Inkshares Community discussion

Let's say I'm a first time visitor to Inkshares website.

The page loads and my eyes try to focus on washed out partial images of book covers. I find this to be a turn-off and not the best first impression you could put forward.

I realize it is an attempt to be artsy, but since you are trying to attract the widest possible audience, I believe that this tactic only appeals to a minority.

Is this just me or does anyone else share this opinion? Is there a successful website out there somewhere that has done this successfully for an extended period?

(I also posted this on Inkshares Forum page)

I don't actually notice the washed-out images, actually. To me, it was just a background pattern ... like trees or clouds or something. I'm not even sure I realised what they were the first time around.

Which is probably a Very Bad Trait for a mystery writer....

But if you do find those washed-out images distracting ... maybe an alternate solution could be to crowd them in a little tighter and wash them out even more?

Are you referring to the on the homepage? The ones on the banner? I think it is just for artistic effect. I know that when I search the books or drafts the image is clear.

See here: https://www.inkshares.com/browse

Or do you mean the washed out copy of your book cover on your book page background? That can be hit and miss I agree, though I rather like the how mine looks.

Doesn't bother me any, I rather like it.

Craig wrote: "Or do you mean the washed out copy of your book cover on your book page background? That can be hit and miss I agree, though I rather like the how mine looks."

Even if that is what Mykl is referring too, that is just a background. The cover is still displayed as an image on the right side of my book page, so the reader can clearly see it when searching and on the author/project pages.

I am sending this discussion in a completely different way but will Inkshares support the use of Paypal? I mean, why haven't they utilised it in the first place? Its more secure, all your details are there and it completely faster and less of a haggle.
It's weird with the system as your trying to fill out the card details but doesn't ask you for your address until the very end which it should be the first thing it asks you for. It is very confusing as to how it is done.

I've made the same inquiry in the forum thread .. no response yet

Jeremy responded to the PayPal topic back in October (https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...) and I think there may have been a more recent comment somewhere else too (the AMA perhaps??).

In any case, they have their reasons for not using it yet, but as we know, Inkshares is constantly evolving and improving as they go. A lot of us are hoping that it will be added soon. They are aware of that and I'm sure they will share an update once they're ready to do so. *fingers crossed*

while i agree that paypal is expensive (wow 8%!!) Inkshares Oct 2015 is not inkshares in Apr 2016.
92% out of an order, is better than 0% . i am sure some authors (present company included) that know they are losing orders because the lack of paypal payments will agree to split this cost with Inkshares.

Split the cost? Man, I would take on that whole 8%. I will take $7.14 in royalties per paperback sale over the $0 I get from the dozens, perhaps hundreds of people who won't buy the book without Paypal. WORTH. IT.

i agree - i was trying to be subtle...

*jumps into conversation*

I am with Inkshares teaming up with PayPal. It's familiar and trustworthy to the average online purchaser, and I think it would help convince people that, yes, Inkshares is legit and not a complex rip-off/scam.

(Sorry, Inkshares, you know I adore you. Just being practical and thinking like the average smart online user.)

I really hope they add PayPal. I'd expect pre-orders wuld increase by a significant amount.