H.M.’s Comments (group member since Jun 24, 2012)

H.M.’s comments from the Q&A with Tahir Shah group.

Tahir wrote: "I am horrified by the power of the media in telling us who is important and who is not. I rail against footballers, actors, and celebrities of most kinds because I think they are usually very dysfu..."

Absolutely. The cult of celebrity is such a pain, and these days there are many like "Tobermory Cat" who are famous for no reason other than that they are famous. :)

Tahir, you write: "but gradually, societies will break down. And, if you ask me, it's already happening."

Yes, alas all the signs are there, Tahir, and a growing dissatisfaction felt by many. When ordinary, decent, liberal-minded and otherwise peaceful people start talking about it being the time to fight back or for some kind of revolution ... well, the powers that be really need to sit up and take notice; we all need to, imo.

Hi, Tahir. Not sure if this is the right thread in which to ask marketing questions, but how do you feel about the response of mainstream / old school reviewers and periodicals to self-published works? Do you rely on mentions about your books in mainstream articles you've written? Or do you have anything else you'd like to say about marketing self-published works?

Many thanks.

Hi friends, my real name is Eric (though Goodreads insists on using one of my pen names).

I first began reading books by Tahir's father, Idries Shah, around 1985/6 and have since become a fan of Tahir's writing.

Thanks for your generosity here and elsewhere, Tahir.

Having read an advance copy of Tahir's latest novel, Timbuctoo, which was self-published, I have to say that the proofreading, copy editing, quality and style of writing were excellent.