If you're offended by authors (or any creative) promoting their work, why the hell are you following me? I'm pro-creative. Dwindling publicity budgets mean we all have to become barkers of some kind.

This is literally the easiest way for me to hear about a bunch of authors' new stuff?! I don't get why someone would complain.

I have seen plenty of my fellow scientists promoting their latest publications here and, formerly, on the bad site. I don't recall anyone having a problem with that. Fuck anyone that has an issue with cool people talking about the cool shit they've done.

I have found so much great stuff because the artist talked about it online. I want you ALL to tell us about the cool stuff you are doing.

I will often follow my favourite authors because if I don't, I will not know when they release new books. Books that I want to read. Also, when authors rave over someone else's work it's worth reading (e.g. Gideon the Ninth had plenty of buzz from professionals)

Authors promoting their work is a huge reason I’m here. Promote away!

Authors promoting their own work… why else am I even here? Please promote your own works to me! In return perhaps I will occasionally promote my work back at you. I read. I want to read your work. I want my copy as early as possible. I PREORDER.

Honestly, it's the most soul destroying part of working in a creative industry - People constantly mistaking someone saying "look what I've made - I hope you like it enough to pay me a pittance for it!" for some sort of aggressive, intrusive marketing campaign.