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It is not that they didn't know the calculus. You seem to suggest that writing altogether is economically unviable, so the author should not have chosen to do t

It is not that they didn't know the calculus. You seem to suggest that writing altogether is economically unviable, so the author should not have chosen to do that at all. The issue is that certain talents are not recognized at all, and if you like reading, then buy the books outright, pre-order it, ask your library to get it. Basically, an effort to reward those who show up and contribute to a profession as noble as writing.

christina97 2y ago
I’m not suggesting at all that the author should not have chosen to do it. No such judgement. I’m simply interpreting the authors tone: it sounds to me frustrated and as if she feels she’s been wronged by “the system.” Maybe I simply misinterpreted the tone!
- wrs 2y ago
  I didn't get that impression. I think she just wants the readers to not have a misconception of how much she's getting paid for the book they're (hopefully) enjoying. I hear a lot of similar sentiments from musicians whose fans think they're making any money by touring or streaming. And they get the same advice I'm seeing in this thread: you can't just be a musician anymore, you have to also be a social media expert, marketer, bookkeeper, recording engineer…in other words all the stuff the music label / publisher used to do so you could focus on the actual artwork.
  - tossandthrow 2y ago
    >... whose fans think they're making any money... I am curious about this. I might be alone, but very rarely do I think about what the authors I enjoy, or musicians I enjoy earn. I am constantly, however, being exposed to what tailor swift earns. But I absolutely don't make myself belive that German niche Orchestras make comparable amounts. Being a musician, author etc. Does not pay well. And nobody has ever told them elsewise, or is telling them elsewise. It has really always been the case. So it rings hollow when authors and musicians try to put awareness on their earnings.
jonas21 2y ago
> if you like reading, then buy the books outright, pre-order it, ask your library to get it. I don't think the issue is that people are reading her book without buying it or requesting it at the library. The issue is that not enough people want to read it in the first place. That's just the way things work. Far more people want to write books than can be supported by the market.
orangecat 2y ago
You seem to suggest that writing altogether is economically unviable, so the author should not have chosen to do that at all. Sort of, yes. Or at least don't do it expecting to be immediately financially successful. The same way that you shouldn't go into game development and then be outraged that you're not making as much as SAP consultants. The issue is that certain talents are not recognized at all It's more that there's tons of aspiring authors, and supply and demand is a thing.

christina97 2y ago

I’m not suggesting at all that the author should not have chosen to do it. No such judgement. I’m simply interpreting the authors tone: it sounds to me frustrated and as if she feels she’s been wronged by “the system.” Maybe I simply misinterpreted the tone!

wrs 2y ago
I didn't get that impression. I think she just wants the readers to not have a misconception of how much she's getting paid for the book they're (hopefully) enjoying. I hear a lot of similar sentiments from musicians whose fans think they're making any money by touring or streaming. And they get the same advice I'm seeing in this thread: you can't just be a musician anymore, you have to also be a social media expert, marketer, bookkeeper, recording engineer…in other words all the stuff the music label / publisher used to do so you could focus on the actual artwork.
- tossandthrow 2y ago
  >... whose fans think they're making any money... I am curious about this. I might be alone, but very rarely do I think about what the authors I enjoy, or musicians I enjoy earn. I am constantly, however, being exposed to what tailor swift earns. But I absolutely don't make myself belive that German niche Orchestras make comparable amounts. Being a musician, author etc. Does not pay well. And nobody has ever told them elsewise, or is telling them elsewise. It has really always been the case. So it rings hollow when authors and musicians try to put awareness on their earnings.

jonas21 2y ago

> if you like reading, then buy the books outright, pre-order it, ask your library to get it. I don't think the issue is that people are reading her book without buying it or requesting it at the library. The issue is that not enough people want to read it in the first place. That's just the way things work. Far more people want to write books than can be supported by the market.

orangecat 2y ago

You seem to suggest that writing altogether is economically unviable, so the author should not have chosen to do that at all. Sort of, yes. Or at least don't do it expecting to be immediately financially successful. The same way that you shouldn't go into game development and then be outraged that you're not making as much as SAP consultants. The issue is that certain talents are not recognized at all It's more that there's tons of aspiring authors, and supply and demand is a thing.