What Happened to Your Love for Your Day Ones?

Although I started this blog in 2016, I didn't actually become a 'blogger' until the middle of 2017. And even then, I wasn't really blogging. Posting pre-made messages, without any kind of personalization, isn't my idea of blogging. However, I did enjoy getting the word out about books by not only well known authors, but those just starting out.

Speaking of those just starting out...

I've recently come to the decision that my efforts at supporting people are being stretched thin. I'm following way too many authors and many of them I've never read a book from. But there are those I've been following from the beginning of their journey. Authors who had no readers to speak of. Authors that requested and requested and requested that I read their book(s). Authors who, at the time, were so grateful that I not only read their work, but that I spread the word about their work. All over my social media, word of mouth, blogger to blogger, etc. I got the job done. I got people to try someone new. I helped them and it gave me a certain kind of thrill to know that I did that. Call it pride, but I was happy to make them happy. I liked making a new author into a new friend, someone I would help whenever the need arose.

It isn't until about two months ago that I even started monetizing any of the work I do. I honestly did it just for the sake of it. But I came across a few (a lot) of blogger posts stating how much they were making off of their blogs and I figured 'why not?' I haven't gone nuts, but I did become an Amazon Associate. I'm not raking in the dough, but it's something more than the nothing I was getting before. My point is, I didn't support authors for the money. I didn't do it for the fame. I don't kiss ass and I don't coddle. If I like the book, you'll know it and if I didn't... well, you'll know that too. Just being part of the book world and having an author's appreciation was enough for me.

Until it wasn't...

I feel like once a 'new' author becomes a 'familiar' author, it's the most wonderful thing. If their work speaks for itself, they deserve all of the adoration and accolades they can get. However... when that author becomes so well known they now forget the ones that knew them when... Nope, I can't tolerate that. When they forget the ones who helped them become known, when they suddenly only care for and acknowledge bloggers that are new to them over their 'day ones', I get angry. I am angry. I'm positively livid. And because I'm petty when I want to be, I want to erase every bit of help I ever gave them. I want to light fire to every kind word, every welcoming and encouraging email or message, and I want to bomb the shit out of every positive review I ever wrote for them.

I know, I know, I shouldn't feel this way. I should be the bigger person or just let it go or whatever other friggin fluffy nonsense people tell you to do other than feel your truth. But this is MY truth. I'm seething. I was raised to do unto others as you would wish them to do unto you. So I treat people with kindness, warmth, and compassion. Especially because the world is sorely lacking in these sentiments. Yet, when it comes to this issue... the issue of utter disrespect... the issue of ungratefulness and superficiality... I realize that I'm not supposed to be a part of it. Some people can handle it, but I'm not one of them.

Okay, rant over (for now).