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About This Blog
Michael Merschel: Michael Merschel edits books coverage for The Dallas Morning News. November 2010
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Local management consultant Joel Zeff is the author of Make the Right Choice: Creating a Positive, Innovative, and Productive Work Life. (Disclosure: He's also a friend from college.) Two items in his recent newsletter caught my eye: Joel has an interesting approach for generating attention for his book: He's willing donating $20 to charity for each review posted at Amazon. Is that ethical? Joel tells me why he did it: "Getting people to post Amazon reviews is much like asking people to help you move furniture. It just doesn't happen. Everyone says they enjoyed the book. They love the book. 'Would you mind posting a review on Amazon?' I ask. Everyone says they are going to do it. And then it doesn't happen. I understand we are all very busy. And, posting a review is not on the top of most people's lists. "So, I thought I would put a little incentive out there. I am not trying to buy my reviews. And I don't want to seem like I am. I just thought a small incentive to a worthy cause might prompt some people to move the "post a review for Joel" to the top of the To Do list." Frankly, I expect that kind of thing from Amazon reviews. And I think an author can do whatever he wants to promote a book, as long as he's open about it. The problem I have is with those who would suggest that such material, as some have suggested, can replace the professional book review. Your thoughts?
The other item that caught my eye: Joel analyzes his appearance on Fox & Friends Weekend. It's a lesson for touring authors in how to be unflappable. As Joel writes:
2. Count the number of times I say, "you know." Shameful. But all I am thinking about is the puppy. And then when I hold the puppy I am thinking, "Please don't let the puppy do anything on my new suit." 3. Try to answer the question, "Why is Joel holding a puppy?" Archived Comments |
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I wouldn't pay anything, but I have offered readers a free book in exchange for posting a review on Amazon. I think that's fair, and gives me something to do with my extra copies. It can be good for sales, but is also good just to gets me feedback from regular people, as opposed to just critics.
Readers can distinguish between professional
reviews and amateur reviews. When I'm considering a book, or especially several on the same
topic, I'd rather see a reviews than none at all. As a writer, I welcome all(ahem-positive)reviews.