Rush to the Bottom (8/16/14)

I recently submitted to be part of a project to get some PR, but I wish I hadn’t. My understanding of what this person was trying to create was different from what I saw his final project to be. In all honesty most authors don’t make a living from writing, and it seems to be getting harder and harder to do.

His project was a rush to the bottom. It was a website that helps authors connect with readers by informing the readers when books of their liking are being discounted by various platforms. Here’s the problem with that mentality: you are destroying the value of your work, and by design you are destroying the value of your peer’s work too.

You’re not simply suggesting the Wal-Mart philosophy, you are promoting it! I love to see people that go out and create a contribution for society. I like when they display the courage to stand out from the crowd to make their voice hear. However, I wish we could get away from this desperate ‘at any cost’ philosophy.

Perhaps people will see that they get what whey pay for, or perhaps this person will have created the next version of the discount retailer that hurts all the creators who want to make their voices heard. Only time will tell.