Picking a Fight with a Barrel of Ink

As I become more and more involved in the world of self-publishing, I’m learning that there is so much more to it than simply writing and publishing.

This excellent post from Pete Morin tells a cautionary tale that every new author should read.

Pete Morin

[Note: the following facts are true. They can be verified through the various court filings and decisions on file here and here at Citizens Media Law Center.]

Early in my short political career, I learned an old adage known to politicians around the world and attributed to many: never pick a fight with someone who buys ink by the barrel. The meaning is plain enough, and the advice is indelibly sound: do not start a fight with the press.

I must confess that I did not heed that advice, although not out of courage as much as a lack of fear in the consequences. I was only going to serve for a few years anyway, so how much damage could they do? It was a liberating thing, knowing I could speak frankly to reporters and editors. And boy, did I.

This strategy cannot easily be translated to an…

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