I call it “Hate Mail,” but it’s not really that. It’s more of people who exert their frustrations out on me, probably because I’m the only person to reply to their emails. Over the years the Hate Mail has decreased, until just a few weeks ago.

I received this charmer email from someone I’ll call “Denise” because that’s her real name:

Greetings,
Since you actually put your email address in your book so I thought I would take a few minutes to write you. I was totally disappointed with your book to be honest. Your utter devotion to Google made me ill. I got through about 5 chapters and just couldn’t stand anymore. In one chapter you tried to make it seem that Google was the only source for apps. When I saw that chapter, I was gone.

I said in the review of this book on Amazon.com I knew that your book would be a problem for me when on page 28 you said that because the tablet is android it will have access to all the same apps as the phones. Well, I have not found that to be true at all. My friend told me to lighten up, I was being too literal because you said access not that they would work. So I kept on reading through chapters of interest in your book. Google this, Google that, Google Google Google enough.

I realize android is Google’s baby. Windows is Microsofts baby too. I have read and used many a Dummies book that were not all hail Microsoft. I learned a great deal even did some programming. You used this Dummies book for a Google commerical. It came off in the book that you were being instructed to teach everyone how to use their tablets the way Google wants us to. I am very disappointed. You could have really had a terrific manual here. I just cannot trust any of the info.

I know others enjoyed your book. Good for them. I am not a Google devotee. I just had to express my opinion.

I vow to reply to every email, and I do! Sometimes it may take me a while, but I’ll get around to it. Here’s my reply to Denise:

Hello.

Thanks for taking the time to write.

Yours is the first letter of this type I’ve received regarding my book and it doesn’t surprise me, but I’m puzzled nonetheless. Honestly, I’m not sure what you were looking for in an Android book. I don’t’ believe I praise Google. I could have put in some Google slams, but that’s not why I wrote the book.

Explaining how to avoid Google would frustrate my readers. A majority of Android viruses come from non Play Store apps. I don’t think a beginner or a senior would appreciate that. I could talk about rooting the device and installing another skin. That would be really cool, and I would enjoy it, but my reader would be completely confused. Sales would drop.

As it stands now, the book is tremendously popular, so I must assume it’s hitting the mark with a majority of people, all of whom are happy to be able to get something out of their tablet without fixating on whether or not the book praises Google. After all, it someone really despises Google, they’d probably own an iPad or the crummy Windows tablet. Problem solved.

Your comments are appreciated. While I don’t believe my book to be a Google commercial (and I would find such nonsense offensive, as I do in other books), I’ll make a note for the next edition. My blog, which provides updates for my readers, does list many non-Googley ways of doing things and it offers advice beyond what’s found in the book. You can check it out: http://www.wambooli.com/blog

I thought I was being civil. Here’s her response:

I am not surprised at your response. Since I wrote you, I have had some luck and found some books by authors that are not as in love with Google as you. They express some valuable information about apps for example and guess what, they don’t come from the play store. There is no where else on the web to get apps right? These books contain tons of interesting tips and more that will be very helpful to me along with what I figure out myself. So enjoy your Google rose garden along with your followers. Google must be paying you well.

Well, I am sorry you seem to think that how to avoid Google would frustrate readers. Let me be the judge of that. I have been getting apps from Amazon.com and other places with no problem. And you wonder why I think that all you do is praise Google. Google has so much junk on this tablet it is a shame. I will work very hard to get rid of it. Now that would make a great book, how to clean up your tablet so you will have room for your own things and no wasted space.

Another thing you are telling people they can use the same apps the phones use. That is why people may be having some trouble and think they are getting viruses and such. The tablets cannot use all the apps the phones use. Because of this I like getting apps from Amazon.com because the site tells me if the app is compatible with my model.

You see I have a computer background and did some programming many years ago, so I know the sun doesn’t rise and set with Google. But, you see the younger generation with less experience would be fascinated especially if that is all that is presented to them. There are more of them than of us old dinosaurs that know there is more than just Google out there. And by having us use certain apps it aids Google with their tracking. *rolls eyes*

You are going to do a second edition. You sure that is a good idea? Go to Amazon.com. Read the reviews for your book. There is a person there that takes issue with what you suggested for a file system because it is a resourse hog that won’t shut down and he also had issues with Skype. So, I am not the only one that had issues with your book. I think you need to rethink some things.

But, thank you for teaching me a lesson. Do not buy any computer instruction books sight unseen and relying on reviews. Go to the store get a cup of tea and scan the book thoroughly before purchase thus avoiding future disappointment.

Well, good night and best of luck,

And, needless to say, I didn’t bother replying.