I am always searching for the next interesting story to upload to Candid Conversations. I definitely found one recently that really caught my eye. It’s a book Titled Addicted To Stupidity. Now here is the interesting thing the book is that it is written by an author who is not named, but is part of a group called the Voltwain Collective. I reached out and contacted Claudine Marlett who is the PR person for the collective. Claudine thank you for dropping in for a chat on the Candid Conversations blog.
Claudine M.: It is my pleasure, Cliff. We are enthused to communicate with anyone who would like to know more about the book, the Voltwain Collective, and how to create a Common Good for the Good of All
Cliff T.: What a hook, this title Addicted to Stupidity just reaches out an grabs ones attention. Obvious and intentional. What has been the reaction to the book?
Claudine M.: In regards to the title and the wonderful cover art by Mr. Fish, the reaction has been visceral – many love it, because they think it applies to their 'foes' and others recoil from it because, I think, they feel personally affronted. Nobody seems to be neutral and that was our intention, as you presciently noted.
In regards to sales, well, to be candid, it has been a bit mixed. Our commercials and videos are getting good traction, but people are not buying the book in large numbers...yet. But that is okay, because, even though we would love to sell lots of books to help fund the 'revolution', what the book is about is how we, the excluded middle, must act to make a Common Good for the Good of All, since nobody is going to give it to us accidentally, intentionally, or by trickle down. As such, we are freely distributing books in coffee shops and neighborhood libraries to get this fabulous book in the hands of an overwhelmed public who are in desperate need of some well reasoned common sense.
Cliff T.: This book is not a commentary on left or right from what I see in the press release, but rather a direct message to both sides of the political and social specturm in the U.S. Would that be a good summation?
Claudine M.: Both sides, all sides, everyone. The book explicitly reminds everyone that anyone is, because of bias, ideology, or prejudice, capable at any moment and for long durations of time of suffering from an addiction to stupidity. That is certainly the case in the US, where the disinformation culture has been addicting large swaths of minds to the blissful drug of 'make your own truth' since the US' inception.
Cliff T.: From what it looks like the book sort of has a feel of a mix of story and if you will analysis of the landscape of America on the social and political level Would I be right in that assumption?
Claudine M.: Yes, precisely, but the analysis is always from the narrator's Point of View and perspective, as he recounts Vermont and US history to help explicate how the US has come to the point of sociopolitical economic and environmental crisis.
Cliff T.: With that said the book also speaks to how the situation may be fixed. So is this a box that also provides some hope of or for a solution to what is going on in America today?
Claudine M.: Although this book, through witty analysis and humorous critique, as well as serious philosophical examination, presents the case in the US as critical, it is, however, the most optimistic book I think anyone may ever read. It not only presents a doable plan for the creation of a Common Good for the Good of All, but demonstrates not only why we should pursue such a plan, but also that we must ethically do so post haste.
Cliff T.: Claudine, can you tell us a bit more about Voltwain, and what your organization does?
Claudine M.: I will gladly tell you what is both prudent and safe, for our members, to share with you. The book itself explains not only who are Voltwain, but why Voltwain must remain anonymous for both the artistic scope of the work as well as its social intentions. The book is, in part, both a litmus and Rorschach test of the audience's biases, meaning – if the reader knows the identity of the author(s), they will alter their interpretation of the data, themes, and meaning of the text, which is a major problem in the US, i.e. ad hominem argumentation, whether than scientific, philosophical analysis of issues and ideas.
The Voltwain Collective includes students, educators, former clergy, farmers, ex-cons, business owners, artists, writers, the homeless, and chefs working cooperatively to bring about a Common Good for the Good of All. However, anyone who is doing the same is automatically a member of the Voltwain Collective. We have, in the past, conducted Free Food For All shareaways, given farm animals – poultry, rabbits, pigs, and sheep to many farmers or homesteaders throughout New England, conducted teach-ins and protests and generally assist any in need in any way at the Collective's disposal.
Cliff T.: I noticed that your authors like to remain anonymous, that is interesting. What is the reason behind that?
Claudine M.: As mentioned before, as a work of literature for Addicted to Stupidity to be effective it must challenge every readers' biases, not only our ignorance and ill held beliefs. In the US, and probably all the world, ideas are discarded and attacked not because of what is said, but because of who said it. When what one is allowed not only to say, but also to think, is dependent upon your gender, sex, race, ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation, ideas, minds, and consciousness are the losers.
Cliff T.: How did the organization start up what was the reason behind the creation of Voltwain?
Claudine M. The Voltwain Collective's originating event was a gathering of old and young 'artivists' at the Philosophy Farm and Truth Nursery, in Vermont. And, to risk sounding awfully repetitive, its purpose was and is to Create a Common Good for the Good of All.
Cliff T.: Will there be a sequel to Addicted to Stupidity?
Claudine M.: Well, that is a tricky question, since it addresses a major thread and theme in Addicted To Stupidity, and to answer definitively yes or no would be to give away too much of the story. But I can say this, you will certainly hear a lot more from the Voltwain Collective. In particular, they are coming out with a series of videos featuring Venus Sophia and the Toothless Philosopher discussing and explaining topics intrinsic to the book and the Collective.
Cliff T.: Where can people find Voltwain and the works your authors produce?
Claudine M. Addicted to Stupidity is available on Amazon and Voltwain has a channel on Youtube, which is the mouthpiece of the Collective.
Cliff T.:Excellent Claudine thank you for the time and the interview. It’s been nice hearing about the Voltwain Collective and Addicted to Stupidity.
Claudine M.: Thank you very much, Cliff, for the kindness of conversation and the opportunity to share our ideas not only with you, but also your intelligent audience.
As mentioned above for more info on the book take a look at these links
Purchase Links: Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Addicted-Stupidity-flavor-consciousness-Voltwain-ebook/dp/B0B5VFTS13/
YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xiTYUsh9gA
BookBuzz:https://book-buzz.net/book/addicted-to-stupidity/
Claudine Marlett is the Public Relations person for the Voltwain Collective and she dropped in to do a Candid Conversation from somewhere in the USA.
