I met up with a close friend over coffee today. She had asked to buy three copies of Echoes, signed. As we sipped away at our Cappuccinos, I offered her one copy, without charge, in exchange for her objective review on amazon.com. She was delighted. I can use the reviews much more than the few dollars I make on each sale of Echoes.
Later today, my brother, and his girlfriend came by, bringing bags of farm-fresh fruit to share. I rarely see my brother, as he lives several hours away from me. I proudly showed them a copy of Echoes, and they both beamed and beamed with pride for me. It soon became apparent that they would love a signed copy, also. I mentioned the cost a copy of Echoes, and that they could pay me at some other time with a cup of coffee, somewhere.
And now I'm feeling very awkward ... torn, actually. The main purpose for printing my poems was to be able to share them in a real book, and to satisfy the frequent question of, "Have you published yet". Making money off of my friends and family never occurred to me until I actually paid for a boxful of Echoes. (Hmm; a box full of Echoes. I must use that in a poem someday) So, getting Echoes out there and into other hands should be my focus ... shouldn't it?
Since that day with my brother, I have been retooling my thoughts on cost vs "giving it away." I've been slowly coming to the conclusion that a cup of coffee, or a review, or even some luscious fresh fruit, in exchange for a copy of Echoes, will do. Again, this isn't about money, but rather in reaping even some small remuneration. After all, free = "of no worth" in many minds, and I seriously don't want to go there.
Later today, my brother, and his girlfriend came by, bringing bags of farm-fresh fruit to share. I rarely see my brother, as he lives several hours away from me. I proudly showed them a copy of Echoes, and they both beamed and beamed with pride for me. It soon became apparent that they would love a signed copy, also. I mentioned the cost a copy of Echoes, and that they could pay me at some other time with a cup of coffee, somewhere.
And now I'm feeling very awkward ... torn, actually. The main purpose for printing my poems was to be able to share them in a real book, and to satisfy the frequent question of, "Have you published yet". Making money off of my friends and family never occurred to me until I actually paid for a boxful of Echoes. (Hmm; a box full of Echoes. I must use that in a poem someday) So, getting Echoes out there and into other hands should be my focus ... shouldn't it?
Since that day with my brother, I have been retooling my thoughts on cost vs "giving it away." I've been slowly coming to the conclusion that a cup of coffee, or a review, or even some luscious fresh fruit, in exchange for a copy of Echoes, will do. Again, this isn't about money, but rather in reaping even some small remuneration. After all, free = "of no worth" in many minds, and I seriously don't want to go there.
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