I've debated about continuing with this protest, because the last thing I want to do is give this author publicity for her act. In the end, I decided this has to be spoken about, because we need to make sure nothing like this happens again. Hopkins decision to try to trademark a commonly used word in the Romance/Erotic book world could set a very dangerous precedent. What happens next? Someone tries to trademark the words romance, new adult, billionaire, alpha male, virgin? Do you see where I'm going with this? If you haven't read my original post about this subject (or heard anything about it) read this first: My Thoughts on #Cockygate
To be "Fair" to the author, I'm including her video thoughts
Most romance authors have used the word cocky in their books, and even in titles. I can only assume this was a publicity stunt gone wrong, because there was no way this was going to stand up in a court of law. When the RWA got involved, I think all romance authors stood up and cheered. You can read more about their involvement here: RWA Trademark Update They got involved because this author contacted Amazon attempting to have books removed with the word Cocky in their title. Amazon followed through and removed titles, then after contact with RWA reversed their decision.
Snide reports from a newspaper journalist who obviously has no respect for romance authors, fueled the fire (you can read that here NY Daily News ). What Leonard Greene (the reporter) considered "wrathful writers" was authors protecting their rights, but the left leaning publication has rarely gotten things right in my opinion (yes, I'm a conservative that doesn't approve). What he fails to understand is that this is a business, and we're not just sitting around eating bon bons pumping out smut for fun. Authors spend thousands of dollars to get a book to market. Editing, cover art, model, rights, advertising and the like to reach readers is not uncommon. So no, we aren't "wrathful writers" we are savvy business people that understand where a situation like this could lead.
We'll watch this play out in a court of law, and I'm confident (hopeful too) that this ends in the favor of the majority of romance authors and this scenario won't happen again. You can join in the protest by visiting the Twibbon Campaign here: https://twibbon.com/manage/Manage/Index/free-the-cocky and join the Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/authorsgonebad/ Follow along with the debate by using the hashtags #CockyGate #FreeTheCocky and #ByeFaleena on social media.
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