Quote:
Originally Posted by Lloyd Tackitt
I am easy enough to find, on the internet and in real life too. One of those risks I decided to take. Yes, it's me, my real name. My real open and frank opinions. I'm not in hiding slinging slurs from behind a mask.
Whether the critiques are valid or not - of course they are, to the reviewer. Everyone else has to make up their own minds, and will regardless of anything I say or do. I have no problem with anyone that doesn't like my writing style, I often don't like it myself so I try to improve. In fact I learn more from negative critiques than I do from positive ones. For instance, this thread is educational. Would it have been if I had rolled over and been all nice after getting the first response that had - what I took to be - an unnecessary negative personal attack on me for asking a valid question? Maybe, maybe not.
As for alienating people reducing sales, I'm not so sure that's the case. Controversy sells, it draws attention, it gets some people to reading the comments just for the enjoyment of the argument that's going back and forth. I've seen at least one instance of that on this site, and I am brand new to it. What is it they say about any publicity is good publicity?
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Controversy might draw attention if you have a reputation as a good writer. To be controversial won't lift you above the ranks of the trolls and freaks who haunt most forums if you don't.
I had a glance at your book - an interesting plot. I am a survivalist, not a theorist, I have lived on a ketch for nearly twelve years - well away from civilisation for much of it. Every year or three I will take six to twelve weeks and go into the real bush in the Northern Territory or Far North Queensland (tropical rain forest - big snakes and very large salt water crocodiles) taking nothing but an old Swiss Mauser 98 and what I can carry in a backpack. Sometimes I will take a Kevlar Kayak and stick to rivers. I haven't been since I got my Kindles, but they will definitely be going on the next trip.
One error you already have is that no computer will function after a major EMP event. A car computer uses "limp" mode to protect the engine, and requires a fully functioning computer, it doesn't just drop into it if its computer is partially damaged. The only vehicles that would have a chance of working would be old style, very simple vehicles, those that are carburetor fed with basic Kettering ignition systems. Say an old Jeep or seventies or earlier pickup truck. No electronics at all, not even a CDI ignition. Be wise to carry a spare coil and capacitor in a mu-metal case. (You can find Mu-Metal cases protecting the Hi Voltage supplies in old valve colour TV sets.)
I will read through the rest a bit later and let you know what I think of it.