January 14, 2011

The post that wasn’t

This was going to be a post about a delicious new garden book, a book talk with the authors and signing in the Los Angeles area. But then the whole setup didn’t sit well with me. To pay $25 for the privilege didn’t seem right when you can buy the book for 30% less than the cost of the talk.

Is this a grump-o-gram, or what?

whatever
Yahoo - On a more cheerful note, super-cute cross-eyed opossum has 80,000 Facebook fans.

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Michelle Derviss says:

This seems to be developing into a pattern, at least here in Northern California.
Last year there were several book signing events offered at Flora Grubb Nursery in San Francisco. Some, but not all were sponsored by the Garden Conservancy and came with a charge of $25 or so.
I found that it did not set well with me , and it actually drove me to the library instead of the bookstore to check out the book.
I think it is poor marketing to pay to hear someone hawk their book.

Posted on January 14, 2011 at 8:34 am.

tony exter says:

Cindy

Unfortunately in this economy everyone is trying to think creatively as to how to make a few bucks. I did a talk for Pac Hort back in October and it was pin money that came in quite handy for the holidays. Not sure of the particulars(is it the Susan Heeger gig @ the Arboretum??) but if it is a talk that is a lecture of longer than 30 minutes or so with a Q&A I think the speakers should be compensated. A simple book signing…no! Garden books aren’t always big money makers. If it is at the Arboretum or an indy bookstore, then they probably need the money too.

That being said I still applaud you for your “pro bono” advertising and love love love your irreverent and inspiring site.

regards
Tony

Posted on January 14, 2011 at 8:37 am.

ilene says:

Your credibility has just gone up another notch for me. I really enjoy your site.

Posted on January 14, 2011 at 5:55 pm.

Shirley says:

Thank you for your candor & integrity, as well as your self-effacing and creative humor (grump-o-gram…I love it!)
In response to the replies that suggest need, rather than greed, sometimes right is right and wrong is wrong and the end doesn’t justify the means.

Posted on January 15, 2011 at 7:10 am.

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