I started a new discussion on the Amazon boards for the first time in my life. I've never even participated in a discussion on any board, anywhere, before. Don't know what got into me.
But you know what? It's pretty darn fun. People thought I was a troll, people thought I was an idiot for my opinion, and then other people defended me. I got to say some sarcastic things, I expressed an unpopular opinion, but some people responded well to my posts and I also learned a few things about myself.
Example: If I hear an actor/actress or musician say something stupid or political that I don't agree with, I avoid their movies or music. The personality and opinions of that person taint my view of their work. But I don't have that issue with authors. An author can spew about other authors, they can compare themselves to Hemingway and Steinbeck, and I can still love their books. I don't know why that is - perhaps it's because I am a writer. I don't have an answer, but at least now I recognize the double standard. Because of this realization, I am going to pay more attention to how authors conduct themselves and try not to support those who act unprofessionally. Thank you, Amazon Discussion Boards.
I didn't realize it at the time I started my discussion, but my real name, Andrea Ring, was posted (guess I don't use an alias on Amazon). Kind of cool, because I wasn't trying to hide. A lot of people do that online, and the anonymity of communicating behind a computer screen allows people to say anything and everything without fear of reprisal. It's not in me to insult people anyway, but it felt good for my opinions to be out there and totally linked to me. I was straight-up, honest, and - I hope - polite. Looking forward to joining another discussion in the future.
BTW, my post on Amazon was about Laurell K Hamilton and the vitriol directed at her and her books. Touchy subject, apparently. Who knew?
