There are 62 blog post types and approximately 65 blogs in my book, 62 Posts to Overcome Blogger’s Block. Here are pieces from a message from one of the site owners along with my thoughts. I will admit to being somewhat agitated by this message. But it is my book, so I see things differently. After reading this message, let me know 2 things: 1) if you agree or disagree with my thoughts and 2) should I include this person in my book?
To Include or Not to Include?
Statement #1
“What would be nice is a preview of the entire ebook, so I can see how my blog fits into the overall flow of the text. You already sent me a one page preview, which was ok but didn’t say a lot…. I’m still keen to see how this page fits into the ebook, as from the PDF you’ve supplied I’m not sure what the purpose of the ebook actually is.”
My Thoughts: First of all, the title of the book, 62 Posts to Overcome Blogger’s Block, is pretty self-explanatory. Secondly, I sent all 65 site owners a PDF of the blog post category under which their sites would be presented along with a screen print of the post which will be used in my book. For example, Basic Blog Tips was used as an example for an informational post. So, Ms. Ileane received the page below:
Is my title not clear about how his page fits into the flow of the book?
Statement #2
“Contributors may not expect payment, but one free ebook seems fair for anyone who is included. I will of course avoid sharing the free copy with anyone. As an added bonus, I’m sure some contributors would be willing to read the ebook and provide feedback for no charge. I know I would.”
My Thoughts: There are 65 bloggers in my book and if I give each of them a book, I will lose approximately $6500 because my books are selling for $99. In addition, only three other bloggers requested copies of the book, while everyone else said “Thanks for including me.” This irritated me because none of the big-name bloggers in my site – Darren Rowse, John Chow, Liz Strauss and Seth Godin – requested free copies. I’m not opposed, but who are you to suggest that I giveaway free copies of my book ? And, if this person wasn’t in the book, would he purchase one and promote it on his site? Heck, he is in the book; will he help me promote it?
Statement #3
“Finally, I would really appreciate a link to my blog homepage and/or the post in question, as it is impossible for readers to get to my blog from the page you’ve supplied. In my view it isn’t really fair to use the screenshot without any links to my blog.”
My Thoughts: Allow me to be honest here. This request highly peeved me off because this is MY book; it’s not about his blog or any of the other sites in the book. I included the other 65 sites so my readers could get a well-rounded perspective of how to create blog content, not to promote the sites in the books, which is going to happen automatically because they are featured in the book. The names of the site owners and the sites are mentioned in each of the categories, so a link to the sites is promotion, which would require a fee. Again, everyone else just said, “Thank you.”
To Include or Not to Include?
So, what do you think? Do you agree or disagree with my thoughts on any of these statements? Should I include this person in my book?
Image: thethames
I’m completely agree with you Marcie. You should not giveaway the E-book for free if you’re losing a single penny.
You did a lot for those 65 blog owners by adding their name and a screenshot of their blog. If you add a link to their blog than it would be a promotion of a blog in E-book which I don’t think i s good.
I agree!
Ehsan, thanks for sharing your thoughts. I just wanted to make sure that I wasn’t being overly-sensitive.
Ms. Marcie,
Your thoughts are right on, but you have to remember many bloggers are selfish. The personality does not change because they are bloggers.
You should make relationships with like-minded bloggers and people who appreciate your kindness.
I had a guy who contacted me through email and when I responded he told me to stop spamming him.
I am sorry you met some un-appreciative people.
Mike, thanks for stopping through and sharing your opinion. Please explain your “bloggers are selfish” theory. I’ve find most of them helpful. In fact, outside of this person, I have only had positive experiences and a great level of support from the other bloggers in my book.