Apostles Writing Books

[fresca]

I'm sure this question has come up on CUF before, but I couldn't find it so I'm making a new thread.

So, since I was just a lad, I've noticed that almost all apostles will write a book or two (or 20). These books are then sold at Deseret Book for like $30-$40 a pop. What's up with that?

I mean, I understand that they have opinions or messages that aren't critical to body of the church, but since we sustain these guys as Prophets, Seers, and Revelators, wouldn't we want to read everything they have to say? Also, wouldn't they want everyone to hear it? Especially if they think it will benefit the members lives? I make ok money, but if I bought every book written by GA's I'd be broke. What about poorer members? It pretty much excludes 3rd world members from reading the teachings they're outlining in these books. Also, why would they want to make a profit? It would make more sense to sell them at cost in distribution centers, right? But would that then create the appearance that it is scripture? I guess I just don't get why they spend so much time and effort writing books that then go on to be sold for profit. It just doesn't seem like something an apostle should be spending their time doing. They should give their wisdom away for free. That's why they are who they are, right?

I motion that all GA's should make all of their books free electronically (like an ebook) and if you want a hard copy you can buy it at cost. That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it....unless I'm convinced otherwise.

[BlueHair]

I'm sure this question has come up on CUF before, but I couldn't find it so I'm making a new thread.

So, since I was just a lad, I've noticed that almost all apostles will write a book or two (or 20). These books are then sold at Deseret Book for like $30-$40 a pop. What's up with that?

I mean, I understand that they have opinions or messages that aren't critical to body of the church, but since we sustain these guys as Prophets, Seers, and Revelators, wouldn't we want to read everything they have to say? Also, wouldn't they want everyone to hear it? Especially if they think it will benefit the members lives? I make ok money, but if I bought every book written by GA's I'd be broke. What about poorer members? It pretty much excludes 3rd world members from reading the teachings they're outlining in these books. Also, why would they want to make a profit? It would make more sense to sell them at cost in distribution centers, right? But would that then create the appearance that it is scripture? I guess I just don't get why they spend so much time and effort writing books that then go on to be sold for profit. It just doesn't seem like something an apostle should be spending their time doing. They should give their wisdom away for free. That's why they are who they are, right?

I motion that all GA's should make all of their books free electronically and if you want a hard copy you can buy it at cost. That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it....unless I'm convinced otherwise.

I'm glad they write these things. It makes it easier to Christmas shop for old people.

[statman]

Once your an Apostle, the church is either paying for your cost of living (in which case, royalties from a book would come off the top of what the Church is going to pay them) or they're wealthy enough that a few grand from a Mormon book deal isn't going to make any difference.

Plus, from what I understand, most of them are done without nemuneration - or if there are profits, they go to the perpetual education fund or some similar organization. In the grand scheme of things, it's not like any of these books really sell that many copies...

[fresca]

It's not that I'm worried about their take, but rather making the material available to the masses. In other words, I'm too cheap to buy them, yet still might like to read them.

[grapevine]

I heard that profits from books written by Ga's go to the general missionary fund. May be one of the things HBL could not beleive how gullible people are. Maybe they do take some royalties from books they write.

There have been some second quorom members who kept employment part time. Augusto Lim, Lance Wickman, and Dieter in Second Quorom for a time. But are not to serve on corporate boards anymore.

BRM wrote on his wifes time I heard or at a boring concert. Source (bio by son that tells modoc truth). SWK wrote mof Julys, weekends he was home( I guess occasionally skipped church on those weekends too) and christmas. Those that write I am sure do it at night on planes and not in office.

I would think they would get profit for there books and keep it. Thing is Everytime I go into bookstore browse forever. Some books excited to buy but of course I can't buy every book they all write. Drives me crazy i can't buy em all but have bought a good share of them.

Bob just wrote a book called return with honor and I would not mind buying that book. Is his first I heard. So not all Ga's write. And some books are there sermons too.

[Jeff Lebowski]

We have a long thread on that topic somewhere here in the archives.

[All-American]

It's not that I'm worried about their take, but rather making the material available to the masses. In other words, I'm too cheap to buy them, yet still might like to read them.

I challenge you to find anything written by a member of the Quorum of the 12 and published in a Deseret News book that isn't already available online in substantial form.

[woot]

I challenge you to find anything written by a member of the Quorum of the 12 and published in a Deseret News book that isn't already available online in substantial form.

One could make the same challenge regarding any other books, or movies, video games, etc.

[All-American]

One could make the same challenge regarding any other books, or movies, video games, etc.

The point is that about 90 percent of the stuff published at Deseret Book by members of the Quorum of the Twelve is just a talk they have already given. And almost all of it is on LDS.org. It's just packaged in book form.

[fresca]

Faith Rewarded by Pres. Monson - a recounting journal entries regarding the east German saints. Not online, at least from my searching. I have this one. He may mention a story or two in a talk here and there, but this was compiled as a complete history of his personal associations with the GDR members.