How Is This Good Business Practice?

Maybe once someone has made it in the business, whatever business they're in, they can throw caution to the wind. Maybe they've got enough money now, which doesn't explain why The Rolling Stones and Paul McCartney are still touring more than half a century later. But let's say for the sake of argument that some artists are content with the money they've made. Their glory years are a distant memory. And they're tired of caring what people think.

I suspect, though, that even these artists are still out there performing. In fact, I know they are. Who do we think are filling out the 1,000+ casinos' entertainment lineups? Not to mention the state and county fairs. I've been around long enough to watch artists lose their recording contracts and then go on to release independent (i.e., "private label") albums. For whatever reason, they're hoping lightning will strike again. It rarely does, but hey...

For those still churning out product, whether it's music or books, what is the point of doing it, if not to make money? There's a very famous author who is still writing and still has his publishing contract, but he's extremely alienating. If his goal in writing new books is to sell them, why eliminate half the buying public by being a jerk?

Likewise, musical artists who are remembered, per se, but haven't had a hit single in more than a decade. Apparently some of them feel liberated---they fooled people long enough and they're no longer having it.

I'm as political as they come. If you're a reader of this blog, my leanings are no mystery. On the other hand, my fiction is apolitical. I suppose I could inject my politics into my novels, but that sounds awfully boring. And in the little bit of time I spend on social media as an author, I talk about my books. That's it. I have enough trouble selling books as it is, without automatically turning off any potential reader.

 

I don't get the irresistible pull to let it all hang out. I'll be honest; I know how most authors and entertainers view the world, and sometimes that does affect how I perceive them. 

 

It depends on how vocal they are about it. Those who loudly disdain me aren't going to get my money. "I hate you; now buy my work." Maybe some of them don't care, but many of them do. They just can't help themselves. I pity their lack of self-control. 

 

So, MM, I see you'll be performing not far from where I live. I like your hits, at least some of them, and I've bought some of your albums, but my husband and I won't be forking over $200 (!) to see you live. You don't want our presence to stink up the venue anyway.  

 

I think I'll also edit my Running From Herself Spotify playlist to remove your track. 

 

I don't want to be associated with "your kind".