Just something to consider

I agree with Buzz. I think self publishing or any type of publishing, for that matter, falls under the "matters of conscience" category. While I think the writer of the article had good intentions, I had trouble connecting their views on self publishing to the scripture. Since God made me an introvert, and I thrive in solitude, I especially don't believe everything has to be done as a team. There are examples of solitary meditation and work in the Bible. (I am not saying people/fellowship should not be part of an introvert's life. )Teamwork is a great thing and there is definitely a time and place for it in all our lives. (Some people thrive in team centered environments and others thrive working alone. There are times for both types of work in our life, but some people will create better and more efficient work under certain conditions.)

I see self publishing as a blessing and opportunity for many, especially people who are publishing for a Christian audience. Some have trouble finding an agent or publisher due to the nature of their book. Secular publishers might deem a work too "religious" while Christian publishers might deem a work too "violent, controversial" even if it is a Christ centered story with a good message. Some even make authors sign forms stating that they must comply with specific doctrine/beliefs/lifestyles that the Christian author may feel uncomfortable with.

I know many Christian publishers might be too strict for a writer's content or won't touch certain subjects such as fantasy or sci-fi. Thus, many Christian fantasy authors have turned to self publishing, and some have had successful and meaningful results.

Like anything (food, watching TV, sports) I believe it's how we handle the self publishing and work, what we do with it, and how we moderate it that determines whether it's beneficial or harmful. For example, a self published book teaching children how to pray could be a good thing whether its self published or not. A hate-filled book that bashes people or glorifies adultery could be determined harmful. I think this is a subject-(since self publishing, to my knowledge, is not specifically referenced in the Bible)-that falls under "matters of conscience".

See: http://christianity.about.com/od/faqhelpdesk/f/romans14issues.htm

Not trying to stir up debates! Just stating my opinion/gut reaction to the article. : )

Replies

Ian Wilson June 14, 2013 at 9:59am

I'll level with you. I'm not much of a team player. the big comic publishers have different people performing different tasks to put together a comic. I would have a tough time in the environment because I like to do everything myself. This article just made me think about what I was doing. Do I wan to self publish because I want to share my art, or is it for my own self aggrandizement?

I'm not condemning self publishing, and neither is Mr. Burnett (the author) I'm just considering.

I highly recommend "Three Reasons to Support Self-Publishing" I posted it to the forum.
Ian Wilson June 14, 2013 at 9:24am

Now here is three reasons to support self publishing

http://www.speculativefaith.com/2013/06/14/three-reasons-to-support...
Keyfarer June 14, 2013 at 8:21am

I agree with Buzz. I think self publishing or any type of publishing, for that matter, falls under the "matters of conscience" category. While I think the writer of the article had good intentions, I had trouble connecting their views on self publishing to the scripture. Since God made me an introvert, and I thrive in solitude, I especially don't believe everything has to be done as a team. There are examples of solitary meditation and work in the Bible. (I am not saying people/fellowship should not be part of an introvert's life. )Teamwork is a great thing and there is definitely a time and place for it in all our lives. (Some people thrive in team centered environments and others thrive working alone. There are times for both types of work in our life, but some people will create better and more efficient work under certain conditions.)

I see self publishing as a blessing and opportunity for many, especially people who are publishing for a Christian audience. Some have trouble finding an agent or publisher due to the nature of their book. Secular publishers might deem a work too "religious" while Christian publishers might deem a work too "violent, controversial" even if it is a Christ centered story with a good message. Some even make authors sign forms stating that they must comply with specific doctrine/beliefs/lifestyles that the Christian author may feel uncomfortable with.

I know many Christian publishers might be too strict for a writer's content or won't touch certain subjects such as fantasy or sci-fi. Thus, many Christian fantasy authors have turned to self publishing, and some have had successful and meaningful results.

Like anything (food, watching TV, sports) I believe it's how we handle the self publishing and work, what we do with it, and how we moderate it that determines whether it's beneficial or harmful. For example, a self published book teaching children how to pray could be a good thing whether its self published or not. A hate-filled book that bashes people or glorifies adultery could be determined harmful. I think this is a subject-(since self publishing, to my knowledge, is not specifically referenced in the Bible)-that falls under "matters of conscience".

See: http://christianity.about.com/od/faqhelpdesk/f/romans14issues.htm

Not trying to stir up debates! Just stating my opinion/gut reaction to the article. : )

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