The title of Robert Sutton's book added a word to George Carlin's "Seven Dirty Words." For those unfamiliar, Robert wrote, The No Asshole Rule. In doing so, the book gained a tremendous amount of attention for the idea. But, it also gained a good amount of attention for the title. Through the process, the author was presented with issues of censorship that were at first humorous, but eventually became annoying, and ultimately confusing. In the Huffington Post, Sutton details how magazines, awards presenters, and radio hosts refused to say the name of his book. He then goes on to discuss those that wanted him to say it, sometimes as much as possible.
Whether or not you decide to use profanity in your book title, talk, etc., it seems important to understand Sutton's experience - to understand what to expect if you do (both on the anti and supportive sides), and also as a social commentary on modern day censorship issues.
Comments (3)
I think the issue relates to the nature of the medium. If a word like "asshole" is spoken, it doesn't sound as harsh as when it's written. For some reason, hearing something crude isn't as offensive as seeing it in print.
Perhaps it's to do with our conditioning - reading has always been considered a cultural, intellectual even, sort of activity. In contrast, the spoken word doesn't have the same connotations.
I was initially put off by the title of Sutton's book. But I ended up buying it after reading elsewhere that far from being a crazy rant, it was a well-researched and thought-out book. I am happy to say that the book didn't disappoint - so in some ways, I despair that crude words, even if accurate, need to be used in book titles.
Chetan Dhruve
Author, Why Your Boss is Programmed to be a Dictator
Posted by Chetan Dhruve | March 7, 2008 4:38 PM
Posted on March 7, 2008 16:38
It's always a challenge to come up with a memorable title. Get it right, and you might just have a hit on your hands...
Posted by Anonymous | March 8, 2008 4:09 AM
Posted on March 8, 2008 04:09
The title of my first book, "Leap! Ditch Your Job, Start Your Own Business & Set Yourself Free" was free of controversy but I did get some censorship from the publishers in my language in the book manuscript itself. Whilst never one to use expletives gratuitously, my original manuscript did include words that some readers may have found offensive. Some were permitted, others were asterixed out whilst a few were censored completely. I understand my publisher's desire not to offend or alienate readers but I guess this needs to be reconciled with not diluting the author's style. A small example. One of the passages censored was when I said 'But bollocks to convention'. My editor's suggested replacement of 'But away with convention' hardly communicates the spirit and passion of the original. I think we settled somewhere halfway between the two....
Posted by Anonymous | March 9, 2008 7:07 PM
Posted on March 9, 2008 19:07