Friday, May 31, 2013

.#ArmChairBEA Ethics in the blogging world.


Design credit: Nina of Nina Reads
Armchair BEA

Today's topic from ArmChairBEA takes us to Ethics.



Dictionary.com
ETHICS
1. ( used with a singular or plural verb  ) a system of moral principles: the ethics of a culture.

2. the rules of conduct recognized in respect to a particular class of human actions or a particular group, culture, etc.: medical ethics; Christian ethics. 
3. moral principles, as of an individual: His ethics forbade betrayal of a confidence. 
4. ( usually used with a singular verb  ) that branch of philosophy dealing with values relating to human conduct, with respect to the rightness and wrongness of certain actions and to the goodness and badness of the motives and ends of such actions.

Wikipedia
Ethics, also known as moral philosophy, is a branch of philosophy that involves systematizing, defending and recommending concepts of right and wrong conduct.[1]





Since starting my blog over a year and half ago, I've learned a great deal, and am still learning on a daily basis. Everything from starting a blog, maintaining a blog, and everything in between. I've watched bloggers and authors rise and fall.  None, have hit me the hardest then watching a prominent blogger, whom had a huge following, become one of the biggest plagiarism stories I've ever seen in the book blogging world. Without naming names, I'm sure most of you know who I'm talking about. I've never really spoke about my feelings here on the blog about what happened and what I felt about the whole issue. Most people would agree that it was a shock, and I'll briefly explain what I witnessed, during those months.

I'll be calling said blogger A.
A was cute, perky, and had grown her blog to become one of the largest book blogs out there. A was successful, had a great weekly meme, that had over 150+ participants, myself included. A shared her love for books, like we all do. I became a fan of A's and looked up to her success. A was a definite leader. A visited my blog and commented and at the time I was feeling like A was a celebrity. While being a celebrity has it's perks, there is always a fine line that having said success carries. Being a leader and pledging a certain guideline to book bloggers, I always felt A could do no wrong. A could never screw up, A was at the top of the game. So, of course it came as one of the biggest shocks to learn A was a human and screwed up, royally.
See, A was accused of stealing from another blog.  A was accused of copying and pasting or slightly changing someone else's words, and making them her own. A used a blogger's words and had a similar post page, that ironically was a do's/don'ts in the blogging world. A was found guilty by these parties, and they had evidence! A denied said actions and brushed it all under the rug, which in many people's eyes came across as guilt, and denial. A lost many, many followers. A lost respect, not only with book bloggers, but pubs, and authors. The controversy was all almost everyone spoke of, as many emotions were displayed throughout social media sites, and blogs. A was screwed!
I was shocked, and felt sad over watching everything that went down. Of course, the saddest part was the lies that A seemed to deny to everyone, but the second saddest part was how vile the situation became and how so many people became a "bully" over the situation. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't condone A's actions, but a small compassionate side of me felt bad for A. A was raked through the coals, by so many people. Some people's emotions got the best of them, and it became a war.
After all was said and done and I witnessed all of the drama, I learned from A, once again.

The biggest lesson:
Never knowingly steal someone else's ideas or words and make them your own, but if by some slight chance you do, never, ever deny the fact that you made a mistake, live up to it, own it, and face it! Apologize for your actions, and try to make amends for it.

Now, I'm not sure what I wrote would actually help you, but maybe some of what I listed below will.
It no way, shape or form am I an expert in this field, most of what I learned was "taught" to me by other bloggers or just plain good ole common sense.

1) Never knowingly, steal someone else's idea's without asking permission and giving credit to said person.
2) Never knowingly, steal someone else's review or parts of a review *I know this one is sketchy, because there have been numerous times when I myself question my own written words and find them to be super similar to other reviewer's.
3) Try your best to stay out of the drama. Don't get caught up in it.  
4) ALWAY'S maintain dignity, and respect.
5) DON'T become a bully, be it to other bloggers or authors.
6) Just because we have a certain freedom to express ourselves on the internet does not make it right, to bash an author, or fellow blogger. There are many times I have given up on a book and marked it DNF, I don't think I've ever bashed a writer since starting this blog. If I write up a less then stellar review for a book(1-2 stars) I try and do it as structurally as possible, without coming across a s hurtful, or mean.
7)Bloggers- The best way to face plagiarism that has been done to you or your blog, is to do it with respect.
Write an e-mail in a professional mannerism without bashing, or coming across as a bully.
Try your best to do it as silently as possible, without needed attention. If the situation becomes overwhelming, drawn out, or comes "out" in the cyber world then show restraint, and explain it the best way possible without making yourself look bad, or stooping to the level as the person who did you wrong. Some situations are beyond our control. I've seen situations that have the accused try and turn it around on the accuser, which is wrong!
8) Authors, the best way to lose reviewers and respect is to draw negative toward yourself or your book. In my opinion, authors should NEVER comment on a negative review or reviewer. Authors should focus always on the positive, and show dignity. If the drama becomes too much for the author, the best bet for them is silence, and if the drama becomes too much then maybe it's best to either A) remove the book, or B) ignore the negative. Many, many successful authors have had their work raked through the coals, and have received negative reviews. I know it hurts, but believe me nothing ever good will come out of negative drama. You will be labeled as a bully, and just from your actions alone, you will lose respect.
8) Being at the top is always great but being at the top takes more work then you will ever know, and to maintain that success you must grow a thick skin, and be prepared for the negative, and sometimes hurtful words . Be it an author or blogger or any aspect of life.

Blog at your own pace, blog to make you happy. Of course, it always feels good to be acknowledged, but make sure your at the positive end of the acknowledgments. 

Hope I've helped a little and if you have any questions or comments feel free to leave them below, and if I've missed anything feel free to leave that as well!

.Book Blast: Change Of Heart by Scarlett Edwards



Persevere.

That's how I've gotten through nineteen years of life. It's what I do every single day—no matter how badly the odds are stacked against me.

Persevere, and survive.

Those are my two guiding words. I never knew either of my parents. I have no family and no home. The only person I could ever rely on was myself. In this cruel world, that's about as much as I could ask for.

Love? Hah. Don't talk to me about love. I stopped believing in it the day my first boyfriend ripped out my heart three years ago.

That's why love is the last thing on my mind when I leave a packed college bar with a captivating stranger. Yet everything changes when I'm awakened in the middle of the night by a pounding at the door. Suddenly, an arrangement meant for just one night threatens to become something much deeper.

All expectations are thrown to the wind as I'm tangled in a dangerous world unlike anything I can believe. The man I met has secrets swirling around him like a dark cape. I'm about to become his biggest one...







Together, we stumble toward the elevator. Rich breaks away for a second to hit the button. The light doesn’t come on.

“Damn,” he growls, “it’s busted again.”

I’m one step ahead of him. I’d spotted the stairs when we entered. I grab his hand and pull him after me with no hesitation. I start up the cement stairwell, determined to get to his room as fast as possible.

“Penny, wait.”

I look back, confused. “What?”

A devilish smile plays on his lips. “Only this.” Without warning his hands wrap around my waist, and I’m being lifted up as easily as if I were a doll. He turns to the side and presses my body against the wall, suspending me between him and the concrete.

His mouth crashes down on mine again. I curl my legs around his torso, locking my ankles together, and kiss him back with the passion reserved for a lover after ten long years apart. I didn’t think it was possible, but I’m getting even more turned on. Rich’s hands move down to grasp the outside of my thighs, and I moan into his kiss as the muscles of my core clench in sinful fashion. I want him so badly. If we don’t get somewhere private soon, I won’t be wholly opposed to jumping him in public.

I gasp as he steps away, freeing me from the wall. I start to fall, but one of his hands darts down to catch me just beneath the knees. The other one cradles my shoulders. Before I know it, I’m slung across his arms like a bride on her wedding night.

“I’ve always wanted to carry a girl up these stairs,” Rich admits.

I laugh, and wrap my arm around his neck. “Oh, you are just the best type of romantic.”

Four flights of stairs later, Rich pushes open the fire door to a dimly-lit hallway. He carries me down the hall and stops in front of an entrance on the right. He sets me down, then fishes around in his jeans for the key. When the door creaks open, he sweeps a hand out in front of him. “Welcome to my humble abode.”

I walk in, curious about his apartment. I tend to side with the camp of people who believe that a person’s living arrangements can reveal a lot about his personality. But, I don’t find much to work with here.

The apartment is sparse and dark. Pale moonlight filters in through the balcony window, shining down on the only piece of furniture present: a queen size mattress lying on the floor of the living room. The red brick walls are totally empty—no girly posters or other things I might expect in a bachelor’s apartment. There are no lamps, no chairs, no couches.

After a moment, I notice a second piece of furniture: a small, old-school CRT TV camped in one corner of the studio apartment.

Rich switches on the light. “So?” he asks, “what do you think?”

I walk past the entrance. There’s one hall leading away from the room. It is filled with brown cardboard boxes. Lots and lots of boxes. “Did you just move in or something?”

Rich laughs behind me. “Yeah, something like that. You want a drink?”

“A drink?” I say. “No, I—”

The words catch in my throat as he grabs my hips and spins me around. I had no idea he’d come so close. He’d moved from the door to me without making a sound. His fingers lock together against my lower back, and he tugs me into him, pressing my belly to his waist. I feel his growing erection right away, and a diabolical excitement builds inside me.

Nothing happens.

For a long moment, Richard just holds me like that, staring into my eyes as I’m left dangling off his arms. His irises are the color of sea mist. I’m hypnotized by the deep intensity I see brewing just beneath the surface. I have no doubt that that type of intensity is mirrored in my eyes.

Then, moving slowly, as if restraining himself, Richard lowers his mouth to cover mine. This time, his kiss is sweet and gentle. Subtle and caring. He explores my upper lip first, then traces the line going to the corner of my mouth. His lips form a perfect mold over mine.

I was wrong before. This is the kiss reserved for a lover you haven’t seen in ten years.



Purchased your copy today







I'm Scarlett Edwards. I'm a full-time student (2nd year, undergrad) and part-time writer. I hope to switch those around soon!

I'm kind of old fashioned. I write all my stories using paper and ink. At the end of the day, I transcribe them on my laptop. It takes a bit longer, but writing in a notebook really focuses my thoughts.

I love vintage photography. I have an old-school film camera that was my mom's from before I was born. I use it to take pictures almost every day. Yours to Savor is the first full book I worked on. It went through six drafts, and took me ten months to complete. In the two months since getting it done, I finished two drafts of brand new stories. I'm getting faster!

I love hearing from my readers. I love getting feedback about my books. I'm just getting started, and plan on doing this writing gig for a long, long time. I take inspiration from all the indie romance authors. Addison Moore, Samantha Young, Colleen Hoover, Jessica Sorensen, and everyone else…. you girls rock!



I love hearing from readers! If you read my book and want to share your thoughts, good or bad, email me! Scarlett@ScarlettEdwards.com. I'll be sure to reply!!






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Thursday, May 30, 2013

.#Freebies Deals & Steals for Kindle 5/30/13




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*All Prices are subject to change via' Amazon. Please double check all prices before clicking the buy now button.
*Amazon Associate -a small percentage of every purchase will go back to this blog in the form of giveaways



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Hate Me (Undeniable love: Book One)
Out Of Darkness (The Starborn Saga)
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Those Nights in Montreal (Language of Love, Book 1.5)
If the Shoe Fits: A Contemporary Fairy Tale
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Seduced by Innocence: A New Adult Paranormal Romance of Shifters & Witches (Rose's Trilogy, #1) (The Seduced Saga)
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Shoe Strings
The Five Kisses (Pride Meets Prejudice Regency Romance #1)
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Halfway to the Grave (Night Huntress)