Are you a writer hoping to be published? Think you might need a Literary Agent? This article warns of the potential pitfalls involving professional scammers who are out to get your money. It is required reading for anyone thinking of taking the leap to becoming a published author.
Scam
Bloggin’ J.C. (2)
So I was hanging out in Cana, some tiny dustbowl town in the Galilee district. I got myself invited to a wedding, along with my bad-boy crew, Disciples Unlimited. Why not? Free food, plenty to drink, and the chance of a dance with a sultry maiden. (And maybe more? Wink-wink!) I accepted, of course!
As usual, I could see a way to make some money out of this event, and to boost my street cred into the bargain. As anyone knows, the wine soons runs out at weddings, especially when it is free to guests. So I got my pal John to secrete some amphoras of good Cyrpus wine under the covered table, just in case.
It wasn’t long before Mary, my mom, suggests that I could help out with the impending wine shortage. By that time, we were down to drinking water, and that was putting a real downer on the festivities.
So I gave mom a wink, and waved my signal to John. Then I sashayed over to the table, real casual like, covering John as he exchanged the water amphoras for those containing wine. I said some holy stuff, I forget now exactly what, and the wedding guests stood around gaping, their mouths like fresh-landed fish from the nearby Sea of Galilee. I motioned to the servants to fill the clay pots with water, but as they were already almost full to the brim with that Cypriot good stuff, they only took around a cup of water in each.
Then I raised my hands, winked at my mom and John, before telling the guests to help themselves to more of the good stuff. I had changed that water into wine. ( 🙂 )
Everyone was completely drunk by the end of the festivities, and some said that the groom as too far gone to do his nuptial duties, but I cannot confirm that.
On the plus side, the bride’s dad gave me a bag of silver talents for my trouble. Of course, I had to split it with mom and John, but I only gave them twenty-five percent each.
To be honest, I wish I could have played that scam at a lot more weddings!
Peace and love.
Back soon, my fellow bloggers. Stay righteous!
Review / Warning of ‘promotional service’ by Wid Sebastian / Genius Media / Kairos Phoenix Company
AUTHORS! A WARNING! PROMOTIONAL SCAM!
Please read the original post from Christoph, about how a charity book project was scammed into receiving nothing despite great sales.
Share on social media to stop this evil scammer conning more victims!
Here is a little warning about a “service” I subscribed to recently:
Wid Bastian of Genius Media who now has a new business named Kairos Phoenix Company (KPC).
https://www.facebook.com/widb1
https://www.bizapedia.com/wy/kairos-phoenix-company-llc.html
I’m usually sceptical when it comes to professional indie author support but was taken in by his string of box sets. So many authors couldn’t be wrong?
Our book, Do No Harm, A collection of Medical thrillers, did well. Thanks to advertising and our own huge efforts we made USA Today and gathered 1.5 millions page reads during the short time it was in KU.
Two charities were named for this set, both 501c3 charities in the US and were to receive the pre-order proceeds. The charities advertised and marketed the set along with the authors. I’ve seen predominantly the marketing efforts from charities and the authors involved – actually next to nothing from his company.
Anyway, when…
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Air bnb: A seasonal warning
My wife Julie and a group of seven of her friends recently planned a trip to London, to meet up. They were coming from all over the UK, so a central location was preferred for easier travel. One of the group found an ideal apartment, a short walk from Hyde Park Corner. She booked the place for the desired night, and sent a link around, so everyone could see the ‘luxury’ flat they would be staying in.
Unfortunately, that turned out to be a scam. The online photos were ‘stolen’ from a flat that was for sale, and the advertiser had no access to the premises, and certainly did not own the flat. Fortunately, this was discovered in time, and the lady received most of her money back. So she tried again, using a website called ‘booking.com’ to source an alternative flat. They found one in Covent Garden; very central, handy for transport, tourist sites, and restaurants. From the photos, it seemed to be basic but comfortable, and suitable for the group to stay in for one night.
However, when they arrived and were let in, they discovered that the flat they were expected to stay in was not the nice one advertised. It was dirty, with condom wrappers and drug paraphernalia evident, as well as blood spatters on a wall, and unsuitable, dirty pillows and bedding. They complained, and went out for lunch while the place was ‘cleaned’. That cleaning consisted of a quick tidy up, and the replacement of two sheets, as well as the removal of pillowcases with no clean ones provided. The seating accommodation provided for eight people was just two small plastic chairs, and two bar stools. Others had to sit on beds that would be slept on later, or on the floor.
Of course, they could have just left, and tried to get the money back. But after travelling for many hours to spend one night together, they were unlikely to find, or be able to afford, alternative accommodation in the heart of London during the busiest tourist season. So they did what British people tend to do, and they made the best of it. Julie has formally complained online today, through booking.com. However, I think this story warrants more coverage, and suitable outrage.
***Update*** As of this evening, and following complaints from Julie’s group today, booking.com has removed that particular rental from its website. So, it pays to complain, if only for the benefit of others.
So, be warned. Be very careful with any choices from both Air bnb, and booking.com. You might end up travelling a long way to stay in somewhere different to the place you booked, and find it filthy on arrival. Even worse, you might find it doesn’t exist. If you know anyone who is considering doing this, then please make them aware of this post.
***I can only talk about our own experience. I am sure that most Air bnb owners are genuine, and many dealings with booking.com are trouble free.***
beetleypete 