"Classic Ginger" Is Social Media too Social? #gingersimpson #socialmedia

 Social media has been the main manner most author's use to promote their work. Besides, promoting our work, do we share too much about ourselves, our lives, and our feelings? I'd have to say after losing Facebook friends, the answer is yes.  Obviously there are people who don't share or see the same humor in Memes, make assumptions that aren't true and see meanings you never intended.

Using places like FB has led to criminal cases of bullying, stalking, robbery, rape, and even murder. Maybe each of us needs to stop and examine the types of posts we make and who we are friend's with. Last night I saw a post from someone frantic to find a co-author.  He ended his plea with a suicide threat.  Did he mean it?  I really don't know him so I unfollowed him.  Could I have done more?  I really don't need more stress in my life, so I did what benefited me.  Hopefully, he wasn't serious.

I've stopped accepting friend requests from men with no obvious connection to FB because I'm sick of them using FB as a dating site.  My profile clearly says I'm married, so why they assume I'm looking for someone remains a mystery.  It's easy to tell, just my looking at their profile.  I urge you to take the time to check out those seeking you friendship.

How social should we be? Or should be just put our feet up and relax?  As an author, my contracts state that I will promote my work, but I just gathered my tax information together and discovered I spent more on promotion than I earned.  That's disheartening.  I know I can write because I've received award nominations and positive nods from other...authors and readers.

Every day, I share my own blog posts, those of my fellow bloggers and also those on my publisher's blog.  I use Google, Pinterest, FB, and my two blogs feed to Triberr where the posts get shared by my tribe mates.  I tweet the BWL posts manualy.  What I see at the end of each day is that no one else, save the same handful of faithful authors, are sharing anyone's post.  Some I never see on FB, nor do they accept my invitation to blog.  Their response is always, "I'm too busy _____,"  fill in the blank.  I fume everytime I share my 100 posts per day on Triberr wen I see my posts aren't being shared, and because I'm not on Word Press, there is no program to allow pictures to come through.  I'm a visual person, but not energetic enough to move my blog to a whole new site and expect everyone will follow me.  I've had a hard enough time earning the followers I have, and I truly appreciate each of you.

So, now I wonder, why I'm going through all the paces, but others aren't.  Are they earning money? Do they care?  I know life often gets in the way of our best intentions, but to totally ignore what I consider authorly obligations, doesn't sit well with me. Maybe it's time for me to close down my computer and focus my life on something more fulfilling.

I've recently changed my view of FB.  It's a giant time-suck where I've spent way too much time trying to insert my point-of-view on politics or sharing photos others find offensive. The result:  arguments I never intended to engage in or discussions I never meant to join.  I've totally lost sight of what I signed on to do  Aren't I supposed to be talking books?  But then, the question arises...how much can other people take.  Groups of authors, threads of promotion for new and old releases, cover reveals, EVERYTHING author.  Even I get tired of the constant barrage.  Seems everyone has written a book these days.  Try getting a review on a site and you'll see what I mean.  Unless you know someone, or submit to sites that charge a fee, you'll never get a response.

 From now on, I won't be posting political opinions on FB, and I'm going to try hard to avoid any topics that may be offensive.  I lost a FB friend I valued this past month, and let's face it...trying to change someone's political viewpoint is like spitting in the wind.  I'm thinking 2016 will be the year I retire from writing, but withdrawing from the arena will be tough.  Being a creator of stories is in my blood  I start writing, and it was never for money.  Maybe I can return to the outlook and just be happy with my accomplishments as I once was.  Hey...there's always self-publishing.  I may try that.

Check out my books on Amazon.

Think Before You Post by Jamie Hill

I'm a Wizard of Oz collector, so naturally when I saw a photo of Dorothy and the Scarecrow on Facebook yesterday I had to stop and take a look. Turns out it was a meme that someone created, and someone else shared, basically saying Democrats don't have brains. 

I didn't know what to think about it and at first I didn't comment because I like the person who shared the post. Then I made a simple comment about how I think it's going to be a long election season. Nothing more. 

Later I realized that my FB friends were now liking the meme because I had commented on it. I immediately deleted my comment because I don't want my friends thinking I agree with the sentiment. I don't. 

I have never been a political person. Most people don't know I'm a registered Democrat, nor do they know--or will they ever know--who I may have voted for in the past, or who I will vote for in the future. Voting is a right, a privilege, and I agree it's the duty of people who vote to be as informed as possible before casting a ballot. I don't vote strictly along party lines because that would be crazy. Not all Democrats are good, not all Republicans are bad. But a meme like the one I saw posted yesterday would make someone think that all Democrats are brainless, and I beg to differ. I've been a Democrat for thirty-five years at my best guess, and it feels like I still possess my brain.

I understand that some people are passionate about subjects like politics. I'm just trying to figure out how a meme like the one I saw helps anyone or anything. I have the "Think" poster above in both my home and work place offices because it's pretty keen advice. Regarding the meme- Is it true? (No) Is it helpful? (No) Is it inspiring? (No) Is it necessary? (No) Is it kind? (Hell No)

Granted, most of what's posted on Facebook isn't necessary, but it has other purposes. If it can make someone smile, then it has a purpose. Perhaps that meme made some people smile. It made me sad. I try not to post things that I know will make other people sad. I have some FB friends that have posted, "If you're going to show me photos of abused people and/or animals, understand that you will be unfriended. I don't need or want to see that crap in my news feed." I've always just scrolled past it myself, even though I don't want to see it either. 

This election season promises to be a trying one. Americans are going to have to listen, study the facts, vote their heart and then pray that the right person will be elected. I understand that I can expect plenty more political posts on FB. I just hope they serve a purpose other than trying to knock any particular group of people down. That really does make me sad. 

 

Social Time Suck!!! #facebook #social media

This past week, my youngest son deactivated his Facebook page.  Seeing his intention posted on a group he moderated brought mixed emotions.  How would I be part of his life now?  I used FB to follow his actions, laugh at his posts, and agree with a lot of his political rants.  Now, I wouldn't have that opportunity.  Some jerk had the nerve to post in Brett's comments, that maybe he didn't want Mom hanging around.  Really?  It's not like I was a piece of gum on his shoe.

After a chat with my sister, Glynda, and listening to her point out my options, I decided I could do the same.  I use my pages to promote myself but I'm always worried that no one sees them.  Sure, people "like" my posts, but I don't see any significant inrease in my book sales, so am I truly spending my time wisely? Is making money more important than connections with friends?

When I think of the number of authors who do the same thing I do...every day, regularly:  Log on, share posts on Google, Pinterest, FB and Twitter.  Sharing on Twitter takes much more time for me because I belong to Triberr, which requires that I login and approve up to 75 tweets to share for others in a reciprocial agreement...you know, you share mine and I'll share yours?

I also decided that while I love my FB friends, following family is often painful and depressing.  While part of me is happy to learn of their plans, I wonder why I wasn't invited, or, even more, when I comment on a post they've made, I'm often shocked at the tone and intent they read into my words that were never meant to be there.  So...what are my options?

I can deactivate my FB page, get rid of my author's page, and create ONE new page under a different name and recruit only friends that appreciate me.  OR....I can leave things as they are and suck it up.

Friends I connect with on FB - A mini-reunion.

After giving my dilemma much thought, I've decided that few people would know me under another name, and why should I put them through one more step to be my friend? Because of slanderous comments on my older son's FB page and his lack of coming to my defense, I no longer follow his posts.  I love him to the moon and back, but I guess I'm not nearly as thick-skinned as I'd like to think, so  if I don't say anything, I can't open myself up to hurt. I've decided my best option is to  stop commenting on other people's posts, unless of course I have something worthwhile to add, and spend my time doing other things.  I have a layer of dust that could stand my attention.  *lol*

Being an author is much harder than it used to be.  Now, those who reviewed my work back in the day have decided to write their own books, and the competition is overwhelming.  Plus, promoting and marketing itsn't cheap, and when your royalty check barely covers a happy meal, the investment comes right out of your own pocket.  Writing isn't for sissies...or poor people.  *smile*

 The landscape of the industry has changed...especially with Amazon spearheading the sales market and so many people assuming self-publishing is the route to take.  It may well be for the seasoned authors, but those who haven't learned the fundamentals through the editing process are creating a bad image for the rest of us.  Then, add it the "trolls" who prowl Amazon, Goodreads and other public review sites, for books they can dissect or destroy, and you wonder why you still want to be involved.  I can answer that...even after listing all the problems.  I love to write.  Even more...I'm addicted to FB.

Put Your Best Tootsie Forward by Ginger Simpson

Writing is like every other job you hold in life.  You should always put your best foot forward (cliche).  I've learned that by judging people's posts on FB...those who misspell words, use the wrong phasing...even create those cute MEMEs with blatant errors... until I realized I'd become one of them and thought blaming my cell phone for my mistakes would suffice.

If I use my computer, I'm given an option to edit and correct mistakes I knowingly make...or if I use my phone.. I need to.take the time to proof read before I hit "post."  I'm not the only one, that's for sure, but I'm taking steps to change.

I posted on my FB page today about going to a hairdresser who looks like she just got out of bed.  Picture someone whose hair is a mess, clothes wrinkled, and make-up smeared or missing.  Would your first impression tell you this person cared if you came out looking like you hoped?  Probably not.  Most instances I've gone to someone who doesn't take time to do their own hair, I end up wishing I'd listened to my instincts and ran away.  The same rule of thumb applies to authors who show an amatuer side of their writing on social media.

If you post something that contains lots of errors or you've used "your" instead of "you're, "whose" instead of "who's," or it's instead of "its," then people aren't likely to want to waste money on buying a book they have concluded is fraught with mistakes.  Read your work with an editorial eye and make sure you can be proud of what others will read.

HOW USEFUL IS FACEBOOK AND OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA?

Copied with Google Images

In your opinion, do you feel that Facebook provides an advantage to your ability to share your books or is it just a giant "timesuck?"

I go there to promote myself, but tend to get caught up in commenting on other's posts, playing games, and trying to avoid arguments.

When I first became an author, publishers pushed you to have your own website, myspace page, and even a monthly newsletter so you could better connect with readers.  Now there are so many authors using social media, I'm wondering if I'm just lost in an ocean of blurbs and covers.  Is there a more efficient way to get your work in front of an audience?

 Over the years, my newsletter turned to a blog...this one, which I appreciate much more because I can share issues on a daily basis if I wish, and if someone leaves a comment, I can respond...which puts me more in touch with visitors.

When Rita Karnopp joined me as a partner, the variation of posts helped grow our popularity.  I stuck more with relying on guests to help keep my weekly features going, and Rita, tended to publish helpful tips and hints about writing.  Sadly, Rita is retiring from blogging, but I'm lucky to have snagged Jamie Hill.  I wonder what type of posts she has in mind for us.

Anyhow...I've made it my mission each day to share our posts on FB, Twitter, Pinterest and Google.  Whether or not it helps with sales, I'm not sure, but I do know one thing...if you don't keep your name out there, you'll be lost in the sea of every growing authors.

 Twenty years ago, when I started writing, people who read and reviewed my books were only readers, and now years later, they have become authors as well.  Finding a place that will review your work requires twice the effort it once took.  I'm not sure what to make of that.  I recently read an exchange on Facebook between two reviewers, and they talked about how boring blurbs have become.  Sometimes authors don't have much recourse, but my publisher has always told me that you should strive to snag the interest of the reader.  I thought I was doing that, but my books don't seem to get reviewed on the major sites I used to count on.  I don't think I'm boring.  *lol*

Back to Facebook.  I've given up Myspace, Linked In and yahoo groups and moved with the times.  Linked In doesn't seem like a good fit, and I don't understand how people who don't even know you can "endorse" you for talents in certain areas.  I'm about to surrender my website because of the costs involved because I feel I can get the same coverage on my blog and share the same information.  I'm sad to let http://www.gingersimpson.com go, but only because there is a bit of myself in the design since I did the website myself.

Is it just me, or did everyone give up reading yahoo groups?  Some authors have even gone "digest" on their author's loops.  That, to me is a sad testimony of fear to participate in a group.  I can say that because it's happened to me.  I have too little time left on this earth to worry about being singled out for daring to ask a question. I swore I would never go digest on such an important loop, but... Okay...rant over.

Twitter seems to be helpful only to those popular folks who are trending.  I belong to Triberr, but I'm not sure all the effort I put into sharing everyone else's post is helping me.  I'm so confused!

I guess what I'm wondering...are we authors really spinning our wheels?  Every day, FB is saturated with shares from authors about books coming, new, and old.  Is there a secret to making people want to read your books to find out what type of author you are?  Does posting every day to FB make people excited to read your work or bore them to tears?  Do people even read our tweets?

I rearely get comments, but I'm hoping for some today.  Please share your thoughts.  I've always followed the rule that if you don't keep your name in the public eye, you'll disappear.  What do you think?

John Wayne - The Duke of Westerns by Ginger Simpson

As with all social medias that become important as an avenue of book promotion and reaching out to people, I've too, turned to Pinterest.  I know most folks are looking for boards that are unusual and entertaining, and I'm not smug enough to think people are going to come to my site just to read about me and my books.  Although I was at first reluctant to try involve myself in another site because my addiction to Facebook had already eaten up enough time to finish three novels, once I tried and discovered how easy it was to create a board and find fodder for Pinterest, I've crept over from time-to time and made quite a spectacle of myself.
 I offer the following to my visitors:

• Videos Worth Watching
• Love Those Westerns
• Favorite Authors
• Pictures That Have Special Meaning to Me
• Political Stuff (can't help myself)
• Helpful Tips and Ideas
• Inspiration for Women (sexy men)
• Places, Special Events and Sales (usually about contests, or thing that might be of interest to readers)
• Funny Stuff
• Countdown to Love (A special Karen Cote did for me that features lots of romantic stuff and all the graphics she did for me.)
• First Kiss (An event I participated in on another blog where I feature everyone who shared their character's first kiss.)
• Western Historical Romance
• Shared Pins from Blogspot (places I visit on Blogger and share links here)
• Places You Can Find Me (my website, blogs, special appearances, etc.)
• Amazing Graphics (All the graphics Karen Cote has created to help promote my books...and those of Roseanne Dowell.)
• Why I Won't Have Plastic Surgery
• Who's Aging Gracefully
• American Indian Love
• Things I'll Never Wear (I'm having fun with this one.)
• Can You Say "Eyebrows?"
• People I Wish Were Still Here
• Flashy Nails
• Songs That Move Me
• The Many Faces of John Wayne

Surprise of all surprises.  My inbox has been inundated with notices of "men" signing up to follow my John Wayne board.  I think I've finally struck their interest.  But then who didn't love "The Duke?"

In just a few hours after creating the board, I had amassed 323 followers for that particular one.  I have 329 pins of John Wayne there, but I plan to continue to add more as I find them.

I grew up on westerns around my house, and John Wayne was a frequent visitor to our television set.  I believe I've watched all of his movies countless times, and it really didn't matter if he wore a cowboy hat or an army uniform, he had swagger and sex appeal that made him unforgettable. Although some might argue he wasn't the best actor around, he certainly struck the heart of those who loved him...and obviously still do.  I may have to venture away from historical western romance and just write something down, dirty, and gritty like our hero.

You can find my Pinterest boards at http://www.pinterest.com/mizging

MAXIMIZE SOCIAL MEDIA By Rita Karnopp

Social media is today’s buzz word.  If you’re an author – believe me – you want people to follow you on social media.  Learn how to make it work for you.  

I’ve heard the expression of ‘get in the habit of leaking exclusive offers and get social media to work for you.’  It’s a way to offer inside information about you or your books that can’t be found anywhere else.  You do this by tapping into people’s natural curiosity and lure and sway them to linger and even stay connected.

As an author, you can ‘leak’ information on:

·         A one-time discount item.

·         Special prices for a limited time.

·         ‘Leak’ a couple of paragraphs from the book you’re writing.

·         Share ‘unpublished’ chapters or unique background information not shared before.

·         Create drawings for spin-off products.

·         How about exclusive items only available for fans.

·         Share upcoming events and ticket info before anyone else.

·         Create a ‘special’ contest for fans only.

·         Hold a fan-naming a character contest. 

·         Hold a ‘ book title’ contest … winner gets a free prize.

·         Give “behind-the-scenes” access to never shared before pictures.

And of course the list can go on.  Use your imagination – but remember to make it exciting, fun, and entertaining.  You draw them in and make them an active player – and it’s a win-win.

People will join your online community when:

·         They know it’s the only way to get exclusive information.

·         It is a great way to win free prizes.

·         They might make a difference in naming a character or book.

·         They will have inside information on a book they love.

·         It’s fun and entertaining to participate, etc.

In order to maximize and expand this process, though, you must be consistent. If you only ’leak’ special information once a month or once a quarter, people will lose interest. Get in the habit of ‘leaking’ information at least every two to three weeks. Ask yourself, “What would make me interested in following me?”

MARKETING FOR SUCCESS By Rita Karnopp

We all want success – don’t we?  I’ve heard people comment, “My writing is just a hobby.  I’m not in it for the money.”  Really? Hmmm, really?

Oh, I agree that seeing my name on the cover of my book was a feeling I’ll never forget – and one no amount of money could buy.  But let’s face it - I still want to be financially successful.  Anyone who says they don’t care if they make money or not, they just like to write – is either financially set or they are afraid they can’t make money from their writing.  In today’s climate we must market for financial success.

Successful marketing is about making people curious and enticing them to order your book.  There are thousands … even millions…of books out there – so why should they buy ‘your book?’  If you can answer this question, you are on your way to creating a successful market plan for your books.

I read from a management consultant that when you are 80% ready to market, you should move forward. Why?  Most people stifle their marketing progress by second guessing themselves. They want the plan to be perfect – to create a platform that will blast into social media and take it by storm.  Hmmm . . . when exactly will your marketing plan be ready?  If you’re obsessed with self-editing, self-promoting, self-creative license, you might be paralyzed in the planning stages. Nothing will get accomplished – because nothing is happening.

Don’t be afraid to ‘let her rip.’ Dip your toes into the social media pool, and allow yourself the thrill of introducing yourself to the world.

The pursuit of success is admirable.  Challenge yourself to meet your goals.  Keep an eye on your marketing efforts and change them as you go.  But the key here is to get going!