I posted an ebook earlier this summer about the Green New Deal. I wrote it mostly to figure out if it was something I could support. (I can and do.)
To publish it I created Hillsborough River Press, thinking I might publish a few more works in the coming years. (And, yes, it’s fun and I’ll probably publish a few more things before the year is over.)
I don’t really expect sales for a nano-press like this, especially since I’m not interested in marketing, but it was selling a few issues a week until I received a drive-by 1-star review. Below is the post I made at the Hillsborough River Press website.
UPDATE: The Second Edition of Green New Deal is now available. I want to thank everyone who gave me feedback. The book is now much improved. Thank you!
However, despite their help and positive feedback, sales have dropped to zero. Why? Former Representative (R-PA) Phil English dropped a 1-star comment on the book in Amazon. English clearly never read the book, described it as dishonest, and mischaracterized the purpose of the book (and then whined it didn’t address the strawman arguments he conjured up).
Before English dropped by I was selling a couple of copies a week. Not much, but, you know, it was something. After his comment — zero.
In the conclusion I mention reasons I’m optimistic and reasons I’m pessimistic. Phil English’s disdain for civil discourse, and intellectual cowardice are part of my pessimism. Millions and millions of people see the world the same way he does. And they are going to let the world burn just to mock the liberals they loathe so much. They have neither science nor cogent argument on their side, so they resort to juvenile taunts and false accusations.
If you’re curious, note that this 1HR explainer has 41 endnotes pointing to the evidence I’m paraphrasing, and contains a references page containing (coincidentally) 41 resources that allow you to dig deeper into different aspects of the Green New Deal. If you have any questions or corrections, please let me know.
Hillsborough River Press is in it for the long-haul. This isn’t the only book we’ll publish, and I’m sure Phil English isn’t the only asshole I’ll ever have to deal with.