Claytons is the brand name of a non-alcoholic, non-carbonated beverage coloured and packaged to resemble bottled whisky. It was the subject of a major marketing campaign in Australia and New Zealand in the 1970s and 1980s, promoting it as “the drink you have when you’re not having a drink” at a time when alcohol was being targeted as a major factor in the road toll.
Although the product is no longer being actively marketed, the name has entered into Australian and New Zealand vernacular where it represents a “poor substitute” or “an ineffective solution to a problem”. It can also be used to describe something that is effectively in existence but does not take the appropriate name, e.g. a common-law couple might be described as having a “Claytons marriage”.
***
I recently received what can only be described as a Clayton’s revue for the paperback version one of my books – Globular Van der Graff’s “Goblin Tales for Adults”.
After making pointed enquiries I found out the reviewer in question had not even read the book. It turns out that he has been told by his publisher to write Claytons reviews with a hyperlink back to his own books. They told him that while a few will be deleted, many won’t. Talk about shameless advertising tactics!
It begs the question – how many other reviews are genuine? Fortunately in my case, most are. This unsavoury practice needs to end and fast. Climbing on the backs of others to shamelessly promote your own books is beneath contempt!
Most of us work hard promoting our books without resorting to using such underhand practices. I could mention the name of the writer in question, and his publisher, but that would only be playing into their hands.
If anyone reading this has a review with a hyperlink back to someone else’s book on their book’s page, check it out and challenge whoever wrote the review, voicing your strong objection. Above all, don’t be surprised if the said review disappears, especially on Amazon. They take a dim view of such practices.
Have We Had Help? 
How many more stupid scams can these fools come up with Jack? And do they help sell books? I doubt it.
LikeLike
It also suggests that when looking for a publisher, do your homework, particularly regarding their sales tactics, not to mention how ethical they are Derek.
LikeLike
Another bottom-feeder besmirching the reputation of ebooks. A publisher recommending that a writer links every review show a very unprofessional attitude and a very poor understanding of Amazon.
LikeLike
With the current bad feeling towards Indies by the so-called establishment i.e traditional publishers, they do themselves no favours by adopting such underhand tactics. You know they are getting desperate when they insist that their writers do such a thing. Not to mention shifting the responsibility of promotion onto the shoulders of the writer. It begs the question – what is the point of a traditional publisher, when in effect all the work is being done by the writer?The line between Indie and establishment writer is steadily blurring.
LikeLike
Trad pubbed authors are now having to promote their own books, but supplied with a few 'dirty tricks' courtesy of their publishers? Nothing has changed, except it's the authors doing their dirty work now. Trad publishers have always used dirty tricks to gain reviews. The trouble with self published authors is that they are too honest and have morals. A definite weakness.
LikeLike
But at least we can hold our heads high with a clear conscience, unlike trad publishing Derek. 🙂
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Have We Had Help? and commented:
Worth repeating…
LikeLike