tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post3592889789477698204..comments2023-09-20T17:55:43.908-05:00Comments on BookLust: TSS: What Impact Does Your Blog Have?Aartihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354873119188597611noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post-73084171741282500352010-02-10T22:22:50.390-06:002010-02-10T22:22:50.390-06:00As someone who is deliberate about their reading, ...As someone who is deliberate about their reading, I don't do it to impact other people. I do it for myself. :)<br /><br />I pretty much agree w/ Ana's view of the situation, lol. So I guess I don't really have anything smart to say, but there you go. For me, reading deliberately is less about changing the world than changing my view of it. That being said, I believe that if more individual book bloggers read more POC authors, we could start a trend that would have an impact. So I hope that by reviewing/mentioning/etc. the POC books that I read, I encourage people, consciously or not, to read outside of the white wash zone.Evahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06703372903532502944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post-50988023729805978282010-02-09T20:01:11.927-06:002010-02-09T20:01:11.927-06:00This is a very interesting discussion. Something ...This is a very interesting discussion. Something Kristen said way back rings a bell for me, about how we're not all as systematic about listing who brought what book to our attention, and how it can be years afterwards that we read a recommended book (I'm noting the title you mention, but who knows when I'll get to it).<br /><br />I don't much want to be part of movements like the blog tours. I don't really want to influence peoples' reading. Maybe this is because I'm a teacher and get to assign books to college students.<br /><br />What I want to do is talk about books with other people who love them. The thing that rings a bell is that communicating that kind of love is ultimately the only thing that can ever "make" someone read a book you recommend. This is something I know from occasional comments from former students--they remember what I communicated real love for, and often it influenced them in ways I didn't notice and couldn't have predicted.Jeannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01374498643286099244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post-6213920694394730892010-02-03T18:50:40.461-06:002010-02-03T18:50:40.461-06:00Wish Her Safe at Home looks good. Not at my librar...Wish Her Safe at Home looks good. Not at my library, I'll have to check the LBS. <br /><br />I read for myself but that said, since I've been offline since my Dad died, I've noticed that I read a lot more books just for me, which is odd, because I had no idea I was even thinking of the blog or any comments on my books. But as it turns out.....Carrie Khttp://mymiddlenameispatience.typepad.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post-39290265878898962272010-02-01T22:33:32.174-06:002010-02-01T22:33:32.174-06:00This is a great topic, Aarti. I really am not sur...This is a great topic, Aarti. I really am not sure where I stand. In the big picture, I don't see my blog as being a change agent in anyway. On the small scale, among those who follow my blog, I know of readers who have read books because of something I said. Just as other bloggers have encouraged me to read books I might not have read otherwise.<br /><br />Like you, I read for myself. And that sometimes includes the book titles and authors that seem to get a lot of attention online. I only read books I really want to read, that I think I can get something out of. Even though I have a blog where I talk about the books I read, I still think of my reading experience as a personal one. I read for a variety of reasons, depending on what I most need in that moment. If someone reading my blog is inspired by something I've said, then great. If not, that's okay too.Literary Felinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13079276242303738719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post-13857935253513307402010-02-01T17:58:49.828-06:002010-02-01T17:58:49.828-06:00This is a really interesting post. I've had a ...This is a really interesting post. I've had a few bloggers and friends read books I suggsted or raved about, and that's a really good feeling. But overall, do I think I'm convincing people to read a ton more nonfiction or literary journalism -- probably not. <br /><br />That said, a lot of the blogging and writing I do is for me. And writing about books isn't necessarily to get people to read them, but maybe read and think about the issues the book raises for me.<br /><br />And I agree with what other people have said -- in mass, I think bloggers to have an impact on what is read and not read. I tend to avoid books advertised on some of the sites you mentioned, just because I lik eto read things that other people aren't reading, but that may also be part of why my personal impact is so small.Kim (Sophisticated Dorkiness)http://sophisticateddorkiness.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post-60219507278304292512010-02-01T16:31:09.538-06:002010-02-01T16:31:09.538-06:00Very insightful post Aarti. I must say that I read...Very insightful post Aarti. I must say that I read a lot of blogs on books, and most of the time, if I read a great review, or a series of great reviews, it does influence my reading choices at times. Some bloggers tend to veer heavily into books that I know I am going to like, and I really look to them to find books that I would not otherwise know existed. Your blog is that way for me. I have purchased several books that you have been excited about, and if it were not for commitments on my reading time, I would have been able to delve in by now!! I do hope that I can read Wish Her Safe at Home very soon, and as a matter of fact, it is on the top of my pile, staring at me whenever I look at my side table! On the other hand, I don't think that my reviews or opinions really hold any sway over other readers, so I can understand how you can feel that way. I guess what I am thinking is that although we may not think that we hold sway over others with our reviews and opinions, I think that in some special cases, we do, and that even though we don't often see our recommendations working, they really do sometimes.Zibileehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05857638467064749190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post-9838965166331832252010-02-01T16:27:13.257-06:002010-02-01T16:27:13.257-06:00I do agree with you, I'm not sure I have a hug...I do agree with you, I'm not sure I have a huge individual impact. I have had a few people pick up books based on my recommendations (and I love that) but I think it's all more powerful if many, many bloggers review a particular loved book. I know I rarely buy a book I've just heard about on impulse, unless I see it for $1. I just can't afford to buy them all (or any right now, hah). They do appear eventually, though, so I'm torn with how I feel towards other bloggers and what I feel my own effect is.<br /><br />Great, thoughtful post, Aarti!Meghanhttp://chikune.com/blognoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post-82812106600562215402010-02-01T14:01:46.887-06:002010-02-01T14:01:46.887-06:00Bloggers definitely influence the books I read, es...Bloggers definitely influence the books I read, especially in the early days before I blogged and I only followed 3 or 4 blogs. Amanda over at Zen Leaf was one of the first book blogs I regularly read and I added so many books to my reading wishlist directly due to her recommendations. I might not have necessarily read them <i>yet</i>, but I definitely will someday. Great topic as always!A Bookshelf Monstrosityhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14674115889348650429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post-7079222994237678262010-02-01T10:36:30.538-06:002010-02-01T10:36:30.538-06:00Aarti - I'll be there tomorrow night from 5-7 ...Aarti - I'll be there tomorrow night from 5-7 pm and next Monday (2/8) from 5-7 pm. Yeah, it would be fun to say 'hi.' <br /><br />I actually did tell Kevin I heard about the organization from your blog - he was impressed! :)Greg Zimmermanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08122230426442946518noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post-82823635748912708862010-02-01T09:38:17.976-06:002010-02-01T09:38:17.976-06:00Lu- Do it! It's amazing :-)
Greg- Oh, I'...Lu- Do it! It's amazing :-)<br /><br />Greg- Oh, I'm thrilled! When do you volunteer? Would be fun to meet face-to-face some time! And you should tell Kevin you're there because of me ;-)<br /><br />Clover- Yes, lots to mull!<br /><br />Farmlanebooks- Yay! I am looking forward to your review.<br /><br />S. Krishna- Thank you! I enjoy writing the Sunday Salon posts. You're right about it taking a while to see the fruits of our labor- sometimes it can be a while but I guess it's still an influence!Aartihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02354873119188597611noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post-9822762264825156592010-02-01T08:32:15.156-06:002010-02-01T08:32:15.156-06:00What a great post. I have to say, I love your Sund...What a great post. I have to say, I love your Sunday Salon posts because they always make me think (and yes, I know I've said that before).<br /><br />I think I agree with you in some ways - I understand what you mean about being part of a movement in order to get books recognition and such. But, for example, I have been tirelessly crusading for people to read Thrity Umrigar for about a year now, and people are finally getting to her on their TBR lists (and loving her, yay!). Sometimes I think it takes awhile to see the fruits of our labor because bloggers are so bogged down with books to read. Your blog is one where if you love a book, I'll automatically add it to my TBR list. When I'll get to it is a COMPLETELY different story. :-)S. Krishnahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10268527069548216054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post-49927248980566185952010-02-01T05:47:25.491-06:002010-02-01T05:47:25.491-06:00I bought Wish Her Safe at Home! I plan to read it ...I bought Wish Her Safe at Home! I plan to read it in March. I think you under estimate the power of your blog, as many people will buy books, but not tell you.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07698068501004755678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post-59082495451269938472010-02-01T04:26:29.331-06:002010-02-01T04:26:29.331-06:00What a wonderful post :) I agree with a lot of the...What a wonderful post :) I agree with a lot of the points that you made in the post, but I found myself agreeing with a lot of the commenters as well regarding book bloggers as a whole promotions POC authors etc. Something more to think about...Michelle Fluttering Butterflieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08793681725475475156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post-76047800996261426672010-01-31T23:03:07.403-06:002010-01-31T23:03:07.403-06:00Hey - I've been wondering the same thing, whet...Hey - I've been wondering the same thing, whether anyone picks up books I've reviewed because I've reviewed them. I've noticed, at least on my blog, that reviews are the posts that get the fewest number of comments, whereas posts about a particular topic generate a lot more in-depth conversation. I wish it were the opposite, but oh well...<br /><br />For my own blog-perusing, a positive review by a blogger is usually a validation of a book I'm already interested in. I almost never read a review of a book I haven't heard of and go out and buy it immediately. <br /><br />One other point - while you may have had trouble convincing people to read the books you've enjoyed, you've been successful in influencing me, at least, to do something else book-related: I first read about Open Books on your blog, and just started volunteering at the store - absolutely love it so far and can't think you enough for bringing it to my attention!<br /><br />Cheers!<br /><br />Greg<br />http://thenewdorkreviewofbooks.blogspot.comGreg Zimmermanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08122230426442946518noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post-9007901719934188122010-01-31T21:04:42.680-06:002010-01-31T21:04:42.680-06:00Well, now that you've mentioned that book agai...Well, now that you've mentioned that book again, I really want to read it! So seems like you do have an influence there.Leslie @ This is the Refrainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18027804132268043518noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post-47253955862872950092010-01-31T19:52:50.061-06:002010-01-31T19:52:50.061-06:00Thanks, Jenners! I know exactly what you mean abo...Thanks, Jenners! I know exactly what you mean about the terrifed/gratified balance :-)Aartihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02354873119188597611noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post-80999602498024985032010-01-31T19:47:59.566-06:002010-01-31T19:47:59.566-06:00Sometimes I want to try to read books that others ...Sometimes I want to try to read books that others aren't reading and sometimes I want to read what I want read. I'm in a cozy mystery mood lately and that is hardly influential reading. When I'm in the right mood though, I want something no one else is reading.<br />Book tours never influence me. Book recommendations from bloggers I trust do though, and something I started this year keeping a spreadsheet to write down the books that look good and the bloggers that recommend them.bookmagichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13808845291761439603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post-40415117806763532732010-01-31T19:03:21.406-06:002010-01-31T19:03:21.406-06:00What a wonderful thought-provoking post!!! I love ...What a wonderful thought-provoking post!!! I love it. So much to think about.<br /><br />I personally like to try all kinds of things to read, and I've found that reading book blogs has really expanded my awareness of what books are out there. I do notice that I tend to add books I'm predisposed to like anyway but just didn't know about OR if I've read someone's blog for awhile and know that they tend to like a lot of the same things I like (the trust factor is there). <br /><br />I do find it tiresome to hear about the same books over and over again. But I get that there are "hot" books out there. I have gotten burned though in hearing so many raves about a book and then trying it and not loving it like everyone else. But still ... if 20 bloggers seem to love a book, chances are I'll try it to see what the hype is about.<br /><br />I know some people have gotten a book to read based on what I've written on my blog and find that both terrifying and gratifying at the same time. I feel somewhat responsible if someone reads a book I rave about. What if they don't like it? They won't trust me anymore. But still... reading is such a personal thing; you just never know.<br /><br />I always feel bad when I visit blogs who love genres that I just don't care for. I'm not a "cozy mystery" person (it doesn't appeal to me) so I always feel "fake" when commenting on a post about those books. But I still want to be encouraging.<br /><br />I think the most we can hope for is to be exposed to other books, enjoy writing our posts and call it a day. <br /><br />Wonderful post!!!!Jennershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08044537551139633301noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post-39991244046311613602010-01-31T18:19:50.340-06:002010-01-31T18:19:50.340-06:00Trisha- Thank you for your comment. I agree :-) ...Trisha- Thank you for your comment. I agree :-) No one is going to read something they don't want to read any more.<br /><br />Amused- I will certainly look into that book you mention! I hope it becomes a hit.<br /><br />She- Haha, thanks.<br /><br />Stephanie- I want to do the same. I hope I can, somehow!<br /><br />Softdrink- I love that about your blog! That you find so many books no one else is reading through your perusal of the shelves. Like Eudora Welty, for example. And I'm thrilled you read and enjoyed The King's English :-D<br /><br />Megan- Um, your blog is not what I'd call on the fringe! I'm a devoted follower :-) You're right about individuals creating a movement. That hopefully makes it into a bigger and bigger snowball.<br /><br />Brizmus- Yes, I think bloggers can influence a few other bloggers... but not reading as a movement, especially with older books or ones that don't have as much marketing behind them. I think it's easier when a lot of people are reviewing the same book. Not so easy if it's sort of a one-off. But I'd be thrilled to have more impact than I think :-)Aartihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02354873119188597611noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post-1189151001558949192010-01-31T15:33:54.316-06:002010-01-31T15:33:54.316-06:00I could say quite a bit about this post, but I'...I could say quite a bit about this post, but I'll try to keep this short, as you already have a bagazillion huge comments.<br />I don't really believe in reading deliberately and more, like you, believe in just reading for me. <br />I kind of disagree about the impact thing, though, at least for me. If I hear a raving review from someone whose reviews I have really come to trust, the chances of me reading that book in a timely fashion are raised extraordinarily. A timely fashion is, in general, for me, within a year. <br />But I think if my review causes a book to even make it to someone's amazon wishlist, that's a pretty big impact.<br />I think you have more power than you believe. :-)brizmushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18163313230550265190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post-88127443000766031972010-01-31T15:08:10.927-06:002010-01-31T15:08:10.927-06:00Wow, this is a very interesting topic and one that...Wow, this is a very interesting topic and one that has been on my mind lately. Especially when an author or publicist e-mails me and offers me a book to review. I've been lurking around on the fringes of the book blogosphere for, I guess, a relatively long time. I definitely don't have the time and can't spare the effort to be a "top" book blogger. So, yes, when such an e-mail arrives in my box, my first thought is, "Geez, what made them pick me? What made this author/publisher/publicist think that a review on my comparatively feeble blog is going to make a big difference in who reads or doesn't read their book?" I certainly sympathize with your concerns that as individuals we might not have any sort of immediate impact on peoples' book purchases, especially considering that I myself very rarely run out and buy a book immediately even based on the most glowing review from the most convincing blogger. (But then, I wouldn't run out and buy a book immediately based on a glowing review in a "trusted" print publication either. So, maybe that's all beside the point.) Despite the lack of immediacy, though, I don't often forget a truly glowing review. Though I might not run out and grab that book immediately, a seed is planted, and that book does lurk in the back of my mind so that perhaps the next time I just happen to be at the book store, I *will* pick that book up. So, then, I guess I would say that individually it is *possible* we could impact a few readers to pick up the books we loved. <br /><br />As a community, though, I think the book blogosphere has been evolving into a powerful force, much more powerful than when I wrote my first few posts on my baby blog a couple of years ago. Even if we don't, as individual bloggers, have much of an impact, I think as a community we have a powerful ability to create buzz, even about books that aren't out on blog tours or being sent en mass to all sorts of bloggers everywhere. I've seen books that definitely aren't in the current spotlight gain a following as a result of a wave of bloggers reading them of their own accord. Sure, it doesn't happen every time, but it does, and when it does, it reminds me that even if I don't always think my one small glowing review has an impact on its own, as a part of a larger community creating positive buzz about a title it does seem to have an impact. Word of mouth is an essential tool in selling any product, and I think what we have, as a book blogosphere, is essentially word of mouth but with a much larger audience than we would normally be able to reach. The thing about word of mouth, though, is that it does take time. <br /><br />So I guess what I'm trying to say is that we can have an impact as individuals in our ability to start the ball rolling with a certain great book, and if the book blogosphere ends up coming along for the ride, then we can <i>really</i> make a difference all together. In the way of old adages, then, if a long journey begins with a single step, then I think it can be said that a lot of book buzz can begin with a single blogger. (Deep, huh?)Meganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07751131767729086158noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post-80340960138048781222010-01-31T15:01:33.962-06:002010-01-31T15:01:33.962-06:00Well, you did get me to buy and read The King'...Well, you did get me to buy and read The King's English. :-)<br /><br />But I do agree with you. Ultimately, I read what I feel like reading. Someone might mention a book (and like Jill I'll forget where I saw it) that I end up putting on my tbr list, but I still buy most of my books after cruising through the bookstore.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post-12554905270507398422010-01-31T13:15:15.643-06:002010-01-31T13:15:15.643-06:00Excellent post! I really hadn't thought much a...Excellent post! I really hadn't thought much about my individual blog having any impact. But you raised some thought provoking points. I'd like to make more of an effort to read and review promising new books that aren't receiving much attention.Stephaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06932060902413958983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post-84779909344001204372010-01-31T13:06:16.496-06:002010-01-31T13:06:16.496-06:00hear, hear!
Great post!hear, hear!<br /><br />Great post!Shehttp://www.historyofshe.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7343567357202223317.post-57309134201982270582010-01-31T11:03:11.151-06:002010-01-31T11:03:11.151-06:00This is a really great post and I enjoyed reading ...This is a really great post and I enjoyed reading everyone's comments too :) I somewhat agree. I started reading book blogs before I started my own because I frustrated with book reviews I was getting in magazines that were just being paid for my publishers - I wanted honest reviews so I knew whether I really should read a book. So yeah, I have bloggers that I do really trust reviews from and those I kind of do. Also, if a book is mentioned over and over again on many blogs then I'll take note if it's in a genre I like. I have to wonder how many people I influence because the vast majority of people who visit my blog don't comment so who even really knows but you hope at least a little bit!<br /><br />I did have the same scenario with you last year where I read a book last year, 'Love in the Present Tense' where I wanted to tell everyone they should read it and give it everyone for Christmas and still I haven't seen anyone review it. Oh well. Upwards and onwards!Amusedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12657337249497691366noreply@blogger.com