FACT or FICTION - response to Marcia McNair Post or just plain old LIBEL??

[Kulturefirst]

Dear Sista McNair and Black Author Family

Spoiler alert: if you just want to see the LIBEL scroll down to SMOKING GUN LOL after reading the email ask yourself why would a woman have so much pent up obvious hatred for her own industry and race ????

Being left no choice based on your libel vs. calling it slander because slander is a type of defamation. Slander is an untruthful oral (spoken) statement about a person that harms the person's reputation or standing in the community. Because slander is a tort (a civil wrong), the injured person can bring a lawsuit against the person who made the false statement. If the statement is made via broadcast media -- for example, over the radio or on TV -- it is considered libel, rather than slander, because the statement has the potential to reach a very wide audience. .

I write this response with a heavy heart, I have take great care in detailing each fact vs fiction. This morning I was awoken by a phone call by one of the members regading my comments or thoughts on both of your blog posts. Being totally shocked and blindsided by your blog posts, since I did not receive one phone call since aug 3 from you stating any issue with “services”. I didn’t want to believe that Marcia McNair would just up and write bold face lies especially since all contracted services are visible for all to check on the internet???? I wanted to wait to respond until I spoke with legal counsel. I will outline the libel which most be removed unless you want to be accused of libel. I will also show in the next blog post responding to UNPROFESSIONALISM that based on your own standards of that you suggested we all should follow that in my interaction you shouldn’t be judging anyone. I will show the facts vs the pack of fiction you have stated as fact by including emails and urls so that the community does not get hoodwinked by a genuinely unhappy customer and her “unnamed reliable source” which I believe is a former friend of mine however this is only a suspicion not fact I have no proof just keep hearing his words coming out Marcia McNair’s mouth. In speaking with my attorney they didn’t see anything wrong with my response so here it is:

NOTE: I have included urls and google searches in this post because you or anyone could have just google or went to our radio show site that you WERE on because your payment was received and seen that you DID receive services your commercial was featured there prominently for 3 months. However instead no one fact checked your statements kinda of like FOX NEWS gets to just say stuff then will never retract their statements in the light of evidence but amazingly and fortunate for my reputation everything is located on the web or I have in emails with the exception of a few verbal conversations. While I am not happy doing this I do feel grateful for the correction from the Universe showing that I need to send emails confirming verbal phone conversations.

I must first lay the foundation which Sista Mcnair conveniently forgot to mention.
1. While the Owner of BWGA and myself in Dec 2007 were moving my ex-girlfriend into her new apartment we got this weird call from Marcia accusing us of having taken her $$$ and not given her any services (sounds familiar I know LOL) at that time BWGA and Kulturefirst were sharing 1 Paypal account so we both were like call PayPal because we NEVER got any money from you lady that was a Saturday on that Monday or Tuesday I received a call from Marcia apologizing stating she thought the transaction went through but it did not. So how did I get Sista McNair as a client? I didn’t hold her previous attitude and error against her as should be the case.

2. Kulturefirst is not the company that I am using to do marketing – Infinitemms Infinite Marketing Media Solutions www.myspace.com/infinitemms or our blog infinitemms.blogspot.com my radio show of which I am the co-host is http://www.urbanliteraryreview.com or www.blogtalkradio.com/urbanliteraryreview No one i know of except Marcia McNair and maybe her “unnamed reliable source” refers to my old site Kulturefirst.com. However when Sista McNair paid her payment and was interviewed on our show she wasn’t interviewed or her commercial didn’t play for OVER 3 months on Kulturefirst radio and she knows Urban Literary Review which once again you can see via google – urbanliteraryreview or the exact date of her interview was Jan 12 142 people downloaded that show and 42 people listened live. I am fine with accepting responsibility for not updating Kulturefirst site it to show that I am not using it as a marketing site just an info site. I accept full responsibility for that even I don’t direct anyone to that site for payment or for service NOR have I ever sent out an email solicitation since starting UrbanLiteraryReview under Kulturefirst all emails solicitation to new clients mention prominently Urban Literary Review even Sista McNair’s contract makes mention of UrbanLIteraryReview.

So to trying to imply that I am some how scamming people via Kulturefirst is not true at all. And thus directing them not to do business with me personally is LIBEL.

Fact 1 vs Fiction – I was associated with BWGA easily seen if you just google “kulturefirst and bwga” there is even a Big Birthday Shout LOL in the google search. We did 2 seminars together in the second part of 2007.
url:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=kulturefirst+black+writers...
In late July I came back from HBF appalled at what I saw on vendors/authors tables so We jointly created something that I am very proud of – The State of African American Literature Survey which eventually was picked up by one of the largest online survey companies – Global Market Insite -http://www.gmi-mr.com/ within their African American Focus Group – 100,000 african Americans online are a part of this they are the largest ever in the history of the internet according to Target Market News - http://www.targetmarketnews.com/storyid10160701.htm
http://www.theafricanamericanvoice.com (side fact they pay you for real for taking a certain amount of surveys very good company http://www.theafricanamericanvoice.com/join.php ) I am quoted all over the internet due to the survey http://www.theafricanamericanvoice.com/African-American%20Culture%2... “In African-American culture, interracial marriage can be tricky. Acceptance is high, but there are minefields to overcome,” says Lawrence Martin Johnson Pratt, host of the Technocolorradioshow, a technology information FM radio show for African-Americans in New York (90.3FM WHCR). “In-laws are an issue for any couple, but African-American in-laws can be particularly critical. Racial loyalty is an issue, but generally it’s one the individual has to overcome. Many black women have an internalized stereotypical belief that non African-American men would not find them attractive. The good news is, in the last 20 years, racism, as a reason to shy away from interracial marriage, has become less and less of an issue.”

In fact our joint survey which again you can easily google and SEE BWGA and Kulturefirst came up with in July 07 was now in Publishers Weekly – Yea – Because of GMI-MR http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6530750.html

The problem with libel is that its just that LIBEL You try to imply that I have NEVER been associated with Black Writers Guild in no possible way lol. http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=kulturefirst+black+writers...

P.S. Authors you need to really download the whole survey and read the complete survey about African American reading Habits versus what we ourselves perceive for instance the highest read genre is NON Fiction, Street Lit is near only 17% penetration – read it discuss it become informed don’t let someone else tell you about our industry or our habits remember 100,000 African American had access to the survey! http://www.theafricanamericanvoice.com/African-American%20Culture%2...

Fact vs Fiction 2 you state: “. I have not received anything but promises from him” Factually WRONG and LIBEL
According to our contract that you verified via email
[e-mail]
Have been trying to reach you via cell phone is there another number I
should be calling? I am not sure if you received this
I am resending it
Here are the services that you will be purchasing (Keep in mind we
don't offer these services as a package I customized this for you because of
the confusion with your original intended order :-) ):
Author Publicity Promotional Package $99.99
One - Interview On Urban Literary Review on BlogTalkRadio
One - 30 Second Audio Commercial on Urban Literary Review (4 week run)
www.blogtalkradio.com/urbanliteraryreview
One - 30 Second Audio Commercial on Urban Literary Review on AM RADIO
in DC starting in Feb 2008 (4 week run) -
www.blogtalkradio.com/urbanliteraryreview
One - E-Blast Spotlight to over 15,000 African American Readers Online
which includes: Pic of Book, Author Bio, Author Pic if available, and Link
forPurchase of Book
One - 2 months of Promotion Services to African American Bookstores and
Bookclubs. After the initial 2 months the cost of Author Direct
Marketing is $50 per month.

Now of the above listed items Sista McNair have not received only one because I repeatedly told Sista McNair that she needed to have a media kit – that is basic author prep Sista McNair was NEVER CHARGED for creation of a media kit. All authors need to know and understand no one can get you into any Barnes and Noble or Borders Bookstore unless they know someone at corporate or the local management without first giving them a media kit about you and your book. It is the same as a business card for authors. I did send Sista McNair a media kit WE developed TWICE in the time frame of April – AUG 03,08

Here is the SMOKING GUN:

E-Males Media Kit ContentsSunday, August 3, 2008 9:25 AM
From:
"[e-mail]"
View contact details
To:
[e-mail]
Message contains attachments
Emalesmarketplan.doc (27KB), Emalesmarciabiophoto.doc (1065KB), emalesbookcover.jpg (475KB), Marcia McNair 2.jpg (1020KB), Emaleswebsynopsis.doc (23KB)

Martin, thanks for your patience with this. I have attached all of the items for the media kit. Let me know when you want to do the Spotlight Article and Interview for Urban Literary Review which will be included in the kit as per your sample. I also see that there is a press release in the kit. I have one, which I can send, but I wasn't sure if that was a part of the package or not. If not, I will send it. Just let me know. Peace, Marcia PS: I am the featured author on Black Author's Showcase this month.



Fact vs Fiction 3. -. I have not received anything but promises from him, and it's been almost a year. I am beginning to feel what anyone maligned by FOX NEWS feels what???? Come on I have at least 2 emails showing I gave Sista McNair 2 examples of our media kits and in AUG she emails me finally her finished media kit. I cant do anything with that until September which I explained why in a telephone conversation. But once again I didn’t follow up that conversation with an email confirming the convo but believe me I have learned and I will do just that from now on buddy! I stated what Urban Literary Review is doing for September our 1 year anniversary listed below are all the amazing things we are coming to the market with and I was including all our old clients and Sista McNair’s Book in our promotions of ourselves. Listed below is a series of emails detailing that fact that the commercial was played on our radio show since Feb 12th 2008

Re: E-MalesTuesday, March 4, 2008 3:42 PM
From: "L. Martin Johnson Pratt" View contact details To: [e-mail] called ya back today left a voicemail. You never received the commercial i emailed it to you and your friend? It has been playing on 3 shows per week. I will research the exact info and get back to you i am available after 10pm. I will call later between 9p-10pm.

FEAR is False Evidence Appearing Real.

the commercial that was played since Feb 12Tuesday, March 18, 2008 4:20 PM
From: "L. Martin Johnson Pratt" View contact details To: [e-mail] contains attachmentsemalescom1.mp3 (954KB)Emales Commercial

Re: the commercial that was played since Feb 12Thursday, March 20, 2008 5:39 PM
From: "[e-mail]" View contact details To: [e-mail], martin. not sure about the choice of music, however, i think an instrumental would have been a better choice. is there any way to change it? i'm on spring break, so i'll be able to keep better in touch.peace, marcia


Some insight from all places Katt Williams – Haters?! Hmmmm…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxxPLDZnqwA

More insight from Katt Williams
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQRbDSwZIME


Fact vs Fiction 4. Contract was oked, Services provided and NO Complaints were ever stated regarding the quality of services or lack of services. Not one time until now hmm is that professional? I am very accessible I am everywhere on the internet –
I am on twitter.com, I upload vids to 12seconds.tv each day, I am on myspace every day, I am on Yahoo Messenger each day. By the way authors you need to join http://www.twitter.com. Being raised as child of ex black panther I see the way you are being used to TRY to LIBEL me. But as everyone can see it wont work

Fact vs Fiction 5 - The Blog implies Sista McNair could not reach me or find me? Like I am somewhere hiding or unreachable please I am a public figure on FM radio in NYC for 6 years you live in NY and you mean you cant find me? I am on PUBLIC RADIO every Monday @ 7pm for 6 years??? Come on once again easily remedy to any problem with Kulturefirst is google even my home address is accessible via google if Sista McNair really was trying to find me even if I wanted to “HIDE OUT” this is my only source of income I don’t have a “real job” this is my family’s money I would not play with that I am very serious with my business unlike some people who do this as a side business. Between my affiliations with local media, and out of state media why would I jeopardize that? That is why this is so hurtful and LIBEL.


Fact vs Fiction 6. “These people offer you the solution to sagging sales for a few hundred dollars”. The implication is that you paid more than hundred dollars you paid $99.00 period for all those services. Listed above

I appreciate the comments made to try to reach Sista McNair but she wasn’t having it anyways I have to shout yall out - Evan Hawkins, Enoch Mubarak, Ari Meier Adrienne Zurub

Throughout both of the blog posts that Sista McNair left she spoke of not blaming the victim put responsibly with the person who has caused the problem I hope that Sista McNair really meant that but that remains to be seen as to what happens next. Based on the evidence I have listed above your words

“I paid Kulturefirst, run by Martin Johnson-Pratt, to market my book. I have not received anything but promises from him, and it's been almost a year” LIBEL INSTANCE 1

“Kulturefirst. Kulturefirst is NOT associated with the Black Writers Guild in any way, shape, or form.” LIBEL INSTANCE 2

"hateration" “snitch” were words used not by a gangsta thug but by Sista McNair liberally I would never call my sista a snitch I appreciate and welcome constructive criticism. However this was straight up libel and deceptive words which are all tools of hype media like FOX NEWS. Although ironically nothing was Fair and Balanced. Sista McNair I am not mad or angry with you personally I like you and your book however your blog post is LIBEL and Deceptive.

My commitment to our literature is a part of public record but where is your evidence of your baseless insinuations full of inaccuracies???

I am referred in the Quirks Marketing Magazine of JUNE 08 – http://infinitemms.blogspot.com/
10 things every brand should know about marketing to African-Americans

1. Leave stereotypes at the door
Popular culture and broadcast media tend to foster stereotypes which do not hold true in real life. In December 2007, the findings of a GMI Poll conducted online among 1,285 African-Americans found that having a lot of bling doesn’t boost one’s social status in the African-American community. A stable family and a solid education were quoted as most important to social standing. Clothes, jewelry and cars were all ranked at the bottom of the list. “This study debunks the myth that African-Americans are only interested in fancy jewelry and tricked-out cars,” says Lawrence Martin Johnson Pratt, host of the Technocolorradioshow, a technology information radio show for African-Americans in New York on WHCR-FM. “Nearly everyone surveyed said status and respect in the African-American community centers around family, education and career. Despite how we are portrayed on TV and in Hollywood, members of the African-American community have the same hopes and aspirations as every other American.” So be careful not to fall into the stereotype trap when embarking on a marketing campaign intended to appeal to African-Americans.

where are you at? Get your game up and work on you but don’t ever think for a second I will just allow my name, reputation, and our business see you called out marketers, publicists, book fairs, and anyone who works with black authors that’s a lot of US. Of course if you had really researched you would seen just have many people you generalized. For your sake I hope you and your “unnamed reliable source” can produce because you just generalized an entire industry. Hmmm… I don’t think everyone will want to work with someone who just generalizes and complains without taking ANY NONE at all responsibility let alone has a proven factual history of acting in Libelous FASHION.

The Law of detachment is at work in my life
Just in case you don’t know: http://www.peace.ca/spirituallaws.htm
The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success: A practical guide to the fulfillment of your dreams.
Chapter 6: The Law of Detachment
• In detachment lies the wisdom of uncertainty…in the wisdom of uncertainty lies the freedom from our past, from the known, which is the prison of past conditioning.
And in our willingness to step into the unknown, the field of all possibilities, we surrender ourselves to the creative mind that orchestrates the dance of the universe.
• …in order to acquire anything in the physical universe, you have to relinquish your attachment to it. This doesn’t mean you give up the intention to create your desire. You don’t give up the intention, and you don’t give up the desire. You give up your attachment to the result.
• Attachment…is based on fear and insecurity—and the need for security is based on not knowing the true Self.
• …with detachment there is freedom to create.
• The search for security is an illusion…the solution to this whole dilemma lies in the wisdom of insecurity, or the wisdom of uncertainty. This means that the search for security and certainty is actually an attachment to the known. And what’s the known? The known is our past…There’s no evolution in that…And where there is no evolution, there is stagnation, entropy, disorder, and decay.
• Uncertainty, on the other hand, is the fertile ground of pure creativity and freedom.
• The Law of Detachment does not interfere with the Law of Intention and Desire—with goal-setting. You still have the intention of going in a certain direction, you still have a goal. However, between point A and point B there are infinite possibilities.
Applying the Law of Detachment
• Today I will commit myself to detachment
• Today I will factor in uncertainty as an essential ingredient of my experience
• I will step into the field of all possibilities and anticipate the excitement that can occur when I remain open to an infinity of choices

So I am at peace but you need to get into Faith in the Valley or any of Iylanla Vanzant books I ride with sleep with and eat with The Spirit of a Man which is why I am not emotional and why I can truly say I love you black woman but I hate your works which are Libel and Lies.

In conclusion as with your words in the blog unprofessionalism -
“the law is a bit more complex than it seems. yes, you attract what you think about, but the hicks note that you cannot change another person with your thoughts! they also note that you will be confronted with contrast (negativity) in life and it is often through confronting contrast that we make the biggest leaps towards the positive. even the hicks were confronted with contrast at the workshop i attended! so the law of attraction will not prevent negative interactions, but it will help you to see the silver lining in them”

My silver lining is that even though I keep all communication I need to keep follow-up verbal communication via email. Additionally I have some awesome material for upcoming shows about How Authors fail and How they could succeed I will deal with each of your so called issues with MY INDUSTRYfull of MY BLACK PEOPLE. Such as:
Bookfairs how to sell books at bookfairs and sellout
Why authors don’t get into Barnes and Noble
What can you do BEFORE you write your book
How to get Bookclubs to review your book
How to take Honest Criticism well and profit from it!!!

For your unnamed reliable source tell him I said in the words of Mr. Williams HATE ON!!!!! As you are concerned Sista McNair I can make lemonade from lemons but I still need my sista to benefit and profit so I am honoring my offer to place you in our new Urban Literary Review E-zine dropping Sept 22, 2008 inboxes everywhere

[agnes b levine]

Greetings,

I will concur with Enoch! I will also suggest that the parties involved read and study "slander" in a bible of their choosing.

If I were a practicing attorney, I do not believe I would have counseled my client to address the matter in a blog. I would have recommended that the client contact the seemingly injured party, providing him or her with all relevant copies, etc.. I would have instructed my client to request a retraction and public apology if the evidence strongly swayed in that direction. If that did not occur in a timely fashion, my next recommendation would have been to proceed with a public announcement briefly promoting commitment to quality service. The goal is always to make future clients feel safe to do business with the company. Of course, make sure your current clients are happy, too.

Having said that, my client would have to balance is it really worth it to get on the court docket over this issue when perhaps a meeting-of-the-minds would end the matter. Is there a formal "Complaint" procedure in place? Perhaps revisiting that policy is warranted.

Customer service is not something that African-Americans are celebrated for. I do not know if there are any books written on the matter, but in every-day life, real life, we know that our people tend to not respect the basic principals of customer service. I wish this is something that we pay close attention to in this unfortunate situation. Customer service was NOT respected and adhered to. For example, in a typical Wal-Mart store across the land, you would never see the employee arguing with the customer over who was right and pulling out register documents, etc. What happens is that the customer is refunded his or her money and an apology is made. Management then speaks to the employee(s) and strives to learn from the disagreement so that it never happens again. Period. Management does not post a response at the entrance doors for customers to see what one person did not do properly (if that be the case). The reason that white folks figured out that this is the most appropriate way to resolve a problem is that more chances than not, the customer will return in the future and spread the word about how good and reliable Wal-Mart is in standing behind the products they sell to ensure customers' happiness and satisfaction. (Of course, if the product is really defective, Wal-Mart deals directly and discretely with the manufacturer and the customer never knows about it).

The double-edged sword with Libel and Slander is that it can cause more harm than good for ANY businessperson or company. Not to mention that it is very costly defending oneself in a Libel or Slander case (even with e-mails). Especially for a small business. I pray everyone directly involved seek wisdom and peace through prayer. I still believe that arbitration and mediation is the best way to handle most disagreements because it allows each party to that issue express that a particular behavior has hurt him or her. Most people want an apology, assurance it will never happen again, and to be made whole again (refund). It is never, never wise to minimize the hurt of another. Never. Intentionally or not.

I have not honestly spent time reading about customer service in the African-American community, however, we all know we need to step up our game in that vein. From McDonald's to Payless Shoes to the doctor's office, our people will roll their eyes, suck their breaths, snap their necks off knowing that the customer is correct. NEVER ARGUE WITH THE CUSTOMER! We seem to not want to be humble. I am not suggesting in any way that Mr. Martin is guilty of this. Neither am I suggesting that Ms. McNair is wrong to share her experience. What I am saying emphatically is that what I extrapolate from this situation is that something went wrong and it was handled poorly by the business IMMHO. If I receive a complaint about my work, I fix it and just be careful in the future. I contact the client and make sure he or she is still satisfied by way of mailing a survey out WHEN I mail my final invoice. That works for me and I am always receiving referrals, etc. Even from folks whom I have had to "fix" something. The longevity of my business and my reputation is more important to me. Remember, Wal-Mart came on the scene and rose to the top because of their commitment to CUSTOMER SERVICE and low prices. (Yes, I read their book and studied their successes).

There was even one time a friend called me and said, "so-and-so" did not like "such-and-such." I immediately contacted that person and we worked out something to satisfy her. I absorbed the costs. I did not find it worthy to tell my friend the person is "Just..." and "She only paid me..." Hopefully, you get the point.

I will also say that generalizing an experience is diplomatic and acceptable. I do believe that when people show you who they really are, believe them (Maya Angelou). People in this industry have shown me who they really are and I belive them (teehee). That has meant some people never hear from me again beyond a professional, "Hello." They will figure it out. We all know when we read something or see someone we have hurt (scammed, swindled, etc.), that deep, deep down in the annals of our memory banks, we know it has not been forgotten. We are all humans subject to human error.

Likewise, depending on the harm done, I do not have a problem being public about it. I believe that it was courageous of Ms. McNair to be specific about who harmed her in the spirit of what she was trying to do.

Now, do we want to open BAS up to bashing each other over every misunderstanding or "problem?" It is not my sole decision to make, but I can decide who to respond to and who not to and etc., etc., What I really, really, hope is that we overcome all that oppresses us as a people and that may include accepting responsibility even when it hurts our pride. We are all we have to support and uplift each other in an industry that awaits our failure. Thus, let's not scam each other.(!!) Let's not stoopp low and dismiss or excuse our "scamming" ways by saying the customer should have did their research. Let's transform that mindset into performing a business with integrity and trust God will take care of the rest. We are all struggling/starving artists/businesspeople even if we earn 6 six figures. We need to get our stories and information into our communities for our future, less we be forever portrayed as stereotypes by the white mainstream publishers.

I have to digress for a moment and bring up the dispute going on with the Martin Luther King, Jr. sons. There is a lot of pain being felt in that family. The most hurtful thing is that the media is profiting like crazy off that pain because that is what the media does in bringing us all the negative news about us. So much "truth" is being left out of the news media as well? Americans love a controversey, but how many of us have donated to the building of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, DC? One Hundred Million Dollars needs to be raised as soon as possible! Just wanted to kick that out there to demonstrate that we need to really get along and uplift and support each other.

My lasting comment to end my participation in this situation (discussion) that could have easily been resolved amicably some time ago, is to pray for peace individually and grow wisely from the experience.

P.S. I have friends on the radio and it is hell trying to catch up with them at times. Smile. Also, I got taken for $1,500 trying to publish "Cooling Well Water: A Collection of Work By An African-American Bipolar Woman" and I never told anybody who, what, where, how, etc. Smile. I was blessed seven times since then, too, because I am...

Agnes ~ Too Wise Not To Praise Him!
Author of: "Cooling Well Water: A Collection of Work By An African-American Bi-Polar Woman." Winter 2008 Release Pending. ISBN 0975461206

Founder/President of Levine-Oliver Publisher - the exclusive publishing home of Swaggie Coleman. Experience Swaggie's Voice© at http://swaggiecoleman.blogspot.com and win prizes!

[MARK ANTHONY JENKINS]

Brother Martin, thanks for your quick response to address the needs you and I just previously mentioned. There is a huge disconnect between the author and companies. BWGA will stand against these companies and individuals in our communities in support of our Black authors. I am currently compiling a list of authors complaints (many I just received in the past 24 hours refering to this topic) and will bring them to an open forum, either on your show or my upcoming literary conference. I am willing to partner with anyone legally to first go after the print on demand companies that are preying on our Black Authors that have no idea they are being bamboozled. There is alot of work to do and clean up in this industry and I need all the help I can get. Peace.

MARK ANTHONY JENKINS
Executive Director/CEO
Black Writers Guild of America
www.bwga.org
718-993-2999

[Kulturefirst]

I dont have rights to delete anything except from my blog post so i have left everything in tact.

What you may not understand is that there is public record of Marcia McNair on our show, commercial being played for 3 months on our show. Along with the eblast and our
newsletter because we have Constant Contact database files.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/urbanliteraryreview - archives of Jan12, Feb12 - Apr

Furthermore no one believes Sista McNair has no right to voice her opinion but she didnt do that she stated her opinion as FACT vs saying i feel like or i wish she states: I paid Kulturefirst, run by Martin Johnson-Pratt, to market my book. I have not received anything but promises from him, and it's been almost a year.

That is not an opinion. The customer has the right voice their dissatisfaction there was no mention of dissatisfaction what is mentioned is that she NEVER received anything.

The issues people have with it being made public is obvious to everyone Sista McNair NEVER CONTACTED US EVER she just went to a public forum that is not a place that Sista Diane made for negativity and it is negative when someone LIES or LIBELS you.
The icing on the cake is that Sista McNair made it seem like she had not talked too or get in touch with us which is just plain false and there is the proof of that.


Now after 8 months she is entitled to a refund for work long done ?? No.

Sista McNair received her commercial, her blast, her interview, and she was scheduled once she sent us her media kit for bookings which she just did. This is all i have to say we produced now if McNair had said she wasnt happy with the quality thats different. McNair states "I have not received anything but promises from him, and it's been almost a year." thats a LIE period. I maybe a good brother but i am not stupid or an idiot.

Regarding the words used throughout these posts i have never called McNair anything but Sista. Invoking the ancestors and energies of the universe will not change the fact/principle of universal law we all will reap what we sow. If i truly had not give McNair any services or had played around with her i would not be able to garner support. However i have done nothing wrong period.

I would honestly like to see authors pick up and read Dan Poynter's Self-Publishing Manual and Vickie Stringer's How to Succeed in the Publishing Game before they do anything regarding their books/manuscripts like Dee Stewart of ChristianFiction.blogspot.com and DeeStewart.com states: "I went to your site, Amazon.com, highbeam and some other places to do a lil mini research on you to see the extent of your own personal book marketing promotion (BMP) efforts. I didn't find as much as I hoped: mainly a small number of Amazon customer reviews, a few podcast interviews and cross promotion press releases through C & B. It doesn't mean that you haven't done the work, but it's hard to find and that's problematic.

Moreover, on your site: I don't see an ISBN for the book, a description of the book, distribution info or a shopping cart or bookstore link to purchase the book. These things you need to provide or have your site developer add. You also need a press page, a marketable book info page and a drop site, distribution page on there as well. These things you need to have."

WHERE is the belittling it seems if people disagree with you or McNair then they are being mean or nasty to McNair No one here ever called her anything nasty in fact everything was said out of love and just as McNair has a right to post so do i.

I hope that you invite publicists, online marketers, book promoters, bookclub reviewers, book distributors, publishers to a 2 way conversation about what Authors need to succeed.

This is not a Pimps in the Pulpit situation i truly know of only certain print on demand companies that are preying on authors who dont have money to begin with. But I do know and see a disconnection between the author and the companies hire by the author because a lot of authors dont understand what it takes to successfully market your book. Nor do a lot of authors understand what the job of a publisher is. Nakeda Murray has be an excellent resource that we have had on our show just google Nakeda Murray and listen to her discuss the industry STANDARDS that most people just dont believe apply to them. You and I have talked about that many a day Mark.....That should be the next blog i will definitely start it off with Just Get it Done - 6 challenges to Authors Sucessfully Marketing their Book.....

[MARK ANTHONY JENKINS]

Greetings, Peace and blessings, Hotep and Ashe to my Brothers and Sisters here on BAS and BWGA, and all I could say is Wow!!!! My post "Predators in Publishing" which has mysteriously disappeared from the original blog posted by Marsha McNair has sparked a hidden topic that needs to be addressed in the African-American publishing industry. It’s an unregulated and unmonitored industry which makes it open prey for “Predators in Publishing”. Since my original post is missing I know now that I have been censored to keep quiet about an important topic in our industry. I will not keep quiet about this topic by any means necessary. What is so crazy is how some members feel that this topic should have not been made public. Anything that is a detriment to our race of people should be made public. White people speak up about all matters publicly and get results. Why do we as beautiful Black people have to keep matters silenced just to save face?

I myself have never written a book but I am currently working on my first book talking about Black genealogy. Since I am an amateur in the publishing industry I decided to learn the business by starting Black Writers Guild of America http://bwga.org. My goal for BWGA was to address issues independent Black authors were having in the publishing industry so I could avoid them as well. From the many responses from around the country I had no idea I would be overwhelmed from email from new authors and seasoned authors who were preyed upon by “Predators in Publishing”. I was so overwhelmed that I closed down BWGA temporarily. Authors from around the country enlightened me about certain individuals and organizations that have taken advantage of independent Black Authors. Wow I opened up a can of worms and I know I will be challenged and charged by the very people I am addressing. From the emails and phone calls that I received in the past year from authors, many are so afraid to speak up because they do not want to “rock the boat”, be a “hater of their own race or industry” or “lose book sales”. This madness has to stop right now.
I encourage all authors to stand up and be heard and not be scared by people who use big words and terminology to silence you. This is so ridiculous. Everyone has a voice to speak up and tell the truth if someone has bamboozled them. Everyone has a right to speak their claims with documents to prove it. We all know most false claims are not true until proven and documented. But if you have several individuals who don’t know each other making the same claims that raises a red flag that needs to be addressed. What I can’t understand is why everyone is so quiet or forced into silence over this major concern in our industry. We must stop hiding behind the internet and websites and stand up for something. Your personal views and rights are important to everyone and you need not be afraid to view them publicly. Reading some of the previous posts it seems everyone wants to keep this topic silenced. This doesn’t make any dam sense at all and I am going the distance with this topic.

I am an unknown in this industry just trying to learn the do’s and don’ts of the publishing world. I have learned so much in the past year I am now reorganizing BWGA to educate authors to do their own PR and marketing, email blasts and promotions, how to start a business venture in publishing and knowing publishing business law. Sometimes I think is there a need for BWGA? Some say yes some say no but I plan to go the distance with BWGA regardless of what others think.
In my response to, KultureFirst I believe my brother Martin, who I have done decent business with, should reimburse $100.00 to Marcia McNair on good faith. I know you’re a good brother that does not mean no harm but she is entitled to a full refund. In my past 10 years of sales the customer is always right when it comes to sales. As she stated to me she contacted you over not 8 months but a year. She says one thing you say another about contacting each other bit nothing is settled. You have not really rectified the situation you only belittled Marcia McNair in your blogs encouraging support from other members which is wrong. Brother Martin, I know you will do the right thing. Do not pacify her by putting her in your next mailing just give her a full refund and apologize which will ultimately be your decision. Think bigger than the situation and I know you can.

For members of BAS and BWGA I am planning a “Predators in Publishing” informational seminar in New York and Philly to be scheduled within the next months. This conference is must to attend for new authors. Detail to follow soon.

FYI...Since I am not scared to speak publicly on any topic and I fear no living man or woman, here is my contact information: Phone [phone] or Email [e-mail].

In the spirit of our ancestors I end this message in peace….

Peace and blessings,

Mark Anthony Jenkins
Executive Director/CEO
Black Writers Guild of America
www.bwga.org

[Kulturefirst]

Wow wow stunned and speechless i love all my people i dont hate anyone or hate on anyone regardless of their views or viewpoints.

Bro Mubarak i am the last word and my word is that Sista Marcia McNair lied bold faced deceived and in my view totally generalize an entire race in both posts and she has generalized MY Entire industry. Its her right to speak but she has no right to LIBEL me. As i have the right to defend my name against all forms of libelous slanderous lie!


For anyone that disagrees or agrees i have to distance myself from Bro. Mubarak comments feel free to comment freely i will never judge you based on whether you agree with me or not . Peace and Blessings Black Author Family

[Enoch Mubarak]

Dear Brother Martin
As president /CEO of your company you are the last word. Your refund policy and operational procedures dictate the quality of your business. It is incumbent upon you to seek the higher ground and besides if your point of view has found alliance with sister Afrika Midnight Asha Abney then that should be evidence enough for you to change your position, attitude and course.

As the president of your company just finding out that a complaint against your company was lodged two days prior to your knowledge should be considered an internal matter demonstrating that you or your staff should be more vigilant in monitoring public perception and feedback.

It is acceptable for others less than the president of the company to field remarks as those currently rendered but you however must abstain from emotional responses. As president/CEO you must at all cost give benefit of doubt to the client and if need be find another way or means to recoup your refund for services unfulfilled or unsatisfactorily rendered.

As president/CEO of the company I would issue the following statement:

Dear Client
It has come to my attention that you were not pleased with our services. I would have responded sooner but for reasons I intend to investigate I was not informed of your displeasure until recently.

Please accept our apology and we will precede with your order upon satisfaction of refund your money.

Enoch Mubarak
President & CEO Mubarak Inter-prizes
www.mubarakinter-prizes.com

[Kulturefirst]

Ashe Brotha Thunder X while i am a public figure in NYC on Radio and in the Black Book World just confirmed to be @ the Congressional Black Caucus Author's Pavilion in Sept interviewing authors for BAN TV and ULR TV. yeaaaaaaaaa but i was never contact period and i take my business my industry and my rep seriously. So my only option was to respond back and i would love to not have to spend my time dealing with Crisis Management but being a service provider whose business is being lied on, i was left with no choice.

Thanks again Bro X.

[Kulturefirst]

thank you Afrika for your 2 comments..its been a little distressing to know that for 2 days that post full of lies was out there but i went into spirit called my auntie she went through the Course in Miracles and she is the owner of Sisters Uptown Bookstore the oldest bookstore in Harlem and she is my spiritual ad visor. The reaction i was having wasnt the correct it was based on flesh versus spirit and i needed to go into spirit and I came out very centered and logical. Be Blessed as you already are..

[Kulturefirst]

I appreciate your viewpoint only thing Bro. Mubarak i was never ever contacted by Sista McNair the first i heard of anything is IN this Blog Post. Additionally what business could ever operate refunding payments made 8 months ago on a service that was that delivered 5 months ago?

[Enoch Mubarak]

In reading your response to a situation that could have been discreetly dealt with by apologizing for any misunderstanding followed by a rapid refund of her money would have been the logical course of action as opposed to attempting to defend a weak position.

Consider your following remarks while keeping in mind that you are a business owner, president/ CEO of a company.

1 we NEVER got any money from you lady.

2. I didn’t hold her previous attitude and error against her as should be the case.

3. I am fine with accepting responsibility for not updating Kulturefirst site it to show that I am not using it as a marketing site just an info site. I accept full responsibility.

4. I didn’t follow up that conversation with an email confirming the convo but believe me I have learned and I will do just that from now on buddy!

5. I don’t have a “real job”

So to trying to imply that I am some how scamming people via Kulturefirst is not true at all. And thus directing them not to do business with me personally is LIBEL.
L Martin Johnson Pratt

CASE AND POINT
Whether or not you are or are not attempting to "scam" clients is whether here nor there. The perception that you may be misrepresenting yourself is greater when given the admissions from the owner of the company that he or she could have or should have done better in making it clear that something is or it isn't what it appears to be.

It is NOT incumbent upon the client to figure out your intent. The client takes you at face value believing that you have presented your offer WITHOUT ambiguity. If for any reason the client feels that they were not dealt with to their satisfaction they should be refunded their money with no questions asked.

You however chose as President of the company to belittle your clients payment of $99.00 by remarking that it is less than $100.00 even though the laws of math states that any figure of 5 or greater is to be rounded off to the closet whole number which in this case would be $100.00.

If the president of a company refers to his or her endeavors as not having a "real job" then the implication is clear that you instead have what is considered a "hustle" and the term "hustle" is synonymous with the word "scam"

The word:"scam" and the word "hustle" implacably implies that the recipient of your services has been had without warranty or recourse.

Considering your own admissions of improprities your legal council would be hard pressed to make a case of libel against any client that has done business with you and found your services, approach, mannerism and professionalism towards them less than fulfilling.

SIDE BAR: Specifically and in depth how is your following statement beneficial to the cohesive fabric of African American progress?

The good news is, in the last 20 years, racism, as a reason to shy away from interracial marriage, has become less and less of an issue.”
L Martin Johnson Pratt

Enoch Mubarak
President & CEO Mubarak Inter-prizes
www.mubarakinter-prizes.com