William Bernhardt - Reading/Discussion/Signing

[CoffeeBean]

I'm somewhat surprised Barnes & Noble would host this

[RecycleMichael]

Will they serve drinks?

[Conan71]

I get your point CB.  And I'm personally ambivalent about it.  As long as he's not drinking and driving and not creating a nuisance, I really don't care where he signs or doesn't sign books, but I can understand why other's might.

As long as he's sober and working whatever program the court has prescribed since November, he deserves a chance.  He's a flawed human being, aren't we all?

[CoffeeBean]

My surprise has nothing to do with Bernhardt personally, or whatever he's done.  I'm more surprised at the willingness of corporate Barnes & Noble to host the event and, in turn, associate itself with Bernhardt & his history.

[joiei]

Perhaps the corporate world is more willing to give him a chance than you are.

[CoffeeBean]

quote:Originally posted by joiei

Perhaps the corporate world is more willing to give him a chance than you are.

I think you're missing the point.  For me, the question has nothing to do with chance, but the manner in which corporate Barnes & Noble considered his rap sheet when scheduling the event, and what effect it had.  

For example, did Bernhardt's DUIs contribute to B&N's decision to host, i.e., did the DUIs raise public awareness of Bernhardt to the point where he's a better draw after the arrests?  Did B&N consult with groups like MADD before scheduling the event?  

I'm not here to crucify Bernhardt, we all make mistakes, and hopefully we can learn and move on.  I'm simply commenting on the ripple effect of how those decisions transcend the event itself.

And let's not forget that Bernhardt is the one holding himself out for public consumption.  To think nobody will ask questions is a little naive, IMHO.

[Conan71]

quote:Originally posted by CoffeeBean

quote:Originally posted by joiei

Perhaps the corporate world is more willing to give him a chance than you are.

I think you're missing the point.  For me, the question has nothing to do with chance, but the manner in which corporate Barnes & Noble considered his rap sheet when scheduling the event, and what effect it had.  

For example, did Bernhardt's DUIs contribute to B&N's decision to host, i.e., did the DUIs raise public awareness of Bernhardt to the point where he's a better draw after the arrests?  Did B&N consult with groups like MADD before scheduling the event?  

I'm not here to crucify Bernhardt, we all make mistakes, and hopefully we can learn and move on.  I'm simply commenting on the ripple effect of how those decisions transcend the event itself.

And let's not forget that Bernhardt is the one holding himself out for public consumption.  To think nobody will ask questions is a little naive, IMHO.

One would guess that signings might be brokered by his agent or publisher w/ the marketing depts. at book stores.  Some schmoe in B/N marketing in New York wouldn't think twice to Google an author to make sure they hadn't just had a couple of DUI's or public intox arrests.

Or it might just be that they consider his alchol problem a personal problem not part of his professional life.