She's Too Violent!!

[sensei8]

I almost put this up in the KF forum, "Martial Arts and Politics", but then I thought otherwise...

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/wal-mart-won-t-sell-ronda-rousey-s-new-book-because-she-s-too-violent-180144157.html

I admit I'm surprised at Walmart, but, it's their company, and not mine.

[cathal]

LOL I find it very funny. Historically when someone's book or film is banned it just makes that material so much more popular.

[Spartacus Maximus]

Maybe you are on to something here. It does smell an awful lot like a publicity stunt. It would not be the first time someone has purposely had something banned to create demand. On the other hand, publications are usually controversial for their content or perceived message rather than what the author does to get their jollies

[cathal]

Interesting. I didn't immediately think publicity stunt but I wouldn't put it past her or her publisher. In any case I doubt it'll affect her sales to a major degree. It doesn't seem to be hitting mainstream media.

[Spartacus Maximus]

She is already in a very limited niche of interest. Obviously her popularity, whatever it may be, is limited to the narrow circle of MMA fans. I doubt she is even vaguely recognized by the average citizen who probably is not a fan of hers or even expresses interest for her sport. Although it could have something to do with her PR, it does seem very odd that only Walmart would refuse to sell a sport fighter's book when two of the largest bookstore chains are selling it. Strange indeed....

[bushido_man96]

She is already in a very limited niche of interest. Obviously her popularity, whatever it may be, is limited to the narrow circle of MMA fans. I doubt she is even vaguely recognized by the average citizen who probably is not a fan of hers or even expresses interest for her sport. Although it could have something to do with her PR, it does seem very odd that only Walmart would refuse to sell a sport fighter's book when two of the largest bookstore chains are selling it. Strange indeed....

I actually think the opposite is true. Ronda's popularity has crossed into the mainstream, and there are lots of people who know who she is but don't follow fighting. She's gained that kind of notoriety.

I think she is one of the most-searched topics on Google, as well, so she has some drawing power.

I do think it odd that Walmart won't carry her book in stores, but will sell it through their website. It doesn't make sense. Nor does it make sense that they refer to her as "too violent," but sell the Game of Thrones DVD series, which, if they follow the books well, and I understand they do, are quite a bit more violent than any of Ronda's fights. I think it smacks of hypocrisy on Walmart's part.

Either way, I don't think it will affect her book sales that much.

[sensei8]

She is already in a very limited niche of interest. Obviously her popularity, whatever it may be, is limited to the narrow circle of MMA fans. I doubt she is even vaguely recognized by the average citizen who probably is not a fan of hers or even expresses interest for her sport. Although it could have something to do with her PR, it does seem very odd that only Walmart would refuse to sell a sport fighter's book when two of the largest bookstore chains are selling it. Strange indeed....

I actually think the opposite is true. Ronda's popularity has crossed into the mainstream, and there are lots of people who know who she is but don't follow fighting. She's gained that kind of notoriety.

I think she is one of the most-searched topics on Google, as well, so she has some drawing power.

I do think it odd that Walmart won't carry her book in stores, but will sell it through their website. It doesn't make sense. Nor does it make sense that they refer to her as "too violent," but sell the Game of Thrones DVD series, which, if they follow the books well, and I understand they do, are quite a bit more violent than any of Ronda's fights. I think it smacks of hypocrisy on Walmart's part.

Either way, I don't think it will affect her book sales that much.

Solid post!!

[DWx]

Seems to be conflicting reports as some sources say they will sell it, just won't display it.

http://www.tmz.com/2015/04/06/ronda-rousey-book-walmart-not-banned-no-display-stores/

It's a odd decision but IIRC they've chosen not to sell magazines, toys, etc because they've disagreed with what they portray.

[Patrick]

Danielle is right that Walmart has a track record for excluding items for content. For example, they don't sell explicit music in stores. I remember this being the case when I was a kid and it is the case now. You can buy it the explicit version through their website. So it looks like Rousey's book is being treated similarly.

Danielle's link mentions that they will allow you to buy online and using the Ship-to-Store feature, you can pick it up at the store in the dedicated pickup area (it's at the back of my local Walmart).

Brian definitely isn't the first to suggest there is a bit of a double standard with other mediums, like movies and TV.

I doubt Walmart did this to create any publicity for Rousey as they have no reason to do that. But Rousey (or, more likely, the publisher) wouldn't be harmed by playing this up a bit, that's for sure. It's not the same as a banned book or close, but they can get some buzz off it.

[sensei8]

Curiosity killed the cat. And in this case, imho, the cat here is the readers that have to know why this book is how Walmart decided across the board. Like sex and violence sells this and that, so does the need to know the "why" of a book, in this case.