The Jareo Effect

Something that I've been pondering in my head for a few days...

It certainly seems that a lot of people have been generating (or trying to) a lot of interest in themselves by doing something that sets people off. I've decided to call this The Jareo Effect (in tribute to Lori Jareo, who as we recall was the star of the Star Wars fanfic drama that unfolded recently (and whose illegal book was finally yanked off Amazon, I see)).

It seems as if more people are starting to follow this same pattern: Do something shocking and then wait for the notoriety to build.

Courtesy of Bitch, PhD, we find a tale of Dr. Diana Blaine, who apparently posted topless photos of herself on her flickr site (under "Burning Man, Burning Bras" in case you're interested).

From what I understand, some of her students (the claim is they're attempting to attack her) spread news of her activities to news media, and then everything came down the pipe. People come out of the woodwork to attack her, then others come out to support her. It's only a matter of time, I imagine, before further news media jump on the story.

Personally, I didn't see the big deal about the pictures. They weren't really all that much to look at in the first place.

But then, why let that stand in the way of a good scandal?

Back to my post...the second story comes to us by way of Lee Goldberg's blog. Apparently, Lee received an e-mail asking for opinions on a novel which the author had posted (at least a partial of) at his blog. Lee gave his opinion on his own blog, which the author then used to gain attention on various other blogs.

I read part of the excerpt. Although not your typical slush, I didn't think it was quire ready for publication either...and though I don't have a problem with people posting excerpts, I do have an issue with people requesting feedback and then getting in a huff when the feedback isn't what they wanted (I've been through that before).

But then, what do I know?

There must be something in the water, is the only thing I can figure.