I'm a member of a closed group for writers on Facebook. A few days ago, another member boasted that - after no sales on Amazon - he changed the title, author's name, and cover image of his e-book and it started selling.
I've just posted the following comment (I can't separate paragraphs in Facebook comments):
"So, you feel that it's perfectly alright to use a "sexy" image of a headless woman (like a piece of meat) to sell your book. +++ 380 members of Russia's parliament feel that it's perfectly alright for men to beat their wives. They've just decriminalised wife-beating (the vote was 380-3!!!) +++ Thousands of Spanish men feel that it's perfectly alright to kill women with whom they have personal problems. (There's a Spanish saying: "I killed her because she was mine.") So far this year (as of 20th Feb.), 11 of them have carried through. +++ Donald Trump feels that it's perfectly alright - FOR HIM - to make a grab at any woman's genitals. *** Just 4 points on the nasty, sleazy spectrum of misogyny. At least now I'll know to avoid any books by Scott Butcher / Tabitha Scott. But don't worry! You'll get the readers that you deserve."
What do the rest of you think? Is everything permissible to get people to buy your book?
The baby ate all my question marks. Spelling is in the eye of the beholder. I'm using alternative grammar.
:)
STOP PRESS!!!
In the OP, I wrote: 'Thousands of Spanish men feel that it's perfectly alright to kill women with whom they have personal problems. (There's a Spanish saying: "I killed her because she was mine.") So far this year (as of 20th Feb.), 11 of them have carried through.'
I have just (2 minutes ago) received a WhatsApp. In the last few hours, Spain's macho-generated death toll has jumped to 16 for this year.
The WhatsApp points out that the greatest terrorist threat in the world (both in terms of lives lost and the terror being suffered by POSSIBLE victims) is that of male violence against females.
But, hey, it's all a question of perspective.
Mr. Hopkins: you are a respected, senior member of this writing community. You are also #2 in the list of "most active users". Your words carry perhaps more weight than those of most of us. Your standing in this community requires some responsibility.
I agree with Victoria (and yourself) that we might have been a little harsh with you. But you, Sir, have accused intelligent writers with deeply felt principles re: how Art influences social attitudes and ACTIONS towards women... of killing rational discussion. That's a pretty serious charge.
As Wilhelmina has pointed out, accusations of exactly the type that you made have been used by spin doctors to silence opposition to atrocities.
If you honestly believe that how women are treated by misogynistic social values is not an atrocity, I weep for you. And agree that rational discussion is, indeed, impossible here.
According to my calculations, Victoria - a mother of 2 small children - was up at 06:45 typing that last comment. Passion and sleep-deprivation have bred typos and unfortunate grammar. But that's understandable. Hugs to G&G, Vic!