Thread: Another Good Review for Green Power

Another envirolink.com review:
I just read Green Power and I liked it! A good story and well paced. I was compelled to keep turning the pages.
For more reviews and information on this environmental thriller, please visit Charles Vrooman's website.

Green Power -- sounds like a household cleaner.

And if you order one bottle of Green Power now, we'll send you another bottle -- free!

Originally Posted by Greenpower

Another envirolink.com review:
I just read Green Power and I liked it! A good story and well paced. I was compelled to keep turning the pages.

Another? There was one in the first place? What party did this compelling, and what weapon was used?

Originally Posted by Greenpower

For more reviews and information on this environmental thriller, please visit Charles Vrooman's website.

I did. The website is apparently run by Charles Vrooman for Charles Vrooman's amusement. It isn't a proper domain, just a freewebs freebie. It has a forum that has Mr. Vrooman, one presumes, playing the part of both posters.

Originally Posted by JosephB

Green Power -- sounds like a household cleaner.

And if you order one bottle of Green Power now, we'll send you another bottle -- free!

Yah. Not the first spam from this party and probably not the last. The premise of the book is a joke too...the author supposedly has a B.Sc in microbiology and apparently doesn't like methane.
Environmental thrillers are just fine, in competent hands. I'd suggest you go find John Brunner's The Sheep Look Up and forget about this turkey.

Let me start by identifying the member of envirolink forum who gave the review I quoted from. He is Josh Knauer, who is one of the main moderators of this forum. Also as to the other member of envirolink.com who gave Green Power a good review, let me quote from his review.

(Review from Johhny Electriglide – member of envirolink forum)
Finished it today, and give it a thumbs up! It has elements of an action thriller, environmental thriller, romance novel, and tear jerker in one spot. Almost historical because almost all of it takes place in 1989, with a short chapter at the end bringing us up to the present.
Well done, and recommended reading for those who like to read a mix of science fact, action and romance, and a little 1980s history in dramatic fiction. Well developed characters, and even though we know the answers to parts of the medical thriller and crime drama, it is fun to have the various characters find the answers.
There are a few points of slight errors, but nothing serious enough to take away from a great reading book. The expertise of the microbiology science more than made up for that.
Five Stars.

Let me finish this reply to moderan by saying that unknown authors like myself have to promote their books by themselves. I don’t have an agent and my publisher won’t help in the marketing of my novel. However, those who have bought my book have enjoyed it. That’s why I quote from their reviews.
Note: The plot rerolves around the positive use of methane digesters.

It's spam, plain and simple. If you were to justify it by actually acting as a member of this forum, then that designation wouldn't be made.
I sympathize with your need to promote your book. However, all that you're going to get by this method is negative comment followed by swift oblivion. Few will care, and fewer will notice. There are better ways to market a property.

You should totally celebrate that review - I know I would. Whether or not this constitutes spam is another story. In any event, props on the good review.

To change gears a bit, you might want to read this.

Making Books (washingtonpost.com)

Originally Posted by Greenpower

Let me finish this reply to moderan by saying that unknown authors like myself have to promote their books by themselves. I don’t have an agent and my publisher won’t help in the marketing of my novel. However, those who have bought my book have enjoyed it. That’s why I quote from their reviews.
Note: The plot rerolves around the positive use of methane digesters.

First, why don’t you have an agent?
Second, even if you did have an agent, they would not be promoting your book, because that is not their job.
Third, who is your publisher? Because I can’t imagine a legitimate publisher would buy your book and then leave you to spam writing forums. I know plenty of debut and lesser known authors who do not spam sites for publicity. They seem to get along just fine.
(They also don’t use freewebs for their website. Honestly, you’d be better off with a blog or a Facebook with links to where people can buy/order your book.)

Originally Posted by strangedaze

You should totally celebrate that review - I know I would. Whether or not this constitutes spam is another story. In any event, props on the good review.

To change gears a bit, you might want to read this.

Making Books (washingtonpost.com)

Oh, you're with a vanity press. I feel dumb.

oh man... I read some of the excerpts on the site and I'm having a reaaaal difficult time stopping myself from becoming a 'writing snob' and tearing it apart on here... gah, the itch is becoming too much, better log off!

No offense to Mr. Vrooman, but...


It’s Publish-frickin’-America! What d’you expect?

*can haz read excerpt*

Yup, seems about right.

I only posted the link because I wasn't sure the original poster knew. I know a lot of writers who knowingly go through PublishAmerica, even after reading the article, so I don't think we should be chastising him or his writing. He just wanted to share some good news - a positive review from a reader. I'd do the same in his position. Granted, this should probably be in another section . . .

Originally Posted by strangedaze

I only posted the link because I wasn't sure the original poster knew. I know a lot of writers who knowingly go through PublishAmerica, even after reading the article, so I don't think we should be chastising him or his writing. He just wanted to share some good news - a positive review from a reader. I'd do the same in his position. Granted, this should probably be in another section . . .

I'd be all for someone saying that they're happy that they got a positive review, but I don't think that was the case, Strangedaze. With all due respect, the poster's track record is rife with spam of this stripe:posting record.
The OP doesn't read like you're interpreting it as, and the poster admits that it's a promo attempt.
You're being extremely charitable. That's great. I just don't believe this is an appropriate market.

To be honest, I don't disagree with you. I just figured, 'tis the season, charity, etc etc.