thoughtful
deird1 wrote a really fascinating article about something she terms "the Vegemite Effect,", which is so accurate and earnest that it should just about be required reading. Because she's right. The short precis:"No matter how good something is, if you were expecting something else, you'll hate it."
People ask me periodically why I chose to be Mira Grant for my science fiction when I was already happily myself for my urban fantasy. My standard answer is all about marketing and branding and setting expectations, and all of this is completely true...but the real answer is all about Vegemite. People who like me for me were going to know that I was Mira Grant, because it was an open secret, and they were the ones who'd just be expecting my words. People who like my urban fantasy weren't going to pick up a book by someone else expecting magic and hijinks. And once Mira established a readership of her own, people who liked science and zombies weren't going to up my books expecting the dead to walk.
The Vegemite effect explains a great deal about how we approach media of all types, not just books, but comics, movies, and television. There's a lot to think about. And if you've ever wondered why sometimes I say "this is salty" repeatedly before I hand you something...
...well, there you go.
September 25 2012, 17:07:24 UTC 4 years ago
I have always liked raw peppers. I have taught myself to eat them in fajitas. But if you put a roast pepper before when I am expecting a raw pepper or fajita pepper, then I am going to not want to eat it. Even if it's the best roast pepper in the world, and I would like them if I just tried them.
I am going to have to try it when what I expected is a roast pepper, and knowing how it will be different from the two preparation of peppers that I like. Otherwise, I will hate the roast pepper. Because it's not raw, and it's not in a fajita.
I am that picky. I am really neophobic when it comes to food.
September 25 2012, 17:31:33 UTC 4 years ago
September 25 2012, 17:39:50 UTC 4 years ago