As an author who writes fiction that follow Libertarian
themes, I wanted to advertise. Upon
reviewing some options, I decided to advertise in Austin Petersen’s
podcast. This was in September; my first
email was sent on 09/24/2015. I had been
following The Libertarian Republic for some time, and was aware of other work
with Austen Petersen, in particular was when he worked with Judge Andrew
Napolitano. With the audience I saw
possible from The Libertarian Republic, I saw a potential for a perfect target
audience to market my books.
My nonfiction eBooks are free, but my fiction are for sale
and in order for them to be pitched appropriately through one of Austen
Petersen’s podcasts, I sent him copies of each of my fiction books. Inquiring as early as I did, my goal was to
have two advertisements before Christmas, and I stated that in one of our phone
conversations. He said to give him to
the end of the week and he would have copy for me to approve.
At the end of the week, I received nothing. I called and usually had to leave a message
to inquire about the status.
It was weeks before he responded.
In his response, he stated a point of concern he had was on
my having multiple books and locations to reference. Eventually I received one email from staff,
and it had the initial copy for review.
I made my suggestions and returned it quickly. After a couple more weeks passed without
follow up from him, I finally contacted him in order to clarify the issue, reduced
the references to ‘print at Amazon and eBook at Smashwords’. More time passed, and he did not follow
up. After numerous calls (even on the
same day) I finally spoke with him and we further clarified the issue and I
agreed to create a website that was a one-stop spot (I should have done awhile
ago), and he would send an email with links (he had saved) on his recommended
sites.
Outside the copy (which was provided by staff), I received nothing
more from Austin (and it was six weeks to receive the copy from his staff at
The Libertarian Republic).
I had spoken with Austin – most of the times were calls I
initiated – numerous times, and each time he spoke well about what he would do
and how he would benefit me. In action,
his inaction ensured if I was to have an ad with him, though there was space
ready, it would not be available to me when I wanted it for he was not
following through in a timely manner. Ultimately,
he would not follow through at all – not even an email with the links of his
preferred websites in website creation.
I did my own research, created a one-stop site for anything
related to my work. This last step did
not matter, for though I completed what he advised, he did not follow up with
me again.
When we were talking about still getting the advertisement, I
asked him about the delays. He was
apologetic, saying he wanted to ensure I got the most for my money. I did not get the most for my money for he
failed to deliver what I wanted to purchase.
If he did not like my writing style, that would be fine;
that is based upon appetite and you cannot appease everyone – I have had others
praise my style. If he was ‘intimidated’
by me, as he mentioned one of my emails sounded hostile (all I did was ask if
he had a political problem as I know we differ on some positions), then he is
too easily intimidated; if a simple email was enough to stop communication,
what would he do on a debate stage when pressed?
When my experience with Austin Petersen is summarized, three
options are most likely; 1) simply, he is a liar. However, that is far more of a claim than I
am prepared to make. Much more evidence
is needed for that, and there is not anything to show his lack of follow-through
was a lie. 2) He again felt intimidated
from my calls and my emails. He admitted
my tone dissuaded him once; assuming it happened again is not outside the realm
of possibilities. 3) I was just not
enough of a priority to justify follow-through when he is running for
president.
I think the third option is the most likely. I had given him more time in between contacts
because of his presidential run and I was focusing on other projects (more
books and a dissertation); however, I had also spoken with him – not staff at
the Libertarian Republic, but Austin Petersen himself, and each time he said he
would follow-up with me either later in the day or that week. Those follow-throughs did not happen.
When all is considered, his work speaks for him: The
Libertarian Republic, Freedom Watch and the like. The track record earned from those
professional achievements is commendable.
What also speaks for him is the lack of follow-through. I may just be a small-time author who may be
brushed aside by one running for office, but regardless, I still expect someone
to follow through with what they say they will do. That such a one as myself may be brushed
aside so easily speaks for him; if he is ready to disregard one who is not-too
consequential in his mind, what would he do when it is more consequential? – Who
would he ‘throw under the bus’ as he aligns others to something more akin to
his desires?
From his completed works, he is a better producer (The
Libertarian Republic and Freedom Watch), than he is a Presidential
candidate. I still enjoy the works he
produces, but I would be remiss if I did not relay my experience with him. In one of our conversations, he mentioned
being for free market and building a reputation; he has built one he should be
proud of as a producer, but he also earned a tarnished image as a candidate.
He may be a better candidate than any of the Republicans or
Democrats, but that is such a comparison as asking whether one wants a sandwich
or a malignant tumor. I do not know or
have interacted with Gary Johnson or John McAfee (the other two top Libertarian
Party candidates), and from that I cannot say that they lack follow-through. At least with the other candidates I cannot
say it has been my experience that they make claims they do not follow through,
which has been my experience with Austin Petersen.
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