So How Do You Build a Reputation?

Adventures in Book Writing...and Getting Conned

My adventures in book making continue. This has been a daily progress greatly assisted by automation, even if I thus far have not seen any gains from it. Although being a “published” author perhaps used to carry some merit, I’m surprised how many people fall for it in this day and age. What are you writing about, and why would people, actual conscious human beings with their own minds, experiences and ambitions, want to read it? To me it is all about making a human connection.

I logged into my old facebook to harvest some old photos which I am planning on possibly making into new book covers. Predictably, even though I certainly hadn’t told facebook directly that I was working on revamping my old books and publishing the rest of my book series, I was inundated with ads for author masterclasses, how to make your book a best seller, it’s easy to make $40k a month working 1-2 hours from home and the like. Okay it could have been the facebook post regarding my book last week, but it would be far from the first time I saw that type of cross selling on the platform.

They’re selling dreams of riches and fame, mostly. It’s the same as it was for modelling agencies coming into town convincing every kid that they could be the next big name in lights if their parents just paid into some pricy masterclasses. Or for that matter any number of investment schemes in Bitcoin and the like advertised. The giveaway is always the flaunting of wealth and fame and often the charismatic leader. It’s also true of tupperware of old and selling vitamin supplements or any number of things. The model always works the same:

1. Highlight some major success stories of top performers, whether real or contrived. Go big or go home. “He went from homeless to $200,000 in three months just working 1 hour on his computer.”

2. Convince the person that they too, could have this happen if they just pay into the program and follow it religiously.

3. Upsell constantly. Every roadblock, setback or failure means that they just didn’t believe and or invest enough. A cultlike mentality ensues. Trust the program!

4. Because these industries have high failure rates (sales, modelling/acting, authoring, high risk get rich quick investments), the failure rate is thus very high. But the person paying in is never allowed to really know that. Any complaints of investing $1000 in facebook ads only to see $112 in book royalties is quietly scuttled off, deleted, obscured, or, when addressed directly, is by kind concerned mentors who are so gosh darned confused at what the author is doing wrong that they really would like to have a private chat about it (upsell! upsell! upsell!).

5. If the person makes clear that they are unwilling or unable to pay anymore, gaslighting may be employed. Well you just suck as a writer! Nobody wants to read about that shit! We told you to do this that or the other thing differently and you didn’t listen!

6. The person, thus shamed, internalizes the failure and never talks about the money pit.

   I’ve been there, done that, sadly. Though it is true that the failure rate for publishing books is quite high, at least from a pure profitability standpoint. Around 20% of books sell 0 copies, and 90% sell less than 100 copies. It’s not a way to get rich quick. Of course writing a book might be done for professional advancement or to flatter a resume or to go along with a teaching course. Certain industries such as university coursebooks or specialty manuals are protected and can command high prices. Of around $520 million that Amazon pays out for royalties, over half of it is for print books, which makes sense to me. And considering Ukraine just got $6.2 billion for a Pentagon accounting error, doesn’t that whole book industry sound really tiny and niche? But there are a lot of people who for various reasons want physical copies. When I mentioned to my brother that I was reworking the cover and re editing The Secret Marriage, I lamented that I only had one sale of the book: a print copy that went to an old high school classmate. That may be the only copy like it on Earth.

   “It’s like you’re dealing in rare coins!” My brother mentioned when I noted my abysmal sales on other works: 14 or 15 print copies of Travels With Nemo sold, five of 21 Things to Do With Jackfruit, and maybe 60 print copies of Ohio Summer. I’d say most ebooks sold are to already established authors as part of a series, say, where the fan base cares about the content. For a nobody author my guess is there is almost no money in ebooks, because that information is available freely on the Internet already. Why would I buy somebody’s ebook about vegan cheese recipes or cooking with jackfruit when, since I’m already on the internet, I can just look up some YouTube videos about the same thing?

   1. With the emergence of AI it gets even worse. You can literally pay to have your book written in minutes. Now I can’t fathom why anybody would read it, but if you’re an executive pressed to write an ESG report or you need to write some blabbity blah for a Master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation to get your degree or you need to impress the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation with your latest report on countering vaccine hesitancy, all of those being sort of soulless fake corporate speak, the AI probably does a great job. I bet the return on investment there is quite high in terms of grants and corporate advancement.

      settling in to the reputation economy

      Hence the rise of the reputation economy. As bad cattitude writes:

      “the reputation economy is rising to take its place.

      this is going to be one of the pivotal meta-trends of the next several years and it is already well underway. it’s been taking root for years and like many such exponentially driven processes of social contagion, it’s “little by little then all at once” as that which seemed subtle suddenly comes to raucous and unmistakable bloom.

      and we are about to see the full flower of this phenomenon.

      but what does that mean?

      the 90’s ushered in a radical change in information. that which was once hard to access and hard to share become so plentiful and cheap that it has now flipped over into “hard to avoid” and “hard to assess.”

      in 1990, real time news and stock prices and commentary were the province of a very select few. now it’s baseline expectation for people on budget airline flights.

      that which was once the currency of a small elite is now in ubiquitous circulation. this has dramatically changed the manner in which it is not only consumed, but provided.

      the sheer volume of information has become overwhelming, and its stridence and pandering qualities have been accentuated as 10,000 memes fight for each eyeball that not so long ago had only 3 or 4 to choose from.

      not only does this make keeping up with it near impossible, it also means that the power to control and slant it has become a sort of commanding heights in this new economy:

      control what people see and you can control what they believe. shape the message, shape the society.

      and not everyone in this ecosystem has your best interests at heart.”

   AI has made it increasingly easy to out liars and cheats. In the meantime, how do you find true content? When I was being sold on a Kindle Cash flow masterclass, I told the very high pressure sales guy (I had already bought into their mastering Amazon ads course, which they double billed me for at $98 each time) that I mostly just wrote about my life. He dismissed me as soon as he realized there was no sale of the $697 full course. Nobody reads autobiographies unless you are famous, he assured me. Don’t talk about your life! I didn’t have what it took to be a bestselling author. I argued back that our real, lived experience on this Earthly plane is the only reality that a person can truely know, and that I thought it was the most important, not the least important thing, to talk about. “Call us back when your book has sold five copies and you want to make some real money.” He said as he hung up on me.

   Well that book hasn’t sold five copies yet. But do you want to know what the AI really really sucks at writing? About you and your lived human experience. Here’s my conversation with ChatGPT:

   Can you write me an autobiography about Amy Sukwan

   ChatGPT

   Autobiography of Amy Sukwan

   Chapter 1: Early Years

   I was born on a sunny day in a small town called Maplewood on April 12, 1985. My parents, John and Lisa Sukwan, were filled with joy as they welcomed their first child into the world. Growing up in a loving and supportive family, I quickly developed a curious and adventurous spirit.

   Chapter 2: Childhood Dreams

   As a child, I was fascinated by the natural world and had an insatiable desire to learn. I would spend hours exploring the nearby woods, observing plants and animals, and imagining myself as an explorer or a scientist. My parents nurtured my passion by providing me with books, taking me on trips to museums, and encouraging my curiosity.

   Chapter 3: Academic Pursuits

   My love for learning led me to excel in school. I was a diligent student, always eager to discover new things and expand my knowledge. In high school, I developed a keen interest in biology and chemistry, which laid the foundation for my future career.

   Chapter 4: College Years

   After graduating from high school, I attended the prestigious University of Cambridge, where I pursued a degree in Biochemistry. The academic environment at Cambridge challenged and inspired me. I immersed myself in my studies, conducting research projects, and actively participating in various scientific societies. It was during my time at university that I realized my passion for scientific research and its potential to make a positive impact on the world.

   Chapter 5: A Career in Science

   Upon graduating, I embarked on a fulfilling career in scientific research. I joined a renowned laboratory, specializing in molecular biology and genetics. Over the years, I worked on numerous groundbreaking projects, collaborating with brilliant minds from around the globe. My work focused on understanding the mechanisms of genetic diseases and developing novel therapeutic approaches. The challenges I faced in the lab only fueled my determination to find innovative solutions.

   Chapter 6: Personal Growth

   While my professional life was thriving, I also dedicated time to personal growth and self-discovery. I traveled extensively, immersing myself in diverse cultures, and broadening my perspective. These experiences enriched my understanding of the world and allowed me to connect with people from different backgrounds.

   Chapter 7: Making a Difference

   Driven by my desire to contribute to society, I became actively involved in science outreach programs. I mentored aspiring young scientists, organized workshops and seminars, and gave talks at schools and universities. Through these efforts, I hoped to inspire the next generation of researchers and foster a love for science in others.

   Chapter 8: Life's Joys

   Amidst my professional and personal endeavors, I found joy in nurturing meaningful relationships. I met my loving partner, Sarah, during a scientific conference, and we have been on an incredible journey together ever since. We share a passion for exploration and have traveled to many breathtaking destinations, creating cherished memories along the way.

   Chapter 9: Reflections

   Looking back on my life so far, I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have shaped me into the person I am today. I have learned that passion, perseverance, and a thirst for knowledge are the keys to personal and professional fulfillment. As I continue my scientific pursuits, I strive to make a lasting impact on human health and contribute to the betterment of society.

   Chapter 10: Future Horizons

   As I turn the page to the next chapter of my life, I am excited to embrace new challenges and seize every opportunity that comes my way. Whether it's uncovering scientific breakthroughs, advocating for a more sustainable future, or inspiring others to pursue their dreams, I am determined to make a difference in the world and leave a legacy that reflects my unwavering dedication to science and humanity.

   It sounds like a really shitty book, but maybe would make for a good corporate resume. They made no assumption for my race. That had me curious.

   Can you write me an autobiography for Kenyatta Johnson

   ChatGPT

   I'm sorry, but as an AI language model, I don't have access to personal information about specific individuals unless it has been shared with me in the course of our conversation. Therefore, I can't generate an autobiography for Kenyatta Johnson or any other specific person. I can help you with general writing prompts or questions about autobiographies if you'd like.

   Autobiography of Andrew Higgins

   Chapter 1: Beginnings

   I came into this world on a crisp autumn day, October 5, 1980, in the bustling city of Chicago. My parents, Thomas and Elizabeth Higgins, were hardworking individuals who instilled in me the values of perseverance, integrity, and determination from an early age. Growing up in a modest neighborhood, I quickly learned the importance of ambition and the power of education.

   Chapter 2: Childhood Dreams

   As a child, I had an active imagination and an innate curiosity about the world. I would spend hours reading books, immersing myself in different stories and adventures. Inspired by these tales, I dreamed of making a positive impact on people's lives, of leaving a lasting legacy.

   Chapter 3: Educational Pursuits

   Education became my path towards achieving my dreams. With a thirst for knowledge, I excelled in school, immersing myself in various subjects. I found a particular passion for mathematics and science, which led me to pursue a degree in engineering.

   Chapter 4: College Years

   I embarked on my college journey at the renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The rigorous academic environment pushed me to my limits, but I thrived on the challenges. I embraced every opportunity to expand my knowledge and skills, engaging in research projects and collaborating with fellow students and professors.

   Chapter 5: Career Ascendancy

   Armed with my engineering degree, I ventured into the professional world. I landed a position at a prominent engineering firm, where I honed my technical skills and learned the ropes of the industry. Over the years, I worked on a variety of projects, from designing cutting-edge infrastructure to implementing sustainable solutions.

   Chapter 6: Entrepreneurial Spirit

   While my career was progressing steadily, an entrepreneurial spirit burned within me. I yearned to create something meaningful and to have a direct impact on society. Encouraged by this drive, I took a leap of faith and founded my own engineering consultancy firm. It was a challenging endeavor, filled with uncertainties, but my unwavering determination propelled me forward.

   Chapter 7: Making a Difference

   As my business grew, I realized the importance of giving back to the community that had supported me throughout my journey. I actively sought opportunities to engage in philanthropic endeavors, supporting local educational initiatives and spearheading projects that aimed to improve infrastructure in underserved communities. Making a difference in the lives of others became a driving force in my life.

   Chapter 8: Personal Growth

   Amidst the demands of my professional life, I recognized the need for personal growth and balance. I devoted time to nurturing meaningful relationships, cherishing moments with family and friends. I also pursued hobbies that brought me joy, such as painting and playing the piano, finding solace and inspiration in the arts.

   Chapter 9: Embracing Challenges

   Life, as I have learned, is filled with unexpected twists and turns. Along my journey, I faced numerous challenges and setbacks. Yet, I refused to be deterred by adversity. Instead, I embraced these obstacles as opportunities for growth and learning, pushing myself to overcome them with resilience and determination.

   Chapter 10: Future Horizons

   As I turn the page to the next chapter of my life, I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. I continue to seek new ways to innovate, to create, and to make a difference. I strive to inspire others to follow their dreams, to embrace challenges, and to believe in their own potential.

   That was another boring sounds good to a corporate board resume thing. And what’s up with Massachussetts?

   Can you write me an autobiography about Julian Ramos Rodriguez

   ChatGPT

   I'm sorry, but I can't generate an autobiography for Julian Ramos Rodriguez or any other specific individual as I don't have access to personal information about them. My training data only goes up until September 2021, and I don't have access to real-time or personal data about individuals. However, I can provide guidance on how to write an autobiography or assist with general writing prompts.

   Can you write me an aautobiography about Phuck Yu

   ChatGPT

   I apologize, but I'm unable to assist with that request.

   It looks like I’m on my own here…

   Buy me a ko-fi