UPDATED: Ellora’s Cave Sues Dear Author: Hello Streisand Effect

Dear Author Stamp LogoSo yesterday was a quiet news day, huh?

Earlier this month, Jane from Dear Author wrote an analysis of Ellora's Cave ongoing financial and public relations problems, highlighting the authors who have reported nonpayment, and the frustrations many have reported in dealing with EC in general.

I read her article and thought, at the time and as usual, Jane is really skilled at placing a specific issue in a larger historical context. In this case, she looked at their reported earnings and the reported problems from author commentary against the timeline of the digital book proliferation and asked, logically I thought, WTF?

It's a valid question, really. 

Here's some more: 

Ellora's Cave has filed a defamation suit against Jane, demanding that she take down the blog post and claiming damages in excess of $25,000.00. Plus, they've demanded in the suit filing the names of those who have commented anonymously on that post. 

Oh, boy. 

So what happens now?

A lot of people say WTF, for one thing. I know I am.

Nate Hoffelder wrote at the Digital Reader about the Streisand Effect, which is basically when a lawsuit highlights content or information that the lawsuit seeks to suppress.

The Streisand Effect was named after Barbra Streisand (who is amazing in many respects) filed suit against a photographer for publishing coastline photos of California's beach erosion, demanding that one be taken down because it showed her property. So of course once the suit was picked up by the media, everyone looked at that picture – which now accompanies the Wikipedia article explaining what the Streisand Effect is. A perfect illustration: hey, it's Barbra's house!

This suit, much like Streisand's, creates the same effect: instead of taking down the content, The Curious Case of Ellora's Cave is now probably among the most popular pages in DA's database.

So here's some Barbra Gifs to help me explain the rest of the reasons this is a big fucking deal. 

Barbra Streisand saying Hello Gorgeous.

So with the lawsuit, what happens now?

Well, the way defamation works, in the most simplest of terms, if the person being sued (in this case, Jane) can prove that what she said was true, then she wins. Jane's post links to several examples as backup for the points that she makes regarding nonpayment and the liquidation of assets.

Moreover, the process of discovery – which is when the attorneys on each side request access information they've determined is germane to the case – will examine Ellora's Cave's accounting, and whether or not authors have in fact been paid, since that's part of what Jane's column addressed, and part of what Ellora's Cave has objected to in their lawsuit filing.

But in the larger context, this means a publisher is suing a blogger for reporting about business matters. Effectively, EC is suing Jane for practicing journalism and also demanding the identity of her anonymous commenters.

And that right there is a big OSHIT. Because I'm also a blogger. 

Barbra saying to Judy Garland

 

And so are many of you who read this page. (Hi there.) 

What does this mean for bloggers?

Many – if not most – bloggers are hobbyists, who write about books because that's what they like to do, instead or maybe in addition to other awesome activities. Usually in addition to – bloggers are busy.

Most bloggers are not corporations – such as an LLC, or limited liability corporation company (sorry!). This site is owned by Smart Bitches Trashy Books, LLC, for example. Dear Author is owned by Dear Author Media Network, LLC. The LLC provides a sort of separation between business and personal for the person operating the site, and while state laws vary on how to establish an LLC, in most states it's a pretty straightforward process. At the book blogger convention at RT, I spoke briefly about advertising, revenue, and income from a blog, and the first step I advise any blogger is to establish an LLC for the blog.

Why? Because of situations like this.

In conversations with bloggers privately and in the Book Blogger Convention Jane and I run, many, many book bloggers have mentioned being afraid to write negative content about a book, or a publisher because of their worry about being sued for content. Because for one thing, lawsuits are messy and often painfully expensive.

And it's not just the book bloggers who have been afraid to speak up. Authors are also hesitant to do so as well. You might think this is just drama and self-aggrandizement, or people fanning themselves for attention.

Barbra fanning herself frantically

 

I assure you, it's not. This case affects authors as well. I'm not the only one who thinks so: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The information Jane reported specifically linked to individual authors who stated that they weren't being paid, and in the comments, other authors agreed, several anonymously, and said they were in a position where they didn't feel they could speak out.

Now Ellora's Cave is demanding their identities. 

That's dangerous for everyone. It's dangerous for anyone who writes about books, who joins us to talk about books, and for anyone who writes the books that we're writing about.

Nate and Jane both have also mentioned SLAPP, short for “strategic lawsuit against public participation,” which refers to lawsuits filed frivolously to silence critics. As Jane clarified today, Ohio, the state in which EC has filed suit, does not have anti-SLAPP statues in place, which means they can't be used to dismiss the suit. 

 

Wait, what about those who are celebrating Jane got sued?

Yeah. I definitely want to address those who are celebrating that Jane got sued. 

Barbra Sad

 

There are plenty of people in publishing who dislike both Jane and me. We've talked about that at length. 

But I've seen a few authors celebrating the lawsuit, and… wow. This is so much bigger than whom you like vs whom you don't.

Jane was writing about authors not being paid. About a publisher not paying authors, and authors speaking out about it. We've reported on similar situations in the past, both of us. Dorchester in particular – we both declined to review Dorchester books because Dorchester authors began posting wherever they could about nonpayment of royalties, and that their books still being offered for sale despite reversion of rights

So this is, specifically, a big deal, and a giant WTF isn't nearly enough to cover my reaction. I'm completely baffled by the celebration over this lawsuit.

ETA: The celebrations of a few are minor compared to the overwhelming support Jane has experienced. As she said to me earlier, “most everyone has been amazing. I'm blown away by the support and I love our romance community.”

What about commenters?

Jane has stated that she will protect the anonymity of anyone who wishes to comment or contact her with information. I extend the same offer here – though please note, if you comment using an email address that you've used elsewhere, your Gravatar may show up. Better to enter a bogus address in the email field, like anon@anon.com or similar.

And how else can people help?

For right now, listen and learn. If the suit moves into litigation, Jane will set up a legal fund, and we'll post about that, too.

But most of all: talk. It's scary to speak up, especially with actions like this against a blogger. But the best part about the blogging community on any subject, not just books, is that hearing from everyone means we all learn more. It's scarier to speak up now – I totally get that. But it's important, more than ever. 

What, there's more?

 

Barbra Streisand smoking a cigarette with a mighty puff

Yup! Updated information, new links, Twitter discussions – links ahoy, so grab a drink or a smoke or whatever can calm you down a moment. There's more.

You might have seen the Google cache of this page. Sorry about that – Reddit linked to us, which is awesome (hi Redditors!) but sent the server into a tailspin. But we're back, and my apologies. 

First, Jane has retained the services of attorney Marc Randazza, described at Popehat as a First Amendment Badass.” I'm not sure there's a better description for an attorney, to be honest. 

Second, I didn't want you to miss this post from Sunita, who writes at DearAuthor, about the chilling effect of Ellora's Cave's lawsuit, and specifically why they chose to highlight Jane's personal details

EC picked the wrong person to sue, no question. But by filing at all, they’re also reminding their authors and editors that they have no compunction about publicizing the personal information of anyone they see as an adversary. It’s not necessary to sue an individual person in this case; suing Dear Author LLC would have taken care of their needs.* But it wouldn’t have sent the same “we know who you are” message. EC has already stipulated in internal communications that authors “include both legal name and pen name when communicating with Ellora’s Cave.” This just ups the ante….

As Lawless points out in the comments… suing Jane was potentially more lucrative than suing Dear Author LLC alone. But that still doesn’t explain why Jane wasn’t sued as “Jane Litte.” That choice not only sends the message that EC will sue bloggers for reporting about them, but that they will (gratuitously and spitefully) take the opportunity to reveal private information as part of the suit.

And then there's Courtney Milan's post today which further discusses the chilling effect, and Jaid Black's response on Twitter about the suit (since deleted) and Milan's perspective on Black and Ellora's Cave as Limited Purpose Public Figures:

…the standard for defamation actions for limited purpose public figures is substantially different than for private citizens. The standard is that the speaker must be acting with actual malice: that is, they must know (or be reckless about knowing) that the statements they are speaking are false. What that means is that if I say something and I have a good-faith belief that what I am saying is true–even if it later turns out to be false–I am not going to be held liable for defamation.

I point this out because I am extremely, extremely pissed off about this lawsuit. I believe that this lawsuit was filed for the purpose of chilling speech–and for the purpose of chilling true speech about a matter of imminent public concern. And I think that despite the outpourings of support, it’s working. This lawsuit is about teaching authors to sit down and shut up, even if their livelihood is at stake….

So I’m going to be tweeting harsh things about Ellora’s Cave that I believe to be true, and that I am confident will not be held defamatory under the limited public figure test because they are not made with actual malice. If they sue me, they sue me, and I’ll consider it money well spent.

I can’t give you legal advice about what to tweet. I can’t tell you that tweeting is safe and that it won’t harm you. But I’m going to be tweeting these things under the hashtag #notchilled–because I refuse to have legitimate speech about a matter of public concern chilled by a self-important bag of farts who happens to have access to a lawyer.

Hashtag? HELL YES HASHTAG: have a look at #notchilled so far, as former EC authors, published authors, writers, bloggers and readers participate.

Also: if you're an Ellora's Cave author who would like to let folks know about your other titles that are not published by EC, there's a form for you to fill out, which Jane developed.

Ellora's Cave has managed to anger several vocal parts of the romance community online, and I know word is spreading on email loops as well about this lawsuit. As I mentioned above, this may end up having the exact opposite effect that they wanted in terms of illuminating the complaints against them, but as Sunita and Courtney Milan have both mentioned, it's also spreading fear among those who write romance, and those who write about it.  I know many people have written to Jane offering support, and I have seen so many people on social media and on their own sites writing about how angry they are, how unacceptable this lawsuit is, and how frustrating it is to witness it (let alone be the target of it). Sunita and Courtney Milan are right: it is scary to speak out now, and it is scary to know that they'd aim at a blogger (who is herself an attorney) who was practicing journalism. It's a relief to know that others are just as angry and appalled and are calling this lawsuit out as the bullshit that it is. 

 

Updated 30 September 2014 1:30 pm ET:

Rather than start a new entry, I'm going to update this one until I can't update it any more because I've run out of room on the internet. 

Jane needs your help

Today there was a temporary injunction hearing.  During the hearing the judge did not grant the injunction, but did request that we come back for a more thorough hearing, where we would be able to provide evidence in our defense.

Truth is an absolute defense to defamation.

Therefore, If you are willing, I need help with the following:

Individual authors, editors, cover artists willing to testify, either in person, via telephone or in an affidavit to payments made/not made.

To clarify, anything that shows people not being paid or complaining about it.

It would be best if you could testify in person, but a sworn written statement will be adequate.

Additionally, if you have any Screenshots of any public statements regarding Ellora’s Cave, those would be helpful too.

You can reach me at jane@dearauthor.com.

You can spread the word via whatever social media or email loops you have. Here's a handy link to that entry on DA: bit.ly/help-jane.

 

Updated 3 October 2014

Jane has asked me to administer a legal fund to help her with the costs of her defense: The Jane Litte Dear Author Legal Defense Fund is at GoFundMe, and details about contributions and the how and why of a legal fund are explained there. 

Thank you for any help you can give, including spreading the word about how we can help Jane. 

Categorized:

News, Ranty McRant

Comments are Closed

  1. kathy cole says:

    As I said at DA I’m in to support legal fees, and am so sorry this is happening.

    And I’ll be shopping today for non-EC titles of EC authors.

  2. »°* DA/SBTB reader *°« says:

    Am I reading this wrong or is there a word missing from the first line after “What about commenters?”  Jane has stated that will protect the anonymity of anyone who wishes to comment or contact her with information. I extend the same offer here – though please note, if you comment using an email address that you’ve used elsewhere, your Gravatar may show up. Better to enter a bogus address in the email field, like anon @ anon.com or similar.

  3. mel burns says:

    The Streisand Effect and the Popehat signal were the two things I first thought about after reading Jane’s post this morning. Then I read Hapax’s comment:
    “Nothing, though, matches the sheer stupidity of suing one of the most prominent and passionate advocates for romance readers and writers out there. We’ve got your back; let us know if you want our support, financial or otherwise.”

    Ellora’s Cave is out of their mind! I am so angry……I wish I could turn into Kate Daniels and could give them a swift kick to the solar plexus!

  4. I’m keeping a close eye on this as it hits extremely close to home.  As many have stated I support Jane in this & will NOT be supporting EC or the authors who have been showing their stupidity by being gleeful about this. 

    My best wishes to Jane & the authors/editors/employees suffering as a result of this fiasco.

  5. Torifl says:

    Fabulous post, Sarah. You hit the nail on the head with the comparisons between hobby/professional blogging and the fine line most of us walk between just reviewing books and actually offering our opinions and/or thoughts on things happening in the publishing world. It’s scary at times, especially when you take a less popular road and express anything negative. I admit I have some posts I have never published for fear of bringing wraith down on myself and the blogs I write for. 

    In reference to those celebrating her demise, I can’t help but shake my head because some of them have been recipients of Jane’s awesome in depth reporting and help.

    I feel for Jane right now. Lawsuits are tedious, time consuming and a general PITA. I offer her all the support I can give.

  6. Julaine says:

    I have been following the reports of Ellora’s Cave shanigans for quite some time.  They were the first Ebook company that I discovered way back before Kindle was a gleam in Jeff Bezoz’s eye.  I bought hundreds of their titles.  Slowly I began noticing that my favorite authors were disappearing from the upcoming titles pages and I began searching out other sources for my reading fix.  I can’t say that I have purchased more than a handful of titles in the last few years and now that number will go down to zero.  As a consumer I am going to vote with my wallet and that vote is firmly cast for not another dime in EC’s coffers. 

    This is a nuisance lawsuit and if it would prevail would have a chilling effect on free speech.  Nothing in that report by Dear Author was libelous and overall I think had been very well researched, balanced and fair.  I will be standing by to contribute to any legal defense fund that Jane established and while I do appreciate the right to remain anonymous, if the owner of Jasmine-Jade Enterprises thinks I am afraid to stand behind my words and right to speak she has a new lesson to learn. 

    No one should be rejoicing over this lawsuit, unless it becauses they are looking forward to what the discovery process brings to light.

  7. azteclady says:

    Done some talking here, will ask permission to continue talking elsewhere.

  8. May says:

    I am not surprise by EC action. They have to be crazy to drive their business to the ground despite the early success. But i really cannot fahom the idea of authors supporting their actions. I know Jamie McGuire and Teresa Mummert are one of them. Just want to know anyone (authors) also support EC. It is not witch hunt. Not going to do anything except stopping buying their books. It’s the only thing a reader (as i am) can do.

  9. lorenet says:

    I need a “Team Jane” button.

  10. I—wait—WHAT?

    Well, _this_ is entirely bullshit, and I hope that the Ohio courts smack this down hard. And if Jane needs to start a fund to cover the legal expenses, I’m totally in for a contribution.

  11. Sarah M. says:

    This highlights the depth to which EC has fallen.  At this point, I think they’re just attempting to do some damage control (without actually, you know, fixing stuff) and, perhaps, add a few bucks to the coffee before the company finally collapses (and I have no doubts that it will). It’s disturbing but par for the course for EC. My heart goes out to all the authors caught up in this mess. I would love to support them in any non-EC endeavors.

    Those authors that feel the need to celebrate a frivolous lawsuit are ridiculous. They’ve lost my business and I won’t be shy about sharing that fact (along with my reasons) with others. In a wonderfully diverse and (in my experience) welcoming community, this is possibly more upsetting to me. I’d like to offer some life advice to those folks: Don’t be a dick. It’s a great, all encompassing sentiment.

  12. azteclady says:

    Someone else mentioned providing us readers with a list of authors who were rejoicing over this lawsuit. I hope someone in the know will post this somewhere, because I’ll be damned if I’m spending my hard earned money on them.

  13. Outraged says:

    Authors and bloggers need to support Jane. And I think there should be NO LAW against employees or contractors speaking out if they are being ripped off by employers. People should be able to talk about what they earn, what payment terms are, etc. Secrecy, imo, leads to enabling abuse and exploitation.

    I hope this is the EC move that galvanizes the writing and reading community into action. I hope authors think in terms of SOLIDARITY and readers boycott EC and only buy non-EC books by these authors.

    May the Streisand Effect explode like never before and may whistleblowers stride out of ECs shadows.

    And may Jane kick ass.

  14. Outraged says:

    Oh, yes, good idea: LIST OF NAMES OF CELEBRATORY AUTHORS SO AS NOT TO BUY THEIR BOOKS while lawsuit engaged. Definitely needed. SOLIDARITY.

  15. Shiv says:

    I shouldn’t think being an llc will protect you where you post as as a person not the llc entity which is why the EC suit files against both Jane and Dear Author.

  16. Lea says:

    What Azteclady said. “Never laugh (or rejoice) at other people’s misfortunes”, it will inevitably come back to bite you in the ass. And in this case it could well be a big bite.

  17. Don't forget to cite sources! says:

    List of names of authors who have been rejoicing, yes – with appropriate citations for said rejoicing/celebrations.

  18. Liza says:

    Jane has my compete support and I’m happy to contribute to her legal fund. I’ve never bought an EC book directly from their site and never will now. I’m happy to support authors not celebrating this lawsuit who publish other ways than EC, but will never buy from those excited about this lawsuit. I’m a blogger, not in the big leagues by any means, but my support will always be with the blogger.

  19. Doni Miller says:

    I know several EC authors I met over last weekend said they were not getting paid.  As a blogger, reviewer and beta reader I won’t be reviewing any EC titles any time soon.  I will watch, and listen, and I will post and repost articles like this to make sure others see it.

  20. I echo the previous comments that authors and bloggers – hell, everyone – need to support Jane in this fight.  This is not a time for playground behavior or a childish “ha-ha” that someone got sued.  I’ll even stick my name, email, and URL for the world to see in that assertion, too.  PS – I’m an author that got slapped a bit by Jane previously, but that doesn’t matter at all when it comes to this cause; you don’t have to be a fan to support Jane and her blog.  This is a fight every author/blogger/reader/human should be lining up behind gladly.  Now, please excuse me while I head off to Dear Author to add a comment to the original post as a proverbial finger-in-the-eye of EC and it’s lame maneuver.

  21. Darlynne says:

    I’ve never piled on when the reader-sphere has been upset by the actions or words of certain authors. I either read someone’s work or I don’t; it stands on its own merits or it falls. Mostly I just don’t want to know, selfish as that sounds.

    But THIS? Yeah, I want to know who those authors are. We don’t rejoice in someone else’s misfortune or difficulties. We just don’t.

  22. HJ says:

    So, when did it become okay that the people who get shit on and bullied are forced to sit in the corner, in silence because the bullies have (other people’s) money and files frivolous lawsuits? Trying to force the anons out of anonlandia? Why? Because they can? Oh and then what, make the anoners lives a living hell? Even more so than what’s happening now to them? That’s what it looks like to me.

    I think someone has her braids pulled too tight and its cutting off the oxygen to ANY sane part of the brain. ..

  23. Vicki says:

    This is about freedom of the press and it is an important issue. Does Jane have a gofundme or a paypal where people can help support her on this issue?

  24. Suz deMello says:

    I’m an EC author and I’m not celebrating any of this. I’m sad. Sad that a business that had created a fabulous win-win situation for everyone has become so tortured.

    At the same time, I’m energized. I’m with three publishers now and have, through a writing career that started decades ago, finally figured out that publishers have their own agenda and it’s not to help out writers.

    Anyone here familiar with the case authors filed against Harlequin regarding their handling of ebook royalties? Yep, I’m in that one also. FMI http://www.harlequinlawsuit.com/ Lucky me.

    So I’m going indie. I’ve published a couple of stories that way and while I am not a great marketer, I feel that I want a publisher I can completely trust: me. If I make mistakes, I’m responsible for them. If I succeed, I can rejoice in that I did it all myself with the help of my readers.

    Wish me luck, friends. And at the same time, cast your good wishes to writers who are not as fortunate as I am. I have several income streams and writing is only one. Many authors depend upon those declining royalty checks to feed their families, pay the mortgage, put gas in their cars. I’m terribly sad for them.

    So, unlike some of the commenters here, I’m not rejoicing.

    And please, visit my sites and look at my indie-pubbed writing manual, Write This Not That, and my Regency satire, The Romantical Groom, Both are fine, fast-moving reads (even if I do say so myself) and are reasonably priced.

    I hope to format and upload more for the holiday season 🙂 Again, do wish me luck.

  25. azteclady says:

    Vicki, I respectfully disagree. This is about freedom of speech for everyone, not just journalists. It’s about the freedom of authors and editors and cover artists who are owed money by EC and its founder, to speak out and speak up about it.

  26. Diana says:

    I thought Jane’s article was incredibly insightful and carefully researched. I can’t imagine that she won’t be able to back up her claims. The one good thing that may come out of this is that the legal system will now have their fingers in EC’s financials, which might do more than Jane could to ensure authors get paid. I’m just sorry that EC is making Jane defend herself, when it should be the other way around.

  27. Cat Grant says:

    I’m an EC author as well, and I’m sorry Jane and DA had to get dragged into this. EC’s been on the skids for a while, but despite my own problems with them, I still held out hope that TPTB there would get a clue and let this all wind down quietly.

    But no – apparently they’re determined to turn this into a bloodbath, while trying to drag down as many others with them as they can. It’s sad, and more than a bit pathetic.

    I remember what EC used to be only a few years ago. I truly enjoyed writing the four books of mine they ended up publishing. Kelli Collins and my editor Grace Bradley were unfailingly kind and professional.

    It’s horrible, seeing them go down the tubes like this. Hopefully everyone they owe money to will see something on the back end, though day by day that’s looking more doubtful.

  28. My opinion on DA and Jane Litte is well known, but I back DA and Jane Litte to the hilt on this. EC is being a thug, and I’m sick of thugs trying to make truth and free speech their personal bitch.

    When the fund opens, I will donate until it hurts. I know I won’t be alone in that.

  29. DustAndDenim says:

    I can only repeat what has already, and more eloquently, been said on this subject.  I’m disappointed that a publisher would stoop to such underhanded and seedy tactics in pursuit of a foundationless lawsuit when that money could be better used in paying their hard-working authors.  I will not be considering any future EC purchases despite the delightful titles I have bought previously.  I definitely want that list of celebratory novelists so I can avoid their work.  I am Damned Glad that Sarah published this article as I may not have become aware of the topic otherwise (cheers!).  And finally, I sure as hell hope that Jane kicks some serious arse in this.  Fingers, toes and eyes are all crossed and I’ll be keeping a lookout for this potential legal fund in the future.

    Romance readers and writers really are some of the best people in the world.

  30. Oh, and Jamie Maguire and Teresa Mummert can shove their truth hating, smug, special snowflake little opinions up their cowardly, two-faced arses.

    Same goes for any other author thinking they can use this ridiculous law suit to settle old grudges over less than gushing reviews.

  31. Diana says:

    This is such crazeballs, I don’t even know what to say.  Part of me can’t believe, out of all the bloggers, that Ellora’s Cave would publicly choose to sue one run by a lawyer.  But, okay.  I honestly can’t imagine this going anywhere, but I have no idea what the courts are like in Ohio.

    Good luck to Jane.  I am so glad she fighting this, and I’d be more than happy to contribute to a legal fund.

  32. DubDub says:

    Could anyone recommend a link where I could get started on requesting a reversion of rights? I’ve read the relevant section of my contracts, but…well, I’m scared I’ll eff it up. I’ve never had to consider it before and wouldn’t know what to do with my rights assuming I get them back, but I can’t sit on my hands anymore.

  33. Kinsey says:

    I just can’t see EC taking this thing all the way to trial – someone on the thread at DA, I think, remembered that in the past, EC’s “filed and fled” – filed a suit and then failed to prosecute it. I think that’s what they did with their suit against Samhain’s Crissie Brashear. I can’t remember the details – I know she sued them, and they failed to respond to motions, consistently missed filing deadlines, just generally screwed it up – Crissie won. And I think they dropped their own suit against her.

    Point is, these people are unstable and irrational and I have to wonder what their lawyers are thinking. Did they try to talk Jaid Black out of it? Because I don’t see any way EC comes out of this looking anything but even worse. I can’t imagine them opening their books for discovery, because that would just confirm what Jane’s reported.

    Mel – I immediately thought of Popehat too. And I’m just disgusted by authors who are cheering for EC in this. Jamie McGuire apparently subtweeted about how much she’s loving a certain publisher right now. I am not a fan of people who abuse the legal system in an effort to silence their critics and I am livid on behalf of the EC authors who commented anonymously on Jane’s post. Jaid Black can afford to live in Hollywood, and to pay attorneys to lodge this suit, but she can’t afford to pay authors and editors? And she’s threatening her own authors. This is unconscionable. No matter what someone may think of Jane Little, or the reviewers here at SBTB, everyone who writes books or writes about books—especially those of us who do so under pseudonym—should be offended and chilled at this.

    Also, my heart goes out to EC authors. So sorry y’all have had to endure this slow motion plane crash.

    TL;DR: Karma’s a bitch and so is Jaid Black.

  34. Kinsey says:

    Jane Litte, not Little. I always do that.

  35. Sheila says:

    Well I will be officially never shopping at Ellora’s Cave again.

  36. Alexandra says:

    Thank you, thank you SBTB for keeping us updated on this. The Ellora’s Cave situation sounded horrible to begin with (I read Jane’s article and the comments the day it was posted and my heart truly goes out to those authors).

    But now this is about a publisher trying to punish a book blog for providing the type of information its discerning readers seek to know. And that is NOT okay – not to mention the possible repercussions concerning free speech.

    I already commented showing my support at Dear Author and will definitely make sure those authors who are gleeful about this don’t receive any purchases from me in the future.

  37. Anna Bradley says:

    I can’t understand why anyone would celebrate an author not getting paid for their work, no matter how they feel about the parties involved. I’ve seen some negative comments on Twitter about the issue – some nasty stuff, and baffling. I suppose there will always be those people, no matter what the context is, and they are, thankfully, outnumbered by the dear ones in the Twitterverse who support the authors!

  38. Susana Ellis says:

    While I don’t deny that some authors have experienced problems with EC, I just wanted to mention that I have received royalty checks every month. And it’s a shame that some rumors are going around that it’s in the best interests of all EC authors if readers stop purchasing their books. Many authors depend on their royalties to help with living expenses. Whatever pans out with EC in the end, PLEASE don’t stop buying our books unless we have personally asked you not to!`

  39. Many authors depend on their royalties to help with living expenses.

    Unfortunately for you, so does Jaid Black. And she’s benefited more than the authors are.

    If Jaid Black is going to use her profits to sue bloggers while not paying some authors, then authors like you are going to suffer while you are at EC. Maybe not fair, but that’s how it works. Complain to Black if you don’t like what the effect on your income will be.

  40. Susana Ellis says:

    So…I should complain to JAID that some of you are telling readers not to buy our books? Not sure how that part is her fault.

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