[Dr. Drib]

I apologize for the lengthy green on this, but I felt it important to respond as a moderator:


The Writers' forum - this forum - will be the place for a continued discussion of craft, criticism, etc. for the ebook. (If there is something I am missing or not understanding, please respond, so that I can clear up any questions that may still be lingering.)

Yes, there's a fine line between self-promotion and a discussion of craft; a level of maturity needs to be maintained in order for this difference not to be crossed.

Let me attempt to enumerate three points:

1) For example, there is a link to a poster's blog right here in this forum [not this thread]; yet, I've left it alone because of a determination made that it was not an attempt to self-promote at all, but rather an attempt to garner a discussion concerning an informative issue. He precedes this with an informational post before linking to his blog. I sense that he truly wants a discussion on this. -- Sometimes, though, this fine line is crossed and the link is deleted and a PM sent.

2) For every 50 or so authors, there's always the one "forgetful" author who just simply cannot "remember" (yeah!) to follow our posting guidelines. And for every 100 or so authors, there is always ONE author who categorically refuses to follow our guidelines for self-promotion. This one disgruntled author out of a 100 or so is always wished a bit of luck as we move him out the door and away from our community. (I must emphasize that this is a rare occurrence.)

3) Sometimes, it's a matter of judgment based upon my years of service here. And when I make a mistake - if that is pointed out to me (and, upon further reflection, I agree that my judgment was poor) - then I'll make every effort to correct it and to apologize.

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Once the book is actually available, then the Editor will be allowed to create a thread in the Self-Promotions forum (just like any other authored/edited book), and the self-promotion guidelines naturally go into effect.



Don
(Moderator)