YIKES! Help-seekers beware! As I’ve been going about spreading the word regarding the release of MeaningFULL: 23 Life-Changing Stories of Conquering Dieting, Weight, and Body Image Issues, I have learned some really icky, shocking stuff that has damaged my trust in companies in the fields of psychology, mental health, and eating disorders and their Book Recommendations lists.
Here’s a bit of background. There was one non-profit who I reached out to. Originally, they offered to screen the book and then promote if it passed their screening. I thought, “GREAT!” Naive me assumed that this is how it’s done.
NOPE!
Be careful of what you see as recommendations for possibly anything treatment-related
During just a few months, this nonprofit’s policy changed. All books listed on their Book Recommendations list have become paid by required donations. Pony up the money or no listing. Yes, they said they still screen the books, but even fab ones won’t be listed without that required donation.
I get it, but that’s misleading to me. I’m an annoying purist.
Do all companies work this way?
No, they don’t. Some put my book through a rigorous screening process and asked for not payments once it passed. Others along the way were upfront and simply said their price for listing my book on their website or Book Recommendations list. I’m not even sure if there was a screening on a few.
I’d have no problem with paid promotions IF the Book Recommendations lists didn’t LOOK like the companies hand picked books and recommended what they felt would help people most. Seriously, Book Recommendations lists that don’t say “paid for” or “no fees have been required to appear on this list of recommendations.”
I’m peeved about this. As Instagram has started REQUIRING paid sponsorships to be announced and disclosed to the public, I’d like to see these disclaimers in our field, too. My experience has made me wonder what else is truly endorsed by belief in a product or program vs. whose privilege allowed them to pony up the money and leave out other well-deserving products and programs.
My personal solution
I’m going to ask about recommendations and listings I see instead of trusting them. “Did so-and-so pay for this or is this a voluntary endorsement from your company/from you?” It says a lot MORE to me when enthusiasm about something is genuine and not paid for.
I don’t want to trash any companies specifically here. Yet this has changed the way I believe reviews and endorsements from some companies I formerly trusted. (If you are feeling my energy, AKA anger) in this post, you are right. Anger covers up and hides sad, and I’m feeling sad. I’m feeling dumb and vulnerable for not seeing/learning this earlier. I really just thought that my book would be screened for worthiness and that would be it. Voila–listed or not on the basis of if it could HELP people.)
Proposed field solution
I’d love to see the same thing that Instagram did: just tell us if the promotion is paid. Or go opposite–uplift by saying “No fees were paid to facilitate this listing.” Otherwise, it’s FEELS dishonest to learn belief in a product or enthusiasm about a program was paid for after-the-fact or worse–never.
To consumers, which includes me
Empower ourselves: ASK.
- Write and ASK.
- Call and ASK.
Such a bummer we have to do either in the field of healing. For me, it will slow down getting to solid resources in the future. But I learned a long time ago that all companies–for profit or not–are businesses and both businesses and people need money to exist, pay employees, etc. So we do have to accept this right now. But ask, ask, ask. These past few months have totally changed my view on a few companies, and I’m scared to learn how many more. AND, On the opposite side? I also now hold some companies in even higher esteem than the high esteem I formerly held them in. This experience has sealed my loyalty and sincere enthusiasm for the companies and nonprofits that managed me in a way that requested nothing but a quality book they believe could be helpful to share about.
Here’s what I’d love to see companies do as a solve. Just tell us “Not paid endorsements” or “Those on this list has passed a rigorous screening.” Some sort of we-have-your-back disclaimer would be awesome. I’m not into negative or shaming, so maybe we can solve this simply by good examples?
