WTF Facebook???

The world has been a buzz with the news of Facebook's new policies regarding business pages. What's my take on it? F*ck you, Facebook! Each time there's a policy update, Facebook makes it harder and harder for business pages to reach and market to their followers. It's bogus! 

Small business owners with a lot of followers will realize that it doesn't matter how many people are following if they are not paying Facebook to boost their status. Usually, a business owner would only boost a status to get the word out to more people and not just the folks who are following the designated page for the company. However, with the new rule, the thousands of fans an entrepreneur might have may never see a status unless it is boosted.

Read more: http://www.techtimes.com/articles/21102/20141130/facebook-is-killing-small-business-entrepreneurs-with-new-policy-rule.htm#ixzz3LnZxnyf5

According to the above article, Facebook has decided that they aren't making enough money from the ads they already have SPAMMING our News Feeds, now they wish to make small business owners and page owners in general, pretty much pay for every post. I have 1320 followers or likers on my Facebook Fan Page. That isn't really a lot, but it's still more than I can reach on my regular profile. The point of having the business page or fan page is so people can "like" it, see the updates and interact without having to become friends with someone they don't know and have their personal information available to a stranger. I completely get it and use the function myself on my personal profile. The problem isn't the purpose of the page, it's how Facebook decides to rob those of us who can't afford to spend thousands of dollars on marketing that we can't even be sure is going to pay off. 

Let me show you what posts look like now:

This is one of my "organic" posts. This means that it is original content that I posted, not containing any links, photos or information from any other source:

Out of the 1320 likers, 47 of them saw this post??!!!

That's just ridiculous. I mean, really??!! So I'd have to pay for people who have already liked my page to see my posts? How much sense does that make? If they've already clicked "Like", why the hell can't they see my posts? If they didn't want to see what I have to say, they wouldn't have clicked "Like" in the first place or can just unfollow me. 

Here's another post that is "inorganic", meaning I shared it from another source:

Out of the 1320 likers, 240 of them saw this post!!!

This is where I call bullshit on Facebook and its so-called policies. The say that the algorithms can somehow pick out the organic posts that aren't considered spammy and make them available to more followers, but this post is the exact opposite and was seen by more people. How do you explain that?? Basically, Facebook is full of crap! Again, why can't I post directly to my followers without having to take back doors into their feeds? How is this fair? What am I supposed to do about it?

Well, there isn't really much I can do. I've created a new group for my fans to join, I've join Tsu, which I don't think is going to be a lucrative as Facebook and Twitter, but I'm willing to try it out. Not to mention I'm on pretty much every other networking and social media site out there. Bottom line is, I refuse to pay a company that is in no way hurting for revenue. Facebook has become the only social networking site for people to share and interact since they blew MySpace out of the water years ago. 

Facebook is wonderful if you are using it to connect with your family, share articles with your friends and even play games with a community. Facebook can even be wonderful if you are a member of the many, many, many groups it has to offer about any and everything under the sun. But, Facebook is treating its business page owners like red-headed step-children. We are the exception to be able to take advantage of it's vast platform. Given the option to boost posts to reach OUTSIDE of our ALREADY ESTABLISHED networks is acceptable, but not being able to reach OUR FANS who've taken the time to seek us out is JUST PLAIN WRONG and borderline THIEVERY. Facebook is potentially stealing revenue from people like me who are hard-working independent authors and don't make much money in the first place. I'm forced to pay out more than I make, creating a deficit in my business funds and ultimately making it harder for me to generate the business Facebook potentially holds. I refuse to go broke for you, Facebook.

Please, please, please join my group, add yourself to my newsletter and even become a member on my website to keep up with me and my books and join in discussions. Help me reach you and I won't have to let Facebook come between us. Please don't break up with me!

xoxo

Lisa Logue 

Binding Secrets Release Delayed!!!! ***UPDATE***

As you all know, we were shooting for an October 31st release, but we've run into some technical issues that may not be resolved in time for Wednesday. Ahhhh!!!  

If the issues are not resolved by Friday 11/2, then we will release Tuesday 11/6!!!

I apologize to those who are waiting for the release and hope you all can stay with me! We've been working diligently to get any and all issues resolved, but some things are just unavoidable sometimes. I'll keep you all posted as soon as the book is available. Remember, you can always check the status on Twitter, Facebook or My Website.

Sorry guys!! :(

Guest post by Ann Swann- What Writer's Block?

What Writer's Block?

Someone posted a picture of a coffee cup on Facebook that said “Writer’s Block: When the imaginary friends in your head won’t talk to you.”  I started reading the comments other authors had written below the picture, and that gave me the idea for this blog post.

Haircuts, rubber snakes and sparkly shoes!

It's been a rather uneventful weekend, but that hasn't necessarily been a bad thing. My boys and I had a few things to get done today, so we first set off to buy new sneakers for school. It's funny how those little foot measuring things are completely off. With both boys the size was almost two smaller than what they actually needed. I finally got them situated when I spotted these beauties:

LOVE! I wanted to buy them so badly, but I had to refrain from this impulse buy. Being a one income household means I have to buy what my boys need before I can get what I want. Plus, I'd have to buy a new outfit go match these and this week's bill aren't all paid yet! It's a shame, too. They looked really good on me! :(

Sighing heavily, we left the shoe store and headed to the Great Clips. The boys got their hair cut and some lollipops and as a reward for their good behavior, we then went to the dollar store for some prizes. Now I don't know where you all shop, but there's a retail chain called Dollar Tree here and everything in the store is literally $1.00. It's a great place to get things for the kids to do without breaking the bank.

So, we picked up a take-a-long chalk board, rubber snakes, slinky-eye glasses, pirate garb, knight's bracers, Jack O' Lantern cups with straws and left happy. The best part was that I didn't spend a lot on the toys and they've got a variety to keep them occupied. All in all, shopping trips/errands were a success.

Anyway, I have some more writing to do before homework (yipee o.O) so it will be a nice busy evening for me. I say that as if every evening isn't busy! Stay tuned on Wednesday for another guest author as the blog tour continues. After the tour is over (9/30), I'll be posting an extra special blog (or two) with some pretty big announcements and some goodies. Tune in to Facebook and Twitter for updates and sneak peeks. I promise you won't be disappointed!!

Ta-ta for now!!

P.S~ Check out my new Flickr photostream!

Sneak Peek for My Peeps!

So, if you've been keeping up with my Facebook and Twitter, you'd know that I just made TREMENDOUS progress with Binding Secrets! Woohoo! With all of the things going on lately, I'm so happy I've been able to finally get in the groove and bust out some good stuff for this sequel. I'm really excited about where the story is going! I can't say it won't have a cliffhanger ending, but it will definitely have a lot more action (wink, wink)!

Without further ado, here's a sneak peek into the highly anticipated book 2 in Legacy of Secrets, Binding Secrets:

One Thing After Another *sigh*

Well, those of you who keep up with my Facebook Page, I'm just getting over being incredibly sick. I have a bacterial infection that put my on my arse for almost two weeks. I didn't really feel right, I knew I was getting sick, I just didn't expect it to be as bad as it was. Everything, and I do mean EVERYTHING, was put on hold for that time. I didn't attend any classes, go to work, write anything or even really stay awake much of that time. I probably slept for six of the last ten days, but don't really feel rested. I needed a break from life, but WHOA! I didn't want to feel like death for two weeks!

So, anyway, that's been why I've been virtually a ghost. I've wanted to get online and chat with folks, not to mention do some work, but I could barely pick my head up. All in all, I'm feeling a bit better. The next few days will be the key. 

That being said, I'm still shooting for an October release for Binding, but keep in mind with all the setbacks lately, this date is tentative. I hate throwing days out there and then not sticking to them, but life gets in the way sometimes and there really isn't anything else you can do. 

Well, I hope I'll be able to check in much sooner. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you all are well and happy!

~Lisa <3

I'm such a tease :p

Hello again! I'm feeling rather productive this evening, as I've just closed one major hurdle of Binding Secrets that I was struggling with for days, or maybe weeks. Hooray! I'm excited that I managed to finally wrap up this part of the story and will be able to move on (yes it was that important!). 

As a means of placating those who are wondering about this book, I'm going to be posting Teaser Quotes on my Facebook Page for everyone to see! They'll also be posted on Twitter, but the running list will be in the Notes. I hope to see you all there!

This is crazy!

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine my book to be so well received! The promo weekend is starting off with a resounding bang and a tremendous amount of downloads. It's both fantastic and frightening! I don't have any illusions to fame or fortune, but I feel like I'm finally in the right place!

Thank you just doesn't seem to be enough for those who've downloaded my book this weekend. It may not seem like much, but to indie authors all over the globe, even one reader is a triumph! Granted, the first edition of Cursed Secrets did become a bestseller very early on, but I value anyone and everyone who reads my books no matter which platform. 

If you haven't yet, you can download Cursed Secrets for free until 11:59 on 7/15. Make it a bogo with the novella, Fire & Ice, for only $.99. For more information about my books, you can find me on Facebook, Twitter and My Website.

Thanks so much and if you've got the time, don't forget to leave a review!

A breath of fresh air

I've been buried in work lately! From school to writing and my "real" job, it seems I stay glued to the internet. As the days tick on, I still struggle with time management, but I don't think I'm doing too badly as I'm reaching my deadlines pretty steadily. I'm working on the first novella from the LOS series called Fire & Ice with the hope that I can release it by the end of June-ish. I still have a bit to do to polish it up, but I'm hoping it will be a good way to hold all of you over until Binding Secrets comes out. At least that's what my hopes are!

My graphic artist is still working on compiling some great cover samples for you all and as soon as I get them I will post for everyone to vote on their favorite! This is a big step for me as I'm usually super protective over my work, but I know you all will choose the right one ;). 

Follow the jump break to read a sample of Fire & Ice and let me know what you think! Remember, you can find out about all my books and work from my website as well as following me on Facebook and Twitter. See you in a few days!

Around the bend...

I'd like to thank those who wished me well over the last few days. I've been under the weather, battling some allergy irritations. Thanks for being patient as I intended to get this blog out at the beginning of the week. I'm still not better, but I'm well enough to pass along some good info!

The ebook giveaway is still going strong through tomorrow! Hurry and enter for a chance to win one of 10 signed copies. There will be probably one or two more chances to win a free copy over the summer.

I will still be holding the cover vote for Binding Secrets. I'm waiting on the samples to come back and then we'll begin! All info about the vote can be found on my Legacy of Secrets page.

Exciting news! I will be expanding LOS with novellas based on the characters from the main novels! Also exciting, I have plans on releasing the novellas for free! Crazy, right? I don't have many specifics for these yet, but I'm working with "my people" to bring you all some great reads! These will be significantly shorter than the novels, but won't skimp on the goods :p.

I will try my best to keep in contact with you all, but I may be scarce. There is some rearranging going on in my life as well as my books, so my schedule will be hectic. I promise to keep you all posted of any news and contests. 

I can always be reached on my Fanpage and Twitter as well as from My Website. I'll never hesitate to reply, whether you're a fan or aspiring author. Keep in touch!

xoxoxo

Lisa Logue <3