INTERACTIVE: Steel This Web Site
Say what you will about Danielle Steel’s writing, but the author knows how to treat her fans – at least online.
While highbrows may sneer at Steel’s novels and her audience, her Web site (www.daniellesteel.com) respects both. It clearly helps build a “one-to-one relationship” between Steel and each of her millions of readers. (And we do mean millions. She’s sold over 390 million books.)
The site offers a preview of her new novel, “Granny Dan,” as well as a chance to join her fan club and a reading group for those who want to discuss her books and movies with other Steel aficionados. There’s also a trivia contest, a way to e-mail Steel and an update on what’s she’s up to (considering summering at the shore and whether to send the kids off to camp or to tour colleges, if you must know).
The privacy policy is stated in fairly clear English and explains fully what the data captured on the Web site is used for. It even covers HTTP cookies.
Our one disappointment in this relationship-marketing site is the e-commerce link.
To order a Danielle Steel book you first click on Bookshelf; then click on the title; then click the online ordering link on a page describing the book; then click the link on a page recommending you patronize your local bookstore; then click on the online bookstore of your choice from the list that’s provided.
And then, if you’re still interested (and haven’t given up and driven to the mall), you can order a book online.
We think removing one or two of those steps would be a lovely addition to an already gracious site.
