wine on the keyboard

Author Turn Off

by Kay~Kacey on 4/22/2005

So, have you ever been turned off an author either by meeting her in person and not liking her, or by her online presence grating on your nerves? I’ve read a few comments around the blogs saying people still read the books by people they don’t particularly like in person or online. This boggles me. There are so many great authors out there and so many authors I’ve met who are wonderful. Why would you buy books from someone who you don’t like??

One big time RWA author offended me so much from something she did at a conference that I’ve never spent a penny on her again. She was so conceited. I’m surprised anyone could fit in the same room with her ego.

And I have specifically gone out and bought an author’s books when I’ve met her in person and liked her. Or read her online and liked her wit or kindness to unpublished writers or her ability to explain things.

How about it? Have you been convinced to never open your wallet for an author after meeting them online or in person? Or have you gone out and bought an author’s book after meeting them or reading their online posts on forums, lists, or blogs?

No, you don’t have to name names :secret: notice I didn’t :mrgreen:

Suzanne April 22, 2005 at 8:39 am

I have to admit that my buying habits are impacted after I meet an author in person some of the time….

Katie April 22, 2005 at 9:18 am

I always assume all authors are great, wonderful, people. Why wouldn’t they be?? They have the Best Job in the World after all. :angel: So, I’ve been disapointed a few times….
But to me, it’s kinda like movie stars. I know people who won’t watch people whose politics they disagree with. Me, I could care less what they think – why would I care — just because they have a high profile job?? :wtf:
Having said that, yeah, if I know someone with The Best Job in the World :typing: didn’t appreciate it, I’d think twice about endorsing them.
I love your smilies…..

LauraP April 22, 2005 at 2:29 pm

It’s rare that I can’t set that aside and enjoy the book on its merits. I’ll admit to a couple of exceptions – but I’m not naming names!

LauraP

Vicki April 22, 2005 at 4:02 pm

It’s not an issue that’s ever come up for me, as far as I can recall. Though since Katie brought actors, I have been seriously turned off some of those after meeting or being around them. Nothing to do with their politics, just their general behavior.

Amy K April 22, 2005 at 8:50 pm

Oh, I’m totally with you on this. Yes, there are authors who I will NEVER buy based on their online personality. And I have bought others just from “knowing” them online and liking them.

Jill April 23, 2005 at 12:04 am

I’m still such a reader that I love going to signings to see “real” authors, LOL …

Larissa April 23, 2005 at 1:06 pm

What Amy said! Exactly. :beer:

Rene April 23, 2005 at 8:23 pm

I’ve had the exact opposite problem. I’ve met an author and really liked them personally and bought their book only to find I didn’t care for it. I’ve also done the “pity purchase” at book signings. Yes, I can be guilted into buying a book. If I see a lone author and no one is approaching them to sign their book, I will buy the book and have it signed.

Oh man, thinking about it, my TBR is full of books I don’t really want to read but like the person who wrote it. I am such a patsy!

Cece April 26, 2005 at 6:17 pm

Yes absolutely there are writers who will never get a % of my hard earned money, but on the flip side, from reading writer’s blogs I’ve picked up books I might not have otherwise. :angel:

Sharon April 29, 2005 at 10:32 am

Uh yeah what Amy said. Why reward stupidity?

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