tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6889983057537109989.post2854307372627561241..comments2023-10-18T11:39:48.998-04:00Comments on NADJA NOTARIANI : An Author's Adventures: A Preference Here...A Preference There...Nadja Notarianihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01339595239944177531noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6889983057537109989.post-5999840154949649532012-03-06T21:27:14.541-05:002012-03-06T21:27:14.541-05:00Congrats on your book, and I hope the beta reads g...Congrats on your book, and I hope the beta reads go well. Love the quote/card at the beginning.<br /><br />The PayPal issue... tough. They have the right to define their business, but it's a slippery slope. It seems to me that people who don't want to buy these items, just shouldn't. Not sure why PayPal really got involved. I need to read some more on it.Tia Bachhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18336780518125138789noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6889983057537109989.post-77558144908505496822012-03-06T08:31:39.742-05:002012-03-06T08:31:39.742-05:00Agree, Kate. PayPal's actions are in essence ...Agree, Kate. PayPal's actions are in essence an attempt to censor Smashwords - and all the companies that they (PalPay) will do business with.....Nadja Notarianihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01339595239944177531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6889983057537109989.post-90329959280278320272012-03-06T08:30:41.918-05:002012-03-06T08:30:41.918-05:00Thanks, Komal! I am breathing easy today...The Th...Thanks, Komal! I am breathing easy today...The Third Fate is off to betas!!! Woo-hoo!Nadja Notarianihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01339595239944177531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6889983057537109989.post-15576941696324387622012-03-06T08:29:48.287-05:002012-03-06T08:29:48.287-05:00It is difficult! While I am concerned with PayPal...It is difficult! While I am concerned with PayPal's move - and the fact that they feel they have the right (and the 'weight') to demand all organizations they do business with, like Smashwords remove products they don't want to transfer money for...I think it is just as slippery a slope when a company can be forced to be party to purchases/sales/whatever that they do not want to.<br /><br />Why doesn't PayPal simply write a strict refund policy and be done with it? Or why not create a special set of regulations over labeling books with taboo topics? But to demand that Smashwords (or whatever business) stop offering these products? That's where I see the problem. They aren't just refusing to be party - they are wanting the businesses they do business with to refuse to be party....big difference.Nadja Notarianihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01339595239944177531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6889983057537109989.post-22558134626917403882012-03-06T08:16:40.458-05:002012-03-06T08:16:40.458-05:00I share your concerns, Jaleh....and your pet-peeve...I share your concerns, Jaleh....and your pet-peeve about PayPal. <br /><br />PayPal is not selling the items, they are only a financial institution moving monies back and forth securely. <br /><br />Good for you for taking a stance on your principles. I'm not familiar with Etsy? Help please?Nadja Notarianihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01339595239944177531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6889983057537109989.post-90961815988857395332012-03-05T10:22:05.779-05:002012-03-05T10:22:05.779-05:00Congrats on your writing progress! And that e-card...Congrats on your writing progress! And that e-card is hilarious.<br /><br />As for the issue, Paypal reeks of censorship, though technically they aren't stopping people from buying and selling those works. My biggest problem is how are they deciding where to draw the line? Can a book have a rape scene if it's done by the big baddie, the victim is not enjoying it, and the BB gets his (or her) comeuppance in the end? There's a rape scene near the end of The Summer Tree, actually a sort of double one, but it wasn't glorified at all, and it played a significant plot role in the rest of the trilogy. But the way I was interpreting Paypal's stance, even that story would not be allowed to be sold via their system. YA has had its share of abhorrent sexual acts as well, but not for gratification, for education. About overcoming such filth. Is Paypal going to stop those too? Sure a company can decide who they want to work with based on company culture, but blanket statements don't work on complex issues. As far as I'm concerned, it's not their place to be judging a legal transaction. They are neither retailer nor customer, simply the handshake in-between.<br /><br />When I finish getting my Etsy shop open, I won't be using Paypal even if it means I lose sales from that decision, because I don't like the attitude that I'm not smart enough as a consumer to make my own moral judgements.Jaleh Dhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04942272578488986874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6889983057537109989.post-23091211641504118782012-03-05T08:57:31.924-05:002012-03-05T08:57:31.924-05:00Love that card! Hmm...there may be a post in there...Love that card! Hmm...there may be a post in there somewhere :)<br /><br />Congrats on reaching the finish line on The Third Fate! <br /><br />Ref: PayPal<br /><br />Wow, slippery slope indeed. <br /><br />While I agree it is their right to dictate per their mission statement. That they need to focus on the finances and if returns are affecting them that much they have to put whatever in place to protect that bottom line. <br /><br />I also think authors and/or publishers, retail sites can help prevent those returns by stating clearly if the work deals with potentially taboo or risky subject matter. I suspect a lot of returns are made because the buyer didn't have a clear idea of the subject matter. <br /><br />As much as I love PayPal, I don't use it all that much, opting to use other methods first. And I can clearly see where a site like Smashwords would be in trouble if they can't utilize PayPal. Heck, a number of authors would also be affected as a lot of small presses pay through PayPal.<br /><br />Yet there is that censorship issue. Where does it stop? Yeah, this is a hard one. I can see both sides.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6889983057537109989.post-45943524470953971792012-03-04T23:21:50.841-05:002012-03-04T23:21:50.841-05:00Congratulations on completing your novel! You must...Congratulations on completing your novel! You must have a sense of relief about getting it done. I can't wait to read it. :)<br /><br />Have a great week!Komal Kanthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16474781248936280735noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6889983057537109989.post-23013330121330254212012-03-04T20:48:34.546-05:002012-03-04T20:48:34.546-05:00I'm pretty much against censorship in any form...I'm pretty much against censorship in any form! That's where I begin and end the subject. Free speech, even if I won't read it, is still a GREAT thing.<br /><br />Congrats on finishing The Third Fate! It must feel sooooo good!!!Katehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03593882598668421250noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6889983057537109989.post-38725650901120144282012-03-04T18:51:43.126-05:002012-03-04T18:51:43.126-05:00Nadja, congratulations on finishing The Third Fate...Nadja, congratulations on finishing The Third Fate! I love the grammar picture at the beginning of your blog. Too funny. <br /><br />As for the PayPal issue, that's very sticky. I agree, that as a company, they have the right to do business in the manner they see most fit for their company's mission. On the other hand, it smacks of censorship, in the sense that they are deciding what their customers will be allowed to buy. <br /><br />This may be a long, drawn out matter.Suzanne Lillyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11928374852063824975noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6889983057537109989.post-41934575502742019202012-03-04T17:10:20.730-05:002012-03-04T17:10:20.730-05:00Congrats on your latest work, Nadja! Thanks for yo...Congrats on your latest work, Nadja! Thanks for your advice the other day, I really appreciate it! <br /><br />As for the PayPal topic, I totally support their decision, but not because its decision about censorship. Rather it's their right to make decisions based solely on what they choose to have a part in, because nobody has a right to force them otherwise. If it affects their bottom line then they'll either reconsider, or stick to their guns. I totally agree with them; if they want no part in transactions of particular material, whether erotica or recipes on how to make chocolate pudding', it's up to them. There are several colleges that absolutely refuse to take money from the Federal Government because they value not only their autonomy, but their principles. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday! <br />JuliusJulius Cicerohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02427230227865439672noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6889983057537109989.post-68455668606377278382012-03-04T14:35:47.170-05:002012-03-04T14:35:47.170-05:00Thanks, Lena!
I hope they reach a solution too. ...Thanks, Lena! <br />I hope they reach a solution too. How's school/teaching/writing going? You've got a full plate!Nadja Notarianihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01339595239944177531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6889983057537109989.post-47620124452128159482012-03-04T14:33:59.500-05:002012-03-04T14:33:59.500-05:00Excellent note. And if Visa, Mastercard, and othe...Excellent note. And if Visa, Mastercard, and other financial companies are the motivating factor behind this, my next question is will this affect these books' sales on Amazon? At libraries? (I'm sure they don't use cash to buy those books!)Nadja Notarianihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01339595239944177531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6889983057537109989.post-12853925819286508252012-03-04T14:30:44.853-05:002012-03-04T14:30:44.853-05:00That's my concern, too, Lauralynn! Who decide...That's my concern, too, Lauralynn! Who decides what is 'appropriate'? One post I read brought up some great points concerning paranormal novels - will books featuring 'other' species be next? Werewolves that meet and fall in love with the sexy were-hunter? Hmmm...slippery slope ahead.Nadja Notarianihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01339595239944177531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6889983057537109989.post-38728541705149175982012-03-04T14:28:43.409-05:002012-03-04T14:28:43.409-05:00You are right, Claudia. But it is PayPal that mad...You are right, Claudia. But it is PayPal that made the demands as I understand it from Smashwords. The return issue is one of the reasons - but then why name out the rape, incest, and such? Why not simply say they will not sell/transfer monies on novels titled 'erotica'. Not that I agree/disagree with that stance either, but I think that adding the specific exclusions 'muddied the waters'. Sigh. I could go back and forth with myself over this issue. I can see both sides...Nadja Notarianihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01339595239944177531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6889983057537109989.post-86409256612483416852012-03-04T14:26:04.306-05:002012-03-04T14:26:04.306-05:00It is great to see you Gwen! Your new blog design...It is great to see you Gwen! Your new blog design is lovely. PayPal is claiming that refunds are a large reason for the denials...but..Nadja Notarianihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01339595239944177531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6889983057537109989.post-51907347883211896552012-03-04T14:25:58.296-05:002012-03-04T14:25:58.296-05:00Whoo, congrats on finishing The Third Fate! You ar...Whoo, congrats on finishing The Third Fate! You are such an inspiration when it comes to the speed at which you write - so awesome. :D<br /><br />I'm definitely incensed by the PayPal issue, especially since I have an erotica book sitting on the backburner, and have a number of friends who write in the genre. As a reader, Smashwords and other self-pub sites that utilize PayPal are the prime places I use to access those books, and to not be barred from doing so is terrible. I really hope a solution is reached that is satisfactory for all parties.Lena Corazonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15795023109662156471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6889983057537109989.post-74331898857756748212012-03-04T12:48:50.522-05:002012-03-04T12:48:50.522-05:00Here is a question for you to ask on your next pos...Here is a question for you to ask on your next post: What brought you to this blog in paticulier, and why stay?<br /><br />For me it was your profile picture, you have to know your an attractive woman(and no I am not trying to butter you up) I stayed not because of the genre you write (sadly I don't read this genre) but because of the way you put words together on your blog, and it is always good to expand.Wanderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12384347526625976847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6889983057537109989.post-8770346271415843672012-03-04T12:40:48.733-05:002012-03-04T12:40:48.733-05:00I think we should look at who the board of directo...I think we should look at who the board of directors is at paypal...that would explane if it is an idelogical or financial decision. This is a sticky issue,and scary! when finincial institutions start throwing their weight arround about social issues we could have serious issues.Wanderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12384347526625976847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6889983057537109989.post-40890620312148812372012-03-04T11:17:33.171-05:002012-03-04T11:17:33.171-05:00Great job on finishing The Third Fate! I'm anx...Great job on finishing The Third Fate! I'm anxiously awaiting the chance to read it. :)<br /><br />The PayPal issue is getting a lot of press on the internet. Mark Coker at Smashwords is talking to PayPal and doing all he can to figure out what can be done. He got a lot of "hate" mail for making authors take down the books that were affected, but what choice did he have? His whole payment system is based on PayPal. I don't necessarily approve of some of the types of books affected (bestiality and incest disturb me), but if these types of books can be censored, what's next? Imagine what would happen if suddenly vampires were censored. Or Christian romances. It could be anything.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6889983057537109989.post-11783281776188216052012-03-04T10:49:52.959-05:002012-03-04T10:49:52.959-05:00Love the quote! Looks like we're still on the ...Love the quote! Looks like we're still on the same page, as I'm finishing up my final proofing today.<br /><br />As for PayPal, the way I understand it, it's not PayPal, its the companies they work with such as Visa/Mastercard. Erotica is considered a high risk return item and in turn, costs them $$ when there are return transactions. So it's not so much PayPal as it is the bigger credit companies trying to limit their losses. Or something like that.Claudia Lefevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02591547986192202834noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6889983057537109989.post-34077807754817828972012-03-04T10:14:31.842-05:002012-03-04T10:14:31.842-05:00PayPal is the middle man. A means of transferring ...PayPal is the middle man. A means of transferring money from one person to another. I can't think what it has to do with them (I haven't read the articles yet, though). Congrats on your book!Gwen Gardnerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13132836346305559246noreply@blogger.com