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hbwriter
are you crazy? paul stanley is one of the greatest frontmen in rock and roll history

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rattler2004

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hbwriter
are you crazy? paul stanley is one of the greatest frontmen in rock and roll history

Now that made me spit my coffee out.

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johnnyguitar
Hi Chris Epting, I've been a "lurker" here for sometime now and recently joined. I've noticed for sometime now you fancy a career as a successful music journalist, you promote yourself at this site, and this has caused some controversy amongst members here.... As a career move, there are pros and cons to what you are doing. The internet is new territory for old business models, and you seem to be making a good attempt at using the internet to "network" and basically show your business card around. Maybe you are also finding the internet is useful for collecting research, speaking to hardcore fans and finding beneficial information. Oldschool journalists have been slow to recognise just what a huge goldmine the internet is providing. Fan forums are especially great for rare and insightful knowledge. I would say Chris you deserve a thumbs up for using the internet in a clever way.

But I'm surprised people at IORR haven't queried your self-promotion more often than they have. For example Geoffrey Guiliano is not very welcome at Beatle fansites, and something that makes him a really annoying character is his relentless self-promotion. I know from seeing past debates you are very sensitive to any criticism at IORR, but Chris you need to realise that the internet is not a one-way street. Creating new threads to promote your work, whether they are Rolling Stones related or not (and many of your published interviews have zero relevance to The Stones anyway), is something people are entitled to question. You are really putting yourself "out there", for better or worse.

On that note, can I say congrats on having another book published. However, as a discerning reader I'd say the whole "life lessons from a pop star" book was successfully written in 2004 in the famous book "Letters To Major Tom" by Dave Thompson. His was an original idea, and the book was very successful. Is this where you got your idea? It sounds like a similar marketing angle.

Speaking of marketing, your previous books have a recurring theme of "celebrity tourism" in them. I'd say your new book continues that theme. But I was wondering if you have deeper ideas you'd like to write...? What is it like trying to pitch these ideas to publishing houses, when they prefer "celebrity tourism" books they can sell at Walmart? I'm assuming you have deeper ideas for your writing. May I suggest, in all honesty, writing about those struggles would make far more compelling reading than yet another interview from a trade fair. Seriously, try writing about that. It would be much more interesting. Good luck


(Edited because the original post seemed too harsh).

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tatters
There's nothing quite so fine on a Saturday morning as relaxing with a nice hot cup of Joe and putting on some good music ....

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tatters
Sounds like he's got his bass strung with rubber bands.

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hbwriter

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johnnyguitar
Hi Chris Epting, I've been a "lurker" here for sometime now and recently joined. I've noticed for sometime now you fancy a career as a successful music journalist, you promote yourself at this site, and this has caused some controversy amongst members here.... As a career move, there are pros and cons to what you are doing. The internet is new territory for old business models, and you seem to be making a good attempt at using the internet to "network" and basically show your business card around. Maybe you are also finding the internet is useful for collecting research, speaking to hardcore fans and finding beneficial information. Oldschool journalists have been slow to recognise just what a huge goldmine the internet is providing. Fan forums are especially great for rare and insightful knowledge. I would say Chris you deserve a thumbs up for using the internet in a clever way.

But I'm surprised people at IORR haven't queried your self-promotion more often than they have. For example Geoffrey Guiliano is not very welcome at Beatle fansites, and something that makes him a really annoying character is his relentless self-promotion. I know from seeing past debates you are very sensitive to any criticism at IORR, but Chris you need to realise that the internet is not a one-way street. Creating new threads to promote your work, whether they are Rolling Stones related or not (and many of your published interviews have zero relevance to The Stones anyway), is something people are entitled to question. You are really putting yourself "out there", for better or worse.

On that note, can I say congrats on having another book published. However, as a discerning reader I'd say the whole "life lessons from a pop star" book was successfully written in 2004 in the famous book "Letters To Major Tom" by Dave Thompson. His was an original idea, and the book was very successful. Is this where you got your idea? It sounds like a similar marketing angle.

Speaking of marketing, your previous books have a recurring theme of "celebrity tourism" in them. I'd say your new book continues that theme. But I was wondering if you have deeper ideas you'd like to write...? What is it like trying to pitch these ideas to publishing houses, when they prefer "celebrity tourism" books they can sell at Walmart? I'm assuming you have deeper ideas for your writing. May I suggest, in all honesty, writing about those struggles would make far more compelling reading than yet another interview from a trade fair. Seriously, try writing about that. It would be much more interesting. Good luck


(Edited because the original post seemed too harsh).

I appreciate the thoughtful take. For the record, I do not "fancy myself as a successful music journalist." I'm a writer trying to make a living to support my family. I've posted here for years as a Stones freak - nothing more - nothing less - and that's easy to look up. I've made friends here, met people off the board, had terrible arguments, wonderful exchanges - you name it - what I'd guess is common for this kind of thing (and I really don't do this sort of thing - i do not spend a lot of time on the internet) Given the breadth of interest and knowledge here - when i post an interview or something, as i have stated here before, to me it's just like sharing a story in a bar. Sure, a few people have taken offense, even suggesting that I get paid when more people read my stuff- which is nonsense- i get paid for what i do, end of story. there is no back end based on anything else. But as well, there are many people that have chimed in to defend what I do, i think (and hope) because they know what brought me here in the first place - the rolling stones. i have opened *hundreds* of stones related threads - so trust me - that is why i love this site - not to "promote" myself. I've become defensive in the past when personal attacks begin, or worse, when things are made up - so sure, I defend myself - in the spirit of things not being a one-way street as you point out.

quick because i've got to run - i've never even heard of the major tom/bowie book - (though i just looked it up --looks interesting) - what inspired me was a day last year when i was in a room with KISS, and my son - just the six of us - and it struck me a. how bizarre it was that a former KISS Army freak could be in that situation and b. I genuinely like the guys, the music, the spirit and the hard work - and so the book idea, as i wrote, hit me in that moment - it was a thank you back to a band that has made my life better.

As far as "deeper" ideas, that is strictly in the mind of the reader - i don't look at my books as "celebrity tourism" per se - many of them are historic travelogues covering hundreds of years of history, wandering north america in search of precise historic locations, with the stories included - have you read them? may be a good idea before you judge. What do you mean exactly by deeper? Do you read my weekly newspaper column? The last two weeks I have gone undercover with a detective as he tries to bust human trafficking rings - is that what you mean? Is that where I should be? Does that meet your standard? Did you research me deep enough to learn those things? Here's one of the pieces - not to promote -but to edify:

[www.hbindependent.com]

Again, what you deem "interesting" seems vague to me - "deeper"- "struggles" - it's extremely judgemental and subjective and so if I might offer a bit of advice back to you, it would be to research your subject before making such bold assumptions. But I do appreciate the feedback, truly - and if you have a Kindle shoot me an email and I'll send you a free copy of the KISS book.

(also - i looked up that Bowie book - you said it was "very successful" but i could find bare trace of it - a scant three reviews on amazon and it is buried in the three millions - what makes you say it was very successful? just curious - seemed like you might be plugging a book
ce

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johnnyguitar

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hbwriter

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johnnyguitar
Hi Chris Epting, I've been a "lurker" here for sometime now and recently joined. I've noticed for sometime now you fancy a career as a successful music journalist, you promote yourself at this site, and this has caused some controversy amongst members here.... As a career move, there are pros and cons to what you are doing. The internet is new territory for old business models, and you seem to be making a good attempt at using the internet to "network" and basically show your business card around. Maybe you are also finding the internet is useful for collecting research, speaking to hardcore fans and finding beneficial information. Oldschool journalists have been slow to recognise just what a huge goldmine the internet is providing. Fan forums are especially great for rare and insightful knowledge. I would say Chris you deserve a thumbs up for using the internet in a clever way.

But I'm surprised people at IORR haven't queried your self-promotion more often than they have. For example Geoffrey Guiliano is not very welcome at Beatle fansites, and something that makes him a really annoying character is his relentless self-promotion. I know from seeing past debates you are very sensitive to any criticism at IORR, but Chris you need to realise that the internet is not a one-way street. Creating new threads to promote your work, whether they are Rolling Stones related or not (and many of your published interviews have zero relevance to The Stones anyway), is something people are entitled to question. You are really putting yourself "out there", for better or worse.

On that note, can I say congrats on having another book published. However, as a discerning reader I'd say the whole "life lessons from a pop star" book was successfully written in 2004 in the famous book "Letters To Major Tom" by Dave Thompson. His was an original idea, and the book was very successful. Is this where you got your idea? It sounds like a similar marketing angle.

Speaking of marketing, your previous books have a recurring theme of "celebrity tourism" in them. I'd say your new book continues that theme. But I was wondering if you have deeper ideas you'd like to write...? What is it like trying to pitch these ideas to publishing houses, when they prefer "celebrity tourism" books they can sell at Walmart? I'm assuming you have deeper ideas for your writing. May I suggest, in all honesty, writing about those struggles would make far more compelling reading than yet another interview from a trade fair. Seriously, try writing about that. It would be much more interesting. Good luck


(Edited because the original post seemed too harsh).

I appreciate the thoughtful take. For the record, I do not "fancy myself as a successful music journalist." I'm a writer trying to make a living to support my family. I've posted here for years as a Stones freak - nothing more - nothing less - and that's easy to look up. I've made friends here, met people off the board, had terrible arguments, wonderful exchanges - you name it - what I'd guess is common for this kind of thing (and I really don't do this sort of thing - i do not spend a lot of time on the internet) Given the breadth of interest and knowledge here - when i post an interview or something, as i have stated here before, to me it's just like sharing a story in a bar. Sure, a few people have taken offense, even suggesting that I get paid when more people read my stuff- which is nonsense- i get paid for what i do, end of story. there is no back end based on anything else. But as well, there are many people that have chimed in to defend what I do, i think (and hope) because they know what brought me here in the first place - the rolling stones. i have opened *hundreds* of stones related threads - so trust me - that is why i love this site - not to "promote" myself. I've become defensive in the past when personal attacks begin, or worse, when things are made up - so sure, I defend myself - in the spirit of things not being a one-way street as you point out.

quick because i've got to run - i've never even heard of the major tom/bowie book - (though i just looked it up --looks interesting) - what inspired me was a day last year when i was in a room with KISS, and my son - just the six of us - and it struck me a. how bizarre it was that a former KISS Army freak could be in that situation and b. I genuinely like the guys, the music, the spirit and the hard work - and so the book idea, as i wrote, hit me in that moment - it was a thank you back to a band that has made my life better.

As far as "deeper" ideas, that is strictly in the mind of the reader - i don't look at my books as "celebrity tourism" per se - many of them are historic travelogues covering hundreds of years of history, wandering north america in search of precise historic locations, with the stories included - have you read them? may be a good idea before you judge. What do you mean exactly by deeper? Do you read my weekly newspaper column? The last two weeks I have gone undercover with a detective as he tries to bust human trafficking rings - is that what you mean? Is that where I should be? Does that meet your standard? Did you research me deep enough to learn those things? Here's one of the pieces - not to promote -but to edify:

[www.hbindependent.com]

Again, what you deem "interesting" seems vague to me - "deeper"- "struggles" - it's extremely judgemental and subjective and so if I might offer a bit of advice back to you, it would be to research your subject before making such bold assumptions. But I do appreciate the feedback, truly - and if you have a Kindle shoot me an email and I'll send you a free copy of the KISS book.

(also - i looked up that Bowie book - you said it was "very successful" but i could find bare trace of it - a scant three reviews on amazon and it is buried in the three millions - what makes you say it was very successful? just curious - seemed like you might be plugging a book
ce

Hi Chris, thanks for replying but you have misunderstood most of my points. You misquote me as saying you "fancy [yourself] as a successful music journalist". My exact statement was "you fancy a career as a successful music journalist". It's an importance difference. The misquote frames my comment as a personal criticism, suggesting you are acting arrogantly etc. My point with that comment was simply this- you are trying to build a career as a successful music journalist.
Frankly I am shocked a journalist would misquote and misinform

I'm surprised you haven't heard of the Bowie book before. It was very successful in a number of ways; it received lots of coverage in the UK music press, received strong reviews, and many people in the music industry are familiar with it by now. Yes I said UK music press, but with everyone online these days it shouldn't really matter. For example the first time I heard of the book (from advance publicity) was reading The Guardian online. I'm not a huge Bowie fan, but like any music fan my eyes and ears are open to all kinds of new releases. My point in asking you about the book was to find out if it was an influence, because it certainly started a publishing trend for "fan relationships as narrative". As a writer Chris you know how publishing trends work, surely. Anyhow that was my point. But I must say I'm alarmed you judge the "success" of books according to how many reviews they receive at Amazon (!!!). Sorry but that is a useless way to judge the success of a book.

Thank you for your reply on the "celebrity tourism" comment. I'm familiar with your travelogues only because you promote yourself here at IORR. I have no personal interest in your career, just as you have none in mine. But you promote yourself at this site, so of course we are going to click on your work at some point. Hence my original statement- there are pros and cons to what you do here! Rather than make sarcastic comments about the "standards" someone like me might have (as you did in your reply), please realise the internet is not a one-way street. You shouldn't be surprised when someone expresses an opinion on your work. You started the thread after all. I don't think there's anything wrong with the "celebrity tourism" category. But I do think deeper ideas are much more interesting. My earlier suggestion to you was genuine- it would be much more fascinating to read about your struggles as a writer in the modern music industry, rather than another interview from a freeze-dried trade fair. Your everyday experience as a writer would be much more interesting than something written in the style of an E! Entertainment story. You know what I mean? Writing about the ups and downs of your work doesn't mean you can't write about the musicians and celebrities either. In fact, the combination would be very interesting. By the way, the notion of "depth" in writing is not "extremely judgemental and subjective" as you claim it is. That argument only works if we have no measurement for anything at all. Applied to the real world, depth and quality is something that is real and tangible. For example Keith made a decision to learn country music in greater depth, and look what happened.

My last criticism is your number of OT threads. That's what creates the impression you promote your career at IORR. Without sounding too negative, many of your threads have no relevance to the Stones. For example if you were to interview Phil Collins, I can imagine a thread beginning with "Hey remember back in the 80s when The Stones had a huge hit with Start Me Up? Well someone else who was big in the 80s was Phil COllins. I interviewed him..." There are so many threads of this kind, it seems reasonable for people to query that. I'm not saying you are a bad writer, or a bad person... On the contrary you seem to be a good person and can write well. I'm just saying many of your threads seem to have no relevance to The Stones, and their purpose is to promote your career. Maybe I am wrong, but that is the impression.

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stonesriff
Kiss. Great band. Should be in the rock n roll hall of fame. End of story.