 | 7 Nov 08 |
Okay, I promise I’m not stepping into Deborah LeBlanc’s territory. I do have a point, and it’s not really ghosts, so bear with me. Yesterday morning I was driving to work, in the early a.m., and listening to my favorite morning radio show, 97.1 zht, the Morning Zoo, with Frankie, DB and Jessica. I have been a guest on their show several times, and so I feel a “kinship” to them. And I think they are funny, too. On this particular show, though, they were talking about a picture they were going to post to the Web site. In it, a little girl is shown freaking out, and she won’t get into the picture. After they take it, they realize why, as a little boy can be seen peering out from between the legs of some of the people in the photo.
Now, they said they were going to post this photo on their Web site, and since the whole story kinda gave me the willies, I went to the site to check it out. And of course, I couldn’t find it. But when I Googled some keywords, looking for it, I happened upon this really cool site that I wanted to share with you!
On this page are some photos that have apparently not been photoshopped or doctored in any way, and the author of the page, Jeff Danelek, explains why in each frame.
Of course, after that I had to spend some time on his Web site, and check out his book, and I have to say I think he has a GREAT site that is an excellent way to pull people in to see his book. You all know I am interested in Web sites, and blogs, and how they work, so this seemed to go with the theme I have been following for the past few weeks. And it was kinda creepy, too, which always intrigues me.
The author intro says this:
I’m Jeff Danelek, an author and all around n’er do well from Denver, Colorado, who specializes in writing about the paranormal, religion, spirituality and a host of other subjects most people try not to think about too much. I don’t think that automatically makes me a kook, but you can go to my bio page and decide for yourself.
So why did I put together this website? I did it because I believe we live in a curious world that entices us to unravel its many mysteries. I also believe that there are people out there who, like myself, wonder about these things and would appreciate having someone to talk to about them. If you feel the same way, let’s start a dialogue! Just check out the articles under the buttons on the left and let me know your thoughts. No serious posts ignored and I promise to try and respond to each query as soon as I can. Enjoy!
I spent quite a while on Jeff’s site, and was interested enough to look up his books and put them on my “to buy” list.
And that, after all, is EXACTLY what a Web site is supposed to do, right? At least an author Web site. I’d never heard of Jeff before, but you can bet I won’t forget him or his creepy ghost photos.
And just by researching this blog post, I found a new author that intrigued me. Which perfectly illustrates what a Web site is supposed to do. So how about you? Any of you find a new author this way, by searching something else, or happening onto their site? What intrigued you about it? Would you buy the book?
Oh, and Happy LATE Halloween…..
© 2008 – 2009 Natalie R. Collins. All rights reserved.
Natalie R. Collins was born in Logan, Utah and attended the University of Utah. She worked for eleven years at The Salt Lake Tribune, Utah's largest daily newspaper, before leaving to devote more time to her family. During the ensuing years, she wrote five novels. She also worked for the 2001 and 2002 Sundance Film Festivals as an editor. Natalie is a member of the International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America, and Romance Writers of America.
Subscribe to Posts 
Too cool! Thanks for sharing, Natalie.
by Margaret A. Golla November 7th, 2008 at 4:57 amGreat post. I can’t remember buying something because of a website, but I have bought books because I’ve read an excerpt or I’ve loved the cover. Hmm. I’m thinking, thinking, thinking . . . I buy a lot of stuff on line, but it’s usually because I’m specifically looking for it.
I’ve bought NF books because of reviews — I want to know what’s inside before I buy it because I don’t know if it’s exactly what I’m looking for, and reviews often tell you some of the key information. I don’t care if the review is good or bad, just that the information is what I need. I never buy/don’t buy fiction based on reviews.
by allison brennan November 7th, 2008 at 7:15 amI clicked on all the links you had in your post, and from there clicked on a few more. Wow, I’ve always been a firm believer, but pictures still make me stop and go wow!
I buy stuff all the time because of websites. I’m sure my husband will catch on and take away my DSL. And blogs and websites of authors, I’ve a large growing library and admiration of wwriters.
by Cele November 7th, 2008 at 9:14 amI’ll pick a new author up on an excerpt on their website. Hmm, I guess I need to put some up at my place.
by Karin Tabke November 7th, 2008 at 11:24 amInteresting website! I’m going to go back and look around more when I get a chance.
If something catches my attention, I’ll buy the book. I’ve bought books after reading blogs by a few authors.
by Jen Apodaca November 7th, 2008 at 12:52 pmI am the consummate website-shopper. I’ve bought quite a few author’s books because they made a comment somewhere and I got curious and went to their sites and read enough to go look at the amazon or b&n page. Meljean Brooks is one, Lynn Viehl, lots of others. I do the majority of any shopping online. [My husband likes to grocery shop, or else I'd probably find a way to do that online, too.]
So yeah, I think a well done site is important–as is a clearly makred link where visitors can click through to make the purchase.
And you know, as I think of this, I have almost never bought anything from anyone who’s done the “hard sell” tactic, but almost always from people who offer something else–commentary, blogs, unique angles into a world, like the example you mentioned.
by toni mcgee causey November 7th, 2008 at 2:04 pmThose pics made me shiver.
by S.J. Day November 7th, 2008 at 3:10 pmLoved the pics. I’m working on a paranormal romance right now with a ghost. The internet is a wonderous place and I’ve discovered many new to me authors from their websites that I happened upon.
by Amanda November 7th, 2008 at 3:13 pmThanks for the link…very interesting. Spent a lot of time looking through the pics.
by ArkansasCyndi November 7th, 2008 at 3:58 pmMargaret, glad you enjoyed it. I thought it was a pretty cool site.
Allison, I have to admit that I don’t think I’ve been real influenced by a site, either, until now. I really did find his stuff intriguing.
Cele, I know what you mean. I can get totally LOST in the Internet. But I did like those photos.
Karin, LOL! Get those excerpts up, girl!
by Natalie November 7th, 2008 at 4:37 pmJen, like you, I have bought books after reading blogs by authors. So I maintain this is one of the best tools there is out there.
Toni, I don’t like hard-sell either. The few times I’ve tried it, I’ve discovered it just doesn’t work for me. I really hate pushing myself. So, I will do what works, and avoid what I hate.
Syl, they made me shiver, too! They sure looked real to me, and I am the original cynic.
by Natalie November 7th, 2008 at 4:40 pmAmanda, with what you are working on, those pics oughta inspire you a little, huh?
by Natalie November 7th, 2008 at 4:40 pmNatalie, yes it helped alot. After that website I went to the Ghost Hunters. I’ve only watched one episode, but it looks like a cool show.
by Amanda November 7th, 2008 at 5:55 pmAn author’s website is very important. I found MSW from Jennifer’s site. After reading the blog I went to the website of each of the other ladies and then went to Amazon to order books from each of them.
I’ve been hooked ever since.
by HollyD November 8th, 2008 at 6:04 amI haven’t checked out the website yet, but that’s my next stop. I have found several authors that I enjoy from other author blogs. They put their friends and colleagues blogs and/or websites on their site and I click.
So far, it’s worked out pretty well for me.
by Erika November 10th, 2008 at 2:35 pm