[DiapDealer]

Other than my past favorite authors, I rarely know who published (or HOW they published) the books I decide to read. I don't wade in any pools. I hear what people are talking about, I see what people whose opinions I trust are reading on Goodreads. Then if something piques my interest, I check out the premise and make a decision. "Dreck" almost never makes it onto my radar.

I don't need traditional gatekeepers. Reviews, my friends, and normal conversation takes care of that role for me. I don't give the slightest hoot how a book gets to market. If it's up my alley (and it's of sufficient quality) someone will mention it.

I never waded "blind" into traditionally published books before the self-publishing boom, so I fail to see why I (or anyone) would want to do so with KDP titles. Cream rises (and gets talked about).