I didn't say they didn't have a greater understanding. My point was that doesn't make them smarter or less likely to hook up with a scammer or a vanity press. Saying 'oh well they're a celebrity - they wouldn't go with something if it wasn't reputable' is silly because it has happened. That is the point that's trying to be made. No one is immune to it. And to bring this back to WS, since we've veered so far off:
The answer would be no. It's a red flag that the publisher probably isn't worth your time especially if you're wanting to see reasonable commercial success - and getting onto bookstore shelves is a crucial component of that. Looking further into the company determines whether it's an outright scam or an inexperienced venture. WS seems to fall into that second category. It's owner has no relevant experience, and all the good intentions in the world isn't going to make his company work. He's got an uphill climb. Publishing is not an entry-level job, and for good reason. Startups by the inexperienced have a habit of being risks not worth taking, and they don't always have to be outright scams to burn you.
However, am I to understand that it is the group's concensus that any publisher that does not have market distribution is a scam?
The answer would be no. It's a red flag that the publisher probably isn't worth your time especially if you're wanting to see reasonable commercial success - and getting onto bookstore shelves is a crucial component of that. Looking further into the company determines whether it's an outright scam or an inexperienced venture. WS seems to fall into that second category. It's owner has no relevant experience, and all the good intentions in the world isn't going to make his company work. He's got an uphill climb. Publishing is not an entry-level job, and for good reason. Startups by the inexperienced have a habit of being risks not worth taking, and they don't always have to be outright scams to burn you.