John Reeves's Blog
July 6, 2013
I'm Not a Sandy Hook Denier
I have recently been accused of being a Sandy Hook denier. Anyone who has followed the last couple of blog posts knows where these things originate. The person who started this rumor knows who she is. The whole thing started when I reviewed a controversial essay. It was a rebuttal of Stephen King's essay Guns. I also reviewed Stephen King's essay, and from the two reviews I'd become a Sandy Hook denier. Just for the record I never denied that it happened.
http://bookrite.blogspot.com/2013/06/...
http://bookrite.blogspot.com/2013/06/...
May 25, 2013
Reviewing Books You've Never Read
The Situation
I arrived home the other day and found I had a text review for my newest book Murder Machine. I read the review and realized that the person hadn't read the book. They read the sample developed an opinion and left a review that they later extended making it more detailed. The reviewer didn't like the book based on the sample. I guess you could go read books that way, but that's not how I do it.
After I read the review I realized something. That on May 21st my book had been attacked by a large number of reviewers/trolls. It had actually started a week earlier. When I checked my other books I realized that they'd also been hit by the same people. These are not people who've read my book and unlike the text reviewer, they hadn't even read the sample.
I'd just heard of some other authors that had experienced this kind of thing. It all started to come together. I was being attacked because of my association with these other authors in various groups. These trolls are seeking out independent authors and intentionally railroading them. I looked further into the situation and found a list that most of them are on, but I know the numbers are much bigger than the list.
The List: http://www.stopthegrbullies.com/
I don't think that Goodreads should allow reviewers to leave non-text reviews. When I'm looking at reviews I never pay attention to those who had nothing to say. In my case with Murder Machine, at least I knew the reviewer had read the sample. Which is not enough to judge that story by. They said the dialogue was flat and quoted my book in their review to show that. I don't think you should ever quote a book in your review, but if Goodreads allows it then it's within the rules.
Murder Machine opens with a court room scene, and perhaps the yes and no questions being asked are not explosive dialogue, but one cannot judge this story by the first chapter. I had originally considered cutting that opening chapter. However, in the end I decided against it. The sample gives you a couple of sentences of chapter two. You can see that the story changes from there.
I'm not responding to the review. If the reviewer didn't like the sample I'm all right with that. The reason I'm responding to this issue at all is because people are reviewing books they've never read. Reading the sample isn't enough to review a book on, and that isn't why the sample is there. It's there to help you decide whether or not you want to buy the book. It's not designed for you to review the book. Stop reviewing books you've never read.
I'm going to find out why these groups are attacking indie writers...more to come on this issue.
I arrived home the other day and found I had a text review for my newest book Murder Machine. I read the review and realized that the person hadn't read the book. They read the sample developed an opinion and left a review that they later extended making it more detailed. The reviewer didn't like the book based on the sample. I guess you could go read books that way, but that's not how I do it.
After I read the review I realized something. That on May 21st my book had been attacked by a large number of reviewers/trolls. It had actually started a week earlier. When I checked my other books I realized that they'd also been hit by the same people. These are not people who've read my book and unlike the text reviewer, they hadn't even read the sample.
I'd just heard of some other authors that had experienced this kind of thing. It all started to come together. I was being attacked because of my association with these other authors in various groups. These trolls are seeking out independent authors and intentionally railroading them. I looked further into the situation and found a list that most of them are on, but I know the numbers are much bigger than the list.
The List: http://www.stopthegrbullies.com/
I don't think that Goodreads should allow reviewers to leave non-text reviews. When I'm looking at reviews I never pay attention to those who had nothing to say. In my case with Murder Machine, at least I knew the reviewer had read the sample. Which is not enough to judge that story by. They said the dialogue was flat and quoted my book in their review to show that. I don't think you should ever quote a book in your review, but if Goodreads allows it then it's within the rules.
Murder Machine opens with a court room scene, and perhaps the yes and no questions being asked are not explosive dialogue, but one cannot judge this story by the first chapter. I had originally considered cutting that opening chapter. However, in the end I decided against it. The sample gives you a couple of sentences of chapter two. You can see that the story changes from there.
I'm not responding to the review. If the reviewer didn't like the sample I'm all right with that. The reason I'm responding to this issue at all is because people are reviewing books they've never read. Reading the sample isn't enough to review a book on, and that isn't why the sample is there. It's there to help you decide whether or not you want to buy the book. It's not designed for you to review the book. Stop reviewing books you've never read.
I'm going to find out why these groups are attacking indie writers...more to come on this issue.
Reviewing Books You've Never Read
The Situation
I arrived home the other day and found I had a text review for my newest book Murder Machine. I read the review and realized that the person hadn't read the book. They read the sample developed an opinion and left a review that they later extended making it more detailed. The reviewer didn't like the book based on the sample. I guess you could go read books that way, but that's not how I do it.
After I read the review I realized something. That on May 21st my book had been attacked by a large number of reviewers/trolls. It had actually started a week earlier. When I checked my other books I realized that they'd also been hit by the same people. These are not people who've read my book and unlike the text reviewer, they hadn't even read the sample.
I'd just heard of some other authors that had experienced this kind of thing. It all started to come together. I was being attacked because of my association with these other authors in various groups. These trolls are seeking out independent authors and intentionally railroading them. I looked further into the situation and found a list that most of them are on, but I know the numbers are much bigger than the list.
The List: http://www.stopthegrbullies.com/
I don't think that Goodreads should allow reviewers to leave non-text reviews. When I'm looking at reviews I never pay attention to those who had nothing to say. In my case with Murder Machine, at least I knew the reviewer had read the sample. Which is not enough to judge that story by. They said the dialogue was flat and quoted my book in their review to show that. I don't think you should ever quote a book in your review, but if Goodreads allows it then it's within the rules.
Murder Machine opens with a court room scene, and perhaps the yes and no questions being asked are not explosive dialogue, but one cannot judge this story by the first chapter. I had originally considered cutting that opening chapter. However, in the end I decided against it. The sample gives you a couple of sentences of chapter two. You can see that the story changes from there.
I'm not responding to the review. If the reviewer didn't like the sample I'm all right with that. The reason I'm responding to this issue at all is because people are reviewing books they've never read. Reading the sample isn't enough to review a book on, and that isn't why the sample is there. It's there to help you decide whether or not you want to buy the book. It's not designed for you to review the book. Stop reviewing books you've never read.
I'm going to find out why these groups are attacking indie writers...more to come on this issue.
May 19, 2013
Serial Cyber-stalking, Cyber-bullying and Harassment Rampant on the Internet
Serial Cyber-stalking, Cyber-bullying and Harassment Rampant on the Internet
A Minnesota man is troubled by a case of wide-spread, serial cyber-stalking he has uncovered.Rick Carufel has found a disturbing number of reports and evidence of blatant, organized cyber-stalking, cyber-bullying and harassment all originating from the same online source – a public forum owned by a well-known global corporation. It appears to have been ongoing for at least three years and involves dozens of people victimizing hundreds.
“There seems to be some indication that the corporation in question may be deliberately shielding those responsible and may even be actively supporting them. Recently I have seen an alarming number of cases concerning attacks on a certain group of individuals.”It is obvious to anyone who carries out a cursory investigation by going to the website in question that the corporation has some very questionable policies which it has made no attempt to address, resolve or even acknowledge. The company’s public forums are the origin of what can only be described as vicious personal cyber-attacks to date. Even in the face of thousands of complaints, the corporation does nothing to correct the situation.
While researching the US cyber-stalking laws, Carufel has discovered that the Minnesota statute 609.749 clearly defines the activities of these people as criminal acts. This is the same statute used to prosecute predatory sex offenders who stalk underage victims online. There are between thirty and forty people currently responsible for hundreds of organized attacks with the intent to damage careers, reputations and income. These are not merely isolated incidents. Instead, when the predator’s focus their attention on an individual they keep up a sustained attack trying in every underhanded way possible to discredit, demean, insult, demonize and harass their victims across the internet at every opportunity.Carufel said that according to his understanding of the situation, these people are committing crimes which the particular company that owns the website is fully aware of. “It’s absolutely amazing how many people these cyber-terrorists have frightened into not speaking out against them because of the threat of very damaging retaliation. These stalkers have found the perfect cover for their crimes, protected as they are by the company concerned.” Carufel went on to say that these attacks if allowed to continue, will potentially cause millions in damage over time. “They are the offshoot of an industry in transition that desperately clings to outdated models and these waning industry leaders are not happy with the current state of events. I’ve had reports that there may actually be corporate sponsorships for some of these attacks, targeting a certain segment of the industry most responsible for their decline. There is much more to be uncovered, but I am out of resources to pursue this investigation much further. I’m hoping to gather enough solid evidence together to compel the State and Federal authorities to request indictments. These people are spreading terror and misery every day and must be stopped. Their cover is diabolically clever and they have thus far managed to weather every attempt to root them out. Hopefully armed with 609.749 by proving the association between the cyber stalkers and the particular corporation, we can accomplish that.”
Carufel stated that were he to publicly reveal the details, people would be shocked. He stated that he already has enough evidence from his own case to send several of the individuals concerned to prison. Combine his evidence with the many other reports of similar personal attacks and harassment condoned by the corporation and Carufel hopes to have a deeper investigation into it and its system of protection tailored to accommodate these criminals.
A Minnesota man is troubled by a case of wide-spread, serial cyber-stalking he has uncovered.Rick Carufel has found a disturbing number of reports and evidence of blatant, organized cyber-stalking, cyber-bullying and harassment all originating from the same online source – a public forum owned by a well-known global corporation. It appears to have been ongoing for at least three years and involves dozens of people victimizing hundreds.
“There seems to be some indication that the corporation in question may be deliberately shielding those responsible and may even be actively supporting them. Recently I have seen an alarming number of cases concerning attacks on a certain group of individuals.”It is obvious to anyone who carries out a cursory investigation by going to the website in question that the corporation has some very questionable policies which it has made no attempt to address, resolve or even acknowledge. The company’s public forums are the origin of what can only be described as vicious personal cyber-attacks to date. Even in the face of thousands of complaints, the corporation does nothing to correct the situation.
While researching the US cyber-stalking laws, Carufel has discovered that the Minnesota statute 609.749 clearly defines the activities of these people as criminal acts. This is the same statute used to prosecute predatory sex offenders who stalk underage victims online. There are between thirty and forty people currently responsible for hundreds of organized attacks with the intent to damage careers, reputations and income. These are not merely isolated incidents. Instead, when the predator’s focus their attention on an individual they keep up a sustained attack trying in every underhanded way possible to discredit, demean, insult, demonize and harass their victims across the internet at every opportunity.Carufel said that according to his understanding of the situation, these people are committing crimes which the particular company that owns the website is fully aware of. “It’s absolutely amazing how many people these cyber-terrorists have frightened into not speaking out against them because of the threat of very damaging retaliation. These stalkers have found the perfect cover for their crimes, protected as they are by the company concerned.” Carufel went on to say that these attacks if allowed to continue, will potentially cause millions in damage over time. “They are the offshoot of an industry in transition that desperately clings to outdated models and these waning industry leaders are not happy with the current state of events. I’ve had reports that there may actually be corporate sponsorships for some of these attacks, targeting a certain segment of the industry most responsible for their decline. There is much more to be uncovered, but I am out of resources to pursue this investigation much further. I’m hoping to gather enough solid evidence together to compel the State and Federal authorities to request indictments. These people are spreading terror and misery every day and must be stopped. Their cover is diabolically clever and they have thus far managed to weather every attempt to root them out. Hopefully armed with 609.749 by proving the association between the cyber stalkers and the particular corporation, we can accomplish that.”
Carufel stated that were he to publicly reveal the details, people would be shocked. He stated that he already has enough evidence from his own case to send several of the individuals concerned to prison. Combine his evidence with the many other reports of similar personal attacks and harassment condoned by the corporation and Carufel hopes to have a deeper investigation into it and its system of protection tailored to accommodate these criminals.
January 27, 2013
My Review of Stephen King's Essay on Guns
I am a huge Stephen King fan. The truth is that I was inspired to write after reading Christine. He is my favorite writer and not just horror. While Guns was well written, and I expected nothing less, it sent the wrong message. Not just one part of the book, but the entire thing was off.
Stephen King first speaks about Rage and why he felt it necessary to pull it from circulation. Whether or not he should have pulled it is debatable, but at the end of the day he found it to be a blueprint for high school shootings. Whether or not we need a book like that out there again, is completely debatable. The book didn't kill anyone, nor did it make someone commit a crime that they ordinarily wouldn't have.
To restrict the amount of ammo that can be held in a magazine, or any other type of gun control is unconstitutional and shouldn't even be considered. King tried to avoid the politics of the issue in his essay, and I can understand why he would. However, this issue is completely political and cannot be explained properly without that being the driving force of the point.
They are not trying to outright take the guns, yet! But, they will strengthen gun laws and locate the guns. Once they know where to find them they'll round them up. They'll leave you vulnerable and defenseless. There is a more sinister plan that follows, but I'm not going to get into that in this review. Look up FEMA Camps and a lot of this will make sense.
[...]
Our right to gun ownership is being threatened by a couple of shootings that have a ton of questions surrounding them. Lies and coverups have surrounded both cases. It's odd to me that so many lies have been told, and we are talking about an elementary school shooting. The truth should have been easy to tell and no reason to lie and withhold information. The news outlets do not have to report the truth, and they don't.
We are experiencing some of the toughest times in American history. Now is not the time to take anything away, but there is never a right time to be constitutionally violated. You have to stand up for your rights, because your government isn't doing that. If you give up your guns...you're giving up your freedom at the same time.
Stephen King first speaks about Rage and why he felt it necessary to pull it from circulation. Whether or not he should have pulled it is debatable, but at the end of the day he found it to be a blueprint for high school shootings. Whether or not we need a book like that out there again, is completely debatable. The book didn't kill anyone, nor did it make someone commit a crime that they ordinarily wouldn't have.
To restrict the amount of ammo that can be held in a magazine, or any other type of gun control is unconstitutional and shouldn't even be considered. King tried to avoid the politics of the issue in his essay, and I can understand why he would. However, this issue is completely political and cannot be explained properly without that being the driving force of the point.
They are not trying to outright take the guns, yet! But, they will strengthen gun laws and locate the guns. Once they know where to find them they'll round them up. They'll leave you vulnerable and defenseless. There is a more sinister plan that follows, but I'm not going to get into that in this review. Look up FEMA Camps and a lot of this will make sense.
[...]
Our right to gun ownership is being threatened by a couple of shootings that have a ton of questions surrounding them. Lies and coverups have surrounded both cases. It's odd to me that so many lies have been told, and we are talking about an elementary school shooting. The truth should have been easy to tell and no reason to lie and withhold information. The news outlets do not have to report the truth, and they don't.
We are experiencing some of the toughest times in American history. Now is not the time to take anything away, but there is never a right time to be constitutionally violated. You have to stand up for your rights, because your government isn't doing that. If you give up your guns...you're giving up your freedom at the same time.
December 20, 2012
Happy Endings - They're Not For Everyone
I recently read a blog post by Tim Sunderland about happy endings, or at least hopeful endings. He'd written what he thought was the perfect story. Although he knew it was the perfect story he wrote an alternate ending that wasn't as dark as the original. He read the story to the writing group that he is a part of and they loved the story. They didn't really like the ending, which was bleak. He read them the alternate ending and they loved it.
http://whatifyoucouldnotfail.typepad.com/blog/2012/12/giving-the-reader-a-ray-of-sunshine-even-if-your-ending-is-bleak.html
There is little doubt in my mind that Tim wrote a compelling drama, and I'm equally sure that it's a great story no matter which ending he decides to use. I disagree with Tim and the group that fueled the opinion that all stories must leave a ray of hope. I think I'd enjoy the darker version. Those are the kind of stories I write. Those are the kind of stories I enjoy reading and I am not alone.
When you read a book you escape to another world. The people who read stories where the endings are dark; those people want to know that someone has it as bad or worse than they do. People love conflict and conflict drives these kind of stories. The drug addicted, gambling addict, non child support paying father doesn't have to turn it around. The story could still be good.
People who read horror are rarely looking for a happy ending. It's not just horror fans that expect darker endings. The story that Tim wrote is about a couple trying to save their marriage while dealing with a drug addicted teenager. That does not have to end on the bright side, because 90% of the time it doesn't. The reader can only expect that situation to go one way...bad!
December 10, 2012
Have We Had Help? Researching a Story
Have We Had Help?: Researching a Story: To borrow a quote from a fellow writer and friend, David Toft – easy reading is damned hard writing. *** Do you love to read? Hav...
November 18, 2012
The Saw is Back: Texas Chainsaw in 3D
In 1974 Sally Hardesty survived the cannibalistic family from Texas. After a night of hell she was still alive. When her brother Franklin and three others were massacred, her demise seemed all but certain. Sally was tortured in ways that today's films could accurately portray.
That's where the new Chainsaw Massacre movie picks up. Not after part 2, or part three, or the next generation. It doesn't pick up where the newest movies took us in the 2000's. This is the part that excites me: It picks up right where the '74 movie left off.
I have been anxiously awaiting the remake of Carrie, which I hope follows its original storyline. The Chainsaw Massacre isn't a remake of the 74 movie like I originally thought. The fact that it is a continuation of the original movie sells it for me.
The odds are pretty good that I will like this film. I loved the original, and I thought both the remake and the prequel were awesome. The fact that the story seems like it could be real, and the characters seem as though they're people you might know. It drives this story and gets miles out of it too.
http://www.shocktillyoudrop.com/news/170461-texas-chainsaw-3d-set-report-the-massacre-continues-over-three-decades-later
That's where the new Chainsaw Massacre movie picks up. Not after part 2, or part three, or the next generation. It doesn't pick up where the newest movies took us in the 2000's. This is the part that excites me: It picks up right where the '74 movie left off.
I have been anxiously awaiting the remake of Carrie, which I hope follows its original storyline. The Chainsaw Massacre isn't a remake of the 74 movie like I originally thought. The fact that it is a continuation of the original movie sells it for me.
The odds are pretty good that I will like this film. I loved the original, and I thought both the remake and the prequel were awesome. The fact that the story seems like it could be real, and the characters seem as though they're people you might know. It drives this story and gets miles out of it too.
http://www.shocktillyoudrop.com/news/170461-texas-chainsaw-3d-set-report-the-massacre-continues-over-three-decades-later
October 20, 2012
October is Here...Halloween and Horror
Since it's October, a month when we typically think of ghosts and goblins, monsters and demons. I figured that we'd discuss some of the best movies and books that scare us. I'm going to list a few that I find scary or creepy, and I want you to feel free to add your favorites in a comment below.
Movies
The Last House on the Left Wolf Creek The Texas Chain Saw Massacre The Devil's Rejects The Exorcist The Omen Rosemary's Baby Psycho Halloween The Shining My top 10 list of movies either scared me, or left me with a lasting memory. Some movies you'll watch but not long after you'll have forgotten them. None of these movies are like that to me.
Books
The Shining The Girl Next Door The Haunting of Hill House Off Season Pet Sematary Fever Dreams and Disturbing Visions Misery Salem's Lot Ghost Story Red Dragon (Hannibal Lecter #1)
These are all books that I have read and enjoyed. I found them to be either scary or creepy in some way. There are are three Stephen King books on the list, because he's pretty damn good. This is not a list of my favorite books, but these were some of the scarier reads.
Books II
Teen Spirit The Keepers Murder Machine These are my three books. There are two short stories and one novella. If you're looking for a scare, well then one of these books should take care of you.
Movies
The Last House on the Left Wolf Creek The Texas Chain Saw Massacre The Devil's Rejects The Exorcist The Omen Rosemary's Baby Psycho Halloween The Shining My top 10 list of movies either scared me, or left me with a lasting memory. Some movies you'll watch but not long after you'll have forgotten them. None of these movies are like that to me.
Books
The Shining The Girl Next Door The Haunting of Hill House Off Season Pet Sematary Fever Dreams and Disturbing Visions Misery Salem's Lot Ghost Story Red Dragon (Hannibal Lecter #1)
These are all books that I have read and enjoyed. I found them to be either scary or creepy in some way. There are are three Stephen King books on the list, because he's pretty damn good. This is not a list of my favorite books, but these were some of the scarier reads.
Books II
Teen Spirit The Keepers Murder Machine These are my three books. There are two short stories and one novella. If you're looking for a scare, well then one of these books should take care of you.
