To all my Jordanian readers:
I did not know that my visit to Jordan was linked to the self-explanatory email below. Therefore, I am cancelling it today, and I ask you to tell your friends that I would never agree with this akward situation, if I knew it beforehand. In the original program, I was invited to support the opening of a movie. I count on you to explain the reasons why I am cancelling this trip.
Dearest Paulo,
We are one of the people who believe in you, in your thoughts and in your way of living. We heard about your event of signing your recent book in Jordan. We wanted to come for sure but then when we knew and got informed about the details which we will be listing here in full details the first thing pops up into our mind is “why Paulo is allowing them to commercialise him”. The profile and the details of the upcoming event in Jordan does not suit you, it simply does not suit the image we carry for you…
I told my friend that I should stop liking Paulo she told me he does not know about the details then we decided to email you and to inform you about the silly arrangements they are doing, they want to make BIG profit out of you.
Here is the DEAL:
First of all interested audiences they need to call a mobile number starts by 0900 and these charge caller bill 1$ per minute and it takse 4 minutes at least to reach useful information. You need to at least try a number of times.
Then, they tell audiences to go for book signing around 7 pm and places are only for 200 guests based on first come first served. Of course, they tell you, you need to be there earlier ! Much earlier ! If you were not able to make it for the first two hundred people that are only allowed to see Paulo for free. You can go to the Luxurious (this is how it is broadcasted on radios ) Gala Dinner with Paulo Coelho on the 21st of June and tickets are sold for 100 $. Not sure if you already know this but the average salary in Jordan is 250 $. Of course, there are people who have much bigger salaries, but I am not sure if these are the people who read and understand Paulo; maybe if they do, just to show off and brag that they know of Paulo Coelho !
Where you are staying is confidential they said ! But how on Earth will you be meeting the readers who truly love you ? In the Gala Dinner?
Paulo is NOT materialistic. Paulo is NOT fake. Why see you in a materialistic atmosphere ….. You who goes on pilgrimage in the simplest ways …. Not on business class on planes… Who suddenly decides to go and sign books in whatever city you feel like going like the story you mentioned in the last Warrior of Light edition … Why does it have to be a big advertising campaign with sophisticated dinners ..etc ? Fine, they claim that the income will go to … whatever .. But believe there are more noble causes that Paulo’s name should be connected to … enhancing the lives of poor people and refugees … The list is long and you know better than us
Be safe,
People who truly LOVE you
Hi there…Thanks for the nice read, keep up the interesting posts..what a nice Wednesday . Sofia Vergara
[Reply]
Dear Paulo,
You can imagine my joy for the discovery of the existance of your blog, you can also imagine the awkwardness in the feeling I have for 1-not knowing you were coming to Jordan and 2-for the misuse of your name and 3-for the relief in knowing that you will come to Jordan because “its a place you love”.
Thank you for your Mind, and humanity, I would be honored if you could find the time to visit my humble blog, its called Confessions of a Vegetarian Shark: http://confessionsofavegetarianshark.blogspot.com/
and I would be honored if you could take a look around, there’s a short story there called Esperanza: http://confessionsofavegetarianshark.blogspot.com/search/label/Esperanza
there are also other labels, Reflections and Revelations, and a label called Eve.
I would be very honored if you would drop by..and maybe tell me what you think.
Again, I’m very happy to have found this place.
Thank you.
Ammar.
[Reply]
Dear Paulo and readers
First of all I’d like to express my utmost respect for the difficult decision that had to made by you. After reading the explanation I can say no more than that you were right to stay true to yourself AND to the readers.
Of course this doesn’t take away the fact that many people are honestly disappointed because of varous reasons. I have to admit I was disappointed as well when I first heard of the cancellation.
My girlfriend and me are from Amsterdam and were also invited to come to Amman. Since our tickets are non-refundable we will still be going to Jordan. Luckily we were able to change the dates so now we will be there between the 2nd and 9th of July.
We don’t know anything about Jordan and would love to meet admirers of Paulo’s work and set up some sort of Coelho-meeting so that we can not only mourn together ;-), but make the best out of the situation! So if you live in Jordan and would like to hang out with us and show us the best spots, don’t hesitate to email me at tomvandebeek @ gmail.com. It would be great to meet you!
To conclude this I can only agree with ‘Girlwithapearlnecklace’ and her words: “Who knows if this be good or bad?” who knows what kind of adventures will be catalyzed by this unexpected intervention…
—
“Words are tears that have been written. Tears are words that need pouring out. Without them no joy can shine, no sadness can come to an end. So, thank you for your tears.”
[Reply]
Dear Paulo,
yes my great writer “there is no good in manipulating people”…and they try to manipulating you!!!
am happy that you have the power in stopping their evil deeds and you cancelled your visit to Jordan …but at the same time am one of many many people in Jordan who admire your you and your work…and would so much like to meet you..and I counted on this trip to do an interview with you, but when I knew the details of your visit I was at the same time happy that you cancelled your visit…
still looking forward to meeting you ..
I had sent you so many letters asking for an interview through email and the last answer was that you have no time..it could be an interview to tell the Jordanians about why you cancelled your visit as some people are giving falls reasons.
with my best wishes
your truly
hada sarhan
alarab alyawm newspaper is an INDEPENDENT daily that is published in Arabic Amman and distributed into almost every Arab countries.
[Reply]
All of this reminds me of that zen story, “Who knows if this be good or bad?”
I think Paulo has made it clear that, for him, his decision was based both on instinct and information, and that his intentions were clear. I am surprised, even for those of you who spent the money on flights, tickets, etc. would be so upset at your loss. For what other gains may come as a result of them? I feel so strongly that this situation, which is distressing all parties, has a greater purpose. There is persuasive power in language, and we don’t all use it for good. Knowing that, let’s all love each other more and support each other so that there is no need for harshness. One day…
[Reply]
Dearest Paulo,
I arrived back into Jordan last night from the UK only to discover that you had cancelled your trip to come and see us and I would like to understand from you the truth behind these actions.
I have been involved in the creation of your coming to Jordan for some time now - universally speaking. Your work has helped to change me and in it I feel a sense of home that I have never felt before. I picked up the Alchemist at a book store in Heathrow airport several years ago as I was on my way from Singapore to the US to do a week’s work with my spiritual mentor to fully embrace my own ‘powers’ and begin to use them as gifts for healing. Like you, my universal connection related to creativity was considered to be an issue, and thus it was beaten out of me as a small child.
For many years I ran from it and that running led me right back to it, as it is meant to. Still I had some fear to ‘go all the way’ to fully embrace it, even though i was already in motion going toward it, and finding your book out of thousands at Heathrow was a ’sign’ for me as I flew to New York…one that said, keep going, no matter what.
Thus I did and I have. When there are times I feel that it’s too hard and I can’t - i reach for you and your words, inspiring me that yes the path can be hard, but on the other side is something else, just keep working through it, walking toward it.
Paulo, I have also felt that I would always meet you - we have traveled a similar path, we are both healers who seek to express ‘truth’ through our own experieces and written words, and explore the honesty and integration of both the light and the shadow side of ourselves and others.
So this year, I began to ask the universe to send you here, as I felt that not only was it time for us to meet, but that Jordan itself, would benefit so much from the energy you bring to it.
Imagine my surprise after I began to make this call, this prayer, to discover that you were indeed coming and not only that but your trip was equally blessed through your support of my friend ghada saba’s efforts as she has worked tirelessly throughout these many years to help to build a ‘creative’ community in Jordan, through her own work in film making. She has done this without patronage and mostly without any financial support! Ghada and commercialism would not be words that would be expressed in one sentence together.
As I was blessed to have then been involved in this event, as a sponsor, I now find it actually more distressing, not that you have made the decision not to come, but that you would think that this support was somehow a commercial exploitation of you and your beliefs in any way - for we share the very same beliefs.
Equally distresesing is the fact that you would choose to decide this three days before the event itself. Clearly there must be something more that would have led to this determination, this decision. I look forward to hearing what that may be.
I am not sure where your information is coming from - perhaps several hundred people as indicated, which I find very difficult also to grasp given Jordan itself, but I shall not judge if that is your truth.
But I do know this - Ghada is shattered. You are her friend and her mentor and have inspired her beyond belief. Many people are also upset; those who gathered from the creative community here in Jordan to welcome you to this country, a country whose energy is slightly off balance these days, given the situation in it and around it, perhaps more obvious now given the suddeness of your cancellation.
I have been through all of the related correspondence regarding the program and all was approved in writing by your office. So if there is a disconnect I would love to hear from you where and how it happened?!
Something about all of this does not feel at all right to me. If you could offer further information, I would appreciate it very much.
Thank You Always For The Gift Of You and Bless You.
Dear Lynn, thank you very much for your long email. Let me try to answer item per item
a] I’ve been receiving emails from readers for 2 wks previous to the event (not several hundred, I never mentioned that; they were 8 in total). All of them were complaining about prices. But I choose not to believe. There were, for example, emails saying that people had to buy a certain ammount of books at the bookstore. In fact, my readers, in every single country, are free to buy books or to bring books from home. Nobody can be forced to buy books just to meet me. All the bookstores, all over the planet, agree on that. So the email from the two girls only singled out other aspects.
b] I am surprised that you were sponsoring the event. This is the first time that I hear your name. Thank you for that. But I understood that, according to the first email, that the Ministry of Culture and The Royal Film Comission were sponsoring the project, according to emails send from Ghada from the very beginning. For the past few days I’ve been asking Ghada to get the names of the persons involved, and I couldn’t. However, I myself contact one of these institutions, on a very high level, to learn that they knew nothing about my visit. That’s why I’m still insisting with Ghada to have the names. And so far, no names.
c] I believe that you would agree with me that a dinner that may cost from 68 JOD up to 2.500 JOD makes no sense at all, moreover if you consider that, as one of the posts mention, I am a writer and if I ever choose to support something besides the 430 children that my Institute takes care, it would be writers or poets.
d] the prices were send to my office on June 11th for the first time. I cancel my trip on June 13, after carefully consulting everybody connected, including friends in Jordan.
e] I am going to Jordan anyway. First, because it is a place that I love. Second, because I want to meet my readers.
I hope I answered all your questions. Love, Paulo
[Reply]
Yes, Come, PLEASE :)
God bless you!
[Reply]
Hola Paulo ;)
May God Bless u always …:))
It is a great loss…, cancelling ur trip to jordan, honestly it was one of the few events I was really looking forward to for this summer … such a pity …
I wish u would reconsider coming to jordan again ..
It is a big shame on us .., and I appologize on their behalf if we have ever offended u, but am also sure that there a lot of jordanians who appreciate ur work and think highly of u
take care and have a nice day :)
Dear Amina, I love Jordanians, and I thank my readers, like the ones (and there were several) who sent emails telling me the circumstances of my visit. Of course I will be there as soon as possible. Much love Paulo
[Reply]
Dear Paulo,
I am glad you are not coming to Jordan. It was not right from the start. You are a spiritual person, you have shared your thoughts, your stories, your life journey with the world. Among many things, you are a storyteller that has healed many with your words.
So why would you travel to Jordan to promote the film industry? You are not an actor, nor a director or a producer by profession. Even if your world has lead you to be connected to the film industry, that is not who you are.
Your trip to Jordan would better be served by promoting literacy, encouraging poor parts of Jordan the value of reading. You should have discussion groups, or free seminars where you can interactively talk to Jordanian youth, give them hope and a reason to rise above their hardships.
Jordan is a beautiful and spiritual place. Rather than walk to support a film industry that has yet to even start developing, take a spiritual walk throughout all our religious and anciet sites.
Like one of your readers that commented on this blog, I too read the Alchemist when I almost gave up on life your book gave me a reason to fight my anger and find peace within. I’ve read The Alchemist several times and each time I’ve found new messages, new meanings. In fact, I buy The Alchemist and give it to every friend that is going through troubled times.
Because I believe in your work, I am glad you are not coming to Jordan for such a commercial event that is not relevant to what you do. It was kind of you to offer support to an industry that is not relevant to you, but it was just not right.
I think you should contact your friends in Jordan that won’t commercialize you and let them help you experience Jordan. Don’t visit us here, experience us.
Nothing is more peaceful and glorious than standing on Mount Nebo and watching the sun set, or standing in the vast Wadi Rum desert surrounded by pink sand dunes and caves that tell old stories. Walk through the Petra passage and look up at the burning sun that lights your way to the hidden rose city carved into the mountain.
That is what you should do in Jordan. On your way, if you meet fans, then it is their destiny as it is yours.
[Reply]
Hi,
Every body has the right to express their opinions but let us see as
well a reflection of what we have read or believed in… why insulting
each other?
If it meant to see Paulo in Jordan then it will happen.
[Reply]
Dear Paulo and readers,
Unfortunately, to hear that you have cancelled your trip to Jordan.
And, I respect the reasons whether we know about or not. I am also,
share the opinion of Ruba Saqer, and I believe that this is the spirit
we should have. We should be aware that a person such as Paulo Coelho
is rational in his own judgement at least and it is not wise to think
that he cancelled neither due to one email or hundreds email,
definitely, there is something he believed in and we should respect
that. Of course, Jordan is a lovely country and Jordanian readers
deserve to have intellectual events…and still we want you Paulo to
come into Jordan because Jordan deserves to be visited by Paulo and
Paulo to be hosted in Jordan in a proper Jordan-Paulo context.
[Reply]
Dear Pualo..
thank you for coming to to Jordan, whether its now, or in a few months..
the main point is that u are coming to jordan, and i hope i will finally meet u
and my opinion is that the organizers shouldn’t have been charging as much as they were going to…but this is only my opinion..
and plz guys, don’t go insulting ppl, just bcoz they expressed their opinion..either u like it, or u don’t…but don’t offend them
hope to see u soon Paulo..
Walaa Hamdan
[Reply]
Dear Paulo
I’m glad that you are going to come to Jordan soon. I just have few things to say and i hope you accept them with an open heart.
1- You’re saying that you will sign for more than 200 people in your upcoming trip. making it sound that the organizers of the previous one were the ones limiting the number to 200 when it was you who specificied 200 in the first place.
2- Don’t you think you’ve cost the organizers so much damage when you could’ve simply came to Jordan and not have attended the Gala dinner since the proceeds were going to an organization which you didnt support??
I’m very happy you’re coming, I still would love to meet you, but i think you have been manipulated by everyone except the organizers who you’re truely damaging
A loyal Jordanian
[Reply]
I am glad to hear you are still coming.
Will be waiting for the details :)
[Reply]
First of all, let me thank you for all your opinions, suggestions.
I have to stress the fact that these two girls were not the only ones complaining. I got several mails from readers.
That said, I do believe that the organizers did not have any second intentions. It was a matter of misscomunication, that both parties regret (we and the organizers).
I never, ever participate on events that people needs to pay to see me, unless (like recently in Glasgow) the money goes to Paulo Coelho Institute, where we take care of 430 children. Or in the case of Credit Suisse, in two weeks from now, where the money also goes to the Institute, and it is a closed event (Credit Suisse pays me, but they don’t charge their clients to attend)
As soon as I cancel the event, I contacted friends who are connected with the Kingdom. And immediately I got an invitation. As soon as my agenda allows, I am going only for the signing, and instead of 200 people we are going for more guests. Please take into consideration that a signing for 200 people (like I had in Paris, one month ago) takes a mininum of 2 hours. I will do a signing for more people, but everybody must be patient.
As soon as I have the confirmation of the invitation, I will post in my blog and in myspace page.
Thank you all
[Reply]
dear paulo and the readers,
i can understand your decision. i think it’s not even the fact how it works in jordania, but that they didn’t tell you. that you didn’t have a chance to change it or stop it.
the thing is, that the people thought by that dealing, that’s your idea or by your knowing, and they got upset. now they are upset that you don’t come.
i guess… that’s a normal behaviour. or as i say =)
sometimes it’s just regardless what your decision is and why. there are always people who are upset about it and take it personally.
for me: i would have made the same decision. i can’t say about your feelings but i know i would simply feel deceived.
greets
lea
[Reply]
Dear Paulo
I still do not understand the reason behind your decision on cancelling the trip to Amman, me and my freinds went through allot of hassle to get reservations to fly over, why shouldnt there room for you to reconsider your decision, my family have been following the incident and do not feel that there has been any manipulation, to the contrary the efforts of the orginizers seemed quite appropriate in promoting your name in Jordan and just like any attemp to handle a big name like yours there will be misunderstandings and challenges, i would highly appreciate it if your would reconsider your decision for your fans sake.
Thank you
Dr. Sam Nazareth
[Reply]
Siempre hay que ver las dos caras de la verdad.
Gente con buenos sentimientos y en nombre de lo justo puede estar equibocada.
Existen muchos puntos de vista y Dios tiene muchos puntos desde donde ver.
Lo mas importante es que te quieren y quieren verte, tener contacto contigo.
Tu eres capaz de llevar la luz por el Mundo y eso no debes dejar de hacerlo.
Yo te acompañaré siempre, porque me siento unida a ti en esto. Es el principal motivo de seguir tu blog.
Que la luz disipe las dudas y la inspiración te ilumine.
[Reply]
Dear Paolo:
Jordan is known for energy healers as a place were energies are not settled. There are a lot of distractions and people to tend to pull each other down, send each other aggressive spikes etc.
We need a lot of cleansing, but at the same time we are lucky to have access to your books to learn from them.
In 2003 my life was crashing around me, and The Alchemist took me by the hand and brought me to where I am today. I don’t think of myself as a fan, I think of myself as a disciple, and you as a teacher. And I have till this moment not gotten myself involved in all what is going on with regards to the events planned for you in Amman, because I knew if I were to meet you it will happen.
I believe in my personal dream, I made a good mark on english audiences as a singer/songwriter reecently, I became a Reiki iii practitioner, I opened myself to intuition, I changed from a victim to a co-creator… all because I read The Alchemist which affirmed to me I was not alone in the world thinking about things like signs. I learnt from The Alchemist to search and read, and I went into healing with gemstones, to healing with hands, to changing myself, to challanging my limitations… I read almost every other book you wrote. I learnt not to be judgemental from The Valkyries, you opened stagniated areas in my mind, I learnt to be open to all sorts of people without being fooled by their facades and to know we all have the same core that is linked to The One, The Universe.
Change starts with individuals, and there are individuals in Jordan who don’t see you as a fab, and for them you have been someone who has taken their hands and put them at the beginning of an interesting life journey into self search, and an amazing trip into leaarning how God embodied within us and made us Great, yet we were blinded by our own veils from seeing our inner greatness.
As a fellow human being, I ask you to give us a chance. Not so much for me, but for the honest hearts of women and men who want to meet you to thank you for opening their eyes.
Many thanks,
with God’s light, love and blessings,
Ruba Saqr
Amman Jordan
[Reply]
Dear Paulo,
I m argentinian, and last year in jordan i bought a nice book from you who i dedicated to a friend of my there. Well, he came to me this morning, telling me who much the jordan market was affecting your image. I mean , you suppostly might sings book for about 50-70JD what is more or less 55-75 euros and something like 150-230 reales, also a salary for many brasilians in my loved Rio de Janeiro.
Honestly, i got totally disapointed, and i promised to research online because i m going back to Jordan next weekend. Anyway, in this research i found this blog. I never saw it before.
Now the main points:
1.- GO to JORDAN: it is a lovely country, lovely people and if u never have been there before, you will see what i m talking about once you are there. Jordan has a mistery in the air, that many jordanians even dont appreaciate.
2.- DO SOMETHING with this guys who are using your name. But do it in Jordan. People there really like you, and being a neighbour of you, i felt proud that a brasilian is getting so well there. JORDANIANS DESERVE IT, and u need your image back.
Acho realmente que voce tem que ir lá. Isto é a melhor sugerencia que eu posso ter pra voce. Faz o que tem coherenca com teus millones de reales ganhados com teu libros pela credibilidade que voce tambem ganhou com eles.
All the best,
[Reply]
Great Paulo,
I read all the comments, and I can’t believe it!!! could you really do that based on such a fabricated letter, I am not Jordanian, and I was planning to travel form Lebanon , I don’t think I can attend the gala dinner but wanted to come as early as possible to the book signing , they can do the same, I managed form Lebanon to do that , and I did not wait more than 30 sec on the phone , not minutes and minutes as theses girls claim !! the cause is obviously noble may be not to them, their cause is based on jealousy and selfishness if the have any cause to support in the first place but their own one.
The damages that could be caused by you not coming to Jordan obviously is far more than you they can think ,me and five of my friends have booked hotels , tickets, time etc , am sure many did the same !
I beg you not to listen to them and listen to your heart and verify facts first; you are far above this silly gossip to cancel a well professional event.
If the reason of cancellation is convincing, then we will understand, the truth is it’s not at all .lets face it. and their letter is not touching if they the think its , its very shallow.
I would love to face these too girls and explain to them! But its not even worth explanation, what really matters if they could be taken seriously!!!
If there is anyone you should rely on to explain, it should be yourself not Suha and Angie, who claim they know you well more than the rest of your fan!! Oh please
The funny part is their email had a new definition of the noble cause, new categories of the type of readers and fans!!! That’s so funny; I hope they don’t claim that you are their master too!!!
The timing of the cancellation is way to close to the day of the event, which makes it so difficult as well. The title should be IT IS NO GOOD LISTENING TO MINPULATING PEOPLE .
Love you loads and forever…. Hope to meet you soon in Amman.
[Reply]
Dearest Paulo,
I was very disappointed to hear that you cancelled your trip. My friends and i were planning to attend the book signing and the gala dinner and were very excited about it…..
As all events, the number is limited… and of course, you cannot please everybody…5 million people in Jordan cannot come to your book signing!!
I really hope that you reconsider your decision….the Paulo that we know is not easily driven off by an e-mail that represents 2 disappointed “fans” if they really are true fans….
We all hope to see you soon….
Disappointed:(
[Reply]
Dear Pualo,
I’m also not a Jordanian…but been living in Amman for the past 4 years. And like any other place in the world there is the good, bad and ugly here. What seems these 2 ladies did a really ugly thing.
What I am trying to say is it because of one letter you are canceling your trip?! And why would just 2 ladies who seem bitter of other people salaries convince you that your trip to Jordan is not a noble one?? Who are they to decide if I may ask?
You coming here on it’s own is noble and refreshing,,,please reconsider your decision,,,like many other fans I was really looking forward to meeting you.
Best Regards,
Hend
[Reply]
Dear Paulo
I am a Jordanian fan, and as much as I have been following you work with great admiration, I am disappointed by my fellow Jordanians who can not just be happy for country hosting such an honorably intellectual figure, and actually cause more damage for their country than they can imagine.
Paulo is planning to come to Jordan in support of a Jordanian case , the Jordanian film industry is that is dead and needs reviving , that’s the difference Paulo can make and we Jordanians could not ,in fact working against it ! . Life is Life and there are poor and rich people, why not get the support of the people who can afford it to support such cause. We should look at the big picture and avoid being selfish , would we rather see Paulo not come at all just because some people can not attend and meet him , It looks like the two readers would be perfectly content !! Jordan first is our slogan, at least act on it people.
I can’t recall that an important figure like Paulo would publicly announce where he is staying, are the expecting him to allow his privacy to be violated and have an open house!!
The truth to be said that being judgmental is as bad as manipulating people, I think the personal judgment of Suha and Angie based on personal emotions rather than being practical, they are making the trip look like a business deal and its not , people started to hear of the Jordanian film industry as result of this coming trip , Jordanians felt privileged to have Paulo as a guest , depriving your country form such privilege is no good too, and putting your personal benefit above the national cause is even worse.
The signing was supposed to be in a small cute book shop I am surprised they managed to organize it for 200 guests; I am sure the organizers worked day and night and spent allot to make it happen.
Gala dinner is normal too, that’s the way it usually works, any where. But what hurts me even me is more, is that Suha and Angie managed to convince Paulo with their one letter that they are right, they did that with out thinking of how much the country , people organizers are going to loose… it’s is Jordan’s it is also their loss.
Facts has to be verified beforehand, and I am sure Suha and Angi have don’t that at least. Believing such groundless accusation will hurt Jordan .A small country seeking help. I love Jordan and I love Paulo, but I would love him even more if he does not stop his support for all of us.
I can’t attend still was happy and proud and grateful for Paulo’s consideration and the efforts being put that are evident all over Amman , I can guarantee that more than 100 people worked on making the coming trip a great success.
Please save us the drama people , appreciates Paulo’s’ help, and just love your country and support it at least morally if financially could be difficult, or by not do anything at all rather than working against it and against the people who are at least trying hard to make a difference and are not thinking of themselves.
And Paulo I urge you as a great fan of yours to really reconsider! It very clear.
[Reply]
Dear Paulo,
I cannot believe that you would cancel a whole trip and disappoint literally thousands of fans because of a gossipy letter that two girls wrote.
I’m sorry to say that those two girls sound immature and silly, and should not be taken too seriously.
They complain about the book signing being on a first come, first served basis. How else should it be? Since the number was limited to only 200 I don’t know how else it could have been organised. I myself called many, many times to try and get some extra invitations for the book signing, but it had already been filled to capacity and I don’t think that there was anything the organisers could do about it, they were very clear about the number allowed from the beginning and said that this was based on your request, which we all respected.
Furthermore, the two readers are complaining that the organisers wouldn’t reveal where you were staying. Again, I don’t understand what they are going on about. How could the organisers tell people where you were staying and violate your privacy?
Also, their claim that only people with lower incomes know who Paulo Coelho is? Please. I don’t think that people who read your books come from a certain class or economic group. That is just the most pathetic part of the whole email. These people have no idea about either ethics or professionalism
Paulo, I believe that you are above listening to petty gossip and that you are capable of seeing the bigger picture. Please don’t let down your thousands of Jordanian fans because of two bitter people who couldn’t get a ticket to your book signing.
You say that there is no good manipulating people? Well, I think that you were royally manipulated by them.
All the best,
Disappointed in Amman
[Reply]
Dear Paulo,
I’m not Jordanian or anything, but I’d just like to know- is it because of the letter that you’re cancelling the trip, or based on further checking you made, to find out if the information is true?
It also seems that the two readers themselves are “bragging that they know of Paulo Coelho”… I didn’t really understand what they meant when the said “Of course, there are people who have much bigger salaries, but I am not sure if these are the people who read and understand Paulo; maybe if they do, just to show off and brag that they know of Paulo Coelho !”. That’s a really strange thought.
Yours,
Rotem Assouline
[Reply]
Dear Paulo and Readers,
I am astonished to learn that the trip was cancelled because of what i believe are fictunous assumptions that have no base of truth what so ever, personally as in any event organized i am aware that any event has a cost that needs to be covered through promotions sponsorships or entrance tickets, the pricing of the ticket is linked directly to the venue, entertainment program all the way to the food menu, so there is no reason to get into hyprothtical analysis that are based on non sense.
I am extremely frustrated as i have made plans to attend the gala dinner to be with you, travelling from Dubai for that sole purpose i am very dissappointed for this change in plans especially that i do not buy the reasons of cancellation, there needs to be an explaination that is more solid than the pricing of the tickets, which by the way is dirt cheap compared to any music function or event, people pay thousands of dollars in the black market for attending a concert, a couple of hundred dollars for seeing Paulo and having a 5 star dinner is irrelevant for this, i believe Paulo was misinformed of the organizers intention and integrity but i dont see any mishandling by the organizer that may lead to cancelling the event, i simply dont buy it and people in Amman spend thousand on clubbing and partying a 100$ is nothing to the intellectual people who know and read Paulo.
I am seriously annoyed that the event was cancelled for the silly reasons that were mentioned ont the blog.
An true fan who cares.
Ziad
[Reply]
Dear Paulo,
In reading your posting that you have cancelled your trip to Amman, I am disheartened and sad that you have made such a decision based on one letter. While everyone is entitled to speak freely and voice their concerns, the basis for the email is incorrect.
I was planning on attending the book signing and the gala dinner, and from the start it has been clear to me and many other Jordanians that the purpose for these events was to support the Jordanian film industry. The organizers have been very clear from the start, and they have made a reputation for themselves as being hardworking, pioneering people that are tirelessy trying to do something positive for the country. Your attendance was not to use or manipulate you for the basis of filling someone’s pockets; rather, proceeds would go to promoting a non-existent industry that benefits the Jordanian community culturally as well as economically.
It is not unusual by any means to attempt to organize an event on a first-come, first-serve basis, nor is it out of the ordinary to charge a fee for a gala that offers dinner, refreshments and a full schedule of events with a world renowned figure. Furthermore, the Gala Dinner has clearly been advertised as a FUNDRAISER for the cause of promoting Jordanian film talent, who otherwise would not have a venue to learn about, create, and promote their work.
The two readers claim hastily and without proof that the money is not going towards “a noble cause”, yet this is merely their opinion. A “noble cause” is not restricted to one’s subjective definition.
Is donating money to cancer research - which benefits all cancer sufferers, whether rich, poor, refugees, or residents - not a “noble cause”?
Is donating money to a university, so that they may improve their curriculum, facilities, and programs so as to provide better education opportunities for the generation of tomorrow, not a “noble cause”?
Is donating money to an environmental protection group, so that they may protect and preserve our natural habitats and promote a healthy environment for our generation and the ones to come, not a “noble cause”?
On behalf of your many fans here - ones that are not here to “brag and show off that they know Paulo Coelho”, but who truly respect and appreciate your work and what you stand for - I graciously ask that you reconsider your decision. Your presence here is not under the premise of manipulating people, rather to spread the positive energy you emanate, and support a cause that will do more for this country and her people than is imaginable.
I thank you for your time, and God bless.
Respectfully,
A Concerned Jordanian Reader
[Reply]
I am so sorry to hear that you are going to cancel your trip to Jordan. I was so much looking forward to attend your book signing event.
While I can understand you being upset to realize that they have been commercializing your coming, I don’t understand why you cancel the whole trip! You can simply contact other people in the country who can do a better arrangement for your visit.
You have many fans in this country who were so looking forward to meet you in person.
I hope you reconsider your decision.
[Reply]
Very true Paulo. Finding who are on your side really is very difficult and may take a life time.
Your answer is humbling. I think I know the person behind the voice I heard on BBC radio better now. You may say that you do not solve the problems of others and seek answers for your questions, but you actually do.
Kind regards.
[Reply]
começo a entender a linguagem dos sinais. abraço e abençoada seja tamanha fé.
[Reply]
Everything has a prize… and when you just like that,
by folly impulse, feel like giving something away for free,
you are met by a very suspicious nonbelievable look.
———-
Go to Jordan anyway - on a non-official trip I say.
Incognito, mail your Jordan fans when you’re there-
they will come flying like birds to a tree
full of fruit. :-)
[Reply]