April is bloomin’ …and I did another thing!

So, I did a thing …

“What now, Ann?” you ask yet again.

Well, it all started last year when I began getting frustrated because I couldn’t reach those on Facebook and Instagram who’d signed up to “Follow” me there or hit “Like” on my author page. I’d write and share a post, but then behind the scenes, I’d receive a message from the Facebook “gods” that they had allowed only 50 of my “Followers” to see the post. HOWEVER, if I’d pay $100, $200, sometimes even $300 to “boost” the post, then they would show it to another 500 followers, maybe even 1000 of them.

Grrrr.

On top of that baloney sandwich, pile on the messages from the Facebook overlord saying things like, “Good job, Ann! You have been putting up quality posts. We’re going to reward you by showing the posts to another 50 of your followers for FREE!”

Double grrrr!

Then, about a month ago, news came out that Facebook had paid a book pirating site for millions of already stolen books, wanting to use them to build their AI model. They had decided that paying authors would cost too much. Now, I know there isn’t much you can do to stop the AI monster these days, but…

Triple grrrr!!!

The final pickle on the top of this crap sandwich? They want me to start using their little AI “Purple Pal” robot as a moderator in my groups to answer any questions readers/followers ask me and to interact more than I do. It will be my helper buddy, using the AI they built off stolen books.

Enough!

Now you know why I suddenly began building more on my Ann Charles YouTube channel. But I wanted to interact with those who were interested in more than just watching videos, so I started building over on Patreon, creating Ann’s Alpha Club. This will be a place where I can post fun stuff for fans of my books without having a middleman (aka Facebook, Instagram, etc) and their algorithm bouncers blocking the posts.

Below is a video (click to watch it) explaining a little more for those interested in joining me in Ann’s Alpha Club on Patreon, which you can access from your computer, tablet, or phone. There are different tiers available there–you can join for free and interact on general posts, like how Facebook used to be. Or, you can join one of the paid tier levels, which cost either $5/month or $7/month. In the paid tiers, I’ll be sharing things from behind the scenes, like my books before they are published and more. I’m not out to get rich here, just build a place where I have more control.

To join: Ann Charles Alpha Club on Patreon

Welcome video: Welcome to Ann Charles Patreon

April Must-Have Prickly Pear Posse Glass Drink from this beautiful glass while reading/listening to Ann’s Jackrabbit Junction books. (Art by CS Kunkle) $17.00 US Buy at Ann’s Zazzle Store

This month’s recipe: Margarita Bars Another recipe from the Ann Charles MOON THE COOK cookbook, with recipes compiled by Mark and Michelle Davis.