On a journalists' blog recently, a question arose about a Canadian newspaper - which shall remain nameless - that was giving out a free book for the prize-winning travel article. And that's it. A free book.My own comments were:
1. re giving books instead of money: Any retail business that has very little money will try to give inventory instead of money - if they already own the inventory and cannot return it to anyone for money. Chances are, a public relations firm sent the book to the paper.
So there it is on a shelf. But that book could be spun into a free article. Hmmm, making it into a contest means there could be several free articles ... not bad for one little book.
2. No one should pay any attention to claims that a writer should be pleased just to be published because it helps one's reputation.
My local handyman doesn't think like that, you better believe. He has a good reputation and has served me well. But he lives on money, not reputation. So do we all.
It is true that I manage a "free book" contest for blog commenters, but the situation is quite different. Commenters do not make a living from commenting. It is equivalent to offering a free book for "Best Letter to the Editor of the Month."
Yes, newspapers are in bad shape, but this is getting a tad ridiculous.
Denyse O'Leary is co-author of The Spiritual Brain.
2 comments:
As perky, practical, and poignant as ever, Denyse! You've certainly brought us an exposing insight into this scheme. Thank you.
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