Another lesson learned. It's all about learning lately. I have been thrown into the fire (by me) and have been taking crash courses on publishing, linking, hashtagging, website designing, and the biggee, marketing. I'm a fan of learning something new every day. What I am not a fan of is mean-spirited people. Social Media is the beacon of Hell!
Facebook groups can be such a positive tool to use for gathering information, learning new tips, tricks of a trade, where to find excellent resources...the list goes on and on. All social media platforms can be an incubator for negativity, opinionated and holier than thou, all-knowing contributors seeking attention, or just bored posters looking for an unhealthy debate. I DID see that coming. Just not so soon!
I received word that my book had a rating applied to it on Amazon. Of course, I had to drop everything to check it out. The caller said, "Does it say #1 New Release"? I was so excited to see it was TRUE! I neglected to see "in Biographies of People with Disabilities" right next to the words that started my heart pounding, my jaw hurting from smiling so big, and feelings of pride and accomplishment. I jumped on Facebook and posted my "reward" on three separate writing groups. I had to share such great news! All the other writers go as far as posting their book stats including royalties earned. No kidding!
Here's what happened in one Facebook writer's group:
At this moment, 1,180 people reacted to my post - all thumbs up or hearts
I have absolutely no idea how many comments there are, but there are A LOT.
95% of the comments were congratulatory, positive words of encouragement and cudos.
4% asked what book when my profile picture is an image of the cover. Groups are very specific about what can and cannot be shared - most do not allow promotion or marketing of any kind. In order to be "safe" and not be removed permanently, I answered "my profile picture" multiple times knowing most people are too lazy to look back at other posts for answers.
1% called me a liar. "That rating couldn't be possible for a book that just got released two days ago", "She is just looking for attention (scammer)", "Only a liar would refuse to answer a question and put the name of her book in the response". I'm paraphrasing, but you get the idea.
I posted the screenshot of the #1 rating banner next to the name of my book and still got "HOW can this happen?"
What was in my head stayed there. Instead of arguing with anyone, I posted an update to my original post:
Update: Thank you everyone for your kindness.
Disclaimer: I guess it was temporary and I’m glad I took a screen shot. It’s now #40. It still feels fabulous.
I have learned algorithms change these numbers every hour.
I have learned to settle down and breathe before jumping onto social media.
I have learned that not biting back was the best and most adult response EVER! Who knew?
I have learned that being quiet allowed others to jump in and defend me. Some even "spanked" the mean people for me. It made me look so much better!
Today's lesson was a good one! I wonder what the next one will be...
I love your passion and your writing