Two very important events for writers of ebooks, web fiction, podcasts, other eMedia

[Linton Robinson]

First, a unique and extremely cool event, Free E-day.
This is such an effective and gracious promotional event, and perfectly in tune with the whole dynamic of "eWriting".
The idea is, on Dec 1, 2009 writers and artists who work online or in electronic media such as eBooks, digital art or mp3 music will just give something away for free to all comers.

The concept was posted on the New Writing Media network so I'll just link to that blog, which has information and all the links.

http://newwriting.ning.com/profiles/blogs/free-e-day

Second: (and not unrelated) there is a new Ning network for those who write ebooks, online fiction or blog serials, audio/podcasts, or literary videos. It's new, but growing and has some great information, interviews and resources already. If you work in one of these areas, or are thinking about it, you know how easy it is to join a ning group. Come on over and plug into not just the NEW WRITING MEDIA network, but forums on several other sites and directories that define the growing eWriting communities.

http://newwriting.ning.com

Best
Lin Robinson

[Theresa M. Moore]

Thanks, but you and others promoting freebies are why I am losing sales, not gaining them. It's nice to give stuff away for one day, but there are other authors who do this on a daily basis. Soon it will not be worth the effort to get up and pound something out on the keyboard.

[Linton Robinson]

Well, Theresa, sorry to see you feel that way. I rather doubt that somebody giving away another book or song would come out of your sales, especially not for a single day.

The idea of "loss leaders" or "traffic-building giveaways" is not that foreign to business people, even in the real world where they pay to produce the products.

Let me suggest that you poke around at some of the discussions on this. Cory Doctorow's thoughts on freebies vs purchase might interest you greatly.

[Linda S. Prather]

I have to agree with you on this one. The greatest obstacle a new author faces is name recognition. With millions of authors to compete against, this is not an easy task. Giving freebies and contests helps a new author get their name out there, which hopefully in the future will result in sales.