The future of book blogging. Does that sound omniscient enough to anyone else? I feel like we're getting ready to hear a graduation speech about how the world is your oyster & the future is what you make of it. While at least that last one is true, I don't honestly know what to say about the future of book blogging. In the three short years I've been blogging I would never have expected it to flourish the way it has. I mean, we have our own convention tied to BEA, that's real y'all!
I don't think we can talk about the future of book blogging without discussing e-books. This nifty little invention has opened up a whole new world not only to blogging, but to the literate population in general. In regards specifically to blogging though it has allowed a wider audience access to books early enough to really get the hype up. With memes, blog tours, & Twitter word spreads like wildfire about books & authors. While I don't think it's a make-you-or-break-you kind of deal, the blogging world does have a hand in success.
Everyone knows that negative things travel faster than positive ones, but I find that in the book blogging world we have a tempered opinion. Books are a very subjective thing, so no one really takes one person's word for it anymore. There are so many people's opinions to ask that there is no way that one person can really lord over all.
What I would like to see in the future of book blogging is more camaraderie. There have been several nasty incidents in recent months that are causing fractures in our community. These pursuits, while for the most part noble, are helping to tear us apart. I think more frank, open discussions & more inclusiveness is a must. There is no way that we can be taken seriously (and there are those who take this seriously, as in it's not just a hobby) with publishers, authors & editors if we are fighting amongst ourselves & behaving irrationally.
I personally see blogging gaining an even stronger foothold in the media field. Provided we can conduct ourselves professionally while still making our community fun & inviting, I think we'll go a long way. For my blog personally I hope to change up my layout, host more author interviews & get back into Nostalgic Fridays. I'm also hoping to look at joining an affiliate network. If there's one thing we've learned during ABEA week it's that none of us can do it all alone. For book blogging to be successful we have to succeed as a community. I look forward to the new relationships I plan to build around that principle.
It has been such a wonderful pleasure meeting A LOT of bloggers this week with Armchair BEA. I have learned so much & found new blogs to follow that I wasn't even aware existed. I want to give a big shout out to committee who brought us this wonderful event. These folks have worked hard to make this a wonderfully exciting & educational experience for those of us unable to attend BEA in NYC. I look forward to next year's event & hope you have a fun & prosperous year!
10 comments:
It does sound like a graduation speech topic, doesn't it?
I think the value of book bloggers will continue to grow as well. Great ideas
http://bookdout.wordpress.com/2012/06/08/armchair-bea-tips-for-book-bloggers/
OH YES!! PLEASE!! I want all the drama to stop! :/
They are tearing us apart bit by bit and that is just so not good! :/ But only time will tell!
I love this post though :D very simple and completely to the point!
I'm glad I found your blog! >.<
And I'm happy I took part in this when I had initially been too intimidated to even ask where I could sign up!
Happy for all the new blogs I encountered!!!
-I know eBooks are like the BIG thing right now T_T but for me printed will always be my favorite...I'll always pick a printed book over an eBook just like that~blinks~ but I understand that it makes things a LOT easier...but I know my eyes have a different opinion when I've read 3 eBooks in a row :( I can't see well for days after lol
Happy to meet you!!!
Here's my ABEA for today! You're welcome to stalk-> http://bookpics-reading2alba.blogspot.com/2012/06/armchair-bea-ask-experts.html
Agreed! Let's all get along!!!
I definitely think e-books are part of the future, but by no means are the end of printed books. I like e-books for convenience but nothing can beat the experience of turning an actual page.
Love your outlook on the future - and the growing importance of book bloggers.
We definitely need more camaraderie and forgiveness in the blogging world. If we don't pull together, we might fall apart. At least, that's what it feels like sometimes, though that sounds more like advice for a dying country :)
I don't really think of the future of book blogging. I just try to do what interests me and hope other people stick around.
Bloggers definitely were a strong force in eBooks and the adoption of eReaders. Smart Bitches and Dear Author in particular were early champions of eBooks.
* For book blogging to be successful we have to succeed as a community. *
I love this quote. :-)
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