Oh boy. Some things pop up on the Internet and you just gotta shake your head.
Book merch, for example. It’s a thing.
Check out this Esquire article.
https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/books/a44449495/book-publishing-influencer-merch-explained/#%F0%9F%8D%BE%F0%9F%8D%B7
I’ve often bemoaned the widespread dereliction of words and literature. Increasingly, consumerism trumps education and literary exploration as a leading social value.
And why does that matter? Because good literature gives us insight into the human condition and the amazing range of roles we play as humans on the planet.
Text speak has reduced “what were once words” to a series of acronyms and emojis. So now, whatever we’re feeling, we just have to match it to the closest emoji to convey our feelings to the world. Hoo boy.
As a former professional “marketer,” I hold my nose over the introduction of book merch. Umbrellas with a favorite author’s new book title on it? Galoshes and raincoats and book covers and whatever else to show your allegiance to the words of whomever? Seriously?
Here in my blog, I have written about the rampant “commodification” of book writing and publishing. Book coaches. Book retreats. Book writing challenges. Book webinars (pick a genre, any genre). I note there is no industry accreditation for any of these purported “experts.” Just plenty of chutzpah.
The book publishing industry has gone way, way, way beyond satisfying the simple ego motivations of self-publishing, or encouraging impatient authors to utilize the so-called “vanity press.” Sadly, like cultivating love and friendship and a career “calling,” the mystery of writing as a gift of the fates and happenstance has also evaporated.
“Find your ideal life partner by following these five easy steps!” “How to make 20 friends in 20 days!” (with a money-back guarantee! No, I was just kidding about getting any money back). “Fifty ways to leave your lover.” (No, wait that was by someone else about something else.) No matter. You get my drift.
I am first to admit guilt in the realm of needing a fairly swift kick in the ass to have me consistently put pen to paper. In full sentences. Mostly.
But I never see myself giving in to the marketing claptrap of “book merch” to claim I am “successful.” I simply define success (as most writers I respect and admire) as just putting your bum in a seat every day and cranking out something. Anything.
Then again, hold up. The possibilities are undoubtedly endless for a Chateau “Margot” Margaux. Jeesh, I am a soft touch.
But seriously. Ptooey!! As if I have anything to say that is going to change or “influence” anything ….
Old school values die hard.
Expressive Compulsive 