Please, For The Love Of Gmail, Use The Fuckin’ Comment Section!
- By Tracy Ames
- Published April 4, 2010
Tracy Ames
My name is Tracy Ames. I’m an author of interracial erotic fiction. My stories are a sensual feast for your senses; mind, body and soul.
I began writing short stories for monthly newsletters and, believe it or not, my friends. After much encouragement, I’m ready to offer you a taste of what only a few have previously savored.
A native of the San Francisco Bay area, I currently split time between Greenwich CT & New York City with my husband, young daughter and a host of pets.
MySpace
Facebook
I want to begin by saying thank you to all of my long time readers and fans (The Minions). You guys have been the cornerstone of my success, over the years, and I love you dearly.
The events over the last year have been remarkable. Seriously, I’m in awe. The site’s numbers are off the charts and a great deal of the reason is because of you all: the readers and bloggers…I appreciate your support.
This being said, there’s a whole new crowd of followers now on the site who aren’t as familiar with how we operate. I’d like to welcome you all. You’ll see we’re one big family around here so don’t be shy, jump right in. We chat about everything under the sun, no topic is off limits.
I don’t know how many of you know this, but I live with an attorney. In fact, sometimes I feel like I‘m surrounded by attorneys. Some of their “stuff” rubs off on me, so as I write this article I’m reminded of a legal term, “Quid Pro Quo”. Generally, it means, “if I give you something, you have to give me something.” Some would say that is one of the rules of the universe.
Let me explain how Quid Pro Quo works in our IRE.net community. I’ve received a boatload of emails asking the same questions. To answer:
No, I’m not a blogger turned author. I’m an author. I sell books, it’s what I do. If you would, please buy them…the links are provided or you can find them in stores.
What you’re reading are free shorter stories from published authors (for the most part). Writing is our passion and while we enjoy bringing you free reads we are still in the business. If our short stories have captured your attention then purchase our books.
Now, here is where some readers have got my goat, turtle, dogs, cats, bird, tarantula (Olga says I am one chimp named, “Bubbles” away from Neverland Ranch). My private inbox currently has over 8000 unread emails—most of which are comments related to stories/installments.
Please look at the bottom of the page. I mean it! Right now, look at the bottom of this page. You see the area where it says for you make your comments. It’s not there as a joke. Please use it.
This is where the Quid Pro Quo comes in. I ask authors, who submit outstanding work to me, or whom I admire, to contribute their work to this site. I try to do a good job of providing consistently good material for the readers to enjoy. There is no membership fee. No registration. No email subscriptions, and most importantly no banners, promotions from outside sites, or ads. IRE.net is a user friendly site where you can read to your heart’s content. It is really disappointing to the authors when you email me and don’t share your thoughts with them. Added bonus, you can remain completely anonymous. So while you get fresh, new material to enjoy, the authors would like to receive thoughtful comments about their work-that’s the payoff folks!
The practice of emailing me also inhibits the “community” feeling that I want to encourage on the site. If you have something to say, let it rip. I require that everyone be respectful to each other, so there shouldn’t be hesitancy to speak up.
My gentlemen readers: You really have to “Man Up”. Let the women know what you think and stop using me as a go between. Our conversations are awesome, but the whole “class” should really get a chance to talk, share, relate. What you have to say could later be material for a story and also allow the authors to gather the feedback they need to create stories that will appeal to both men and women.
Bottom line, I have to step back. 8,000 email demands that I step back. Each and every author, including myself, is eager to respond to your comments and can’t wait to receive the feedback; but friends, the emails are killing me.
Thanks for allowing me to rant. But really, use the comment section.
The site has an online, reader comment function so there is no excuse for not leaving feedback for every story you’ve enjoyed. It only takes a few minutes to tell authors that you’ve appreciated their efforts, and you can remain completely anonymous. If you prefer, you can send an email directly to the author. An email link is provided on each author's story index page for those authors who wish to have their email addresses made public. Remember, authors need to know that their stories are being read and appreciated. It's what keeps them writing more stories for you to enjoy.
My private inbox currently has over 8000 unread emails—most of which are comments related to stories/installments. I BEG you to please comment on the story post itself. The authors need and deserve your feedback. Please, for the love of Gmail, leave comments on the stories you’ve read. Good. Bad. Or indifferent. My inbox is bursting.
Alright, I can breathe again! Olga, Lydia, and Stephanie....thank you Ladies for always having my back.
The events over the last year have been remarkable. Seriously, I’m in awe. The site’s numbers are off the charts and a great deal of the reason is because of you all: the readers and bloggers…I appreciate your support.
This being said, there’s a whole new crowd of followers now on the site who aren’t as familiar with how we operate. I’d like to welcome you all. You’ll see we’re one big family around here so don’t be shy, jump right in. We chat about everything under the sun, no topic is off limits.
I don’t know how many of you know this, but I live with an attorney. In fact, sometimes I feel like I‘m surrounded by attorneys. Some of their “stuff” rubs off on me, so as I write this article I’m reminded of a legal term, “Quid Pro Quo”. Generally, it means, “if I give you something, you have to give me something.” Some would say that is one of the rules of the universe.
Let me explain how Quid Pro Quo works in our IRE.net community. I’ve received a boatload of emails asking the same questions. To answer:
No, I’m not a blogger turned author. I’m an author. I sell books, it’s what I do. If you would, please buy them…the links are provided or you can find them in stores.
What you’re reading are free shorter stories from published authors (for the most part). Writing is our passion and while we enjoy bringing you free reads we are still in the business. If our short stories have captured your attention then purchase our books.
Now, here is where some readers have got my goat, turtle, dogs, cats, bird, tarantula (Olga says I am one chimp named, “Bubbles” away from Neverland Ranch). My private inbox currently has over 8000 unread emails—most of which are comments related to stories/installments.
Please look at the bottom of the page. I mean it! Right now, look at the bottom of this page. You see the area where it says for you make your comments. It’s not there as a joke. Please use it.
This is where the Quid Pro Quo comes in. I ask authors, who submit outstanding work to me, or whom I admire, to contribute their work to this site. I try to do a good job of providing consistently good material for the readers to enjoy. There is no membership fee. No registration. No email subscriptions, and most importantly no banners, promotions from outside sites, or ads. IRE.net is a user friendly site where you can read to your heart’s content. It is really disappointing to the authors when you email me and don’t share your thoughts with them. Added bonus, you can remain completely anonymous. So while you get fresh, new material to enjoy, the authors would like to receive thoughtful comments about their work-that’s the payoff folks!
The practice of emailing me also inhibits the “community” feeling that I want to encourage on the site. If you have something to say, let it rip. I require that everyone be respectful to each other, so there shouldn’t be hesitancy to speak up.
My gentlemen readers: You really have to “Man Up”. Let the women know what you think and stop using me as a go between. Our conversations are awesome, but the whole “class” should really get a chance to talk, share, relate. What you have to say could later be material for a story and also allow the authors to gather the feedback they need to create stories that will appeal to both men and women.
Bottom line, I have to step back. 8,000 email demands that I step back. Each and every author, including myself, is eager to respond to your comments and can’t wait to receive the feedback; but friends, the emails are killing me.
Thanks for allowing me to rant. But really, use the comment section.
The site has an online, reader comment function so there is no excuse for not leaving feedback for every story you’ve enjoyed. It only takes a few minutes to tell authors that you’ve appreciated their efforts, and you can remain completely anonymous. If you prefer, you can send an email directly to the author. An email link is provided on each author's story index page for those authors who wish to have their email addresses made public. Remember, authors need to know that their stories are being read and appreciated. It's what keeps them writing more stories for you to enjoy.
My private inbox currently has over 8000 unread emails—most of which are comments related to stories/installments. I BEG you to please comment on the story post itself. The authors need and deserve your feedback. Please, for the love of Gmail, leave comments on the stories you’ve read. Good. Bad. Or indifferent. My inbox is bursting.
Alright, I can breathe again! Olga, Lydia, and Stephanie....thank you Ladies for always having my back.
Spread The Word
28 Responses to "Please, For The Love Of Gmail, Use The Fuckin’ Comment Section!"
said this on 25 May 2010 2:33:39 PM CDT
God bless the newbies ;-) Congrats on the new book. I haven't had a chance to read it yet. But I know that it's all layers of hotness. Muah!!!!
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said this on 04 Apr 2010 8:12:53 PM CDT
8000 emails? Wow! Sounds like a spam email address. Lol. Anyway, my dad just hit up my account and I want to buy one of your books, how do I do that? Can I buy it from my local B&N or do you have a website exclusively for book sales? I don't want an e-book, I'm not in my room enough to sit down and read one. I want something I can read on the plane while on the way to my internship this summer. So with all of that useless rambling said, can you direct me to your bookstore?
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said this on 04 Apr 2010 8:51:11 PM CDT
Erica, I thought they were spam emails also but this things are coming from fans. I'm dying over here. My assistant Emily and my copy editor Daniel have been working overtime trying to sort them out....the lot of them could've been handled directly in the comment section.
You can buy my books in stores, online at Amazon or order them here if you want them signed. Go up to the "Our Books" tab and you'll see the order links there. If you pre-order "Make Her Want It" let me know...I may have a copy of "Seduce Me" I can send you. ;-) |
said this on 04 Apr 2010 10:11:26 PM CDT
Wow! 8000 e-mails. Can't imagine. I probably shouldn't say this, but I love when you rant....and my husband thinks I am crazy for commenting online to people I don't know.
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said this on 04 Apr 2010 10:38:06 PM CDT
Pam, you know you're family around here...don't even try it. You always put a smile on my face even when you beat me up. :) Please don't encourage me to rant...we'll be here all day.
Yes, 8000 emails and counting. And you know it's going to get worse when the book comes out. Even with an assistant, I'm drowning in emails. I open my Gmail and I literally want to cry some days. I have people requesting interviews but I miss them amongst all the other stuff. |
said this on 05 Apr 2010 3:25:32 AM CDT
I was actually tempted to send you a personal mail the other day (wanting to gift one of your readers who I know from another site with your newest book). Luckily my bottle of proseco got in the way. So far on this site I've only enjoyed your stories. Will try to read the others and leave a comment, but can't promise as I tend to be rather upfront and believe firmly in: "If you have nothing nice to say, then say nothing!". Also, that securtiy code thingie gets on my tits!. Oftentimes I'm forced to request the code for the handicapp as it's not legible, or is that the whole idea?.
Nonetheless, my only question right now is: Isn't it end of April?. |
said this on 05 Apr 2010 11:26:39 AM CDT
Hey crazy lady! You know you can email me. What's doing my head in is the emails I'm receiving about the stories (not just mine, but others). Folks most use the comment section. My bloody inbox couldn't take much more.
You know we're open around here so speak up...but if your comment is too biting then please private message the author and let them know your feelings off-line. It's a repect thingy.:) The security code: Ahhhh! I wanted to handicap it or at least make the letter readable. Daniel tweeted it a bit but even I still stumble on it. I'll give it back to jim to work on. |
said this on 05 Apr 2010 9:23:06 AM CDT
8000 emails almost makes me think of kids who take tests or do assignments without reading the instructions. They just do what they feel like doing. NOT COOL!
For those of you who read the comments but send emails: leave..Tracy's..emai l..alone..if..you..are..l eaving..comments. That's me speaking slowly so that hopefully it sinks in. |
said this on 05 Apr 2010 11:41:00 AM CDT
Yves, I had to walk away from this comment for a second. You're nuts, lol. Thank you. It's just getting to me now. I could juggle them before but damn!
Think about the logic: I make absolutely NO MONEY from the site other than the book I sell. I'm having to pay my assistant overtime...pay Daniel (this isn't his job), and bring on a new assistant just to catch up on everything coming from the site. Doesn't make sense to keep it goes does it? I'm missing promotional events, interviews and so on because the invites are buried in my indox. Which means I lose money...AGAIN! I love my site, it's bloody awesome but I need folks to use the comment section. |
said this on 05 Apr 2010 11:54:59 AM CDT
I hate to put this out there, but you might have to ease up from working so diligently on this sight so you can take care of your real obligations. Maybe then it will dawn (Let there be light!) on your readers/fans/followers that "Hey! This takes time and you can't be inundated with comments or questions in your INBOX that are better off in the comments section."
OOOOOOh, see don't make me go off! |
said this on 05 Apr 2010 9:32:09 AM CDT
Okay now I understand why you didn't respond to my email...There is about 7000 emails before mine.
Do you think that they are just shy and afraid of how there comments might be interpreted. |
said this on 05 Apr 2010 11:49:54 AM CDT
Sherece, where do I start with this comment? Please you know right where I am. If I didn't reply, you should've messaged me on FB. I think some folks are shy and that's the reason I allowed them to email me directly (the same goes for the other authors) but it's gotting out of hand. They can comment "Anonymously", we don't mind at all...just leave a comment.
As far as misinterpretation: Yeah, you have a point. But I haven't seen anyone attack anyone for a misinterpretation, have they? If so, let me know. We don't beat up folks around here. Well, we jump on Grip all the time but he expects to take hits from the ladies. He's Grip! |
said this on 05 Apr 2010 4:03:07 PM CDT
Sweet! Since reading "Seduce Me" I have constantly come to this website. I have always wanted to leave comments on your stories and blogs but it would have been the first time that I have EVER left a comment on a website b4 besides Facebook. When reading the other comments, you guys did seem familiar with each other at least and I kind of felt out of the loop. I will give feedback more often now and I do want to say I really enjoy this site and your stories. Keep up the great work!!!
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said this on 05 Apr 2010 4:37:41 PM CDT
Alex, you're gonna make me cry. Seriously, we're all one big family here, please dive in with the rest of us. New folks are welcomed anytime...and you're a guy so please offer your insight.
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said this on 05 Apr 2010 6:16:32 PM CDT
ok I will. Thanks for writing this blog too. P.s. I am a female haha. Sorry for the confusion, i get that a lot with a nickname Alex. But I def. look here when I am looking for a good read.
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said this on 05 Apr 2010 6:41:42 PM CDT
Oh my bad. I saw Alex and assumed you were a male. Sorry about that. See, now you're part of the family for sure. I've already had to apologize to you. LOL! :)
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said this on 05 Apr 2010 8:46:43 PM CDT
Shoot I hate email, the only ones I answer are from my kids or hubby everyone else is a crap shoot and this is how I miss out on ladies only weekends. Those heffas will send an email knowing dog gone well it may be six months before I read, let alone, answer my emails so will never see an email from me.
Someone called themselves getting even by putting me in charge of transportation for the upcoming family reunion, guess how many people have flight reservations. There is only ten people out of 387 with confirmations that is because they are on a private jet, so the reunion just may have low turn out. LOL |
said this on 05 Apr 2010 8:58:45 PM CDT
LMAO! Carol, hush! Oh I'm dying! I miss you girl. You'd better answer the family reunion emails. You literally have my stomach hurting. I needed this laugh.
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said this on 05 Apr 2010 9:29:57 PM CDT
My brother said, "If you put her in charge and she has to answer or deal with emails make your own reservations the reunion will be over waiting on her to answer an email". If you need me call me or send me a text anything else is a gamble, I just hate email especially short stupid ones dang put that in a text message, sheesh.
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said this on 05 Apr 2010 9:09:15 PM CDT
Tracy I need your opinion, anyone please jump in as my big ass baby thinks I went over board, about someone pushing up on your man IN YOUR HOUSE.
Someone we know socially brought a "friend" to our drink the bunny party with clothes a stripper would not wear, leaned over the pool/air hockey tables in the game room where there were only men. She played her little innocent "Oops I didn't know" he was involved or taken how in the hell she missed that ring on his finger I will never know. My response "Little girl he is a T&A man you may have the tits but not the ass you have a narrow butt. Let me explain the difference, if a man can run his hand down your back and they stay flat, you have a butt, if he cups his hands only when he reaches the top of your thighs you have a butt, when he is hitting in from the back and he has no strong grip you have a butt, if he has to hold your waist when you ride him you have a butt. On the other hand when he runs his hand past your waist and his hands are concave you have an ass, when he hits it from the back and leave marks on your hips your have an ass, when I am riding the hell out of him his hands are cupped because my dear I have an ass, now the the F&^%K out of my house." The men seem to think I went too far, please let them know I was R.I.G.H.T. |
said this on 05 Apr 2010 10:07:00 PM CDT
I'm dying...I can't breathe. Carol, you're killing me. I would've done the same thing. You were nicer than I would've been. Greg has had his share of stalkers...um, they don't stalk anymore.
You were bang-on! |
said this on 05 Apr 2010 10:25:56 PM CDT
I told them that was my nice response, I wanted to throw her from the window my aunt would not let me....James got mad when I sprayed him down with Lysol then made him take a shower. I had the house deep cleaned today she may have cooties...LOL
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said this on 07 Apr 2010 12:40:17 AM CDT
Oh Carol you were nice, I woud have snatched somebody bald-headed right quick LOL. One trait about being from the dirty south is I'll fight a
b!tch, take off my shoes, rid myself of earrings and get some vaseline and it's on. But the 'butt' insult was very well done. |
said this on 07 Apr 2010 8:04:12 PM CDT
Thank you, apparently because I was the hostess it was rude to call her on her shit fortunately for her she all on someone else man if it was mine then a little detour to get my whip.
I'll let her think I forgot but in about three or four weeks that heffa narrow ass is M.I.N.E. and not in a good way. That little skank |
said this on 07 Apr 2010 8:35:10 PM CDT
Eugenia, why are you encouraging Carol?! I'm getting bail money together for the both of you. *smh*
It wasn't rude to call her out. She was acting like hussie. |
said this on 08 Apr 2010 7:32:53 AM CDT
I'm not contributing, LOL. I just rah-rah to any woman that stands up for what's hers. I get so tired of women in the guise of trying to be nice letting some bimbo disrespect her. I'm glad Carol didn't let her play innocent, she knew what she doing, the hooker. Hey and if I end up in the pokie, it's okay, I'll deal, somebody got some bail money for me and it better be Matt LOL.
I say 'if you respect me, I respect you but once you disrespect me it most definitely on and as Carol said previously and not in a good way' |
said this on 07 Apr 2010 2:29:03 PM CDT
Tracy, 8000 emails. Wow! Just! Wow! That's too much. You shouldn't have to be inundated with that. I'm going to help you out. I'm not going to post any additional chapters for the stories I've submitted. You deserve a break.
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said this on 07 Apr 2010 3:18:24 PM CDT
No please do! I wish you would. Your chapters aren't the problem. The problem folks not using the comment section and sending emails directly to me.
Besides, We need an update to "Italian Ice"....;-) The authors on the site need feedback from the readers in order to gauge their work. As you know, it shit is hard!! We make it look easy... |