The saga of Ark Press has been one of interest to sci-fi and fantasy publishing ever since it was revealed its origins came from PayPal founder Peter Thiel investing in publishers with his investment group.
The assemblage is confusing on the part of Ark Press and its publishing group. The impression is that Ark Press and Butler are attempting to straddle the fence and appear "nice." A better way to draw interest, writers, and customers may be to stop being nice and trying to fit in: intend to break the power of SFWA and their fellow travelers, then besiege and reduce Tor to ruins by good market service. That financial backing, with time and patience, can make Ark Press the major (and surviving) player in the market. One reader's opinion, one who's tired of the mediocre to bad writing that flooded the market.
"Butler went hostile, bizarrely swearing about the situation and calling any talk of Peter Theil 'bullsh**,' while assuring he had never spoken to the man."
It's not whether you have ever spoken to Thiel -- the man, Mr Butler, but rather has Thiel's investment group formed or backed the formation of Ark Press. Has Ark Press received money from a group associated with Peter Thiel?
Sounds like a simple 'yes' or 'no' would sort this issue right quick. Why is Butler unwilling to provide that information? Does anyone really care if Thiel is backing both Ark Press and Passage Press? If so, why? Has Butler had any training in public relations or press communications at all?
Larry probably put them up to it, or at least egged them on.
The assemblage is confusing on the part of Ark Press and its publishing group. The impression is that Ark Press and Butler are attempting to straddle the fence and appear "nice." A better way to draw interest, writers, and customers may be to stop being nice and trying to fit in: intend to break the power of SFWA and their fellow travelers, then besiege and reduce Tor to ruins by good market service. That financial backing, with time and patience, can make Ark Press the major (and surviving) player in the market. One reader's opinion, one who's tired of the mediocre to bad writing that flooded the market.
Attorneys, man.
If Peter Thiel is NOT involved with Ark Press, then I have zero interest in submitting a manuscript to them.
Classic deflection and avoiding the question:
"Butler went hostile, bizarrely swearing about the situation and calling any talk of Peter Theil 'bullsh**,' while assuring he had never spoken to the man."
It's not whether you have ever spoken to Thiel -- the man, Mr Butler, but rather has Thiel's investment group formed or backed the formation of Ark Press. Has Ark Press received money from a group associated with Peter Thiel?
Sounds like a simple 'yes' or 'no' would sort this issue right quick. Why is Butler unwilling to provide that information? Does anyone really care if Thiel is backing both Ark Press and Passage Press? If so, why? Has Butler had any training in public relations or press communications at all?