Bad behaviour is not OK
I recently read a blog post about a certain self-published and traditionally published author who I will leave nameless. In the article it was demonstrated by some very thorough investigative journalism that this particular author has been responsible for some very, very bad behaviour.
It was revealed that the author in question had multiple 'sock puppet' accounts that were used to bolster sales, reviews etc but also, and far worse in my opinion, were used to viciously attack other authors.
As if that weren't bad enough the author in question actually bragged about their behaviour, saying it had put them at the top of the charts and thus the end justified the means.
First of all, let me say that I'm not just speaking as an author here, but as a reader as well. This behaviour is atrocious and absolutely disgusting. The majority of writers and readers that I have met would roundly condemn this author's tactics.
Where the problem lies is that some, up and coming, author may see this as a verified way to increase their profile. I would like to hope that no one would follow this example but unfortunately I'm not that naive.
Speaking now only as a writer I deplore this kind of behaviour. My advise to new authors remains consistent - keep writing, keep improving your craft but if you find your books aren't selling and are consistently garnering bad reviews then maybe you need to really consider whether you actually do have what it takes to be a writer.
I'm not saying you should run at the first sight of a few bad reviews or a couple of returns. That's simply par for the course - not everyone will enjoy your work. You have to accept that and be thick skinned. I'm talking only about writers whose work is not selling or only seems to get bad reviews.
Speaking as a reader now I'm horrified that any author thinks they have the right to justify their own work and bias my opinion through these kind of tactics. I find it insulting in fact.
I am certain that most people will agree with me but for those who think this is OK be aware that eventually, if you're an author, you WILL be caught out. That will turn off more readers than you can possibly dream about.
Cheers,
Trace
It was revealed that the author in question had multiple 'sock puppet' accounts that were used to bolster sales, reviews etc but also, and far worse in my opinion, were used to viciously attack other authors.
As if that weren't bad enough the author in question actually bragged about their behaviour, saying it had put them at the top of the charts and thus the end justified the means.
First of all, let me say that I'm not just speaking as an author here, but as a reader as well. This behaviour is atrocious and absolutely disgusting. The majority of writers and readers that I have met would roundly condemn this author's tactics.
Where the problem lies is that some, up and coming, author may see this as a verified way to increase their profile. I would like to hope that no one would follow this example but unfortunately I'm not that naive.
Speaking now only as a writer I deplore this kind of behaviour. My advise to new authors remains consistent - keep writing, keep improving your craft but if you find your books aren't selling and are consistently garnering bad reviews then maybe you need to really consider whether you actually do have what it takes to be a writer.
I'm not saying you should run at the first sight of a few bad reviews or a couple of returns. That's simply par for the course - not everyone will enjoy your work. You have to accept that and be thick skinned. I'm talking only about writers whose work is not selling or only seems to get bad reviews.
Speaking as a reader now I'm horrified that any author thinks they have the right to justify their own work and bias my opinion through these kind of tactics. I find it insulting in fact.
I am certain that most people will agree with me but for those who think this is OK be aware that eventually, if you're an author, you WILL be caught out. That will turn off more readers than you can possibly dream about.
Cheers,
Trace
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