naturally, this applies across the board for all writing. In the current ‘instantaneous’ society many feel under pressure to respond quickly to any communication however, this often leads to the inclusion of spelling, typing and other errors. It should always be born in mind all forms of communication reflect upon the writer’s abilities, character and personality. It is essential time is taken to proofread and edit all interactions.
Timing – When feeling the least bit tired, distracted, under pressure, or uncertain, it is wise for that person to hold back from responding to any communication. It is all too easy to make mistakes, erroneous assumptions, etc. when in such a condition. A few hours or even an overnight delay does not usually matter whereas an inaccuracy may have a long term impact.
Argumentative People
Unfortunately, even if it is not too frequently, most online users will have encountered someone who is argumentative or insists upon being rude. It can be difficult knowing how to deal with these. The following may help:
Ignore – In most instances it is best to simply ignore.
Leave – On occasion it may be preferable to leave the discussion all together.
Confirm – If someone feels they must respond, they should ensure they have: all the correct facts; are polite and courteous; and do not become argumentative or rude themselves. (If the person continues in the same vain it would be sensible to stop participating.)
Errors – Where someone has given incorrect or downright wrong information those choosing to respond should again ensure, they have the correct facts and they adopt a polite and courteous, approach.
Friend/Visit Requests
Social Media ‘Friend’ and ‘Connect’ requests and requests to visit a website or blog are the primary areas under consideration here. Naturally, beside the requester’s character, personality, and appropriateness online user’s concern will also extend to the issues of hackers and viruses. Here are some ideas to help negate the possible consequences of blindly accepting a request.
Profiles – As far as the information is available, profiles, especially About pages and activity lists, should be checked. It is normally possible to gain a reasonable idea of the person, and their validity, from such an examination.
Search – If a user has the least bit concern about a website, blog, etc. it is usually worth searching it/them in Google or some other viable site. It may also be worth asking those the user trusts if they have any knowledge of the site/person.
Software – Users should note when virus protection software stops or highlights a site. (Note: This may sometimes occur with a site the user knows to be valid but that is usually because there is no up-to-date certificate.)
Check – Where the user has access to any site that lists problem companies or sites, they should take time to check through it before accepting any request.
Of course, as will all the lists given, this one is not conclusive.
Conclusion
Overall, when dealing with online insecurities, it generally boils down to common sense and being circumspect about what is shared without diminishing content by distorting information.
As mentioned at the start, this was intended to be part of a complete comprehensive article however, it became too long for modern day readers. The initiating article may be accessed here Online Insecurities.
Disclaimer: Other than being users of Google, neither T. R. Robinson Publications nor T. R. Robinson have any affiliation to the company. Nor do either receive any renumeration for referring to, or mentioning, them.
