[Terrence OBrien]

"What am I missing?"

It has run its course for some. When they drop out, others will step up to take their place. That's the way of the market. The folks who stay are the ones who can make it wok.

 

[Terrence OBrien]

"Your spam tactics actually hurt writers in the long run."

We won't know that until the end of the long run.

 

[Terrence OBrien]

"Why is there such strong anti-marketing sentiment from some? "

Some folks equate what is good for themselves with what is good for the whole market. This applies to strong sentiment on both sides of the question.

 

[Terrence OBrien]

"And before someone starts in with the old trite chestnuts about NY publishers not marketing their authors and about giving up rights and all the other tired, half-true talking points, consider where you are. Let's face it, you can't drop any farther down on the totem pole. Maybe it's time to set the bar a little higher."

Our position on the totem pole is measured each month when Amazon, B&N, and Apple send the wire transfers. We know exactly where we are, and we know exactly how far we can drop. Many authors do consider where they are and applaud every month. They can drop a great distance because they have passed very high bars and are aiming higher.