I've been reading a lot about people launching the book campaigns like "What Stops You " just did, and I'm very excited for her success.

However, I wonder if anyone else has felt the same way I do about these campaigns? I "bit" and bought a book in one of these special campaigns that offered a gazillion and one benefits, rewards, ebooks, etc. (It was not from anyone on this site.)

I must say, I was very disappointed and actually felt kind of ripped off. I paid $14.95 plus shipping for the book, which was the thing I wanted most - yet it came and it was very small, not nearly of the quality or as good as I had hoped. Not worth $14.95 at all.

Then I went to the website to get all my freebies, and was disappointed in many of those as well. I had to give my email address for most of them, and am still to this day cancelling some of the emails that come in.

Am I the only one who has experienced this? I know it seems to be the way to get to #1, but I'm not tempted by these offers anymore.

Not sure how popular this post will be, but that's what forums are for, right? To post our thoughts?

Kathy

Hi Kathy

Yes, I have felt this way more than once. Not only through Amazon, but through other on-line markets, as well.

Last year I took a tele-conference that lasted two weeks. I did like the conference, but the freebies were really a pain in the neck. Many were labled as valued at $100-300 and I would not have paid a buck or two if I had seen them ahead of time.

Then, like you, I deleted and unsubscribed for months to offers and worthless newsletters.

I don't blame the authors or presenters, but the pressure of online marketing. How do you get seen, known, without buying into this new way of marketing yourself?

Thanks for starting this potentially unpopular post.

Could you explain what a book campaign is? I've never heard of it.

Yes, I too am wondering what you are talking about. So far, whatever it is it sounds like more trouble than it's worth!

The one I ordered was for a book that sounded good for expanding my business. The email I received, from someone I know, said that if you go to Amazon and order their book on a particular day (or two), you will get the book PLUS super special ebooks, deals, discounts, etc, etc. from a variety of partners.

Then everyone gets excited about these super deals, many times valued at $1,000-3,000 or more, and they all go buy the book on the designated day. Then, that book rockets to the top of Amazon's Best Seller list for that day or week or whatever.

So anyone able to offer these super deals (which I did not find so super, but maybe others would?) and with a big email list, can potentially get their book labeled as #1, no matter if the book is worth it or not.

I know some folks on here have done or are planning this type of promotion, and I wish them all the best. And lots of people may find these deals that come with the book very useful. I just don't have time to read all the free ebooks or newsletters or promotional material that they offered.

I truly hope I'm not offending anyone, it's just my experience.

Rick and June

As an Author I am with you on this one. I can see why they do it but I can't see myself doing it. I suppose the question is how long does the hype last though about the book? Anyone can experience fame for 15 minutes but it's the staying power that will count long term and financially, don't you think?

That's the key Samantha, and I couldn't agree more. Those people are here today, gone tomorrow. I would love to ask them, "Do you REALLY think you are impressing me?"

I am slammed constantly with people who send these emailing campaigns out and they are sent straight the trash bin. Somebody, somewhere, at some given conference or teleconference, or SOME book they read, told these people that if you can badger consumers to death, you'll eventually wear them down and they'll bite. Not only that, I've gotten email book promo's from people I don't even know. These bandits have been told that it's perfectly legal and morally "okay" to harvest email addresses and send out promo's to thousands of people. Hello? Since when? It's called SPAM! To me these people are the lowest of the low.

There are good, legimate ways to sell your work and the only people getting wealthy by these other means are the ones who sold YOU the junk telling you to do it that way.

I have NO respect for the author who uses these kinds of tricks, and I wouldn't buy their product(s) if they were free.

You can always tell the person who has been talked into one of these methods by the "buzz words" they use. They are all the same. ACT TODAY! #1 Best Seller on Amazon --- Don't Loose Out! Unbelievable BONUS --- Tailored just for you! The book that can change your life! Backed by _____! (You fill in the blank) --- and on and on ad nauseam

Strong message to follow.

JJ

You know, I've always gotten a bad feeling from one of those promotions. Mostly because the cynic in me couldn't beleive I'd be really getting all the VALUABLE information for such a teeny tiny price. If it's really so valuable, why are they giving it away?