I was forwarded the following e-mail by a number of people a few days ago. It’s basically an assurance from Patty Marks to the EC Biz Loop, telling the authors that the RT stuff that’s been reported around the blogs, is a pack of lies.

I’ve edited out the boring irrelevant bits of course:

…Then our cover models followed up with their dance routines – no, there is no stripping, unless one considers bare chests and six packs stripping – yes, there are some suggestive moves – but, except for the at the very beginning when Christian (who was dressed in construction worker garb) showed his chest and six pack and did a little belly wiggle – there was NO STRIPPING, crotch grabbing or any other show of disrespect for either the military or the American flag during the God Bless the USA number.

The Greased Lightning routine was a bit more risque’, but until recently the only complaints I received was that the routine was slightly too tame – much more tame than last year. (Once again, last year’s routine also involved no stripping – but showed more chest and abs and the dances were more animated)…

The only other complaint I have personally received is the one that has been made very public on loops and blogs and that was expressed over and over and over again by that particular person to whomever was willing to listen.

I suspected another agenda and yesterday was told {K: I bet Ann Jacobs did the telling.} that the same person who is expressing her opinions as an upset author IS AND HAS BEEN the marketing director – using an alias on their website – of the publishing company owned by the person who has filed a suit against EC – which was also “leaked” to blogs well
before we were even made aware of the filing (see biz loop message #21889, dated April 8, 2008) – and introduced herself as such at that publisher’s RT function on Sunday.

While not surprised and personally I would like to express my feelings regarding these
highly questionable tactics, as I stated in the aforementioned biz loop message, I will state again: “Please be assured that we will continue to maintain our professionalism and defend our business’, authors’ and readers’ interests.” This will all be addressed in the proper forum.

That being said, I do take concerns seriously and I did email
Kathryn Falk regarding the routines and she responded with the following:

“Dear Patty

I was not offended by anything I saw. There are always some risque dance movements going on, but most people laugh it off, I hope. I personally enjoy a little “chippendale” action from the guys. It’s fun -and makes people chuckle.

Big John was a joy to have throughout the convention, as was Jason, Sly and other familiar faces from your calendar. They were most helpful and contributed much to the event. You have some very nice representatives that I hope will always be at our conventions.

Your Calendar is such a popular item. I brought back several for some military wives coming to the SOS retreat next month. They asked for them specifically. I hope you’ll bring Cavemen to your party and other events next year. The readers and booksellers would sorely miss your “eye candy” as more than one booklover said to me.

Saluti, Kathryn”…

So there you have it, Kathryn  Falk says it’s ok, so all’s well with the world.

Stellar.