Why Bloggers & Authors should care about Net Neutrality vote

Yes, I'm going there. I'm never political. Its about the books. But yet, this impacts a community I love so, I can't stay quiet while a vote looms perilously close.

You see - Net Neutrality ending impacts us all. Each one of us. And we should not allow the big dogs in the fight to only be heard but each one of our voices should lift others in telling Congress and the FCC that eliminating Net Neutrality hurts everyone. 

What is it? Why should I care? 

If you use the internet to shop, communicate, run a small business, etc. you need to care. Because if open internet goes, that means your followers may have difficulty finding you. 

I'm going to use two examples. Not far fetched but a definite reality. 

Example One:

I currently use Blogger as the platform to support my website. I have for many years in its many configurations.  But Verizon has a vested interested in Yahoo. That means it can charge a premium surcharge to have 'fast lane' or access to any Google platform. Think on it. If you want to read my funny commentary here or on BuzzFeed and have Verzion as your provider, they could potentially charge you to continue. 

Example Two: 

There is a favorite rumor of mine. Mark Z is going to start charging you for using Facebook. Well, what if it wasn't Facebook, what if this came from your Internet Service Provider? Think of the daily interactions you have on Facebook. How can you not imagine these ISP's wanting to have a piece of that action to give you access or ask you to pay for 'fast lane' service to interact at the moment? If I was big business I'd look at all that commenting and say, "Yes, we can make money from that." 

Still think this doesn't impact you? Take a look at this graphic and think on what I am trying to express on how it may impact you.

Now, I've not touched on your Netflix habit, your child's XBox Gaming, or your partner's personal trading. All these daily activities can take a slow down if the FCC is allowed to end Net Neutrality and you don't have the budget to pay extra for an experience you have now.

The argument to leave this to Google, Microsoft and Netflix is weak. Although they are powerful corporations, it doesn't entitle them to more votes. And we, as a book community that relies heavily on social media and the internet to generate income, need to unite and let our elected officials know all traffic should be treated equally. 

If you are one who thinks "Nah, they won't do that." Think again. They have all tried...

Friend and fellow gamer posted: 

"Net neutrality: All traffic is treated equally. ISPs have already been caught before...
2005 - Comcast was denying access to p2p services without notifying customers.
2007-2009 - AT&T was having Skype and other VOIPs blocked because they didn't like there was competition for their cellphones.
2011 - MetroPCS tried to block all streaming except youtube. (edit: they actually sued the FCC over this)
2011-2013, AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon were blocking access to Google Wallet because it competed with their bullshit. edit: this one happened literally months after the trio were busted collaborating with Google to block apps from the android marketplace
2012, Verizon was demanding google block tethering apps on android because it let owners avoid their $20 tethering fee. This was despite guaranteeing they wouldn't do that as part of a winning bid on an airwaves auction. (edit: they were fined $1.25million over this)
2012, AT&T - tried to block access to FaceTime unless customers paid more money.
2013, Verizon literally stated that the only thing stopping them from favoring some content providers over other providers were the net neutrality rules in place.
The foundation of Reason's argument is that Net Neutrality is unnecessary because we've never had issues without it. I think this timeline shows just how crucial it really is to a free and open internet."  

What can I you do? 

Write your representatives and say, "Net Neutrality ending will hurt my business or the business of friends." 

Here is a link to democracy.io to let your voice be heard.

Not sure how to write it? Here's a great article on how to comment on Net Neutrality from Mashable.

If half of the likers of my Facebook page each wrote their representatives and said, "Net Neutrality needs to stay because there is no strong argument that eliminating it will benefit small business," that will be 250 more voices heard. 

Net Neutrality is good for all to keep the internet an even playing field. Don't leave your voice to others. Let your voice be heard.

Confessions of a former ARC Team Reviewer

Let me get this out there first: I rather sighed a huge breath of relief when I figured out my time was up for a large review team. 

I meet a lot of bookish type people. Yeah, yeah I know - that was rather the point of this blog.  

*eyeroll* << you saw that coming

However, one of the topics of what I call 'social media newbies' ask me is how to get on ARC review teams, beta read, etc. Well, to be honest...they find me. I don't go seeking this out. (More on this subject later).  To continue with this thread of honesty, I have rules to abide by if I do join an ARC team.

Wait? There are rules?  No, these are my personal rules that I feel that readers should abide by when agreeing to the commitment. Emphasizing the commitment. 

Rules According to Yours Truly:

1. You read ARCs first: That means whatever you have on your TBR or in the middle of gets dropped like a hot potato. You said you'd read it - now do it. 


2. You complete your review on Goodreads/Blog/Reader Group ASAP: Now, eRetailers do not always allow you to post right away. Authors depend on early feedback for exposure. Do your due diligence by reviewing where able promptly.


3. Write a positive but honest review: Okay this is tricky. Not every story is for every reader. However there is ways to draft a review without crucifying the author. If you can't give more than 3 stars, contact the author with constructive comments privately. 


4. Buy the book: Yes, you buy the book or gift the book. You were gifted the early review privilege. The authors have to eat. You love it and I'm guessing you would have purchased it so keep them writing. 


5. Complete your review forms for the authors promptly: Do not be a douche and have them track you down. 


6. Post your reviews to all social media outlets:


• Amazon
• Nook
• Kobo
• iBooks
• Google Play
• Reference your Goodreads review on:
• Pinterest
• Google +
• Tumblr
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• Reddit
• StumbleUpon
• Email

See number 5? Yes, every review - every time. I may copy and paste my original, but its part of the privilege to early reading. You may not be technology savvy or want to have your Aunt Mae knowing your social media interactions.  Do what you can and where - but let the author know you do have limitations on commitment.  

And to be honest, for a multiple author review team, well...

It is a lot of scheduling and organizational skills to keep up where, when and how.  So, why yes, I did duplicates, but overkill is better than not at all. Not everyone follows similar rules and for that ugly truth I'm sad.  Some people have less than genuine reasons for wanting to be a part of review teams or receive ARCs.  They give those of us a bad name, but it is what it is. My final thought: Don't be a douche if you can't commit to the time to read and review. 

Okay that's a bit creepy meme. But seriously the look on my face when an author approaches me to provide an ARC review.  

Yes, you read it. I have them approach me. 

This isn't a popularity contest. And you saw the rules. The rules that I need to commit to in order to give back to the author. That's why I don't enter every contest for every ARC or even sign up for review teams. The task is a time commitment and I want to give 100 percent. There are lots of individuals who are committed to the process as I am (and gladly call friends).  If I can't give 100 percent, then I don't want to take up a spot that someone is deserving. 

Now my time is over, now what? 

I have time to read what I want.  Did you see rule 1? Yes, the responsibility of putting the ARC review team first meant I had to swap out the time for my personal purchases. Don't get me wrong  - the opportunity to do this for the last year was interesting. I got to read some books I might not otherwise have chosen on my own. Now I can spend my time on those books I want to purchase myself.  Kinda sounds a bit selfish. But in keeping it real, when you join a review team, you lose some of that right to choose.  And I'm giddy that I have my personal time back to dedicate to those I want to rather than need to. 

There you have it. Do you have more questions? Hit me up in the comments.  

Hold up...Let me jot that down aka My Love of Lists

Today's To Do List:

• Do Instagram post
• Work
• Do a blog entry

Lists. My life depends upon lists. 

Recently Hubs and I went on a celebration trip. There were lists involved. I had a list for clothing each day. I had a list of important items not to forget. I had a list of personal care products. I had a list of ordered items sent to the destination. I had a list of ALL my vacation lists.  I guess I've made my point: I'm OCD about list making. 

What does this have to do with books? Almost there... 

During a recent discussion about an upcoming event, a bookfriend pondered: 

"I wonder about a BuzzFeed article?"

Seriously a very good idea. So, like any brilliant idea I researched it and found out what it took. 

TA-DA! 

Yours truly now contributes lists on all thing bookish. What is so cool about this gig?

1. I get to interact with lots of book people
2. I get to make lists
3. I get to use gifs to illustrate a point is awesome
4. I get to make lists
5. I get to be sassy, punny and keeping just a tad north of classy
6. I get to make lists

Why I didn't think of this or more importantly, above bookfriend, suggest it before, I do not know. Because I've got to say. This list building gig is a shit ton of fun. Now, in the short time the list building adventure has launched, we have three lists.  And people like them! Because sharing is caring (and the fact that I'm supercited about this), here are the links to the lists:

Book Boyfriends: Single Dads That Make Us Swoon - DILF 

Favorite Book Pimps: Book Blogs That Cost Us Money Willingly

Downright Dirty MC: Books That Spell T-R-O-U-B-L-E
Wonder Women: Here Comes The Girls - Strong Female Leads
Flood Our Feed: Facebook Pages Of Which We Can't Get Enough

This is just the start. The ideas are flowing. And I'm listing like a three year old hopped up on 1 lb of Skittles and 12 cups of coffee.  Don't forget the best part -  I get to interact with the book community getting recommendations, ideas to help make these lists meaningful while staying entertaining.  I'm all about the fun! 

You are probably wondering: How can I contribute?  Starting right here, comment with ideas for book lists (or email works). Stalk me on my Facebook page and participate in 'Research Projects' or vote on the polls. Then follow me at BuzzFeeds Community. If I totally f*ck up a list, comment there on how wrong I was and why your (insert topic) should be on the list. Remember keep the comments politely sassy, somewhat classy and always fun! 

I'll keep up the antics here too. So if I have a particular listing adventure, I just may share about it here. 

Hey there.
Long time no blog.
Yep.
Been kinda quiet around here.
So I guess its time for true confessions of the blogger for the close out of 2016.

First, Happy New Years Eve

Yep.

Pretty much over self thrashing now.  I mean it is what it is.  I didn't meet my personal goals for keeping up with blogging last year. You can tell from the side bar. Three posts.  Granted they were for charity - so bonus points on the positive sharing.  The year before of the reinventing of me - 23.  I'd say I fell down on the job.

So what happened?

On the serious side, I did take some time off in January and February to have elective surgery that I am happy to say went beautifully and so happy I took care of.  But if I was being honest, it's the excuse.  I had two 'overdue' blog posts not done prior to my surgery.  When I thought about blogging, well...two turned into three...and so on...and so on.  Kinda of a snowball effect.  I felt overwhelmed by my pastdue unwritten blog entries.

Where do I start?
Do I do the most recent past due one?
Or the oldest past due one?
Or the one I've been thinking about?
Or the one that I think is the most interesting?

I just didn't start.  That didn't solve the problem. I just choose to ignore it. All year long.

Just so you know.  It wasn't just blogging that I fell apart on commitment. That effort to write reviews for everything I read?  Yeah, that got overwhelming too.  I read a shit ton of books while recuperating but the reviews just didn't happen.  That added to the anxiety- do I catch up the blog or the reviews first?  Sheesh...as Elisa says I let it go.

Okay fine there you have the reasons.  Why am I writing this now?  I got inspired by a friend. See she's started her own blog.  (Link on the side bar) And her blog is everything I wanted this blog to be.  Not a promo blog.  Not a strictly review blog.  Just a blog of her reading and random thoughts on life. So, its what I want my blog to grow up to be someday where I talking about the reading world and what is on my mind on a fairly consistent basis.  Not for anyone else but me.

Okay - LETS DO THIS (again).  I've got a plan.

And the plan is:  Just blog whatever is on my mind and whenever I feel like it. I'm not going to beat myself up if I don't get my Tuesday night entry done.  When it happens, I will be basking in the awesomeness of getting it done.  And rather than taking the approach where I am fair and unbiased.  I'm going to be biased as hell.  Yep, I'm going to fangirl all over your face about something that I absolutely love.  You'll see - in my head - there is an epic blog entry tomorrow.  Baring any hangovers.

Now, what about my past blog entries.  Those will come.  You see, I have some really great pictures to share and awesome adventure tales to tell.  Which means this blog entry will become somewhat out of whack because -yes, I'm admitting to cheating- backdating the entries to when they occurred.  So you'll see 2016 go from 3 to unknown number. It's kinda OCD of me.  But hey, my blog and my rules.

In the mean time, grab a cocktail of your choice, be with your favorite people and usher in 2017 with a big smile.  I will with a great book in my hands.

Since you asked so nicely. It's an ARC of Dirty Secret by Chelle Bliss and Brenda Rothert.

Promote what I love reading: Managing friends and social media

"Could you ask your wife not to post so much? "  True Story. Yes, mutual friend asked my Husband.

I belong to only two Street Teams but do promote others.  Sometimes it is because I have already flagged them as an author I love thus buy next thing published.  Sometimes it may be an event I have been invited to in one of many book Facebook groups I belong to.  Other times, it may be a giveaway and I may win something.  Regardless as to the why, it's all in publicizing books and authors I appreciate and promoting the enjoyment of reading.  Being a part of a Street Team is unique and works best when you participate in various social media sites.

A Street Team is often part of a self-published authors ability to market new releases.  These self-pubs do not have the backing (i.e. financial means) to buy billboards, window signs in Barnes and Noble, or spreads in magazines that traditionally published authors do.  If the self-pubs didn't utilize social media, they would be solely dependent upon "Recommended to You." As you know from my previous post, that isn't always the best way to get attention to a book.  So, Street Teams are born. Authors, their Personal Assistants, and/or fans may create teaser images.  These images are posted to all social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+, on and on.  Authors may also elect to do giveaways, read-alongs, author interventions on blogs, etc. to bring attention to a wider audience.  Again the Street Team comes into play.  We all have different friends.  The more the message is reached into cyber space, the more chance the author has at committing their lives to being a full-time author.  To summarize this very long spiel, we are author pimps. The Street Teams want our authors to be full time so in turn we get more reading product for our shelves.  It's a win-win.

So, why does my posts that show up on your News Feed offend your tender sensibilities? Let's go back to my profile bio. 

I LIKE TO READ.  

It's my number one favorite pastime. I've been reading since I was 4 years old. In other words, a very long, long time.  Would you like to watch a movie? Okay if I read too.  Would you like to go to the park? Okay if I read too.  Would you like to go to bed? Okay if I read too.  I think you get my drift.  Since it's too much work to scroll past my posts or turn off notifications for me or heck, unfriend me, I now have to manage you.  Awesome, I had nothing else to do in my spare time - oh like work on my blog.  Now, I have posting list groupings:  Book Promos, Fun Friends, Close Friends, Redding CA Friends, Non Book Friends, yada yada.  My new world order when pimping an author is to make sure I post to be visible to the correct grouping.  Again exhausting for me but made it easy for you.  Now, myownbbokshelves has it's own Facebook page.  I post there too.  Sometimes different stuff then here.  However, it's a public page but still my page.  If you like me, you'll just have to put up with my posts.  If you haven't found me, click here to give me a like.  Or not if this next paragraph offends you.

Do not be offend by anything I post.  Trolls are the worst.  You know the people out in cyber space who think it's their job to police the rest of us.  Because for whatever mindset they have, your post somehow offends this gentle balance - in their mind.  (insert eye rolling)  Now, I do want to warn you.  On Facebook - personal page - I post like I talk.  I have several descriptive words I like.  One especially starts with F and rhymes with mallard.  Do not go there about children or young impressionables being exposed.  I raised my child, not wanting to take on another. AND remember how Facebook was founded. It was a social hook up for college age Harvard students.  Meaning it was 18+ to start.  If you think kids haven't figured out how to bypass the "Enter your Age to continue onto this website", then I will show you how once you buy me the Brooklyn Bridge.  After that rant, I want you to know, I DO NOT TOLERATE BULLYING.  There is a difference between sarcasm and spiteful hurt.  Don't go there. 

Now, why talk about this.  Part is because I like to share my love of authors, books, read-alongs and such.  I really do want to have to worry about who might see it.  Don't like, agree or care, use the scroll feature.  It's on the right hand side of most webpages.  Next, I'm going to break my own rule. (GASP) Yes, I said this is a blog about reading.  Not a pimp site, reviews or that stuff.  I've got Facebook and Goodreads for that.  Well, October is a special month.  It's awareness on a very personal topic.  For that reason, I am going to break my own rule with my October 5th blog post.  See, going to make you come back.  All in my big devious plans. 

Do you struggle with social media?  Do you have to manage your friends? Or do they manage you? Join in the conversation below.