I wish people would be honest and call things like they are. Here's my story....I belong to a "Christian Writers Group" --they'd say they are nonprofit but have no paperwork with the state or federal that says that. Then they plan a fundraiser, although they say it's a writer's seminar. I have openly rejected the idea from the beginning, but somehow got talked into making nametags and a few other computer things. I went last night to bring them the info, and you should have seen it.
There were tables and tables of items for sale. So I go home to see what the books are selling for and they are about $10 more than CBD or Amazon! Why are they so much more? One was selling higher than retail. These were "put out my the author as references..." I was told. Too bad that person isn't a member, isn't coming to our event, but wow we are going to sell her stuff at a profit?
If you want an open market sale --have one. Don't call it a seminar if you expect a cover charge, then plan to pass the bucket, and then over charge people for books. Oh, and then bat your eyes and say you are Christians who aren't making a profit off the event. Yeah right!
Why do I care? Because how is this different that the money changers of Jesus' time? I don't see it as any different. Although these are the same godly people that will make me feel guilty that I do a Christmas Vendor Sale because I make money selling products during the holidays. Yeah, well I pay taxes on my stuff and claim it as income. I think their way is illegal, and I'm going to call the state and ask them this next week.
Also why would you pay an author premium (big city) top dollar to come up here to a rural area and then allow them to market all kinds of their products? Amazingly enough I went to see "Big Al" a wonderful MLM (multi-level marketing) guy in Milwaukee, it was put on by the regional Avon manager and we paid $5 to get in, then he sold his tapes for $100 a set. He made his money off of his stuff, not on both ends. Isn't that the way most do it? (Unless they are famous...but I don't think the bookstores pay Bill Clinton to sit in their stores selling his books.)
Hell, if all else I am going to start a group, do a couple fundraisers in the name of God and tuck the money into my mattress. Gee if it's okay with them, why can't everyone do that? Then no one will pay income taxes and/or file the paperwork to become a nonprofit organzation. I guess they might as well do raffle tickets without a raffle number as well.
Wouldn't it be more appropriate if people were honest? Why hide behind lies when you can be totally truthful and say it's a writer's open house where we plan to SELL stuff.
I refused to go today because I do not think that's the purpose of this group, nor it should be. Since the leader is self-appointed, you can't even ask for her to step down. I wonder how many people actually knew enough to bring serious money with them to buy their products (maybe it was a complete bust!) as I would have assumed that my cover charge would have been enough. I mean shouldn't handouts be free?
Yeah, here I am again, standing my own ground. I live by extremely high values and don't sell out too easily to others. Also if you say your group is Christian, then you better act like it or I'm going to jack you up one day.
Oh and before I hear that women are suppose to be submissive little housewives, I remind you that God made me this way and I'd expect that he wants me to yell "Foul!" when I see it. I'm bold, opinionated, and very direct but most people love me that way because I only have one face (compared to some that have 2 or more faces they wear).
This is my vent---and I'm sticking to it!
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