Skip to main content

The Comment…

One of the best pieces of advice I received during this whole rollercoaster of having my first book published came from someone who had taken the ride before me. “Steer clear of the comment sections,” my author friend said “You’re only looking for validation, and that’s like looking for a neck massage from the Craig’s List Killer.” For the first two months I managed to stay away from the customer reviews on Amazon.com, and the online comments under the profiles and book reviews I received. But like a seductive whisper they began to call to me. I’ll take just one peek, I promised myself. You can guess what happened next. I was honored and grateful that a lot of them were complimentary. But there are people who frequent comment sections who have both unresolved abandonment issues and a lot of time on their hands. Below is the top ten from that group.

magnifyingglass

10. Looks like Tony Wonder got stuck in some sort of strip club early bird buffet special time loop….
 

9. I’m still not sure if he’s a douche or a really clever ploy to extract money from idiots by way of stitching every conceivable 80s wall street cliché in prose that would make Dan Brown blush.
 

8. I’m sick and tired of this. I’m going to write a book about guys writing books who couldn’t make it on Wall Street.
 

7. hey turney – the greasy hair parted in the middle, teenager necklace and king-douche memoir made it pretty clear what a titanic loser you are and the duckface is just gilding the lilly.
 

6. Based on syntax and the 7th grade-like simplistic writing style, I’m wondering if Turney Duff isn’t a pseudonym for Dick Bove…
 

5. Does anyone believe this tale? If he had been such a high flier, he would not be peddling cheap exaggerations today. However, his alternative is to stand by a freeway off ramp with a cardboard sign reading: “Will work for smack”.
 

4. Hey, he might be a tool – and ugly to boot – but what single guy in his 20’s wouldn’t want to live that lifestyle?
 

3. Sounds like he is not sorry enough. Haul him into a senate hearing and sing like Jose Canseco. Otherwise, what’s the point?
 

2. Can’t afford the book. Lost $$ lots of it.
 

1. Even his Eyebrows look smug…
 

I’d like to thank the Random House / Crown Publishing publicity team of Tara, Megan and Ayelet and my agent Lisa for the excellent job they did getting all of the publicity for The Buy Side.

13 responses on “The Comment…

  1. Brian O'Dea

    Humans are amazing naive to believe that their externalized internal judgements of another’s outsides hold about as much water as any dollar store sieve… and they’re spoken with such authority.

  2. Rosemary Gamburg

    Wow! These comments are so far beyond the pale! Did any of these ‘literary critics’ even read the book? Sour grapes, anyone? In regard to reading the negative comments, it definitely takes courage! I feel insulted vicariously for you! The book was thoughtful, funny and a cautionary tale. You’re a GREAT STORYTELLER! It’s human nature to read the negative comments: just like focusing on that bad shot in tennis or the putt you missed in golf when you’re shooting your best game ever! I’ve read the book and know several others who have. We all had similar comments, all positive. Here’s a challeng for you: write a blog with the top ten POSITIVE comments! I’m sure you have many from which to chose, but focusing on the positive ones may not be as easy; it’s just human nature!

  3. Not Dan Brown

    If clever were currency, some of these trolls could be out making a living. As for 80’s Wall Street cliches – they wouldn’t know the 80’s if they saw Michael Milken in a bennetton sweater and red Vuarnets on MTV with Martha Quinn.

    And as for cheap exaggerations, my horse dick, fat bank account, oft mistaken for Channing Tatum’s twin, might I suggest a review of what ‘tense’ is… WAS a high flier is way different than IS a high flier. Smug eyebrows or not…

  4. Sara Merando

    Talk is Cheap! These losers have too much time on their hands! Your book was excellent! I throughly enjoyed it and also meeting you! Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but there’s no need to try and be hurtful about it. I thank you for your inspiration Turney and can’t wait for your next book.

  5. Mary Greely

    Well, Turney, looking up that list is closely aligned to going to check medical symptoms on Google either prior or just after a medical appointment. I am awestruck that those individuals had the time/initiative to be so bitter about your fine book. Naturally, I advise you to ignore the unpleasant comments — remember, you and you, and they are –who knows?

  6. Detroit D

    Bought the audiobook- really enjoyed it. In fact, having finished the book, I think audio is probably the best way to experience it. Turney, thanks for sharing.

  7. Penny

    Because my husband and I saw you on 207, we then went to your book signing at Kennebooks. Although I bought your book for our son who reads only non fiction, I read it first. Of course, I didn’t understand all the Wall Street terms, but I see this book chronicles the ups and downs of your young life. You hung out your dirty laundry never blaming anyone but yourself and you have made a triumphant come back. Be proud of yourself, keep your head up and never go backwards. You have a daughter who needs a positive model in her life. Keep writing…I enjoyed you style.

  8. Whitney Damron

    Turney, as a Kansas boy who plays the markets in my spare time and am about your age, I am fascinated by the real world stories of Wall Street. I enjoyed your book and read it in two days at Canyon Ranch in North Beach. No judgmental commentary on your bio from me – its your life and I thank you for sharing it with the rest of us.

    My best to you for the future.

    Whitney Damron

  9. Oleg

    Turney, I loved your book. I’ve been with the Wall Street since 1992 working in IT but too close to money making machine. Forgive me but I am just wandering how much of the stories in your book factual and how much of it is made up to make it a better read. Was I so oblivious in the past 20 years? Thanks.

  10. Oleg

    Thank you for this amazing story. The only time I had to read it was on my daily commute to NYC and I could not wait to get on that bus. Your writing is so masterful, because it’s so sincere. You made me live your life during last 2 weeks. I was disappointed when I finished the book. I hope your movie will be even better than the original “Wall Street”

Copyright © 2025 Turney Duff | Website by Curious Light