Is the "Novelist, short story writer" in my signature snobby?

[Gregg Bell]

It seemed somebody in another forum was giving me a hard time about it (although I couldn't figure out why). I just meant the 'Novelist, short story writer' bit in my signature to identify what type (as opposed to non-fiction) of writer I am.

[crich70]

I don't think so. As you said you're just trying to prevent confusion over what type of writing you do. One thing I learned long ago (and it's something I'm sure you already know) you can't please everyone no matter what you do. If you took it out of your signature you would probably get complaints from those who wanted to know why you didn't indicate what type of writing you do. It's a no win situation.

[barutanseijin]

If that's what you do, i don't think it's snobby. I would say that the person with status issues is your accuser.

[CWatkinsNash]

If the designation is relevant to the site in question, then no, it's not snobby at all. Here at MR, we have a mix of readers and writers discussing things about books and such things in a signature are both relevant and welcome. (However, you might want to limit your links - while I believe your sig is within the size limit, it looks a bit unwieldy. Just my opinion, of course.)

If the designation is not relevant to the site in question, it can be seen as off-topic marketing. In fact, some forums / discussion sites do not have a signature function because they specifically do not want people "tagging" their posts with such things.

My advice is to see what the tone about this sort of thing seems to be on various sites. What do the regulars do? Are such signatures commonly used that way there?

If by "another forum" you meant a different sub-forum here on MR... well, there are far worse signatures here than yours, and some people actually appreciate knowing when someone is a writer. I plan to make note of it once I get around to publishing.

[frahse]

Originally Posted by Gregg Bell

It seemed somebody in another forum was giving me a hard time about it (although I couldn't figure out why). I just meant the 'Novelist, short story writer' bit in my signature to identify what type (as opposed to non-fiction) of writer I am.

I have been sliding into scripts the last 2 years, and of course studying them. Just testing the waters mainly and helping out a friend. Anyway, from the "Bourne Legacy" (# 4 in series)

Outcome #3: Seriously, man, you think too much.

[cromag]

Now, if you said "Best-selling author of life-altering literature," that might be pushing it. But I don't think your current signature is "snobby." Keep it -- you can't please everybody.

[VydorScope]

Originally Posted by cromag

Now, if you said "Best-selling author of life-altering literature," that might be pushing it. But I don't think your current signature is "snobby." Keep it -- you can't please everybody.

What if it was true? Maybe he is...

[J. Garrett]

As long as it's what you do and it's matter-of-fact, then I don't see what the problem is. Now, don't put something like "amazing author of some of the greatest epic fantasy stories ever written!!" or something grandiose like that.

[Gregg Bell]

Originally Posted by crich70

I don't think so. As you said you're just trying to prevent confusion over what type of writing you do. One thing I learned long ago (and it's something I'm sure you already know) you can't please everyone no matter what you do. If you took it out of your signature you would probably get complaints from those who wanted to know why you didn't indicate what type of writing you do. It's a no win situation.

Makes sense.

[Gregg Bell]

Originally Posted by barutanseijin

If that's what you do, i don't think it's snobby. I would say that the person with status issues is your accuser.

thanks barutanseijin.

[Gregg Bell]

Originally Posted by CWatkinsNash

If the designation is relevant to the site in question, then no, it's not snobby at all. Here at MR, we have a mix of readers and writers discussing things about books and such things in a signature are both relevant and welcome. (However, you might want to limit your links - while I believe your sig is within the size limit, it looks a bit unwieldy. Just my opinion, of course.)

If the designation is not relevant to the site in question, it can be seen as off-topic marketing. In fact, some forums / discussion sites do not have a signature function because they specifically do not want people "tagging" their posts with such things.

My advice is to see what the tone about this sort of thing seems to be on various sites. What do the regulars do? Are such signatures commonly used that way there?

If by "another forum" you meant a different sub-forum here on MR... well, there are far worse signatures here than yours, and some people actually appreciate knowing when someone is a writer. I plan to make note of it once I get around to publishing.

Yeah, it was on another sub-forum here. (No biggie,though.) And I think you're right about the signature (it used to be even longer!). I'm going to cut it down. (And maybe I'll have room for a quote.) As for the lengthy signature, I think I was just getting involved in all those sites and figured it was the thing to do to add them to my signature. (I'm calming down!) Thanks.

[Gregg Bell]

Originally Posted by frahse

I have been sliding into scripts the last 2 years, and of course studying them. Just testing the waters mainly and helping out a friend. Anyway, from the "Bourne Legacy" (# 4 in series)

Outcome #3: Seriously, man, you think too much.

Not sure exactly what your're saying here but it made me laugh. (And I agree I think too much!) Thanks.

[Gregg Bell]

Originally Posted by cromag

Now, if you said "Best-selling author of life-altering literature," that might be pushing it. But I don't think your current signature is "snobby." Keep it -- you can't please everybody.

Thanks cromag. Appreciate the feedback.

[Gregg Bell]

Originally Posted by VydorScope

What if it was true? Maybe he is...

Thanks Vydor.

[Gregg Bell]

Originally Posted by J. Garrett

As long as it's what you do and it's matter-of-fact, then I don't see what the problem is. Now, don't put something like "amazing author of some of the greatest epic fantasy stories ever written!!" or something grandiose like that.

I agree. Thanks for getting back to me.

Gregg Bell
(Author of the some of the greatest epic fantasy stories ever written!!)