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If they were so poorly written... the sales would definitely NOT have been so great. Bad writers do not become Bestselling authors.
you can still compare them even though one is adult and the other YA.
They are constantly compared because fifty shades is an adult fanfiction of twilight. Instead of the dangers of vampires, it was replaced with the danger of bdsm. You go the E.L James website, she does admit it. It’ under the question “Was Fifty Shades of Grey originally self-published as a eBook?” on this her official faq and website - http://www.eljamesauthor.com/faq/ .
Always have to send that link, because it’s unbelievable at how many people don’t know this fact.
If a book creates enough buzz, people will buy it, and then feel ripped off later after they read it and find it's poorly written. Sometimes the characters are engaging enough to overcome the poorly written story, or the story is there but you need to read between the lines of bad spelling/grammar/punctuation or too much filler to get the story.
Catherine, you are such a voice of reason, Thank you. We both understand how poorly written books (& artists without real talent) sell so well.
Writing abilities does not equal success, man. Why can't people see this? There are loads of authors that are tons more talented than Meyer and James and yet their books aren't selling at the magnitude that 50 Shades and Twilight are.
You know, I could add my two cents in but I really don't buy the argument that if something sells then it means it's good. I have discovered LOADS of books that I considered good. But they are FAR from being popular or even mainstream. For example, something popular in China would probably not be known to 90% of America (Romance of Three Kingdom, anyone?). Are you saying that because it's not popular here in America, therefore it's a terrible book? Even though it's one of China's best loved historical classics?
And regarding your original argument, I personally found the writing in Twilight to be pretty damn terrible. The WRITING, mind you. Honestly, I think Meyer's STORY sold more than her WRITING. Her STORY is good, but her writing suffered. Actual writing talent =/= plot/substance/story idea.
Also, this is like saying pop music is good. Justin Bieber, Nikki Minaj, Lady Gaga, etc. Are they considered good too? Quite honestly, I find them terrible artists and wish that they would stop killing music and actually let good artists (like underground hip hop) take over. Because as far as I'm concerned, just because something is popular does not mean that they're good. Ever heard of the term "overrated"?
It's still a book. Considering that Twilight is a best seller internationally, what makes Three Kingdoms any different from Twilight in China? There are English translations of many Chinese classical literature but you don't see too many people enjoying it to the extent that Twilight does, now do you? "American success" seems quite relevant, if you ask me.
Her writing style, in my opinion was really simple and yet she decides to throw in these vocabulary words like she abused the thesaurus. That was what irked me the most. Again, page turner would have to do with the actual substance of what was happening over what was actually presented in her writing.
Which brings me to my actual point. All three artists have horrible music. But as for Nikki/Gaga they do have that weirdness that everyone loves. But how does this even contribute to the music itself? Honestly, I think it's just noise. Their style, I give them the credit. But not the music. It's horrible. Like I said earlier, underground hip hop is a lot better than their mainstream counterparts. Just because something doesn't get the same recognition does not mean that something sucks.
Three Kingdoms was written in the 14th century. It is still one of China's best loved novels. Not only that, but other countries in Asia love it as well. It has inspired countless movies, TV series and even video games. And yet, it doesn't receive the same recognition here in America. I personally don't find it dry like American classics. And I certainly don't see as many adaptions for these classics to the point that Three Kingdoms get. Even Shakespeare doesn't get the same treatment here like Three Kingdoms does. Yes, the Chinese is archaic compared to modern Chinese now, but does it stop it from being one of China's most beloved stories? No, it does not.
It's a mixture of both reasons. Like, the way she writes is at best a 5th grade level. Coupled in with vocabulary words that no one uses that are obviously not 5th grade level. Paired with the fact that almost all description that was in the book itself was about Edward absolutely killed it for me. Why can't there be a middle ground? These are like two complete opposites of the spectrum and it just doesn't gel with me. Is this really hard to accept? I don't think you're in the position to pose this its either one reason or this reason. I mean, seriously?
"my fav authors are successful b/c people actually READ and BUY their work-cause its good" You said this, no? This statement alone is why I even brought up this topic.
Look, it doesn't even matter if it's written in the 14th century or 2 years ago. That statement you said originally meant that YOU think being successful, you have to be popular regardless of what other people thought. Because sales apparently equates to it being good. Since Three Kingdoms does not sell well here in America and Twilight sells well in China/rest of Asia (really, internationally) it is a viable comment EVEN thought they are from different time zones/genres. Don't try to push this off because of their differences, because as far as I'm concerned, you're only looking at sale numbers.
Lol, I said she was too smart? I don't think you even understand what I meant. Raping the thesaurus to the degree that she did does NOT mean that she's "too smart". Anyone can go pick up a thesaurus or even open up the page for it and look up words to replace for simple words. I'd give you an example but you can do that yourself. If you like repetition to the degree that Twilight has then, lol. Good on you. Because not everyone likes that, mind you. And no, "I love this person because he is so beautiful/perfect/etc" is not what people think of every two seconds. Relationships that are based on looks usually always fail.
And, pls. So you're saying you only read whatever's popular at the time? Don't even. I can't even. Come back wen you grow a mind of your own, bby. The rest of your argument is pretty weak after that.
Seriously, this is getting pointless. The only brick wall that's throwing a temper tantrum around here is you. You obviously don't see why I made connections between books from America that sell well internationally and books from other places that sell well internationally. You obviously don't know when to use good vocabulary wen it's necessary. And you really don't seem to understand what I've tried explaining to you. Sorry, but you're a lost cause. Continue living in this world that you seem to think that's so perfect because as far as I'm concerned. I'm done with you twisting your own words around trying to make me look like some sort of idiot.
Not once did I even insult you, and yet you have the audacity to comment on my intelligence? Who do you think you are? Hopefully, you'e no one's baby. Cuz really, it's clear that you can't take a joke either.
Btw, having a thing does not always mean it's a fetish. Like, really. Even if Bella's relationship with Edward is fictional, there are others out there just as obsessive as theirs.
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Martine
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May 15, 2013 08:37AM
If they were so poorly written... the sales would definitely NOT have been so great. Bad writers do not become Bestselling authors.
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you can still compare them even though one is adult and the other YA.
They are constantly compared because fifty shades is an adult fanfiction of twilight. Instead of the dangers of vampires, it was replaced with the danger of bdsm. You go the E.L James website, she does admit it. It’ under the question “Was Fifty Shades of Grey originally self-published as a eBook?” on this her official faq and website - http://www.eljamesauthor.com/faq/ .Always have to send that link, because it’s unbelievable at how many people don’t know this fact.
If a book creates enough buzz, people will buy it, and then feel ripped off later after they read it and find it's poorly written. Sometimes the characters are engaging enough to overcome the poorly written story, or the story is there but you need to read between the lines of bad spelling/grammar/punctuation or too much filler to get the story.
@ Martine
Actually, yes, many do make great sales despite being poorly written. Similarly, mediocre singers make hit songs all the time without having much genuine talent.
People go often by the hype, rather than quality, when purchasing books. The more attention a book draws, regardless of whether it is well or poorly written, the more likely people are to buy it -- "shock" value can often overcome terrible taste.
Actually, yes, many do make great sales despite being poorly written. Similarly, mediocre singers make hit songs all the time without having much genuine talent.
People go often by the hype, rather than quality, when purchasing books. The more attention a book draws, regardless of whether it is well or poorly written, the more likely people are to buy it -- "shock" value can often overcome terrible taste.
You bet. Exhibit A: The Hunger Games.
Catherine, you are such a voice of reason, Thank you. We both understand how poorly written books (& artists without real talent) sell so well.
Writing abilities does not equal success, man. Why can't people see this? There are loads of authors that are tons more talented than Meyer and James and yet their books aren't selling at the magnitude that 50 Shades and Twilight are.
You know, I could add my two cents in but I really don't buy the argument that if something sells then it means it's good. I have discovered LOADS of books that I considered good. But they are FAR from being popular or even mainstream. For example, something popular in China would probably not be known to 90% of America (Romance of Three Kingdom, anyone?). Are you saying that because it's not popular here in America, therefore it's a terrible book? Even though it's one of China's best loved historical classics?And regarding your original argument, I personally found the writing in Twilight to be pretty damn terrible. The WRITING, mind you. Honestly, I think Meyer's STORY sold more than her WRITING. Her STORY is good, but her writing suffered. Actual writing talent =/= plot/substance/story idea.
Also, this is like saying pop music is good. Justin Bieber, Nikki Minaj, Lady Gaga, etc. Are they considered good too? Quite honestly, I find them terrible artists and wish that they would stop killing music and actually let good artists (like underground hip hop) take over. Because as far as I'm concerned, just because something is popular does not mean that they're good. Ever heard of the term "overrated"?
It's still a book. Considering that Twilight is a best seller internationally, what makes Three Kingdoms any different from Twilight in China? There are English translations of many Chinese classical literature but you don't see too many people enjoying it to the extent that Twilight does, now do you? "American success" seems quite relevant, if you ask me.Her writing style, in my opinion was really simple and yet she decides to throw in these vocabulary words like she abused the thesaurus. That was what irked me the most. Again, page turner would have to do with the actual substance of what was happening over what was actually presented in her writing.
Which brings me to my actual point. All three artists have horrible music. But as for Nikki/Gaga they do have that weirdness that everyone loves. But how does this even contribute to the music itself? Honestly, I think it's just noise. Their style, I give them the credit. But not the music. It's horrible. Like I said earlier, underground hip hop is a lot better than their mainstream counterparts. Just because something doesn't get the same recognition does not mean that something sucks.
Three Kingdoms was written in the 14th century. It is still one of China's best loved novels. Not only that, but other countries in Asia love it as well. It has inspired countless movies, TV series and even video games. And yet, it doesn't receive the same recognition here in America. I personally don't find it dry like American classics. And I certainly don't see as many adaptions for these classics to the point that Three Kingdoms get. Even Shakespeare doesn't get the same treatment here like Three Kingdoms does. Yes, the Chinese is archaic compared to modern Chinese now, but does it stop it from being one of China's most beloved stories? No, it does not.It's a mixture of both reasons. Like, the way she writes is at best a 5th grade level. Coupled in with vocabulary words that no one uses that are obviously not 5th grade level. Paired with the fact that almost all description that was in the book itself was about Edward absolutely killed it for me. Why can't there be a middle ground? These are like two complete opposites of the spectrum and it just doesn't gel with me. Is this really hard to accept? I don't think you're in the position to pose this its either one reason or this reason. I mean, seriously?
"my fav authors are successful b/c people actually READ and BUY their work-cause its good" You said this, no? This statement alone is why I even brought up this topic.
Look, it doesn't even matter if it's written in the 14th century or 2 years ago. That statement you said originally meant that YOU think being successful, you have to be popular regardless of what other people thought. Because sales apparently equates to it being good. Since Three Kingdoms does not sell well here in America and Twilight sells well in China/rest of Asia (really, internationally) it is a viable comment EVEN thought they are from different time zones/genres. Don't try to push this off because of their differences, because as far as I'm concerned, you're only looking at sale numbers.Lol, I said she was too smart? I don't think you even understand what I meant. Raping the thesaurus to the degree that she did does NOT mean that she's "too smart". Anyone can go pick up a thesaurus or even open up the page for it and look up words to replace for simple words. I'd give you an example but you can do that yourself. If you like repetition to the degree that Twilight has then, lol. Good on you. Because not everyone likes that, mind you. And no, "I love this person because he is so beautiful/perfect/etc" is not what people think of every two seconds. Relationships that are based on looks usually always fail.
And, pls. So you're saying you only read whatever's popular at the time? Don't even. I can't even. Come back wen you grow a mind of your own, bby. The rest of your argument is pretty weak after that.
Seriously, this is getting pointless. The only brick wall that's throwing a temper tantrum around here is you. You obviously don't see why I made connections between books from America that sell well internationally and books from other places that sell well internationally. You obviously don't know when to use good vocabulary wen it's necessary. And you really don't seem to understand what I've tried explaining to you. Sorry, but you're a lost cause. Continue living in this world that you seem to think that's so perfect because as far as I'm concerned. I'm done with you twisting your own words around trying to make me look like some sort of idiot.
Not once did I even insult you, and yet you have the audacity to comment on my intelligence? Who do you think you are? Hopefully, you'e no one's baby. Cuz really, it's clear that you can't take a joke either.
Btw, having a thing does not always mean it's a fetish. Like, really. Even if Bella's relationship with Edward is fictional, there are others out there just as obsessive as theirs.
