Lorraine's blog
Adding just a little to the world's confusion
Success comes at a price on Authonomy
Author: lorraine (add to friends)
September 13th, 2008
(73 views )
It can be a nasty cold place out in Authonomy Land. Vitriol is flying on the forums at all and sundry. The successful fear those climbing the charts. The unsuccessful blame their lack of success on cheating by others and a determination on their part not to ask friends and family for votes.
Vlad the Inhaler is still sitting at number two, but I don’t expect the book to be there this time next week. I had a look at the most votes over the last seven days and Vlad is someway down that particular chart.
If you are a member, please read Vlad and ONLY IF YOU LIKE THE OPENING PAGES then please vote for him. I’m NOT asking for votes just because you know me, but I am asking if you would join and read my children’s book.
If you have a book on the site, please let me know the title and/or your username and I’ll read your book in return.
I have already read and backed DWR’s funny epic and Kay Green’s short story collection. So, any others out there who would like me to read their work?
Lo
Comments:
Comment from: greenygrey [Member] 
· http://www.greenygrey.co.uk
· http://www.greenygrey.co.uk
Hi Lorraine, congratulations on a good idea and well-written and entertaining book. I just registered and voted for you. Good luck with it.
Permalink 2008-09-13 @ 09:19
Comment from: lorraine [Member] · http://www.lorrainemace.com/
· http://www.lorrainemace.com/
Thanks so much. Don't forget to come back and tell me when you put your own book on there so that I (and other WL members) can read it.
Permalink 2008-09-13 @ 09:32
Comment from: maureen [Member] · http://www.maureen-vincent-northam.co.uk
· http://www.maureen-vincent-northam.co.uk
Vlad DESERVES to be in the top five.
It really is a sad state of affairs when we writers develop the sour grape virus and diss the successful and the popular.
I'm wondering (though hoping it isn't the case) whether the person who awards 1 star to the blog posts on here has a similar malady.
It really is a sad state of affairs when we writers develop the sour grape virus and diss the successful and the popular.
I'm wondering (though hoping it isn't the case) whether the person who awards 1 star to the blog posts on here has a similar malady.
Permalink 2008-09-13 @ 09:57
Comment from: lorraine [Member] · http://www.lorrainemace.com/
· http://www.lorrainemace.com/
Thanks, Mo. Sadly, there are all too many who can't stand to see anyone else doing well. I hope you are wrong about the one star voter, but fear you are most probably right.
Permalink 2008-09-13 @ 10:03
Comment from: sarah_james [Member] · http://www.milltech-systems.co.uk
· http://www.milltech-systems.co.uk
Hi Lo,
I'm not registered but will try and register and have a read this weekend.
High-handed comments like 'I'm not going to ask friends and family etc are silly'. How do those authors think most people sell books? Networking is important and it would be naive to believe otherwise.
Your request for people to take the time to look but vote only if they like it is a very worthy/honourable one and exactly what I'd do in the same situation. And I'm sure most people will only vote for a book if they truly enjoy it.
Well done on how you've done so far. Good luck with the rest and ignore all the sour grapes.
PS Mo, I thought I was the only one getting single star post ratings so am glad to hear I'm not! Perhaps, thinking chritably, there is still the problem of people accidentally rating when their mouse hovers over the stars? Or maybe I'm just kidding myself?!
I'm not registered but will try and register and have a read this weekend.
High-handed comments like 'I'm not going to ask friends and family etc are silly'. How do those authors think most people sell books? Networking is important and it would be naive to believe otherwise.
Your request for people to take the time to look but vote only if they like it is a very worthy/honourable one and exactly what I'd do in the same situation. And I'm sure most people will only vote for a book if they truly enjoy it.
Well done on how you've done so far. Good luck with the rest and ignore all the sour grapes.
PS Mo, I thought I was the only one getting single star post ratings so am glad to hear I'm not! Perhaps, thinking chritably, there is still the problem of people accidentally rating when their mouse hovers over the stars? Or maybe I'm just kidding myself?!
Permalink 2008-09-13 @ 10:19
Comment from: lorraine [Member] · http://www.lorrainemace.com/
· http://www.lorrainemace.com/
Thanks, Sarah. It's amazing how many people think sales will magically happen. The real world isn't like that, as you know. To sell books you have to let people know the book is there to buy.
Authonomy, although no sales are taking place, works on the same principle. Authors are saying please read my book and add it to your virtual bookshelf if you like it. If we don't tell anyone the books are there, how will people know to read and vote?
You could be right about the accidental ratings.
Authonomy, although no sales are taking place, works on the same principle. Authors are saying please read my book and add it to your virtual bookshelf if you like it. If we don't tell anyone the books are there, how will people know to read and vote?
You could be right about the accidental ratings.
Permalink 2008-09-13 @ 10:27
Comment from: Sylvia [Visitor]
Hi Lorraine, I voted for your book because I liked it, not because you asked me to read it. How can a person give an opinion on something if they don't know it exists? Ignore the snipers. Some forums bring out the best - and sadly the worst in people who lose sight of what the subject is about and just get personal.
BTW I have a horrible feeling that I may be one of those giving one star to blogs. I thought the stars just showed how many people had read the blog. Doh!
Could someone enlighten a blogging virgin please?
BTW I have a horrible feeling that I may be one of those giving one star to blogs. I thought the stars just showed how many people had read the blog. Doh!
Could someone enlighten a blogging virgin please?
Permalink 2008-09-13 @ 11:25
Comment from: lorraine [Member] · http://www.lorrainemace.com/
· http://www.lorrainemace.com/
Hi Slyvia, thanks for the vote and the encouragement. Do you have a book on Authonomy?
At least now we can tell which blogs you've been reading! lol
At least now we can tell which blogs you've been reading! lol
Permalink 2008-09-13 @ 11:31
Comment from: davidr [Member] · http://www.freewebs.com/dwrob/
· http://www.freewebs.com/dwrob/
I'm the one giving the one-star votes, but it's not personal. I'm just in a bad mood.
Problems such as those you're experiencing on authonomy have blighted sites like YWO for me, Lo, which is why I don't bother with them so much these days and why I found the Shed such a refreshing change. For now I'm sticking to the old fashioned method of touting the publishers with my work.
Mind you, not having a decent internet connection helped with that decision.
For those who haven't worked it out, I'm not giving one-star ratings, I was joking, but you may as well blame me. I get blamed for everything else.
Fingers crossed, Lo, Vlad will find a home somewhere.
Problems such as those you're experiencing on authonomy have blighted sites like YWO for me, Lo, which is why I don't bother with them so much these days and why I found the Shed such a refreshing change. For now I'm sticking to the old fashioned method of touting the publishers with my work.
Mind you, not having a decent internet connection helped with that decision.
For those who haven't worked it out, I'm not giving one-star ratings, I was joking, but you may as well blame me. I get blamed for everything else.
Fingers crossed, Lo, Vlad will find a home somewhere.
Permalink 2008-09-13 @ 13:49
Comment from: sarah_james [Member] · http://www.milltech-systems.co.uk
· http://www.milltech-systems.co.uk
Hi Lo,
Love it!
I am half-way through second chapter already and only registered quarter of an hour ago (apparently I'm not allowed to continue reading now as we have to go and buy a car before mine dies on us!)! I think my son will love it too.
I don't make empty promises, or praise where I don't think it's due (I know you probably know that already, Lo) and I would definitely by this for my boys.
Love it!
I am half-way through second chapter already and only registered quarter of an hour ago (apparently I'm not allowed to continue reading now as we have to go and buy a car before mine dies on us!)! I think my son will love it too.
I don't make empty promises, or praise where I don't think it's due (I know you probably know that already, Lo) and I would definitely by this for my boys.
Permalink 2008-09-14 @ 12:04
Comment from: lorraine [Member] · http://www.lorrainemace.com/
· http://www.lorrainemace.com/
Sarah, thank you so much. I know you as an honest person. I don't think you would pan the book if you didn't like, but I also know you wouldn't say you liked it if you didn't. You have made my day. Thank you.
Lo
Lo
Permalink 2008-09-14 @ 12:30
Comment from: jak [Member] · jakill-jeansmusings.blogspot.com
· jakill-jeansmusings.blogspot.com
I don't knowingly give stars; I didn't know I should and I don't know how to. Is there a post somewhere about star giving?
Best of luck with Vlad, Lo. It's on my bookshelf. Can you vote more than once? If so, how? Is it the Back the book icon? I am fighting a virulent bug at the moment and feeling particularly stupid.
Best of luck with Vlad, Lo. It's on my bookshelf. Can you vote more than once? If so, how? Is it the Back the book icon? I am fighting a virulent bug at the moment and feeling particularly stupid.
Permalink 2008-09-14 @ 13:30
Comment from: lorraine [Member] · http://www.lorrainemace.com/
· http://www.lorrainemace.com/
Hi Jean, sorry to hear you're poorly.
If you have Vlad the Inhaler on your shelf then you have backed the book and I'm very grateful. You can only vote once, so putting it on your shelf again has no effect, but thank you for wanting to.
You take care of yourself and get well soon.
Lo
If you have Vlad the Inhaler on your shelf then you have backed the book and I'm very grateful. You can only vote once, so putting it on your shelf again has no effect, but thank you for wanting to.
You take care of yourself and get well soon.
Lo
Permalink 2008-09-14 @ 13:44
Comment from: mater [Member] · http://www.freewebs.com/theapprenticewriter/
· http://www.freewebs.com/theapprenticewriter/
Hi Lo!
Vlad is just waiting to get out there on the proper shelves. He just can't go unnoticed. I love his character and can't wait for it to be published so I can buy it for my grandson. It's on my bookshelf on Authonomy, as is David's book.
I have posted up my 'Diary of a Would-Be-Protagonist', after a bit of editing. He has won a reprieve, but it might be temporary. Who knows? Nothing ventured, and all that.
Good luck, Lo - and take no notice of the sour grapes. That kind spoils an otherwise good venture - if we let them.
Vlad is just waiting to get out there on the proper shelves. He just can't go unnoticed. I love his character and can't wait for it to be published so I can buy it for my grandson. It's on my bookshelf on Authonomy, as is David's book.
I have posted up my 'Diary of a Would-Be-Protagonist', after a bit of editing. He has won a reprieve, but it might be temporary. Who knows? Nothing ventured, and all that.
Good luck, Lo - and take no notice of the sour grapes. That kind spoils an otherwise good venture - if we let them.
Permalink 2008-09-15 @ 21:23
Comment from: caz [Member]
I registered with Authonomy (under a pseudonym) and placed your book on my shelf after having read one of the chapters. I hope it makes the grade as I think children will love it.
Permalink 2008-09-15 @ 23:29
Comment from: lorraine [Member] · http://www.lorrainemace.com/
· http://www.lorrainemace.com/
Hi Marit, thanks for backing Vlad and I'm so pleased you enjoyed the read. I've put your Diary on my watchlist to read later today.
Hi Caz, a big thanks to you also. If you have a book on there you'd like me to read please let me know.
Lo
Hi Caz, a big thanks to you also. If you have a book on there you'd like me to read please let me know.
Lo
Permalink 2008-09-16 @ 07:55