Comments on: Brazen Careerist kickboxes 4-Hour Workweek

By: wordwych

wordwych — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 14:41:56 +0000

I haven’t read the 4-Hour Workweek, and yesterday was the first time I’ve given Trunk’s blog any real attention. Although I might be really tempted (really, reeeeeeeally tempted, in some cases) to snark all over another author’s book, I’d definitely refrain from disclosing a source within the publishing industry. I might say “a source within the industry” but no way would I give any more information than that. People would just have to wonder if my source was an editor, a receptionist, or the mail clerk. The poll about oral sex cheapens the whole page, IMO. Unprofessional, and, as we say here in the South: TACKY. Stupid polls are one of my pet peeves anyway; the oral sex poll rates high on my list of the stupidest I’ve ever seen.

I’m siding with Diana on the eggs in the microwave thing. I don’t know if I qualify as a food snob (as I have been known to eat Cap’n Crunch for supper while watching the Food Network), but microwaved eggs are gross!

By: DianaBurrell

DianaBurrell — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 00:59:04 +0000

Ginny, I’m an unapologetic food snob, that’s why.

By: AravisGirl

AravisGirl — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 13:46:25 +0000

I haven’t read the book, but most people favor money over ethics. At least when it comes to personal confidences and such. It’s wrong, but the meaning of that word has rotted away somehow.

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 05:29:58 +0000

I was in PR for a long time before I stopped and just focused on writing so believe me, I believe in PR. I just don’t personally think this is the best way to go — just worry that it would bite you in the *ss somewhere down the line. The world is all too interconnected if you know what I mean.

By: Jenny Cromie

Jenny Cromie — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 05:15:00 +0000

I don’t respect snarkiness, but it seems to sell. And it gets the attention of readers (witness all of our comments).

I glanced through Penelope’s post after a friend of mine referenced it in something she wrote and sent to me today. After noticing the tone, I stopped reading. Ever been around someone who tears other people down to build themselves up? Those types make me feel uncomfortable—not only in person, but also in print.

By: Mary

Mary — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 04:51:25 +0000

I suppose it would depend on the depth of my loathing. But generally I try to remain publicly professional. Not that I shy away from expressing my opinion simply to avoid conflict. I simply see no need for nastiness. But I’m not making Trunk’s money.

By: Sara Aase

Sara Aase — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 04:18:23 +0000

It was funny, but her reasons for hating him seem slim, and it was interesting how she trashed him for not being a “good” person, when it seems like there are few people who would not be expendable on her own personal road to fame and fortune. Pot to kettle?

By: Gwynneth

Gwynneth — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 03:02:02 +0000

There’s a reason Trunk is no longer a columnist on Yahoo’s business section and it looks like you all have found it.

Frankly, I’ve never cared for trashing other people’s work as a marketing ploy. I find it completely unprofessional. There’s nothing wrong with having a disagreement but it’s quite another to use snarkiness as an excuse to throw other writers under the bus just for a few more ticks on the ol’ blog statistic meter.

But here’s a news flash. Snarks don’t win Pulitizer prizes.

By: Erin

Erin — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 01:10:06 +0000

Like it or hate, it, you have to admit that “Penelope’s” schtick (I put quotation marks around it because the name is fake and the persona is just that…a persona) works. It raises eyebrows, riles people up, and creates monster traffic. There’s a reason “Brazen” is in her name. I feel the same discomfort when I read her stuff, because it is so unfiltered. She really doesn’t seem to care how she is seen or who she alienates. Which…seems to be working out great for her.

By: Ginny

Ginny — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:29:43 +0000

What’s wrong with cooking scrambled eggs in the microwave?