Monday, June 15, 2015

Book Riot Censorship, Hypocrisy, and Unprofessionalism (Amanda Nelson)

Hypocrisy is when you say one thing and then turn around and do the opposite. It's when you believe in something when it works for you, but then you don't believe in it when it doesn't. We see this a lot in politics, perhaps in religion and more recently, I have seen it in internet bullies. This is what we apparently have in one Amanda Nelson, managing editor of Book Riot.


I went on Facebook earlier today and saw an update from a friend of mine. It looked interesting as this particular friend has many interesting things he posts and says. The link he left led me to an article on this Book Riot website. An article written by Brenna Clarke Gray titled, "Dear Authors: Don't Respond To Goodreads Reviews"




I don't know if I have ever been to this place before and I can't recall if I did, if I have ever commented. The site rings no bells at all. So, if I have ever been here before, obviously, it left no impression what-so-ever. But I digress.

I found the topic to my liking. I actually had a little bit to say about this topic in fact. Apparently, an author responded to a negative review on Goodreads and was banned. So I logged in under my Google account and left this comment.


Nothing horrible. Nothing awful. Just my humble thoughts and opinion. 

With that out of the way, I decided to read other comments and get other people's opinion. In this process, I read a few that compelled me to respond. 









At this point, I didn't know who Amanda Nelson was. I figured she might be a staffer, but I didn't bother to check because I didn't / still don't, rightly care. I wasn't disrupting. I wasn't calling anyone names. I wasn't cursing. I wasn't angry or showing any aggression. I was just another dude sharing his thoughts. But then it happened!



THE CENSORSHIP

Yes, you saw correctly, I got censored. And while the moment that it happened I was quite baffled, it didn't take long for me to realize why. You see, Amanda Nelson hates authors. Mostly though, she hates anyone who holds an opposite opinion. She loves books (or so she claims) but brother, she does hate authors who disagrees with her. I think she's also a Goodreads bully supporter / sympathizer.

How many times have we seen this in our lives? Not only that, but she is a first class hypocrite too. Don't believe me? Well, keep reading.

It's obvious that she believes Goodreads is only for the reader. Perhaps at one time, this was true. But it is not true anymore. Goodreads is every bit about the author too. I mean, Goodreads will happily take an authors money, as I stated in one of comments up above, so because of this, it is also an author website now too. And I think STGRB also has a video of Otis Chandler actually saying this. So, sorry Amanda Nelson, but you are wrong. However, I do respect your wrongful opinion.




But this Amanda Nelson really comes off like a bully in almost every way. From her love for books / hate for authors attitude and all the way down to her hypocrisy.

I did take notice to a conversation Amanda Nelson was involved with. A commenter that went by oh7dp was really asking the tough questions. Questions that apparently, Amanda Nelson was uncomfortable answering. Not at first, mind you, but it didn't take long before Amanda turned into a bitch.





Now, I don't know about you all, but I haven't seen oh7dp insulting anyone. I see oh7dp asking questions and challenging Amanda Nelson's "beliefs". What I see from Amanda Nelson is absolute unprofessionalism to the core of its meaning. I see a female reacting frustratingly to questions she unintelligently cannot answer. And her only defense is to threaten oh7dp with censorship just as she censored me. 

But I did not get any warning. She just pulled the trigger. Like she knew who I was.

Amanda though sort of recovers and begins responding some more. 


And again, merely repeated what she has already declared, that she thinks Goodreads is for readers only and not for authors, despite the fact that Goodreads founder, Otis Chandler, has gone on record saying that Goodreads is a site for readers AND authors. But oh7dp continues asking the tough questions.  



I especially like the "I Hate Amanda Nelson.com" reference. 

But oh7dp keeps right on rolling along. 



And so does Amanda Nelson, hypocrisy at large 



As you saw, more threats of censorship from the queen of unprofessionalism herself. But I do want to go on record now to say that it's probably not a good idea to comment on a reviewers review, provided it is legitimate, but if there are any inaccuracies regarding the characters, plot, etc in said review then I have no problem with an author stepping in and making the correction. or if the review targets the author in a personal  manner then yeah, I think an author has every right to say something. You have to remember, it may be YOUR review, but it is not entirely YOUR SPACE. That book still belongs to that author. So technically, it makes the book review space both of your space.

But Amanda Nelson finishes by acknowledging that there are "Hate Sites" with her in them. Well, Miss Nelson, I have two, count them, TWO! hate sites in my honor. Beat that! lol 

What is puzzling is, she says the hate sites that violated the host's ToS were removed: Inferring that these sites were pursued by her and those also victimized by these types of websites. Then in the next sentence, she says, "frankly, I don't care enough to pursue it." - But you just said, "The ones that violated the hosts ToS were removed". 

See the contradiction? I pursued but I frankly don't care enough to pursue .... eh, typical. 

oh7dp keeps at it. 



I think what Amanda Nelson means when she says, "We don't get into comment sections of hate sites" is, "We don't get into comment sections of hate sites because we don't want to be censored. We would rather people who disagreed with us come here so we can censor them."

But she finishes up saying this, (and see if you can spot the hypocrisy), "And you seem to be conflating the commenting policy here with the comment policy on Goodreads. Authors, with the exceptions of those who have been banned here for NAME CALLING or SPAMMING, are welcome to and frequently do participate in comments sections here." 

Really Amanda Nelson? Really? I think what you meant to say was, "Authors are welcome to comment here just as long as their opinion is the same as mine and Book Riot." 

Oh, but it gets better everyone. It gets a lot better. She mentioned the 'magic shield'. Censorship is her magic shield. 

But before we get to the "better" part, let's see a few more comments. 


WRONG AMANDA NELSON!!!!! Goodreads does not ban ALL who violate their ToS.

Would you like me to prove you a liar?

Here you go.


  And this is just one of many I could show you as proof. 

It is you, Amanda Nelson, who does not know anything about how Goodreads operates or functions. In fact, you don't come off as very intelligent about anything at all. I mean, oh7dp is asking you the tough questions and you are quivering to the task of supplying answers, and in your frustrations of realizing you're in way over your head, you resort to the very basic solution that resides in your vocabulary. CENSORSHIP. 

If you can't out debate them, then ban them. 

oh7dp wraps it up with this parting shot.



As for who is oh7dp? I haven't a clue, but he or she is my new hero. Not because he or she clustered and flustered Amanda Nelson, it's clear my 16 month old nephew could do that, the lady ain't very bright, but because of the intelligent questions and argument he or she placed before the table of truth. It's not often someone can impress me, but oh7dp did! 

But it does appear that in all of this chaos coming from Amanda Nelson, she seems to think that people have a right to their opinion and no one should have the right to censor them. But then she goes around and censors like it's some kind of contest and the one who censors the most wins a prize. (Probably that shield she mentioned earlier. Censorship is her shield.) 

But then she pulls off a classic hypocritical and bully move of all-time. (This is the better I was talking about earlier.) And you will have to see it in order to believe it. Amanda Nelson responds to one of my comments. Take a look. 



She says, "Then why ... are you on one now?"

And to what was she responding to? 



And boy, oh boy, did I want to answer that question. 

But I couldn't. 

She censored me, remember?

Yes! This unprofessional, unintelligent, hypocritical bully-sympathizer actually asked me a question that she knew I could not answer because she censored me. She blocked me from replying. Now what kind of coward does that? .... Oh yeah, Amanda Nelson does. 

But I did try to answer anyway. 


So you see, people like Amanda Nelson really do exist. Hypocrites and bullies to their very core. People who cannot stand and take the debate head on unless they can tip the scales to their favor by bully means. Amanda Nelson could not even handle the intellect of oh7dp, and clearly Amanda Nelson already knew who Carroll Bryant is and just flat-out caved to my intelligence without a shot fired. (Until I could no longer respond because she put up her 'shield') 

My reputation precedes me. My knowledge, my sheer presence in the midst of my fame was just too much for the unprofessional hypocrite Amanda Nelson to face. She doesn't want to debate anyone to defend her position because she has no defense and she knows it. And when someone smarter than her comes along to challenge her stupidity, she blocks them with her shield and finds a corner to shake her fears off. But the strangest thing about it was, I didn't know who she was and I was just looking to kill a few minutes. I guess when you're as famous as I am, and intelligent to boot, unintelligent people like Amanda Nelson will always find a way, and a reason, to run and hide. 

You can't claim to be all about people being able to express their opinions, Amanda Nelson, then shut them up when they are proving you to be an idiot. But then again, you are the type of stupid that is a cliche' these days. You only believe in free speech if it agrees with you. And you only try to debate those who are dumber than you. Unfortunately for you, there are not very many of those people with the exception of your bully friends. You are a horrible person Amanda Nelson because you believe in censorship, and censorship is communism at its best. I guess that makes you a communist too. But either way, you are the one who has to live with the knowledge that this world would be a much better, and nicer place, without you in it. 

Say hello to your bully friends for me. *Wave*







39 comments:

  1. She does this a lot carroll your not the only one. She is friends with a lot of bullies. Great post.

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    1. Thanks. Sorry so late to respond but after posting this I had to get busy prepping for some renovations on my kitchen, bathroom, bedroom closet, and front part of my living room, starting tomorrow.

      I don't know her social status regarding her involvement or friendships / associations with GR bullies or STGRB bullies. However, it does not surprise me if this is a typical practice of hers.

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  2. Book Riot has a reputation for endorsing bullying of authors. They love to read but they hate authors. Why should Amanda be any different? The whole staff lives by that philosophy not just Amanda.

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    1. I wouldn't know, this was my first time there I think. I'll take your word for it though.

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  3. Its about time someone stood up to these people. I always thought stgrb would but they haven't the clout anymore since they sold out to Goodreads. I agree with you Carroll that authors should ban together and get rid of some of these book sites. GR, BL to name a couple.

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    1. I think if we got enough, we could do it. We could take down Goodreads, for example, because they fail to uphold their ToS or because they allow personal attacks on authors in book reviews. I'm serious! I think we could do it.

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  4. They look like adults in their photos but mentally they are all 12 years old. Good post carz.

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  5. i see you riding on book riot coattails now? you just angry cuz she blocked you stop your whining want some cheese?

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    1. I think the phrase goes: "Want some cheese with that whine?" - And the answer is, yes please! me likes cheese. Especially government cheese. :)

      Seriously though, I'm not as angry about her blocking me as I am about your inability to form a complete and coherent sentence. Were you the child they left behind? lol

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    2. Wow, you're really showing off the professionalism you wish there was more of here. /sarcasm

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    3. Well, I didn't censor you, did I? That's professional enough don't you think? / Not Sarcasm. Just truth. And professionalism. :) Take notes kid!

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    4. thats funny she thinks your a professional

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    5. I know, right? Don't get me wrong, where my writing is concerned, I am professional. My books, my songs, my poetry, but as for blogging, I do that for fun and for free. To think that when I defend myself or attack those who attack me on my own blog is being "unprofessional" is somewhat asinine in my opinion. Besides, I don't consider blogging being a profession. I suppose it can be and maybe there are some people out there who think they are "professional bloggers" but, I don't think this.

      Bullies are as funny as they are just plain old stupid. They attack others and then when those people defend themselves or stand up for themselves, it is "those" people who are acting "unprofessional" and "immature". lol

      Now Amanda and Brenna are the unprofessional ones. I would be greatly surprised if they weren't getting paid and for them to think they are qualified to tell authors (or anyone for that matter) on how to "conduct" themselves is laughable for eternity. Then when someone tries to slap them with a reality check, they censor them.

      I think that's all anyone needs to know about those two cunts. lol (And yes, I went there.)

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  6. Unprofessionalism is the name of the game in todays society, Mr. Bryant. Book Riot is the perfect example of what happens when Walmart employees get together and come up with an idea for a website. They give themselves a title, and the next thing you know, everybody's a journalist. Amanda Nelson is about a managing editor as I am president of the united states. As a periodic visiter to Book Riot, I have seen her treat many people like dirt, just as she treated you, sir, which is why I never dare comment on any of their articles. I am often times on the opposite opinion as she is. Now you know why my silence. To have fun on that site, or to enjoy it in anyway, you have to be native. But I can't say that on Book Riot, I will get banned. I can say it here thanks to this fine article.

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    1. I allow a lot of people to say what they want within reason. I enjoy a healthy debate or discussion with those on the other side of me. But it is obvious Amanda Nelson does not enjoy a healthy debate. Some people are like that - my way or the highway - attitude.

      Thanks for the comment.

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  7. Book Riot is a hate site.

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  8. I've herd about this site and was planning on checking them out soon but now i think i will hold off. I don't like websites that only favors one position. I rather enjoy opinions from both sides. Thanks for this post, Carroll.

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  9. What is being overlooked here is the fact that Amanda did not write this article. If I were Miss Gray, I would be highly upset with Amanda censoring commenters on my article. Everyone knows the success of any article posted on the internet is the spirited debate that follows. By censoring Carroll and threatening to censor oh7dp, Amanda is doing a great disservice to Brenna Clarke Gray and her work.

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    1. That's a very good observation. I never thought about that. I wonder though, now that you brought it up, if maybe she has Brenna's permission to censor? I'll go out on a short limb and suggest that Amanda Nelson's "self entitlement" behavior could be standard practice for the whole entire staff. Including Brenna's. That is just my hunch.

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  10. what a rude and disrespectful woman.

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  11. CARROL BRYANT YOU ARE MY FRIEND THESE PEOPLE JEALOUS OF YOU I HATE THEM YOU DO GOOD THINGS FOR CHILDREN MORE TALENT OF ALL THESE HATERS MORE FAMOUS THAN ALL THEM PUT TOGETHER THEY HATE YOU CUZ YOU ARE BETTER THAN ALL THEM ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT MY FRIEND

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    1. I think I know who this is. Hello buddy! Thanks for dropping by. I love your comment so much I'm not even gonna mention the caps. lol

      oooopps. Haha

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  12. 2 questions Caroll, who does this bitch think she is advising authors not to respond to reviews? Who made her queen bee of the writing world? I hate it when these dumb ass people who aren't even talented enough to write a damn book go around telling all of us who can what to do and what not to do and how to act like we're supposed to be their bitches or something.

    Why didn't you post this on the looking glass?

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  13. That's three questions, unless "Who made her queen bee of the writing world?" was rhetorical. I'll assume it was. lol

    I don't know who this woman thinks she is, advising us authors on how to behave. I have been searching for that answer forever. But I want to make it clear that Amanda Nelson did not write the article, Brenna Clarke Gray wrote it so, maybe you can find her on Twitter or something and ask who the hell she think she is. If you do, and she actually gives you an answer, come back and let us all know. I'm interested in what she says.

    The reason I did not post this on "The Glass" is because this wasn't really a situation for "The Glass". I started "The Glass" to defend myself against my personal bullies, and for a good year now, it's been quiet. This event was by chance. I'm sure Amanda Nelson did not wake up thinking that the great Carroll Bryant was going to be posting comments on her site. But it is obvious she knew who I was / am and probably got weak in the knees at my legendary presence. You also have to keep in mind that she was still recovering from the whooping she received from oh7dp hours earlier. I'm sure she just couldn't go through another beat down debate with the likes of me. lol But it is funny that the only time she responded was when she had already blocked me from commenting. Maybe that is the only way Amanda Nelson can win an argument. Ahahahahahaha.

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  14. I saw her pic on Twitter and her hair looks like a ten year old mop. She has that entitlement look about her that makes our generation look bad. I'm fairly sure she has left some DNA all over Hillary Clinton's ass. She seems to think she is hot shit. She is half right. She is shit. The worst part is she has kids. What are the odds they grow up to be internet bullies?

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  15. What is it with you and girls named Amanda?

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  16. Anyone who tries to tell another how to act or behave is usually the first one to rate a book one star when they never read the book or review the author instead of the book. These people are bullies. They think their bad behavior is justified in order to correct others from their bad behavior. These people are also known as shitwad democrats. Only a democrat would conceive the notion that they can dictate other people's behavior. Nonauthors telling authors how to act? That's a joke. The behavior of Brenna Clarke Gray, Amanda Nelson and those like them is nothing short of appalling. Little runnynosed snot punks trying to advise other people how to behave. This is what your kids will turn into if you don't spank them.

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    1. I don't know if I want to drag politics into this. Maybe there is a connection but I have seen just as judgmental republicans. Having said that, I have observed that a great deal of these "judges, juries, and executioners" of authors by these alleged "readers / reviewers" have two main things in common: 1) They are all young (between ages 13-30) and 2) They appear to be supporters of the democratic party.

      It's no secret that programs like, "everybody gets to play", "everybody gets a trophy", "we don't keep score and everybody wins", and "no child left behind" crap was started by democrats. And while I admire the intent, the fact is these programs only work in fantasy world, not reality. These programs are what I blame for how the young today are acting. And why our country is in the mess it's in. It's why so many of our young live in this entitlement bubble. But not all young people live in that frame of mind. I have many young friends and they are going to college and or working their butts off to get what they want and it's refreshing. They are not going around asking for what other people earned, they are earning for themselves and that's what makes my young friends so special. I'm proud of them.

      But I'm pretty sure there are some republican bullies out there too. The two parties have more in common than they choose to believe. Democrats want to turn America into China and republicans want to turn it into Russia. lol That's my observation anyway.

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    2. Oh, one more thing, I do think Brenna and Amanda wouldn't be like this if they had been spanked. lol A good spanking, when deserved, goes a long way. :)

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  17. Dude, you need a life.

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    1. Carroll has a life. He wrote two songs this year, writing a biography, working for a website, been helping his ailing mother, and spending time with his nephew. Isn't it funny how bullies have nothing else to do but come here and suggest you get a life? Keep up the great work.

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    2. All I do is great work. :) haha Thanks friend.

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    3. @anon2:44 - Did carroll hurt your little feelings? Maybe you shouldn't have such thin skin you need to toughen up if your gonna be a bully. Carroll gave you a taste of your own medicine. Oh the irony! Bullies crying for being criticized! This is classic!

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  18. These are horrible people. No one should ever tell anyone how to behave. Who does this Amanda Nelson girl think she is? She needs to behave better. These folks say they love reading but they hate authors. Who do they think wrote the books they are reading?

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    1. I agree.

      Hey, no one ever said that bullies are smart, but you are correct, the only reason they have writers to hate is because they have books to love. Or something to that effect. lol It's a very confused world inside a bully's head. :) And a whole lotta hate!

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  19. None of this would be happening if it weren't for that fat Mexican girl who stalked carroll.

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    1. you mean diabetes bitch? god I hate her.

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