Buyer Beware

The song—‘While I Run This Race’ simply asks the Lord to guide our hands, our feet, to stand by our side and to search our hearts, because we don’t want our race to be in vain. Today I thank Him for opening my eyes to the not-so-kosher representation of a product promoted as a valuable tool for writers. Because He did I redirected my steps away from this work and sat down to write this post.

 

I often come across or receive suggestions for an enjoyable read or processes that should enhance my skillset. Today I looked into a new recommendation and saw red.

 

I bit the bait for the free download because intuition told me this could not be all it was promoted to be.  That selection became the beginning of my journey. Before I could get to the free download I was connected with a lengthy audio power point presentation. It of course speaks to how the author made millions of dollars and I could too. Points that were presented as viable, in my opinion danced on the shady side of the room. Beyond that it led to the typical, I’ll give you this, but in order to capitalize on my genius, sign up for my program at a cost of $$. 

 

 

Oh, yeah, click the button to BUY NOW. That in and of itself, became a hostage situation in that it wouldn’t let me out. I ended up having to close the system and log on again. At that point I revisited and  was able to bypass the video to get to the download.

As I skimmed through the table of contents I became aware of the fact that it did not align with the title of the book. Or should I say, the steps presented, one would be hard-pressed to complete in the time-frame suggested; at least not for a work of standard. Needless to say I deleted the download and now refer to my twenty minutes of wasted time as a teachable moment. I did because as writers it is important that we become perpetual students of not only the craft, but also the business side of writing. It’s also important to build our skillset and protect ourselves from endless scams promoted as a valuable tool.

 

There are those who shared their stumbles with me and I feel that I can do no less for others. So in closing, I cannot say this enough--writing is a calling. It’s also a calling that comes with responsibility. I caution you to take care to investigate offerings sent your way. Some will be legitimate, others may not. Bottom line is that you don’t want to run your race, your writing business, in vain by casting your pearls before swine.

 

Until next time -- remember to use your words to bear good fruit.

 

Linda!