Should I even consider doing this?

[Warren]

"Those who claim to be 'open minded' are often the most intolerant people you will ever find."

Case in point: I knew a girl who seriously thought certain words should be banned (with harsh penalties for those who use them) because they could hurt feelings. And these weren't racist terms.

[Blackaby]

I like being on these forums too. Before this I've always felt pretty comfortable--all the topics are fun, there's tons of pretty art, and everyone is always supportive and helpful.

When I posted yesterday all I wanted to do was register the fact that reading something like that completely destroyed my day and my general enjoyment of the forums.

That's all.

You were open with your feelings, so I was being open about mine--admittedly in a rather cryptic way--and I hope you can respect that.

I understand you must have had very valid reasons why you had to mention it, otherwise you wouldn't have brought it up when you were aware it was likely to offend other members of the community. I can see why it was necessary to be specific and single out GBLT people--you just wanted to be honest about all your problems, and they just happened to be one of them.

I understand that you've had problems with "Christian bashing" in the past. That's really terrible, and it must have been very hard for you. I am friends with several Christians, and I know (admittedly second-hand) that they have to deal with a lot of slander and abuse from "moralisers" and "liberals". I can't begin to imagine how upset that must make you feel.

I understand that people are from different backgrounds. We can't all get along and we can't all agree. I'm not asking for everyone to be PC--to have eveyone be forced to be politically correct all the time would be horrible! I'd just prefer it if, for the sake of avoiding situations like this, some things were left unsaid.

I don't need an apology from you. All I really wanted was some reassurance that I won't have to feel like this, on these forums, again. It's probably a very big ask, and I understand if you (or anyone else) want to do it again--obviously, you have your reasons, and I accept I don't have the right to question them.

I just wanted to make you aware that for some people, reading a line like that is utterly crushing.

I think it's okay for me to say that here because it's all about honesty really, so I'm being honest, but if you want me to take that back, I can.

I'm sorry for my earlier snarkiness about the topic. It was completely uncalled for and it was terrible of me to make you feel at all uncomfortable with anything you said I'd add that I think it would be wonderful if we could be friends, but I have the feeling you wouldn't want to be mine.

Thanks for reading.

[Yeahduff]

not to break in or anything, but CW does have a point. I don't know how many times I've been offended because of people making fun of Christianity here on KS. I understand where she's coming from and I don't think that she meant to hurt anybody. she was just stating an opinion that only effects her and no one else.

I don't see why she should apologise at all. She wasn't deliberatly attacking any one.

Well, what she said wasn't cool. And she should have apologized, which she did. Just like someone who says something stupid about Christianity should apologize to you. I understand you don't want to rock the boat, but if someone else does, well, they should.

In either case, crisis has calmed down now, let's all try to respect each other. C-Dubbs is a good kid, and we're a forgiving community. Let's all talk about self-publishing now.

[Christwriter]

Ok, I'm better now.

I posted it because it was three thirty and my brain was on hold. I don't want to take it down because I feel like that would be revisionist history.

Crisis gone, done, apology made, REALLY REALLY sorry. My brain is not functioning too well this month. I had three huge dissapointments on top of a whole year full of little ones, the two main ones being BIG: Not being able to see Phantom of the Opera because we can't afford the tickets and little: not being able to get my driver's licence because we can't afford to put me on insurance. Money's been tight as a drum, I'm getting desperate to sell something, anything, and combined with it being three AM and me really, really trusting you guys (because I would not be so stupid), I did it.

I guess part of that trust was out of naivity, and I will try really really hard to learn from this mistake and not do it again, because your patience with me doesn't extend that far. For the record, though, I did not think that saying I had a problem with something constituted the same thing as saying it's wrong and the people who do it go to hell. I do not call people saying they have a problem with Christianity Christian Bashing, I call it being honest.

I'm sorry. I feel horrible but I also feel like taking it down would be lying and covering it up to make me look better.

Self-Publishing wise...already said my opinions. Not really sure I'd wanna repeat 'em again.

CW

[Blackaby]

Mild flame-war aside...

While there are a lot of horror stories about self-publishing (And it's probably not an option for you if you're skint at present), there are countless success stories. The biggest ones I can think off right now are Matthew Rielly and the Celestine Prophecy, who you might have heard of?

I've also met with many up and coming local/national authors who've self-published successfully on a small scale, distributing their books to local bookstores and basically putting in the legwork to self promote their work. (The smallest amount of sales I heard from these people was 100 books of poetry--but that was the extent of the print run).

Personally I deal with trad. publishers (or work for 'em), but the only reason for that is that I'm lazy. While I do have a solicited novel in the works for a trad. publisher, I'm far more exited about finding a way to market another book that's in a very different and out there genre, all by myself.

You can hide the fact you're self-published by printing under an 'imprint' of your own devising - that is, use a printer but have them put the name of a publishing house you invent on the spine. However (according to those I've spoken with, and my own experiences working for small publishers), most larger book stores will accept self-published novels, so long as they are read first for approval. You just need to be motivated, and have the time to talk to people face to face about marketing and distributing your book.

If you decide to do it, be prepared to run at a loss for a while. And remember that using the media constructively (TV, radio, newspapers and related webforums) is ALWAYS a good idea. If you aren't very confident approaching professional journalists/media PR, try student papers and the like and work your way up from there.

Now I'm not sure if I've just been speaking to the self-publishing winners, and I do admit I haven't done this myself... but it has always seemed like a good option to me BUT ONLY if you're prepared to work hard for success. Matthew Reilly's books are GARBAGE but he's making millions, so it's all in the publicity.

I agree though that a part-time job would be the best way to supplement things in the pre-fame interim.

Re: that particular publishing house, I think you're better off with lulu.

[Evil Jamie!]

Crisis gone, done, apology made, REALLY REALLY sorry.

I don't see why you should be, you didn't do anything wrong. You didn't attack anyone, you didn't fling slurs around, you simply stated you didn't agree with something then suddenly whoop! Look out! You should apologize right away for having an opinion.
Really, what the hell?

Nngh.
I'm taking Joel's advice and going to distract myself from all this. This is just stupid.

[Yeahduff]

Look, it's over already. Let's just let this cool off.

[Prettysenshi]

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