02/11/11
Blogging Retrospective and Confessions
Posted In: Uncategorized
I apologize beforehand to the readers of this blog that are not bloggers. This will probably be rather boring to you, and even if you are a blogger, you may be bored.
I always wonder when I start a post with an apology if I should even write it at all. This particular instance, I did something uncharacteristic. I waited. I thought about it. I let it digest.
If you’ve been a reader of my blog for a few years, you’ll know that I tend to act on the moment, and don’t always “think before I speak.” And if you’re a new follower/reader… now you know. I tend to overreact….. I’ve thought and now it’s time for me to speak.
Retrospective…. Why I Blog.
When I started my blog (in 2007) it wasn’t to get free books. It wasn’t to get to know my favorite authors. It wasn’t to meet other bloggers. It wasn’t to sell books, and it wasn’t to be a marketing tool.
If you would have told my 2007 blogger self, that one day I would be getting emails from publishers and authors wanting me to read their books…. that one day I would have thousands of readers a day… I would have laughed in you face. Actually, that’s not true…. I probably wouldn’t have laughed, I would have dismissed your notion with a shake of my head and a shrug of my shoulders. Because all that stuff I mentioned…. it was never a possibility. At least I didn’t realize it ever would be.
I started out by checking books out at the library, and buying them at the bookstore. I never knew there was any other option. Sharing my “opinions” on those books I’ve read…. simply because I wanted my opinion out there. I couldn’t talk to my husband… or my non-reader friends. So, I talked to my blog, I put my thoughts out there in cyberspace, never expecting anything to come of it. My reviews have never been objective, even from the beginning, and I’ve never wanted them to be. I don’t want to be a critic. I didn’t then and I don’t know. I don’t want to make reading work. I hate the term “book reviewer.” I’m not a book reviewer. I hate to even say I write “reviews.” I don’t write reviews… I share my thoughts. I’m a book blogger. I’m a reader. I’m an individual.
My blog has evolved since I started. I’m not going to deny it. I still blog to share my opinions. I don’t do it to get the free books. I don’t do it because I have thousands of readers, I don’t do it for the publishers or the authors, I still do it for myself. BUT…. I do use my blog as a marketing tool. I market the hell out of my blog. I want to sell books. I DO sell books. I want people to read. I want people to pick up my favorite book and get that feeling that I get when I read it. I want someone to discover the joy of reading. I want someone to rediscover the joy of reading.
Sometimes I Wonder Why I Blog
This past month as a blogger has been very discouraging. If I was a new blogger, I would have quit. I would have given up completely. Because I’ve felt like doing that several times recently.
I’ve always said that I blog for myself. And I do. But as I’ve mentioned I also use my blog as a marketing tool…. because I want to. I want to promote books and reading. I want to promote authors and the industry… and I “work” very hard to do that.
I’ve seen uncountable times, that bloggers aren’t professionals. If they are saying that bloggers aren’t paid to read books, than yes I would agree with them. But if they are saying that I’m not qualified to blog about books because I don’t have a degree in literature, I’d have to respectfully disagree. I don’t think anyone has the right to call me a nonprofessional.
Bloggers don’t sell books.
I’ll agree somewhat there. But I’ll amend that statement. NOT all bloggers sell books. There are so many book bloggers, to use a blanket statement such as “bloggers don’t sell books” is completely asinine. Bloggers do sell books. And I am one of them.
I try to promote titles as much as I possibly can. I’m only one person, and as much as I wish I had a superpower, I don’t. I can only read so many books in a day/week/month/year. But there are other ways to promote a book without reading them, right? As a blogger, this is something that I really struggled with.
How can I promote this book that I may or may not be able to read and review?
That question is what prompted In My Mailbox. I would mention those books that I’d gotten for review… so at least they would get some exposure, even if I don’t find the time to write a review. In My Mailbox evolved…. other bloggers now participate weekly and it’s not limited to books for review, but books bought or borrowed from the library. If you check a few links listed on the weekly posts, I guarantee you would see that! These readers are excited about books and just want to share that excitement!
A few weeks ago an author, on a public forum no less, said and I quote “those “in my mailbox” posts represent everything that’s wrong with the whole scene. It’s all about status and swag.”
I’m only guessing that “the whole scene” is referring to book blogs. This was also the same conversation that suggested bloggers aren’t professionals, nor do they sell books. So you can imagine at the time, I was a great deal upset by this point and then to have that bomb dropped in my lap… I was a tad bit furious. (You may or may not have witnessed my wrath on twitter… I told you… impulsive!)
Nothing like being responsible for single handedly ruining “the whole scene.”
Thank you author person for absolutely alienating me. I mean, I’m just a blog, I’m not really a person with feelings or thoughts…. just a mindless drone… a swag whore. Nothing more, nothing less. Of course I started In My Mailbox because I wanted everyone to feel inferior to the greatness that is ME. That’s why I try to discourage any kinship with my fellow bloggers and readers. It’s all about me and that’s the way it should be. {insert eye roll here}
You don’t have to like IMM, I know that many people don’t. That’s fine, you are certainly entitled to your opinion. (Despite how infuriating “author person” made me, they are certainly entitled to their’s) I shouldn’t have taken it like a personal attack…. but how could I not. I’ve considered quitting IMM multiple times. I know it’s not perfect, but I also know why I started it. And it WAS because I wanted to show off. I wanted to show off my excitement for these titles and perhaps get someone else excited too. Why should we feel ashamed and guilted for wanting to share that. It was never about status. The person with the most advance readers copies, isn’t the best blogger…. that’s another asinine comment. It’s not about status…. it’s only a bigger reading pile. (And as we know, that’s not always a “good” thing.) I suppose the person with the most pencils must be the best writer…..?
Whether I host In My Mailbox or not people are going to “talk” about the books they get. Be it on twitter with a twitpic… on facebook…. tumblr…. their blogs. And I’m sure they just want to brag about it, being readers… they wouldn’t be excited or anything. I’m sure it’s just so they can up their blogger status. (And those last two sentences were supposed to be sarcastic, just in case that didn’t come across.)
I try to provide a positive outlet for people to share that excitement. If you don’t like it, don’t participate. Scroll through your Google reader, ignore it. But don’t point fingers. It’s not In My Mailbox that is “everything that is wrong with the scene” it’s a few people that abuse the privilege that most of us realize IS A PRIVILEGE.
Those are the same few people that give all bloggers a bad name.
I can say in good confidence that the majority of book bloggers understand that receiving advance readers copies, working with publishers, interacting with authors is a privilege. It’s not something that you are entitled to just because you have a blog about books. This is something that I take very seriously as a blogger, and it’s something that I try to advocate as a blogger. But advocation only goes so far. I can’t make people care.
Confessions
I’ve been struggling.
I wonder if blogging has tainted my love of reading.
I still love to read, but blogging has made it a totally different experience. I know things the average reader doesn’t know. I’ve witnessed behaviors that have turned me off of certain books. I try not to let it….. but it does.
I wonder if my history of blogging will ruin any chance at becoming a published author. Although I should be more worried about having any talent as a writer at this point.
I know that I’m “respected” as a blogger, but I wonder if blogging will ever be truly accepted. I feel like bloggers as a group are constantly defending their right to do what we do. We shouldn’t have do that. It’s disheartening.
I’m not planning on going anywhere anytime soon, blogging has become a way of life for me, and I can’t imagine leaving it behind. I just wish something that brings so much joy and opportunity in my life could be simple. I suppose that’s rarely the way things work.
If you made it though that I applaud you. I realize that this post really had no point. It was more me talking to myself. But I do feel better now that I’ve said my piece.
And if you’re still here….. Thanks for listening.
Related posts:
- Confessions of a Triple Shot Betty
- Books to Pine For VI! Confessions of a Book Stalker
- Goals for 2011 (Blogging/Reading)
- Three Years of Blogging
- Blogging Tips/Advice/Etiquette (and a tiny rant…. sort of)
185 Comments
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Same here Kristi, I fucking shut my blog down for a weekend before I decided forget it. I am going to do what I want. Do what you want. When you have a huge blog like your and like mine, people are going to be sippin' on the hateraide.
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I read every single word of this. I <3 you Kristi. But you already know that
I haven't been blogging NEARLY as long as you and I sometimes wonder these same things. Everything has gotten so complicated and sometimes I just want to go back to reading…BUT THEN..I think of all the great discussions and friends I've made. And I just can't.
I have been trying to be more simple in my blogging efforts in 2011..I'm not letting anything effect me. I'm blogging so I can talk about books..I started my blog for the same reason as you. I don't have people IRL I can talk to about them. I vaguely knew of what ARCS were through Goodreads giveaways and a friend who has a relative who is a bookseller and goes to BEA. But I didn't do it to get free books. I had been active on Goodreads for years and wanted something "new" and I really wanted to start a blog…that was about something other than what I did each day. I don't need to get all stressed about something that should bring such joy to me. I'm also working on not spending as much time on it. That's a hard one too. lol
Anyways..I feel ya girl. I really do. It's hard. But we love you and WE know why you do what you do and that you aren't a "swag whore" or a "showoff"…which are ridiculous accusations.
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Kristi, I love your blog. When I started blogging, yours was one of the first "big book blogs" that I found. I was so happy to discover IMM and use it whenever I can. It's so nice to be able to say, "I got these books from these great people in the mail. Here they are!" Like you said it feels good to be able to promote the books even if I don't have time for a proper review. Also, the linky gives hundreds of bloggers a chance to connect each week. I have found so many great blogs because of IMM. Thanks for doing it. Don't listen to the jerks. You haven't ruined our "scene." You've strengthened it.
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Kristi, I hope that you find your way out of this lost mood. I personally don't think that bloggers have to constantly defend themselves. I think that dramas occur in the YA lit internet atmosphere, but that's because dramas happen *everywhere.* Just keep that in mind…and that you have thousands of people that would be sad if you left.
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Thank you for writing such a thoughtful post! I couldn't agree with you more. And in the "for what it's worth" category — I think that most authors, publishers & industry professionals DO know that what we're doing as book bloggers is important. They DO know we help sell books and that's why they continue coming to us to help promote their titles. I really think it's only a select few individuals (albeit a noisy bunch) that really complains. And in the long run, I think those few who bash the book bloggers are only going to hurt themselves. (Not that I'm saying we book bloggers are Oh-So-Mighty-And-Important — just that they are alienating a group that is largely considered worthwhile by the rest of the industry.)
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I support you 100%, Kristi. I think you're one of the most entertaining, trustworthy, likeable bloggers out there, and I know more people support you and your blog than hate on it. Personally, I don't think there is anything "wrong with the scene," and will defend it to the end.
IMM is pure fun! It's a great way to spread the excitement, don't believe anyone who tells you otherwise!
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I thought this was very interesting and articulate. Blogging is simply an evolution. Before there were blogs or even the internet, people talked to their friends about books…now there is a way to do more. I show the books I got to my friends just as I would show them my new shoes (okay, I'm more excited about books). So why shouldn't they be put on a blog?
You have lots of support for IMM. I hope you are feeling better about it.
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Oh I'm still here, and believe me a ton of other people are going to read this and go "hell yes". What's wrong with IMM? The people who like to do it should do it! I myself don't do it weekly, but aren't we trying to promote titles and stuff like that? Well, some of us are, I can't speak for EVERYBODY.
Anyways, screw them Kristi (pardon my vocab). You do what you gotta do and however you wish to do it. Ive thought of quitting my blog tons of times since I started college, but I always get that piece of email, that small information on a new summary that's out, and I always come back.
PS; so true about the whole book count thing. When you first start it's like "OMG BOOKS I want them all!" but after a while you start to realize you are only ONE person who has to review all these books… I have a whole shelf full of my TBR pile!
You keep writing, you inspire us to become better bloggers and writers =]
PPS; See ya at BEA girl! ;]
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This whole post makes me sad, sad, sad! I'm sorry you felt so attacked, and don't blame you for feeling like that. I'm fairly new to kidlit; my background is in romance, and romance readers love to blog about books. I've been reading romance blogs since I got on the Internet at the dawn of time, and have always considered book bloggers to be a vital, important piece of the business. I've found SO many new authors by reading book blogs.
I hope you won't stop. Don't let the opinion of one or two people spoil the joy.
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I think what you do is respectable and great. I enjoy your blog, reviews, IMMs, and other bookish things you do. In fact,i miss the weekend because of your IMMs. And i'm sure, many other followers do enjoy your blog, since they're following you! So, keep up the good work!
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Bravo Kristi. This is a great post! I started blogging about 8 months ago, not for free stuff or anything, but because I truly love to read and want to share my passion with others since most of my friends don't read. Blogging is a place for me to talk about books i love with people who enjoy reading as well. I love just being able to talk about something I'm passionate about. I'm really saddened to see what has been occurring in the blogging community and the attacks against bloggers recently. It's sad that a few sour grapes can give all bloggers a bad name. I'm sad that people think so badly of bloggers all of a sudden. For me, blogging is something I do for fun and I hope that is never gonna change. I've been exposed to so many great things since I began blogging, and SO MANY AMAZING PEOPLE. Truly the people i meant in the blogging community are awesome and just inspire to continue to discuss my reading with others. People need to see that not all bloggers are bad and that really we are just people who are sharing our mutual love of reading with others since it is difficult to do in real life and the internet provides a great place to meet people with similar interest. Anyways, thanks for this great post. Bravo!
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Kristi, I could not agree with you more. Lately I've been having the same concerns about blogging that you've been having.
This is an amazing post, I think a lot of bloggers (including myself) can relate to what you've said here.
Much Love,
Zoe -
Wow, thanks for having the guts to share. Good things are never easy but you have to keep doing what your doing and not let the negativity steer you from what you love. Keep your head up and keep doing what you do!
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Hey Kristi! Great post! I think blogging and reviewing is important and it's definitely apart of us. We do it because we simple LOVE it! We promote and share our love of books with like minds. I feel it's sad that some authors like to talk crap about us when we are simply trying to help them out with no payment! I must say that again NO PAYMENT! Your blog is fantastic and IMM is awesome! So dont change a thing unless "you" want to=)
Thanks!
Steph -
If folks are shooting at you, you know you're doing something right. (Just don't forget to duck.)
There is so much negativity in the book blogging world right now, and it's very disheartening. Like you, I started blogging because I love to read, and many of the books I blog about are my own or books from the library. I don't blog for free books. I'm grateful for any books that I receive because I'm a blogger, but I would blog no matter what. I love to read. I love sharing my opinion with others and maybe helping them pick out their next book. That's never going to change.
Hang in there, Kristi!
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Thank you so much for posting this – I loved it. I didn't even know there was such an amazing book blogging community before I started blogging. Like you, I started because I wanted to express my book love! I'd never even heard of ARCs. Book blogging is a different beast from "professional" reviewers, but honestly, I put a lot more value in what individuals who are reading for love say rather than reading for a paycheck. The work and effort in your blog shows that you are passionate about reading and that you will write what you really think. Don't let the drama get you down!
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I agree with everything you said. Stay phenom just the way you are. Plus, it's your blog. Each individual makes their blog in a way that is unique to them and it's a personal thing. Every blog, just like every person is not created equal.
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I <3 this post so much. Kristi, you are seriously awesome. You were one of my biggest inspirations to finally start my own book blog, and kind of come out of lurkerdom in the book world. In my opinion, IMM is one of the best weekly features out there, and it's the one I look forward to the most, because I'm always so excited to promote books I've received, and add even more books to my huge tbr pile from looking at others.
If just seems like recently, there's been a lot of drama going on in the book blogging world – mostly from a handful of authors saying kind of hurtful things about what we do. Even as a brand spankin' new blogger, it hurts to read those, and I think in the end, those authors just aren't going to appreciate what a valuable resource bloggers and reviewers are. The authors and publishers and agents that do realize what the blogging world can do for a book are going to keep on utilizing it.
Seriously, a few bad apples can't ruin the whole bunch. ;D Book bloggers are such a wonderful, supportive community – we've all just got to roll with the punches, I guess, even if it does just suck some days. (Wow, too many motivational sayings in one paragraph. Ugh!)
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Excellent post. Many things to think about. I myself will admit that I thought IMM was about showing off (and maybe for some it is, but everyone has their own approach on things and sometimes we just not mesh) but you started it and have always had it be pure. You're happy you got new books and you want to share. YYou'd be the same whether you were gifted those new bbooks or you borrowed all your books from the library. Because you LOVE books. And that's what blogging should be for all of us. We LOVE books. We share our love.
There's been a lot of heartfelt posts out there from bloggers lately about how they're affected by the blogging machine, viewed by authors, etc.
Keep on doing your thing, Kristi. Don't let anybody get you down!
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I've taken a week off of blogging for several reasons: one – I'm switching my blog, two – I'm getting a makeover blog and three – I needed a break. It does start to feel like work. Blogging should be fun. But I feel as if I'm getting burnt out. I've been blogging non-stop since May of last year. Every day, every week. I like IMM. It's fun. Do I read every book? No. Do I think some bloggers abuse the privilege of receiving books? Yes. I've only received a handful of ARCs, but do get a lot from NetGalley. However, I'd rather go buy a book I really want. Is it nice to get free books? Sure, especially in these tough economic times. But I like promoting the authors I enjoy. I like letting the word out on upcoming books that sound interesting. I think book blogging is very important in the literary world. I think it's cool that authors and publishers come to you. Would I like that…sure! But it takes time. I blog because I want to share my thoughts and people to read my opinions.
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Kristi you are an amazing person and the blog makes my day. (those naysayers do not know of your superpowers, maybe their book really +coughed+ was craptastic.) Thank you for blogging. I love IMMB and seeing what everyone is reading. I find great reads everyday that I have missed, and have loved learning about and reading. Thank you for blogging, reading, and inspiring us.
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Even when you are doing something positive, which you are Kristi, there will always be haters. Don't let a few bad apples take the joy out of reading and blogging for you.
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It saddens me whenever there's drama in the book blogospehere because it's a community that I really love. I agree with what you said, reviews on book blogs are mostly subjective, which is why I enjoy following other blogs. It actually makes me feel like I have book friends out there because like you, I don't get to talk about books with real life friends and family. Your blog is awesome, Kristi. I'm sure I'm not the only one who's going to say that. Your enthusiasm for books really shines forth in your posts.
I do IMM posts to keep track of the books that I have. Sometimes when I'm in a bookstore and I'm not sure if I already have a copy of a certain book, I check my blog on my phone and search for the title. I'm not going to lie – I've experienced blogger envy. Living in the Philippines means I don't get review copies like US bloggers do and I was saddened by this for a time but then I realized that I have enough books that I bought with my own money and I don't have to be pressured by a TBR pile of review copies. So thank you for continually hosting IMM because I think it's a great meme, it's one of the few that I actually participate in.
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Kristi, I think you're an amazing blogger for posting this because it deals with real issues in the blogosphere. I for one am so glad that you have your blog and you to talk to on Twitter.
People who are complaining about IMM are only seeing the tiny bit of bad there is, not all of the buzz it can create. You know why you started it and what a lot of us get out of it, so keep rocking on.
I also think it's very brave of you to voice your confessions. I often have similar concerns myself. I'm really glad that at least for now, you plan on sticking around the blogosphere. I for one think you're pretty awesome
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I'm still here, and so are many others. Never be afraid to let it all out. It's good to do that sometimes.
You and your blog are both amazing. And so is IMM. Don't let anyone say anything to make you think too much about the things you do on your blog. Just ignore them. If they are going to say crap about the amazing things you and other book bloggers do, then they are just jealous and aren't worth the trouble.
I have stopped book blogging numerous times, but have always came back. All for different reasons, but a lot of the times mainly because of some stuff people have said.
But this time around I have told myself I won't do that again. I may take a few hiatus now and again, but I won't fully quit again for a very long time.
I love it way too much and I feel good when I put up a review or anything bookish because I know I am getting my opinions out there and helping promote books and authors the best I can.
In My Mailbox is one of my favorite memes. Every Sunday I come to your blog and a few other blogs I follow and listen/read what they have gotten to read that week. Either if it was for review, or bought, or borrowed from a friend or the library. It is always interesting to see and you can always find new books to add to your wish list.
You also don't just get books for review. You buy them as well. Even if you've gotten a copy for review! And you always hold awesome contests with the extra copies!
You were one of the first bloggers I came upon when I first started blogging back in 2008. Your blog was one of my favorites to visit whenever I could. Your blog has grown so much since then and you've helped out publishing industries, authors and also book bloggers.
Don't let anyone get you down. Just keep doing what you are doing and ignore the people who have something bad to say.
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I'm a new book blogger, and can I just say that In My Mailbox is one of the funnest things about book-blogging! I love seeing everyone's new books and adding titles to my TBR list. It's just a fun outlet to share our excitement about new books – something I honestly can't do in real life because I don't have many RL-friends who enjoy reading… many people I know actually make fun of me for my reading choices! Please don't ever stop hosting IMM; I support you 100%!!
(and IMM is for ANY new books: lots of bloggers are showcasing books they've purchased, or even just picked up at the library… definitely NOT just a way to wave ARCS in everyone else's face)
Furthermore I agree with the rest of this post… I started my blog to simply share my excitement about books I loved and connect with other people who share my passion for reading… I never intended to try and be a "professional book-reviewer" – people have NYT for that!! Nor did I even know much about ARCs; I've only recently learned more about them due to the large dissent I've witnessed throughout the blogosphere lately (usually from irate authors who can't handle a negative review or two)
I totally respect you as a blogger and as a person, so keep on doing what you do =)
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Excellent post. I've only been blogging for two months, but I started for the same reasons. I wanted people to share my thoughts with. None of my friends are as into reading as I am. My mom is, which is awesome, but we rarely read the same books.
In My Mailbox is one of my favorite features around. I love showing what I've bought, and I love seeing what others received or bought. And sometimes yes there are small twinges of jealousy, but hey, I'm not perfect. I just remind myself at those times that those books will be available eventually and when they are I'll buy them. I love using these posts as a way to find new books I may not have heard about and add them to my plan to read list on Shelfari.
Just keep reading what you want to read, write about what you want to write about. This is for you. It's your outlet. Don't let anyone take it away from you.
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+JMJ+
Hi, Kristi. Thank you for writing this post. I hadn't known the reason you started "In My Mailbox" (which I've done a couple of times but haven't been organised enough to join again), and if someone had asked me to speculate, I would have said it was for the "branding." Cynical me. =P But I believe your real reason because it fits with the rest of the content of your blog: you do care about book promotion and getting the word out about titles that might otherwise not get enough love.
But what moved me the most in your post are your confessions. I've wondered for a long time whether my blogging has been in the way of my creative writing–and possibly even in the way of my reading. I don't have any answers for you; I'm still figuring things out for myself. And like you, I do the figuring "aloud," on my blog. Possibly feeding the vicious cycle.
I know what it's like to have nobody but your blog to talk to–and how wonderful it is when the blog talks back through readers who take the time to leave comments, or even authors and publishers who make contact. When that happens, blogs can take on a life of their own, and we can feel like we're being swept along with the tides rather than doing the steering. It can get overwhelming. And I say this as someone whose blog isn't a tenth the size of yours!
I wish you good luck in making your decision about your blogging, Kristi! =)
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Lately, I've felt the same way as you about blogging. I've only been doing it for just over a year, but sometimes it can become so disheartening and I hate that. Blogging is fun. Or it is supposed to be. We love books, right? So let us love our books and share our thoughts on them. People don't need to criticize how we want to interact with one another.
I'd like it if the haters would just take off and let the door hit them in the ass on the way out. As long as blogging still makes you happy, then keep doing it
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I completely understand your overwhelming desire to share your love of books. It's the main reason I started my blog. I live in a french community, and nobody read the books I read. Because I was so enthousiatic two of my co-workers are now picking up books in english, even though they are sometimes struggling and asking me for translation. I love that my enthousiasm not only got them to read, but to do it in another language nothing less! I started reading just 2 years ago, but the blogging community helped me discover a whole genre I wasn't aware of before, and fell in love with. I'm so glad I stumbled into this community =)
Bloggers might not be the biggest marketing tool publishers have, but we make a difference. I discover most of my new reads from other blogs!
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We talked on twitter already, so you know how I feel about IMM and blogging and the various hypothetical ways I want that "author person" to suffer.
But I just have to say great post, I loved when you said "and I suppose the best writer is the one with the most pencils?" Fantastic point and great way to illustrate it.
Getting ARCs might seem like some magical mystical thing outside our community and even to authors that don't understand blogging – but what it really is is a responsibility we all take on for free. Sure the publisher has to pay to create and send us the books…and I understand and highly respect that fact. But we have to take the time to read, review and market the book. If you don't blog seriously and respectfully then you have no idea the time suck they are – ESPECIALLY in regards to books you feel responsible to market.
If I got as many ARCs and requests as you, I don't think I'd be able to organize myself or handle/juggle it all. The fact that you are responsible enough to read what you can and respectfully highlight what you can't is the reason I respect you as a blogger, not because you get the books in the first place.
<3
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I love IMM because I find books that I've never seen before. I've made purchases based on some IMM posts. I also get stuck in genre ruts, and IMM posts and book blogs expose me to books that I might otherwise pass by.
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Kristi,
Just had to say thank you for posting this. I love your site because of your honesty and your enthusiasm for books. Even when I don't have time to read any other blog posts in a given week I will watch your IMM video because A)I know I'm going to learn about a book that wasn't on my radar and I may want to (gasp!) purchase and B)It reminds me that it's ok to love and be excited about books! It's easy to forget that when we've gotten to the point where we have towering TBR piles and overflowing email boxes and lists of publishing "deadlines" imprinted on the back of our eyeballs. I've gone back and forth between posting Mailbox posts, I do it now as I have time. I do it because I want to highlight those books for the publishers who have been so generous, and because sometimes I am so excited about a book I just can't wait until after I've read it to mention it. But, I'm also aware of those keeping tabs, counting books and turning this whole community into some twisted game. I've come to realize that the haters will always hate. They will hate their lives away, and it's really just sad. So for spreading the love, for sharing all that you do and for being an example of everything that a book blogger should be, thank-you Kristi, know that there are many many more of us who appreciate and understand.
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Do you feel the love? (see above) I'm sure more bloggers and authors find you awesome than there are Negative Naysayers. I know blog/book politics have turned a lot of lovely bloggers off, but I hope you continue onward!
I thought the whole IMM discussion was done and over with a year or so ago – and I would have liked to think that we all have moved on from such pettiness! Oh well, sometimes dust likes to get blown in the air again…
Anyhow, I think you rock – and I can count on your blog to lead the way to more books! Your love for books is obvious, and you definitely show your support for its authors above and beyond expectations! It's inspiring, so please continue on being our inspiration!
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Sending you hugs, Kristi! It's frustrating when people make sweeping accusations with no foundation to back them up. I missed your comments on Twitter but I completely understand your anger. You work hard at what you do, and do an excellent job of spreading the love for many many books and I know I am one of thousands who consider you to be the benchmark by which all other book bloggers are measured.
If you're considering quitting for other reasons, that's one thing, but don't let one ignorant, mean person make you question what you love to do. I think we are all appreciative of how you not only spread the love for books, and authors, but how you share your knowledge with other bloggers and give them exposure too.
And let me say this – I love the IMM posts. I love to see what's out and being sent around by the houses and the authors, I love to see the covers, I love to see my friend's books getting exposure and some days I'm happy just to look at the pictures because I don't feel like reading a big long blog post.
So, hopefully all the positive voices will drown out the negative, because we love you!
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Great job Kristi,
I think you made some great points. I really don't like it when people assume bloggers are only out to get free books. Yes, that is so true, that is why so many bloggers go out and buy finished copies after reading the arcs, or why so many bloggers go out buy copies of books and then blog about those books.
I know that there is always unprofessionalism in anything you do, but that doesn't mean that all bloggers are this way.
I don't understand the way some people think, but I don't believe we ever will. I love blogging, I love reading, and I love the IMM posts.
Thanks for a great post.
Val @ Truth Be Told
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Though I've been at this for just under a year, I still feel very new to "the scene". I'm juggling a job search with blogging for fun, so I don't make as much of an effort to know what's going on in the book-blogging news.
In an area (the internet) where opinions can be disguised as fact, it's all too easy for people to get hurt. Here it seems slander and negativity can build support even faster than facts and positive rebuttals.
Let me just say that I consider your helpful insights, fun memes, and honest opinions amazing gifts. I'm really sorry that you got hurt, aggravated, discouraged, or any combination of the above, because these attacks were simply uncalled for.
Just letting you know that, even though I may not be in-the-know on everything, you have my support.
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Kristi, I love this post and I agree with everything with what you have to say. I can say, you're not my reason to open a blog, in fact I did it to expose "dead books", hidden books, new books, etc. But your IMM is the exact reason why I love your blog. That is an idea that really grew up wonderful. You and our fellow bloggers know what I mean. There are great books out there, and IMM has managed to relive, discover, expose books to the community. As a Librarian, IMM and blogging this is one heck of a wonderful way to relive this trend of reading that's so much some what turning extinct, sort to say. I found great books through IMM and as a "Pay It Forward", I'm using it to promote books within my community via my blog.
Authors, publicist, and agents are divided on our blogging. The good ones are wonderful enough to utilized us as a free promotion. I agree..
I don't get why the bad apples accuses us for just chasing status and swags. I mean.. which one of us who actually became a millionaire for blogging books? Only serious readers, are the people who actually find by random and association through links. From where I stand, those people are just confuse to what and how we impact the reading percentage.
As my blog catch frame says, "Reading is a dying lifestyle", and these bad apples are not seeing that. Call me a blogger snob for saying this, but we are one of the ways for them to reach the community. Honestly said after hearing it, these people just turn me away from reading their books. This decision is not because you influence me, more of a I don't think I want to share "bad backsides" books who bad talks us bloggers for the good thing we do. It's not like we gain any cash through blogging anyway to buy a milkshake sort to speak.
end rant..
Anyhoo! Love ya Kristi, and i hope IMM never Expires! Book power =D
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Kristi thanks for sharing this post and your thoughts. Ive noticed bloggers taken a lot of hits this month and its been disappointing. I know your feelings and emotions are a prt of your own journey and that you will work things out in time:) I love IMM I usually read it with a pen and paper handy so I can keep track of books I want. Originally I didnt participate, didnt think I was a "real" enough blogger but once I started to pay attention to the posts and what you were trying to accomplish I joined up. I still remember how excited I felt when I had my first review book to add
Best to you Kai
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Kristi,
I love this post and have been following your blog for quite some time now.
I truly, truly, believe that the book blogging community has helped sell books. Honestly, I didn't know much about what books were out, what books to check out, etc until I started book blogging. Whenever I read book blogs I seriously take into consideration what I want to read and what other bloggers recommend, and I take these recommendations to the store, and I BUY these books! I would never have bought many of the books that I have without the book blogging community.
This author's accusations are just so unfounded and annoying. Bloggers DO sell and promote books! You buy books even when you receive ARC copies! I started book blogging and don't even have an interest in receiving ARC copies because I want to read on my own schedule.
I just think certain people should not take the book blogging community for granted! I LOVE IMM and it's a great way for me, once again, to see what books I want to buy!
Blogging is not going anywhere and I'm glad you are going to continue blogging. Also, I KNOW that if you publish a book you'd have at least 3000 bloggers who would preorder it in a hearbeat
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Hi Kristi,
Thanks for this post. I agree with all you've stated and I feel awful that you had to feel this way. It is nice that you were able to speak your piece and 'vent' a little in your own blogging space. You have support from The Book Worms!
Tawni
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Thank you for sharing your thoughts about this. I'm sorry that your the subject of certain attacks. It's really unfortunate because I think the many of us, bloggers, readers, authors, publishers, etc. are appreciative of you and your efforts to share your thoughts of literature.
Personally, I love IMM! It's a great way for me to learn about new books that I may have overlooked or not known about when looking for books to purchase or check out from the library.
I've been a book blogger for less than a month now. Some of the recent events have enraged me, but I feel encouraged by fellow book bloggers to keep at it. I *need* the YA book blogging community since no one else I know IRL has a love for YA lit.
Anyway, I know you may blog for your own fulfillment, but I wanted you to know that I'm grateful for your blog. =]
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Kristi,
Thank you for this amazing post. Yes, the past few weeks has been very disheartening for us. I even questioned my love and ability at having my blog and it is a relief that I am not alone and yet at the same time it saddens me that anyone in our community of bloggers has to ever feel this way.Book bloggers work tirelessly (and without being paid)to read and promote the books we love. I can only hope that we can rise above all this and get the respect that we deserve.
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I am struggling here because I wonder if a personal email would be a more proper format for my comment. But since I started let me just say, "Echo! Echo!"
You're an inspiration to me and have helped alleviate the guilt of my ever growing TBR pile. When I started book blogging, I had no training, no rubric, or even knew book blogging existed. I just did it. Now I've been doing it for a year, I'm glad I knew so little about it when I started. I would have been too intimidated to start. But here's what I've learned, although I fear I may be alienating publishers and authors who send me books (please let me know if I should be reading EVERY SINGLE BOOK because up until a couple of months ago, I did and I started to hate reading. I never want to hate reading):
- IMM provides the publisher and author with publicity especially when I don't get around to reading the book during release month (or ever). If a person Googles a book, obviously Amazon comes up first, followed closely by other book outlets. After those, blogs follow. Whether or not someone read the book, the number of hits will positively influence the book's sales.
- IMM helps alleviate some (but not all) of the guilt I feel when I put the book into the pile "TBR when there is nothing new." So far it's a black hole. I feel bad about that. On the other hand, the more I blog, the more active I become on Goodreads and blog communities, the more books arrive (and I'm just a girl who can't say no). I want to give authors and books publicity. At the very least, IMM. Second tier is a brief blurb sometimes copied from the author's blog or Amazon. The highest tier is my "review" after reading it. My gut instincts and interpretations.
- I am a full-time mother and wife. I need sleep and social interaction that is not virtual. I work outside the home as an educator at a high school (access to more books!). I must prioritize. My time is not limitless. Which brings me back to -
- My blog is a service. I don't purposely try to sell books via Amazon Associates. I don't begrudge anybody who does but my primary source of income lies elsewhere. I do, however, blog for books. That does make me a book whore. I'm okay with that. This does, however, place me on a tightrope balancing my integrity with my desire for keeping publicists happy. I have given negative reviews (sorry for the word) and have been REAMED by authors and publicists alike. I am appalled by it simply because I was asked for my opinion, I gave it, and it did not meet their expectations?! This does not make sense! I have not contacted certain publicists for review requests due to their reaction to a previous interaction.
- Book Bloggers are not paid to post reviews or blog posts. For the price of shipping and the cost of the book itself or an ARC, publicists and authors are playing roulette, it's true. But if the blogger loves the book, where else can you get positive press for about $10 – $20? I ranted an raved about a book, started a new friendship with the authors, held multiple contests for copies of the book (much to the surprise and, fortunately, good humor to the authors) because I felt the content was worth singing about. Again, they gambled by sending me a finished copy of their book. Their cost was under ten bucks. I posted reviews every place I could then promoted it ad nauseum.
- When I overhear someone discussing books (at Costco in the book section, a PTA get-together, asking about a book club), I jump in with my favorites. Ladies from my church congregation call me to ask for my book club suggestions. I don't belong to the book club, mind you, but I am known for my book knowledge. -
- I have a Master's degree in psychology. I have 21 years working in the field. Nobody wants to know my psychological input on the books I blog. If I had a Ph.D. in literature, it wouldn't change my creds. The only qualification to book blog is a love of books. Although decent writing gives a definite edge. Yet these skills generally go hand in hand.
- Maybe book blogging is not as respectable as a paid book review but I have no doubt that my own love of books along with my blog along with my "reviews" on Goodreads or PTA meetings have sold books that may not have been noticed otherwise.Thanks for reminding me why I spend so much time doing what I do.
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I love your blog, and many other blogs as well, and I hate when people criticize something they don't fully understand.
I don;t personally take part in IMM because I don't receive ARC copies and I don't buy that many books at the moment because I'm saving for a holiday, but that doesn't mean I'm not interested. I really enjoy looking through my fellow bloggers IMM posts and seeing what is out there. This is how I came to first hear about 'Across The Universe', 'I Am Number Four' and many other new books that I have loved but wouldn't otherwise have heard about or ben encouraged to read.
I think this 'unknown author' should check facts before they start mouthing off, they are probably some sad lonely individual with nothing better to do than complain. Probably feels left out of what is, in my opinion, a close knit wide spread community. Blogging is a way to meet new people, find out new things and just share a common interest.
I think book blogging is an excellent way of sharing a love of books with like minded people, and even branching out to others. Yes it has it's down times, moments when something goes wrong or doesn't work, but the positives are so much more that it makes it worth it.
I for one love being a part of this community and have learnt a lot since i started 5 months ago. I wouldn't stop for anything.
So let these people moan, they just can't accept what we've got and they'll never have! Hopefully one day they will see things as we do.Keep blogging and keep smiling
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Hi Kristi!
First let me say that I love your In My Mailbox. It really has helped me discover new books I never would have. I do not see you or your blog as a "look what I've got and you don't" site. You always offer informative information about new authors, new books. And you show just as many purchased books as ARCs in your vlogs.
And because of your site, I've purchased at least twenty books I never would have otherwise in the three months I've been blogging.
I also much prefer to read an opinion or "review" by someone I know is passionate about reading far more than a paid reviewer. So while blogs may never be considered the cream of the crop and getting high praise from NYT will always sell a ton of books, blogs like yours will always boost sales.
I hope you don't change what you do simply because someone else has a few negative words. And I really hope that your status as a "blogger" doesn't affect a potential future writing career.
There are a wide spectrum of blogs just as there are a wide spectrum of traditional publications. Some are helpful and some aren't. But it's unfortunate that they'll make distinctions between high caliber papers and trade rags and they won't do the same for informative book blogs and just "bash the author" sites.
Clearly you can see by the volume of traffic to your site that people like what you have to say and don't expect you to change.
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I would love to know which author said the blogging community is a waste of time, I definately wouldn't have gotten so much into books if it weren't for reading so many awesome blogs.
How can they possibly tell whether blogs are making a difference in their profits? I'm not seeing even a tiny bit of cutback on the amount of review copies sent out and would major companies really waste their time doing this if it really was futile.
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Your blog is the only one i visit every single day! I love the news, i love your reviews (thoughts) and i completely adore the IMM box. Is a way for me to find great books and to put on my reading pile. And as you said, you do sell books bcz I already bought a lot of books bcz of your amazing work with this blog, and i live in Brazil! I think you are great and do the things you like doing, and as i am a book blogger i know the feeling. I have a blog for myself not bcz i can get free books every once in a while…
You are amazing, don't forget that..xoxo,
Mandy -
I mostly just wanted to say, that I love your blog. It was part of what inspired me (and I'm sure, many others) to start blogging, and to start reading in a more passionate way. You're absolutely right about it being a privilege. I love reading about others' opinions and their plain old passion for reading and books. I love finding out more about upcoming releases and even old ones. And as for the author who said that IMM is just for bragging… well, sure, I'm happy to have gotten new books, or even just borrowed library books, and it's nice to know others know about it, but more than anything, I love finding new books through others' posts and having other people find books through my own posts. It's not the joy of them knowing I have them, just that they are out there, and that they can have them too.
But even more so than that, I wanted to say that I couldn't agree more with some of your last statements. Even though I've only been blogging for a few months, I already feel like it has tainted my reading in a tiny way. I don't really look at books the same, and I'm never completely content with how many books I read or review, because I know constantly that I could be doing more. But in the end, I love it too much to quit and if all the posts I've read of yours and all the IMM vlogs I've watched are evidence of it, I'd have to say that you love blogging too (probably a million times more than I do) and I sincerely hope you don't stop anytime soon. There will always be people who don't agree with you, and always people who disapprove of whatever, but in the end, you can't let them discourage you. They're complaints are insignificant if you just think of maybe one more sale that an under appreciated author made because of a review you posted or a mention of their novel.
Don't forget why you started. (And if you made it through all of my comment, I applaud you.)
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Thus is the way of the internet
The bigger you are, the more negativity you'll attract. Be it from idiots or outright trolls.
The bigger you are, the more people read and care about you.
A handful of nasties can make a few thousand people sad.
And for the record, would do 'In My Mailbox' even if you did close it down, it would just mean I'd have nothing to watch on a Sunday morning -
I've always wondered about the authors who post about bloggers being unprofessional, or not worth the time or what have you. Admittedly bloggers are still not given as much notice as 'professional' reviewers, with degrees who get paid. But then doesn't everything start out that way until suddenly its not? E-bay began as a Beanie Baby auction site (basically), Netflix was viewed with dismissive attitudes and hell the internet, 20 years ago, was barely used outside of government places and for research.
I think to view bloggers as a 'fad' or 'short lived sparkley' (which I've seen as descriptors for us) is ridiculous and short-sighted. We have bad apples–bloggers who embody all the worst qualities attached to us. We have stellar stars–bloggers who strive to push the limits and really make a difference. Bloggers who push their bookstores to have events. Bloggers who attend author events and drag their friends along. Bloggers who help put together events.
I think if bloggers didn't have a discernible impact on the industry, publicists and publishers wouldn't have anything to do with us. They wouldn't figure out ways to get more ARCs out to more people (with things like NetGalley or the pub groups on Book Blogs Ning). Wouldn't help sponsor things like Book Blogger Convention. They wouldn't bother putting together elaborate marketing things like with Nightshade or the recent one with Wither.
I wonder how many of these authors who claim bloggers are unprofessional have had a bad experience with one? It kind of snowballs doesn't it? They have a bad experience, a friend (of a friend) has a bad experience and they read about a random author who had a bad experience and suddenly 'Bloggers are unprofessional. They want just one thing and obviously aren't worthwhile'.
And honestly, as far as worrying about being a published author one day, it seems like just about anything can break your chances. The name of your character is the editor's ex-best friend who stole her boyfriend or marketing suddenly decides books with redheads is alienating everyone else. Having a blog won't worsen your chances any more than anything else.
The benefits of a blog far out weigh the negatives–you're networking with publishers, editors, agents and authors. You're analyzing what trends are working not only for you, but also how your readers respond. Even if you never choose to try and get published–you're creating memories and making friends who share your passion for reading.
I really should comment before the sun comes up–I'll likely forget I even responded :sigh:
Lexie
(don't let anyone get you down Kristi! If they do, I have a passle of ninjas you are more than welcome to. I've found ninjas go a long way to convincing someone they need to apologize and make nice) -
Such an awesome post. I've been feeling pretty down about all the negativity about book bloggers floating around lately, and it's so nice to be reminded that there are plenty of bloggers out there who are doing it for the same reasons as me: a love of books and nothing else. Blogging has changed my reading experience and I've not been doing this nearly as long as you nor have I put as much work and energy in to my blog as you, but I've still considered just shutting it all down at times. It's disheartening to hear those comments that throw all book bloggers under one hat as a bad thing. Yes, there are those in it who have earned that bad rep, but I still don't believe they're the majority, not by a long shot.
Thank you for sharing this, a reminder that bloggers are people and that a lot of them just do it for a love of books.
<3
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WOW–So glad you wrote this!!!!
I've heard different bits and pieces of this conversation making its way around the blog circles–I hope everybody will read what you've said so eloquently, so I've linked to it in a recent post of mine:
http://nymfaux.blogspot.com/2011/02/do-i-have-to-have-reason.html
You bring up so many good points!!!–And as for you or any of us being qualified to comment on a book, my opinion is that having read the book is the only qualification anyone needs—any degrees or other background is just part of someone's personal perspective of where they're coming from.
And as for IMM, I have been very lucky, both in meeting authors and in winning books, aside from being able to see what other people are reading, and what looks interesting, I see it as a way for me to THANK all the generous people for sharing these amazing treasures with me!!!
I'm very sorry to hear of the negativity you've been facing, I've been a fan of yours since I discovered blogs, and I can only assume that any negativity must come from ignorance–I can't imagine anyone finding your blog and reading your posts, and seeing anything but the amount love and joy you get from reading.
I don't know if I know how to say everything I want to, but it all adds up to THANK YOU–YOU ROCK!!!!
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Thanks for writing what so many of us feel. I don't have nearly the following you have yet I am happy. Why? Like you I am grounded in the reasons I started my blog. I'm a teacher and I want my students to find good books. I read and review books from my shelves, my library or that I purchase. I have students from all over our school that "visit" not "follow regularly" my blog. I am not hurt one bit. They are finding book ideas. I don't care what others say, I don't care that they may think mine is not as pretty or as fancy. Mine does what I want it to. You stick to your guns. I've been following your site for quite some time and am proud to recommend it to others. Hang in there, you inspire us all.
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Kristi, I just want to say that there are so way more people out there you do love what you do for your readers and authors than people who don't. When I first started blogging, I just wanted to share my reviews with my friends, so instead of them texting me asking what books to read, I could just say, go check my blog.
What people who don't blog and don't apprieciate blogging don't realize, is that when you start a blog, you have no followers. Not one. We all start from scratch! I put hundreds of dollars into my blog at first for a good design and I spend hundreds of dollars a month on books. We don't do it because we want free books. I buy far more books than I receive for free! Bloggers aren't doing this for anyone but themselves and their readers. I started out with nothing, and because of your blog, I now have a blog with lots of readers that contribute and share my love of reading. Your blog inspired me, and IMM got my blog out there. You help tons of people and you give really great advice. You love what you do and you inspire me. Keep doing what you love. i promise that there are people who love what you do.
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Please don't let these experiences stop you from blogging. IMM is a way of people sharing their tastes, of transferring that OMG! I can't believe i found this book in whatever shop! It's being able to share your buys with like-minded people.
Why do I personally like IMM? For almost the same reason as you actually. I believe in promoting literacy. I am a bookseller by trade and I cannot tell you how much better my reccommendations have been because of seeing the books people are buying and reading their reviews. Reading people's blogs, especially their reviews have given me the chance to know what books are about without me having to stand around the shop all day reading the backs. People come in so passionate about books and series, if I can give them one more thing to get excited about, like 'did you know they're writing a spin-off of this series' then that makes my job all the more rewarding. And I like being able to say, 'if you like this, have you ever heard of [insert author]?.
A big THANKYOU to you for working so hard at this, it's the reason that little blogs like mine are actually seen. You act as an anchor for other bloggers, people find friends by exploring the blogs that IMM links to.
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Great post Krisit! I think 99% of blogger do it just for the love of reading. And think IMM is a great place to share your excitment with other bloggers. I love your blog, you do such an amazing job. Don't let those negative comments get your down
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Your blog was what I looked to when I was starting up my own (and honestly, what I still look to!) I know its hard hearing comments like that (believe me, I teach ESL in a conservative, rural area—there are a few naysayers!) But, you have to keep your chin up and prove them wrong.
I know that I appreciate everything you do. I also know that doesn't mean much, but for this comment that I post, I'm sure there are more out there who feel the same way but don't post. -
I've seen some pretty discouraging things from some book bloggers, slamming newbies and generally making bookblogging an exclusive thing. "If you're not a big name, then you're not worth it."
BS, in my opinion. Someone who just started blogging has as much right to say what they like about a book as somebody who's been saying things for years. We all have our opinions, and are entitled to them, after all.
Which is why I'm glad whenever I see people being welcoming to new bloggers, helping them and giving them advice and a bit of readership. I've only been doing this for a little over a year now, myself, and I know from personal experience that every little bit is awesome!
I dislike the notion that bloggers don't sell books. In a purely literal way, this is true. Bloggers don't have piles of books in their closets, just waiting for someone to come along and say, "So, I was wondering if I can give you $10 for a copy of…" But I can't count now the number of books I've bought, or plan on buying, because I saw great reviews of them on blogs. Authors I might not have bothered to take a chance on before because I'd heard nothing about them. Blogs are one of the biggest reasons that some of my money went into an author's royalty check, boosted their sales even a tiny amount. Bloggers make a difference. If they didn't, ARCs wouldn't get sent to them!
Keep up the awesome work, Story Siren, and blog because you feel it in your heart!
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Amazing post, Kristi! You've really summed up how I've been feeling lately. For one, I've been debating quiting blogging for the past two weeks because of all the negativity surrounding bloggers, but I've worked through it. Since I've come to see that no one can tell me what to do or not to do, or take away something that I love so dearly, aka blogging.
Which leads me to this: I truly do think the majority of bloggers do sell books. I know for one that if a book is getting rave reviews all around I'll add it to my to buy list or ask the library where I volunteer at to get a copy, which is what I did with Kelly Creagh's Nevermore. And guess what- it's one of the books I see checked out the most when volunteering. Furthermore, blogging and reading blogs have told me what books to read so to say. I mean, without blogging I would never of heard of some of my current favorite authors, such as Jackson Pearce to Stefne Miller to Lauren Oliver and many more, and I appreciate that greatly, and I'm sure that has occurred to many others as well-bloggers or just readers of the many book blogs out there.
Lastly, I adore IMM so please don't stop that feature. I think it's a great way to get books that you won't be reviewing for a month or two some extra and worthwhile publicity, which is why I participate in the meme.
In all, Kristi, keep doing what you're doing! You're a fabulous blogger as are the majority out there.
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l feel like the same about wanting to express my opinions on books but can't talk to them about anyone l know as they don't read much and l love that l can do that on my blog and l have made blogger friends who love reading as much as me!
I was shocked to hear what was said about IMM. I always look forward to seeing what everyone else got that week and share their excitement and often then add the book to my wishlist!
l totally agree that working with publishers and the fabulous authors out there that appreciate our work is a very big privilege.
Btw l don't know if you have read this by the lovely Kristi Cook -
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=171617029550811
Great post =) -
Wow, tons of comments already! I'll need to come back and read later cuz currently, I'm in a rush.
I guess it's also different for you because of the amount of readers you have and how popular you are, coupled with spending time on Twitter and keeping on top of who's saying what about book bloggers. For me, I barely even know what's going on in the blogosphere because I spend so little time on Twitter, just coming on for a few minutes a day. That probably helps in regard to how I feel about my blogging.
Anyway, gotta run so more later, I guess.
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I'm a fairly new book blogger (I've been going for a little over two years), and I'd put myself in the "unprofessional" category. I just review books that I buy or get out of the library. I don't have any credentials– I'm a teenager, for heaven's sake! I haven't even graduated from high school! I, for some reason that I can't quite define, am not interested in working with authors and publishers behind the scenes. My primary goal at the moment is not to become a "big name" book blogger, but to become a pulished author. My manuscript almost always trumps the blog when I have free time to do what I want with. Even though my blog is casual, I worry about it, too.
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You are a great blogger. Don't let all the negative comments going around get to you. I don't know how many books I've added to my TBR list because I've seen them on your IMM. I think it is an awesome feature.
I hope you stick around and don't get burnt out. <3
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Your comment "the writer with the most pencils is the best writer" made me giggle. I don't feel any jealousy at the review books I see people getting anymore. I think "Wow, you have a lot of reading to do." I've had to say no to a lot of review books lately. I can't keep up.
I saw your comments on Twitter. I watch your IMM vlog every week. I love those pretty covers. Even if I don't plan on reading them, I like looking at them. YA has the most creative cover designers.
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Hey Kristi! I know that you have a million comments and it's going to take hours to read through it all but I still want to comment ha ha.
You shouldn't let the cold hearted words of some author affect you-although I know it's hard not too. You're an inspiration to the entire blogging community! You help everyone with their blogs with your Dear Story Siren feature. Your book reviews are amazing! You don't do a number based rating system. It's better that way! It encourages people to find out what the book is like themselves instead of just looking at what out of what you gave it.
You are completely selfless…I'd hate to not see you blogging anymore. Tons and tons of the books I purchase are from your blog! I hate the fact that someone made you think about quiting blogging…It's terrible and I sincerely hope you never do. I love IMM and your blog! : ) -
I agree with you on so many levels. I think it is unfortunate, the number of negative comments about book bloggers lately. I have read feeling entitled, unprofessional. I am trying to ignore them. Keep you head up and keep doing what you enjoy. If the professionals (and by that I mean the publishers) thought what we do is a waste and uneffective, they would not be sending out arcs or promotional items.
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Great post Kristi! You made some really good points. Please don't ever stop doing what you love or allow others to double think the reasons why you began blogging and IMM in the first place. I believe you have a tremendous amount of talent in stating your opinions professionally and I admire you in so many ways. You began blogging in 2007 and now have more than average traffic on a daily basis. That is coming a long way! You see things as a privilege and never take anything for granted, that shows a lot about about a person. If ever you feel you need to say something, you should do it. No one should make you think that your opinions don't matter because they do. I know that I can only speak for myself, but I believe there are many bloggers who look up to you, I know I do. I don't ever think that blogging will stop you from being a published author, you can do it and I believe in you and I'm sure many people here do as well.
Thank you for a great post and keep doing what you are doing! xoxo
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I'm not sure what to say that everyone else hasn't already said, so just: thanks – for this blog post, for this blog and for you.
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Kristi, in all honesty, I have yet to see anyone abuse IMM. Granted, I've only been blogging since October, and I don't get a chance to visit every blog who links up for it. All I have seen do is what the meme is supposed to be for: bloggers share the new books they've gotten over the week. I've learned about some great titles that I don't think I would have heard of otherwise. I think people get genuinely excited about the titles they receive, and I don't blame them, but I've never interpreted it as, "Nah-nah! Look what I got" attitude. I really don't think there is any need or room for jealously on the book blogging scene, especially given the fact that I've seen far more people being so generous with loaning books and giving advice (like you and Parajunkee – it's invaluable).
You have not ruined any scene. I think you've been a good example of how to run a well-reputed blog. I could not imagine that you've done anything that would damage your potential for being published. There is always a way – don't forget that! Keep on being you – you're doing a great job.
Ignore naysayers, and eventually they will grow silent. Refuse to think otherwise, and eventually fate will see it your way. Believe in your story, and eventually it will be told.
I don't know who said this, but he or she rock, don't they? Best of luck to you and your writing!
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This post absolutely had a point Kristi and I wholeheartedly agree with every word.
I understand feeling disheartened, but you should understand that there are snobs in just about every profession. The person who's attacking what we do and saying you have no credibility unless you have a degree in literature is full of **** (I would type out the actual word but I'm sitting in my classroom typing this so I'm going to refrain from using any obscenities). I don't know what author said it, and it may even be an author that I admire and respect, but on this particular point, they are dead wrong.
I currently have over 900 books on my "to-read" list on Goodreads and do you think those book recs came from reading the words of people ONLY with degrees? Ummmm… NO! The reason I have a ridiculously long TBR pile is because of book bloggers – regular people who just love books and get excited about them. Who like to analyze books, but not to death.
Elitist attitudes really bother me. I am a language arts teacher. Reading and writing are my specialties. But that doesn't mean I think my opinion matters more than someone else's. Heck, I'd love to see more students blogging about books they love. As a teacher, when I see the age-group the books are really written for actually give their opinions (not some stuffy person in a suit who thinks they know what kids like more than kids) that's when I take notice.
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Hi Kristi!
Just wanted to let you know how thankful I am for your blog (I mean seriously, I can't even imagine how much time and effort you dedicate to book blogging) and that your blog was one of the reasons I startet to read again…because your opinion and voice made me sooo exited to read books! I guess what I want to say is : thank you and don't let yourself be influenced by what one author says
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Kristi IMM and your blog is one of the best things that ever happened to us. Its such a lovely way of sharing and confiding with other blogger, in being happy together, being envious together and laughing it all of. Your blog does so much for us. Do not get disheartened, as long as we know that we do this for the right reasons, that is all that matters. Keep your head up, fuck those haters and movie forward,
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Thank you so, so much for this post Kristi. You've talk about a lot of things that have been bothering me about book blogging in the past 4 months. I almost quite back in December, but decided to stick it out. I love your blog so I hope that you do, too.
I think that people who talk negatively about book bloggers don't necessarily understand just what it is that we do and how much work we put into it. And they definitely don't understand the sentiment behind IMM. I get most of my wish-list from IMM.
And as for us book bloggers all being "swag whores" what the Hell is wrong with that, anyway? If I LOVE an author, why shouldn't I want a signed bookmark or ARC from them? Books are my life. Authors are my rock stars.
And I'm sorry, but book bloggers DO sell books, regardless of what some people in the industry think. I've bought so many books on the recommendation of bloggers that I trust. And I know people have bought books that I have suggested. I don't think I have EVER purchased a book because of a "professional" review in a magazine or a newspaper. In fact, I tend not to read them.
I think if we all stick together and keep at it, people will slowly start to have a better understanding and a bit of respect for what we do. And if not? Well, we always have each other. And our books.
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I know how you feel. I recently read an edited post from an author about how bloggers opinions don't matter because we aren't professional.
I was quite upset about it. In a way, we are professionals. We read ALL the time. We've read tons of books. So if we share our thoughts on a book, we know what we are talking about. We aren't going to like every book either. Maybe it's wrong of me to do this, but I can't read a book by an author who bashed, & in my opinion rather harshly, what I do for fun and for my love of reading.
I blog because I discovered a few blogs (one of them being yours) and thought, "WOW. There is this huge community that is in love with BOOKS. These are my people. How cool would it be to also share my thoughts on books I've read."
That has, for the most part, been my mentality. But recently, I've felt the same way as you. So much negativity has been popping up about book bloggers it seems. Book bloggers, the ones that I know, are awesome. I discover new books and authors almost everyday because of book bloggers. If it wasn't for them, that wouldn't happen.
A group of people shouldn't be bashed/critized/hated/whatever-you-want-to-call-it for a few bad apples.
Just remember why you started, how much you love reading, & that you have lots of people who support you. (:
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FWIW, I like IMM. As a reader, IMM has been incredibly helpful in putting new books on my radar. Before I ever blogged I loved looking through the IMM posts and pulling out books to add to my TBR.
As a blogger, I also like the IMM posts. Most of mine are filled with library books. It's fun to discuss the books I got with other bloggers. Do they think the books look good? Do we share the same expectations about them? How about the covers? We're all readers and so we all feel that joy and anticipation over a new book. It's just a fun experience to share with other readers.
I'm trying to look at all of this "blogger bashing" as the equivalent to a negative review. Everyone is going to have an opinion and not all of those opinions are favorable or worded nicely. At the end of the day I need to ask myself two questions: Am I having fun? and Am I having a positive impact on people?
For me, the answer to both of those questions is YES! I can't answer the first question for you, but the second one should be clear: Yes, you have a hugely positive impact on people.
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I am a new blogger, one who has been inspired by you and by your blog. It saddens me to read this blog because you always seem to have such passion for what you are doing. I hope that you do continue! I understand all of your frustrations and where you are coming from but also remember that there are tons of people out there with positive comments who just do not share them because they dont think that it matter because they are just one little person. I will say that I am pretty sure that this is the first time I have even posted here and shame on me because you have been a positive influence on me and my blog. I should have shared that along ago. Dont let them get you down. Do your thing!
Lisa -
I still don't understand what the big deal is for other "professional" (using sparingly) reviewers have against the book blogging community. In the business I am in, embracing social media platforms (Twitter, Youtube, blogging, etc.) is becoming the norm, and any company or person who feels otherwise is surely going to find themselves outdated. Companies that do incorporate this into their business philosophy are only going to create more of that brand recognition. Blogging provides that same "buzz" atmosphere and outlet for authors and their books. And the In My Mailbox meme and others like it, provide exactly as you wrote – the opportunity to excitedly talk about what you got: either from the library, the bookstore, and any other place books can be found. That publicity generated on the excitement alone is no different than if I were to buy some hot little black dress at the new local boutique and call all my girlfriends and blab about how gorgeous it is. And if they go out and shop at that local boutique then that word of mouth marketing worked, didn't it? Why would that shop rely on only commercials and print advertisements for that local establishment?
Take heart that you have successfully marketed your blog to be a high-traffic source of advertising. With the reading and reviewing that happens on blogs, it's fun to be able to participate in memes so that the "stress" of blogging doesn't become overwhelming.
"Professional" reviewers take note – bloggers are people who do not get paid, however they manage a blog that they consistently update and maintain. Tweaking the look of the blog, purchasing a domain name, self-hosting, hiring a designer to make their blog look even better – these are all done on our own dime, and the care and feeding of our blog is important to us. Slamming the book blogging community is just sad and makes "professional" reviewers look as though there may be a self-esteem issue. This is a big world – we all can find our own space and not tread on each other's toes and try to make either feel small or inconsequential – we all play a part in generating enthusiasm for the objective that we both have, which is to encourage people to read.
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I love IMM, and it is one of only two memes that I participate in. I look forward to the posts every weekend to see what they got! I think it encourages reading not only new titles, but backlist as well. Sure, there may be some who treat it as 'look at what I got and you didn't, nanny nanny boo', but I really don't think the majority of bloggers act that way.
There are some unprofessional bloggers, but when I see us being lumped together as unprofessional as a whole, it really irritates me. There are unprofessional authors too, but I don't judge them all by the one or two I've seen.
I'd also like to tell you that your blog was the first YA book blog I found in fall '09 and I've found so many great books and blogs from yours.
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Kristi,
Thanks so much for opening your heart and sharing this with us. I couldn't help but nodding along to your post and agreeing with every word.
Please don't feel disheartened. Yes, there will always be those that feel the need to express their negative comments, which I can't help feel stems from some type of jealousy, but I know that when I visit you blog, I feel excited and inspired. I have found many books through your blog that I have enjoyed, mostly through your Upcoming Releases or IMM posts.
I hope you continue to have fun with blogging because I love visiting TSS, and I believe you are doing wonderful things here.
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So many comments that I'm sure mine will be swallowed up. I'm not a book blogger; I'm not a writer; I'm a reader looking for ideas of books to pick up. I watch In My Mailbox with a pen and paper to write down titles I want to look into to read. Seeing the swag you get is cool, but I have never thought it was your main purpose. You have introduced me to books that have become friends, and that is better than anything. I know that my comments aren't really consoling from other hurtful words, but don't think everyone feels that way.
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Wonderful, thoughtful post, and I thank you for it.
One thing that caught my eye…
"I know that I’m “respected” as a blogger, but I wonder if blogging will ever be truly accepted. I feel like bloggers as a group are constantly defending their right to do what we do. We shouldn’t have do that. It’s disheartening. "I 100% think that bloggers are the new IT think. Yes there are fantastic ones, ok ones, and mediocre ones (I probably put myself between ok and mediocre), but we are doing a huge service to both the authors and the publishers.
I was walking around the Expo at the OLA (Ontario Library Association) Conference, and happened to stop off at a smallish publisher. I started talking with one of the women, and when she found out I was a book blogger she got SO excited and immediately pulled her colleague over to talk to me.
I know that I take my blog a little too serious. I know that I need to start having fun with it again. I know that I am overwhelmed with the reviews and the self-imposed deadlines. But you know what? I still love talking about books. Highlighting the amazing, and even the ones I don't enjoy. Because I really hope that someone else will pick up that book and LOVE it.
*hugs*
Thanks again for the post.
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I'm still here and that post meant something. It has been a hard month to be a book blogger, I've sort of just been watching, reading and listening these past few weeks. I'm not really sure I have anything to say because although I respect my fellow bloggers and believe in what we do I can only speak for myself. I don't care; I really don't care about what other people say. I don't care about snippy comments, and posts tearing me down. I care about my opinions and I believe in what I do, and it does get hard sometimes. But it's like I have this switch in my head and sometimes I've just got to turn it off and ignore everything negative. I never want to value what other people think of me over what I think of myself. That applies as a person and as a blogger. I'm just me, what I say might not mean something to anyone but me, but as long as I believe in it I'll stand by it.
Thank you for this post Kristi.
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Well said Kristi! I <3 you! Yours was one of the first blogs I stumbled across when looking for a book to read after 15 years of not reading anything besides a magazine. I wanted my daughter to know that books are a wonderful thing since she was struggling with reading books for her school. I would pick one book out of all your posts for the week and read it. I fell in love with reading again. Then my family got tired of hearing me go on and on about them. So I started my blog.
Now I will admit seeing all of those IMM was a bit of a jealousy maker, but then I realized, so what!! If I am wanting the book bad enough, I am going to buy it anyway when it releases! So now, I don't feel jealous and just add to my wishlist the books I want to buy soon.
Now that my blog has grown to 1300+ followers, I receive ARCs–not the big sought after ones– but ones that I enjoy to send on to other readers when I am done with them. I share them with bloggers which in turn creates better promotion for a book. To think that bloggers don't have any influence in a books success is plain ignorant.
I applaud you in the post and I hope you continue to do what we all love and just be you! We all love you and what you bring to your blog. If it weren't for you and a few other blogs, I still would not have picked up a book in over 15 years and still would be clueless to the wonders of other worlds and characters!
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Kristi,
I just started my blog, inspired by you. To be able to talk to people, who are avid readers and writers like me. Will I keep it up who knows? I support you all the way. You're In My Mailbox is wonderful, I've read books I probably would have not bought. Thanks for your input on books! Missie couldn't have said it better. -
IMM is my absolute favorite meme in the blogging world. For me, it's always been more about you introducing new titles that I would've never, ever heard of otherwise. And you never gloat or come off like "HA! Look what I have and YOU DON'T!" It's very easy to assume that people use IMM for showing off because, quite honestly, there are those bloggers that do. But IMM is a fun, interactive meme and I, for one, don't want to see it go. OR YOU.
Your blog is the biggest YA blog out there. Of course people are going to hate, but EFF THEM. You have your blogger friends and your readers who support you.
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You know how I feel.
Motherly,
me -
Kristi, I'm a new book blogger and your blog has really helped me a lot in learning new things. I really look up to you as a blogger so I hope you don't stop. I do understand what you mean about it affecting your love of reading though. Sometimes I feel badly if I don't get a review up right away or I wonder if it's too unprofessional (I tend to just ramble on about my feelings about the book) but you're right we're bloggers not professional reviewers. This is what we're supposed to be doing. Sharing our love for books. That's one of my favorite things (as my friends will agree) getting a book I loved into someone else's hands.
I also love IMM. It's a lot of fun. I have only ever gotten a few ARC's. It's not about that. It's about how excited we are for these books. I probably do too many meme's but I do them because I just want to talk about books every single day and I can't review every day so that is another fun way to blog and meet people. Before I started blogging I had next to no one to discuss books with.
Well, I wrote a novel. Have a great weekend Kristi
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Funny enough I posted a somewhat similar post yesterday about this. But mine was "How blogging changed my life". It was fueled from me wanting to share my story of being a reader and writer all my life and how the two came together and it only makes sense for me to blog about the books I love. To share my love with other like-minded people. Because like you, I didn't have a lot of people to talk books with. Since I started blogging though I've gotten all my friends and family to read more and can actually say most everyone is now an avid reader. They just needed the *right* books. And I led them to those books. Other bloggers brought those books to my attention though.
Anyway, we're here to share our love of books and if we get free books then cool, but if we don't, well there's library's if we can't buy them. I buy most of the books I review, actually.
As for IMM. I think it's a good way to share the books we get that maybe we don't have time to review (you get WAY more books then me though) and it's not a status thing. That's just ridiculous. Although maybe some are more like that, I don't know. And as for swag, it's just another way for us to be excited about books. It's a way to share without actually sharing the books. And signed bookmarks are the second best thing if we can't get to a book signing, maybe someone can pick up a signed bookmark.
We blog books cause we love books. If we stop getting free books, oh well. We can still blog what we love. -
This really gets to me too. If an author or publisher wants to send me a book and contacts me to review it how is that considered me trying to get free things! I never actually asked for it, but I'm not going to turn it down either (a college budget is not really conducive to buying a lot of books).
I'm right there with you, I started my blog in 2008 and none of this stuff was happening then, I thought authors appreciated the fact that I would go out and buy their book, then convince other people to buy it too. Some authors still do appreciate it, I love it when an author reads my review and is grateful.
I also believe people have the right to post a bad review if that's how they feel, they shouldn't be rude about it, but if someone doesn't like a book they should be able to write about it. My blog is my own personal space where I can get my opinions out there, I'm not going to go around and bash authors, so they should be polite to me too.
I've looked up to your blog for a long time, before GFC was even up and no one knew how many readers/followers they had. I hope you don't change your blog because of this. And keep up IMM, it's a great way for me and everyone else to find some great new (or future) books.
Sorry for the rant, I've been reading so much about this, but this is the first time I've commented.
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I really loved this post. I am a new book blogger, and I never once cared about my "status" as a blogger. I just really love reading and hope that other people will want to read what I recommend. My sister and I started our blog because we don't have many reader friends and this was our way of sharing our thoughts and doing something together. We recently requested our first ARC from a publisher and got accepted to do an early review. We were SO excited. We never thought we'd be able to do that, and we realize that no one HAS to give us anything. We are here for the books, and we've met some great people along the way!
Thanks for all your thoughts! This can be something I remind myself of when I get discouraged, because at some point I'm sure I will!
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In every business/venture there are nay-sayers, those on the outside who degrade, and those on the inside that whine. I am an Teacher Librarian so trust me, been there, done that. Whatever you do in life, as long as you enjoy it, aren't hurting yourself or others, then try to ignore those who are negative.
I was a yearbook advisor for 11 years and am the current webmaster for my school; I have come to realize that no matter how much you care, how much effort you put into something, and how good your intentions are there will be people who find fault or something to complain about. I am slowly teaching myself that it's a reflection on them (mostly). Try to remember that as you read another wonderful book and post another insightful post!
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I hope you feel better. Writing it down helps me too. I've written many letters to people that have never been mailed, but writing it makes me feel better. Since I've started blogging (not very long ago) I've tried to keep it from affecting how I feel about reading. I've always had internal deadlines for finishing a book, mostly because I always have such a long list to read, but now if I'm not meeting that deadline, I keep saying to myself "but I won't have anything to post that day if I don't get this finished!!" And I hate that. I've tried to stop that. Because that's not what I want it to be about. Thanks for your thoughtful post. You did a great job.
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I've read a couple of posts just like this and I'm guessing they are all about the same author's whining about a bad review. I'm still deciding what I want to do with my book blog and I can't quite decide if I really want to turn it into my second "job" or not. But I can say that I have found a bunch of great people who love books as much as I do. And no matter what some authors may think, I do buy books because of other bloggers' reviews and recommendations. I wouldn't even know about some of these books if it wasn't for blogs like yours. And I really like the IMM feature because I can find all kinds of new books to look forward to reading! Thanks for doing what you do and I'm sorry that some people out there don't appreciate it.
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I think your blog sets a standard for all other book bloggers to follow. Don't listen to the few people who complain about book bloggers. Most of us know what an amazing thing you do for YA books.
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I'm surprised that someone would think IMM posts are "wrong" in any way. As an author, I think they're a great for book bloggers to quickly share new books with their readers and so they can be a promotional tool in a way. As a reader, I love watching IMM videos/reading IMM posts because I discover new books I might not have heard of before. Please don't let other people get you down! You do great work in spreading the word about authors and books, and encouraging a love of reading.
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There are 96 comments to your post at this point and I don't have time to read them all on my lunch hour before I answer your post — so please bear with me because I will probably be repeating what some other people have said.
I just wanted to tell you, though, that I'm a relatively new blogger and I think that your site has really helped me to understand the world of book blogging — the point of it all. And I understood right away that that book blogging and IMM were about sharing and fostering excitement amongst readers. When I post my IMMs, I put in the explanation that: "The way I see it, it is a forum for book bloggers to geek out about getting their hands on beautiful, new books – because we all have to admit that we get pretty darn excited about new books. Concerned friends and family members might say too excited."
All of us, as avid readers, need to share our excitement with other readers and IMM is great for that. If the author who commented that IMM is about swag, then this author obviously isn't paying attention.
I'll admit that I participate in IMM to draw traffic to my site — because I want to be networked with other bloggers. I want to share my excitement and my opinions with others who have similar interests and passions for literature. And you've helped all of us do that…
So my advice would be to stop worrying about "defending" what we do as bloggers. Those of us who get it, get it. Those who don't get it… won't participate. Doesn't every subculture, every fan group have to deal with that? We exist for those who share our interests, forget the people who don't. Don't let it get you down that not everyone understands. Just keep doing what you love — and if there's anything about blogging that you don't love any more, change the way that you blog. I don't think any of your followers would blame you or be upset. Do it for you, and for the community that you belong to/have created.
And I just want to say thanks for letting me join your community. I've already interacted with some cool fellow book bloggers that I never would have found without IMM. So cheers!
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I wasn't going to post a comment because I'm 99 and I didn't think one more voice mattered. But, then I realized that support is unconditional.
I can understand where you're coming from. I think some people (authors, celebrities, bloggers, etc.) get too big for their breeches. I've never thought that about you.
I blog for many of the reasons you do. I'll admit that I like to be recognized by authors if I review their book, but it's only for a "Hi! Thanks for taking the time to read my book. I'm showing you the same courtesy by taking time to thank you. I know you didn't have to read my book." Does that make sense?
I can only imagine that you've seen things that have turned you off. I kind of wonder if I'll experience that as I grow. And, I'm not sure I want to. Like you, I don't want my love of reading to be tainted. I like the state of ignorant bliss.
Anyway, keeping doing what you love and don't care what people think. If you think it's right, then keep it up!
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Kristi, I'd like to give you my perspective as a debut author. I knew nothing about the book blogosphere until this past summer. I became aware of it first through my involvement with The Debutante Ball, and later in the wake of Elixir's release and early promotion for Populazzi.
I have to tell you, while there may be unethical bloggers out there, I have yet to experience them.
On the contrary, I have been blown away by all these readers who feel so passionately about books, that they want to share their feelings with others. To me it is an act of pure UNselfishness. The bloggers I've had the privilege to "meet" via Twitter, emails, and simply reading their pages are people who often hold down full time jobs, go to school, and have a million other demands on their time — demands far more pressing than carefully reading a massive stack of books, writing thoughtful reviews, and putting them out a blog. They do this anyway — what amounts to a full time job in their spare time — because they are driven by a passion for and love of books.
I am honored any time a blogger reaches out to me. I'm thrilled when one takes the time to read my work. If he or she doesn't like the book, sure, it's a bummer, but it doesn't lessen my appreciation for the effort they put into seeking it out and reading it.
I'm sad to see that one author's rant left you so disillusioned, Kristi. While I can't officially speak for anyone else, I do feel confident in saying that most authors share my love of, respect for, and incredible gratitude towards book bloggers, and all you do for us.
While I know you said you might at one point have quit over this, I'm glad you're not throwing in the towel.
Thanks for all you do, and I look forward to reading more of your posts.
All the best,
Elise
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As a 2010 debut author, I have really appreciated IMM and WoW and all the weekly memes where bloggers share books they've received and/or are interested in receiving. I definitely believe that those posts helped get the word out about my book. I've even seen posts where bloggers indicated that they first heard about my book from an IMM post. So thank you!
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Great post, thank you for your frankness.
I also follow blogs and write my reviews on goodreads because I just need to get my opinions out, it is a bit of a cathartic process that lets me let go of what I have just read. I also really enjoy hearing other people's opinions, especially those of people I respect. I also believe (and I get that this is a controversial opinion) that there is a huge difference between quality work that is not to a person's liking, and work that is frankly, not very good. I believe that bloggers should be free to express that.
As for blogs not selling books, I can say that I totally disagree. For me it is the main reason I buy certain books, how I found out about new things, and reading blogs has led me to discover my favorite authors. Word of mouth is so powerful, this is basically why social media is such a powerful tool.
Don't let anything effect your love of reading, and if that means taking a breather from blogging, so be it. For me a formal blog would never work because I don't like the expectations and I want to be totally free to express my opinions without anyone getting offended.
As for getting to know the insides of the business, based on previous experience, I have vowed to no longer look too deeply into the lives of artists I admire, nine times out of ten I am disappointed and it really effects the enjoyment for me.
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A literary degree? What does that have to do with the love of a good story? Do you need to go to school for that? You have helped so many people answer the question: "What should I read next?" Your reviews are insightful and helpful whether you've studied Shakespeare or not. What is "Wrong with the scene" is anyone who believes you need to work for a publisher or literary agency to be able to spot a good book. Forget the degree. You've got something the haters do not have: a gift. A talent for reaching out to the average Joe (or Jane) and helping them to decide what they might want to read next.
Next time someone makes a negative comment about you, or book bloggers, you have to decide what matters more to you: A close minded, asenine opinion, based on inaccurate demographic research, or your passion for reading and writing.
I Love this Blog!!!! -
I read your whole post, and am sorry for the difficulties you've been having and the attitude throw back from some of these authors. There's nothing I can really say that will help, or that hasn't already been mentioned.
But I will say that your blog is the first on my list that I check on a daily basis. I love book blogs because without them I wouldn't know what was upcoming, my book shopping list (and expenditure) is thanks entirely to blogs like yours, with the IMM and Wishlist posts, the exposure of new covers and interviews with authors.
Before I discovered book blogs I really was lost with finding books I wanted to read, so I didn't bother all that much despite enjoying reading. It was a rare treat to find something I wanted, rather than the case I have now where I've got around 30 unread books just waiting to be devoured.
I value the time you spend working on the reviews, the competitions and interviews, the whole range of content. What these authors that criticise freely really don't understand is that one negative review will not ruin their career, but their online reaction to it might ruin their books for a lot of people. I can quite honestly tell you that 95% of the books I've bought in the last 12 months wouldn't have been purchased if it hadn't been for the hard work of people like yourself, which in turn means that the publisher and thus the author wouldn't have had my money. It seems fairly stupid for the complaining authors to 'bite the hand that feeds', but they frequently do. My favourite blogs are clearly aware that ARC's are a priviledge, not a right – I've always understood the IMM is about going; "Eeeee look what came in the post! This book exists and I'm excited to get to read it", I never even considered it might look to some like going: "I got this book, you didn't, so I'm better than you." That just goes against the whole spirit of book blogging, I think. Blogs are by readers, for readers – and to me they're an essential part of sourcing out my reading material!
I appreciate the hard work you and other bloggers put in, so that I can find the books I want to read. Thank you!
Linds
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OK I have to jump in here. And sorry, but I'm not joining the "love fest." I'm also not going to be negative. I'm going to be matter-of-fact.
I know a lot of authors, and I have seen authors' frustrations with the publishing world, and YES, with the book bloggers. This has nothing to do with people "whining" about bad reviews. This has everything to do with things like an author offering to do an interview and instead being asked to donate a $100 gift card, more ARCS/books, or a bunch of swag. This has everything to do with an author offering valuable time to a book blogger, and being told that it's not good enough. This has everything to do with authors going out of their way to get ARCs to reviewers if they can, and having the reviewer look at the cover and say "I am not reading it, it looks dumb." This is about authors finding reviews on books that weren't even completely read. "I read one sentence and threw the book across the room." I'm sorry. I completely understand why some of them are frustrated.
I've subscribed to blogs only to read the same cookie-cutter review over and over for a particular book, seen "giveaways" that are ploys to gain a bunch of followers. After weeks of reading nothing of value (in my opinion) on those blogs, I ended up unfollowing them.
I read a lot of book blogs. Some of them are fantastic and I respect highly. I get to read wonderful and honest reviews, and I've won giveaways (without jumping through a bunch of silly hoops). However, there is a lot of bad out there, and that is where authors (and blog readers) are getting burnt.
To be honest, I have never cared for the IMM memes on ANY blog. I get much more value from the "waiting on" posts and actual thought out and honest reviews. I like to see what's upcoming, what to look for, and what to get excited about. I know I am in the minority here, but the IMM meme comes across as "Oooh, look what *I* have! Neener neener!"
But I HAVE to say this. The people wishing "bad things" on the author? Come on. How is that mature? How does that show a "love" for the lit world? It doesn't. Yes, Allison, I am calling you out. The author was expressing an opinion. It wasn't a personal attack against you, Kristi. It was an attack on a meme that the author does not agree with, based on bad experiences that the author has encountered. You're taking it WAY too personally.
And finally, if you don't want criticism about your blog, then don't market it. Don't put it out there. You are allowed to have your opinion on books, on blogging, whatever, so why isn't this author allowed to feel that IMM is bad? It works both ways. Why are you letting the author getting you down so much if you're so sure about what you're doing?
I've been in the blogging world for more than ten years. I've gone through WAY more drama than I've ever seen here. If you love what you do, keep doing it. Show the author(s) what's GOOD about the book blogging world.
Also, I'd love to know this: If this author came out with a great book that you might love, or are you going to hold it against him/her because s/he doesn't agree with your meme?
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Don't get discouraged, Kristi! There are always going to be people who thrive on being cruel and putting others down. They're still the bullies they were in high school, and it's all they know how to do.
You are an amazing person! I've followed your blog for almost a year, and I've talked to you a ton of times on twitter, so I'm pretty confident in my opinion of you. You're sweet and honest, funny and smart, and you love to read and blog. Don't let someone else take that away or ruin it for you.
I LOVE IMM! I will go around and watch all of the vlogs and find new books to add to my TBR pile. It's fun to see how excited fellow book bloggers get about books. It's contagious
You have done SO many good things with your blog. You've been an inspiration to a lot of us and I wouldn't change anything about you or your blog!
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Aside from the odd comment on blogs I've been pretty much unaware of book bloggers getting any hatred, except for a snooty literary critic who said they'd rather read the opinion of a fellow snooty literary critic because they're famous, than an ordinary person. But if paid bookish people have a problem with unpaid bookish people discussing books on their own webspace, they're just shooting themselves in the foot, aren't they? After all, we unpaid bookish people are simply spreading the word about the books we love – which ought to be the aim of the paid bookish people as well, if they have any real love for their subject.
And even if they do their job just for the money, without readers, without recommendations, their jobs wouldn't be there for long. I really don't understand their thinking at all.
Keep up the good work, I love reading your blog posts and you shouldn't be discouraged by these snobs whose brains are being suffocated by the lack of oxygen in their tiny little pseudo-intellectual bubbles.
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Hey Kristi,
You know what I like best about you? I like that, despite being rather shyish, you are brave enough to be yourself and do things your way. And, just as important, you do it all in a kind and caring way.
Those are qualities that I look up to and I hope to be that way as I grow up too.
Thank you for being who you are.
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I'm a brand new reader here, and I agree with everything you say. Keep Blogging! Don't let the critics ruin what you love to do. I've seen IMM around, but never participated. I think it's a cool meme, I mean why wouldn't a book blogger want to announce what books she got? We love books! I really think all of this comes down to free speech, and there is always someone who wants to censor and control free speech. As for selling books, I think that's just a matter of personal taste. Everyone has an opinion, and everyone is entitled to one. There are no written set of rules to book blogging, and everyone is a little different. This bugs people for some reason, because again, it's about control. These people need to relax and stop trying to be control-freaks.
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I should learn to be quicker, Kristi.
Read the whole post I did. *hugs* You are very strong for writing about this. It's hard to admit this kind of stuff to ourselves. I think a lot of serious bloggers have these doubts and fears. You aren't alone in that. Like any new thing, it requires a lot of defense. It's much like the market a lot of us are blogging about right now – oversaturated with the wrong kind of ideas. There are a lot of great bloggers, but there are a lot that really don't do anything, either. That doesn't mean that you are among them.
A lot of people have said having a review blog shouldn't ruin your chances of ever being published. In some ways it can do a lot of good for your writing – you know what works for you and what doesn't, and you learn about what works in stories because you actually do look at the breakdown of books a little more. Not every agent (or most of them) would hold a grudge because of one bad review. Especially if it's honest and still sincere and hopeful for the author. You aren't going to like everyone's work anyway. It would only make sense to write and work with the people whose work you love to read – and vice versa.
As to reading and a lot of this post…you said it yourself. Things rarely remain simple. As we grow up – grow more experience, learn – things aren't simple anymore. That's what anyone realizes when they do a job or profession. If you work in fast food, you realize just how much stuff goes into an operation you once thought was pretty simple. Ditto with any section of publishing. I think in the long run it's good to be a critical reader. You may not mindlessly enjoy everything, but you get a better appreciation for what's good and what's not. You also appreciate the smaller things about it because your taking the experience at a higher level.
Keep it up, Kristi.
Things aren't always great, but they do say that stuff is always darkest before the dawn. -
You know what the problem is? All these young adult authors act like teens themselves. They're spoiled, silly, ignorant, whiney people. That's probably why they write YOUNG ADULT: because they can relate to the teen characters. And trust me, I read exclusively ya books. I even read those books of the authors that act in that nasty way. And for some reason they love creating their high school cliques and shoving out anyone else (including authors) at a moments notice. Then in these cliques they complain and rant about so much including book bloggers. You know what? They need to be thankful there are even book bloggers or people out there even reading their books. It's a privelege for them to not only get a published book deal but to be a role model for others now that we have social network sites. SHAME on them!!!!
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Dear Anon,
So you're saying that teens are spoiled, stupid, ignorant and whiny? Wow, you don't know a lot of teens, do you?
It's not an author's job to be a role model for ANYONE. It's an author's job to write books and fulfill publishing contracts.
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Kristi – I really enjoy your IMM. Its impressive its grown so much in popularity. I really like the way you do a vlog and introduce each book, giving a little highlight information.
As a tool to introduce books to readers I think IMM works fabulously!
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Until I read this I didn't even know that there were people out there against IMM. I always got the gist that it was made for exactly the reasons you said and never questioned it. It has become one of my favorite things to check out on blogs, seeing people get the excitement over new books that I experience each time I get new books. Seeing cool books that I want to check out from the IMM posts, loading my TBR list. I never saw it negatively at all, especially since I found out about so many cool books through it. Thanks for creating it this meme, because no matter how much critisism it may receive, true book nerds like me will always enjoy it.
I want to be a writer and I'm a blogger… and now I'm worried. You mentioned that you:
"wonder if my history of blogging will ruin any chance at becoming a published author. Although I should be more worried about having any talent as a writer at this point."Why do you say that? Should I be worried as well? I want to be published so badley…
Anyway, I think you're one of the best bloggers out there, reguardless to what anyone else thinks.
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Oh, Kristi. I'm so sorry you had to deal with that.
It angers me, really. And I can't blame you for taking it as though it were a personal attack. I can see the efforts you put in plain as day just by looking at this blog. And I can't help but feel anger well up because IMM is what inspired me to start my own book blog more than anything else. I realized through IMM that it was okay to share my excitement about books and try my best to get others excited. Plus, I didn't and still don't have people my own age in my life to share my opinions with. Which is why, like you, I 'talk' to my blog. I don't get why there has to be anything wrong with that or why it can't be as simple.
It is disheartening to know that no matter our efforts, book bloggers as a whole gets clustered together, as though we're all book bashers and irresponsible with the privileges we do have. Or that because we show off our excitement for gaining these privileges, we're trying to up our status.
But, try to look at the bright side as you have been for these three years. While it's easy to say screw 'em, who care about what people think, that isn't entirely true and right. We should care to a degree about what people think. BUT, we have a right to ourselves and a responsibility to others to do what we most love. One of the things you and I both share is a major love and passion for reading and blogging. And look at how many people you've impacted because of it. And coming into the book blogging world, while I may not have started my blog purely to share my thoughts but also to motivate and encourage others to read and spread excitement as well as the 'word' about books, I hope to emulate that ability you have. In retrospect, by starting small and not caring about the perks of being a book blogger, you've made a difference and have helped others. Taught most of us newbies too.
And if anyone can't open their eyes and see that for themselves, then they're not only doing a disservice to themselves by looking at the negative but also to others by spreading negative messages about The Story Siren, your efforts, and invariably other book bloggers. In which case, shame on them.
That's not going to stop us from doing what we love. And I hope you stay true that as well.
Always happy to listen,
Asher K. (Paranormal Indulgence) -
My initial idea, when I read the title "IMM" was that it was a bit show-offy, but as with a lot of things, you have to delve deeper if you want to know the truth. And the truth is that posts like IMM are a very good way of bringing interest to a book. Having a video makes it a lot more personal, too. I think it's short-sighted to say that it's a bad thing because it can do a lot of good for authors, and it's another way for their book to be publicized.
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I don't understand how people can be so judgmental. You're an awesome and caring person Kristi who wants people to read and be excited for books. If they can't see that, then they probably haven't even read your blog. Because it's plain to see in your posts. I know I don't personally know you, but I like to think of you as my friend (I'm really corny, yes). Because of you I started blogging again, I bought more books and I even set a reading goal for myself, which I've never done before. YOU make a big difference.
I started doing IMM myself as this really round-about way of talking to you. If I pretend I'm just talking to my cool friend Kristi about what books I got, then I can do the post. (Even if you've already gotten most of the ones I show.
) For me, it's not "look at how much swag I can get", but rather "I'm talking book-shop with a few of my friends."Even though some of the titles you get early make me a little envious, mainly I'm just happy for you. More books means more great reviews and sometimes more contests. And I feel like you're happy for other people who get books and are excited to read them too.
I know the blogging you do is done for yourself, but I'm glad you keep going with it. Sometimes it's the best part of my day.
Keep going strong!
-My Summer Girl Books -
Hi Kristi,
We've talked a bit on Twitter (I'm @emilytastic) and I've mentioned that IMM sometimes is offputting for me. A lot of authors like it — people in my critique group agree that it's a great way to get publicity for a book when the blogger doesn't have time for review, which is great. And I *do* read your blog and I know you're a positive person. I just think this is definitely a case where bad apples are starting to ruin the bunch. Or perhaps sometimes communication via text doesn't always work.
I think it's tough for some authors to deal with the blogosphere when (and this is coming directly from friends I've talked to) authors are constantly getting requests for things like (seriously) iPods and gift certificates for giveaways. I mean, duh, totally rude. But it happens. Way more than it should. Or they'll have bloggers begging for an ARC (which, as you know, isn't the regular venue — authors get very few copies of their own ARCs these days) and then see that blogger trashing it on Goodreads. You know, stuff like "I read two pages then threw this across the room. One star." Or they'll post something sloppy and unintelligible. *This* is the kind of stuff that ruins it for those of us who are trying to do good things.
So I'm really sorry you're feeling down. And I'm sorry if my comments contributed to that. But know that I believe that there ARE good bloggers, that there ARE professional bloggers, and I hate the way swag-o-mania shines a light on the naughty ones.
Does that make sense?
I'm not here to stir the pot, I just wanted to show you why some of us are put off by some of the memes. It's really and truly not personal, especially knowing that you ARE working so hard to publicize titles.
xE
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Dear Story Siren,
If it weren't for you, I would have never discovered the wonderful world of blogging.
If it weren't for you, I would have never started my own blog universe.
If it weren't for IMM, I wouldn't know of all these great titles and new authors.
If it weren't for IMM, I wouldn't go out and buy books. I'd buy ebooks instead- but no, I like showing off, I LOVE seeing vlogs and meeting the awesome person behind the blog. If you discontinued IMM on your blog, I'm almost positive it would keep going and be kept alive by your fellow bloggers (I know I would!).
IMM rocks! Don't let anyone tells you otherwise. Don't get discouraged by all the haters and shit talkers…. that's all they are- nothing but TALK.
You keep doing what you do best, keep your head held hi and know you have a LEGION of bloggers who support you in every way.
Diana
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Kristi, I love tuning in to your blog -for the reviews, of course, but also all the extra things you do on this site. I think we all appreciate your efforts.
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I've only just started my own book blog, a week or so ago, in fact. I'm at that stage that just describe you were at in 2007. I just needed a place to put my thoughts, to share, even if it's only with one person, or none at all. Talking about books is something I love, and I am doing it for me. I probably won't ever get advanced copies and all that, and you know, it's okay.
But I sure appreciate bloggers like you that get the chance to promote all these books. I've discovered so many books through your blog and others, it's incredible. And I love the discussion and the exchange of ideas.
So thank you. Thank you for everything you are doing. It does make a difference, anyway, it made a difference for me.
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I'm sorry for just reading your post now. I wanted to find a quiet moment to read every word, and I did. I'm still a fairly new blogger (June '09) but I joined in your IMM meme for the same reasons you started it. When I first started blogging, I didn't understand the IMM meme, until I was sent books I didn't request nor agree to review. Do I read them? Yes, I do…but I can't possibly read them all. So, I give them some visibility on the blog. And, I'm still small potatoes, so I certainly don't do it for swag (don't want it) or the money (don't get it).
I understand and agree with your anger and frustrations…even that about blogging taking some of the joy out of reading.
I have always said, once reading starts to feel like a job, I'll stop blogging.
Continue to enjoy what you do – reading, blogging, chatting about what you love with your readers. We fiercely support authors and their work – especially the debut authors. Not for money or even for a thank you…but because we love books.
Don't allow anyone to take the purity out of what you do, just because others have come after you and made mistakes.
Keep you head up, Kristi.
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You know what, I brag in my IMM. I brag about spending money on books. I brag about how many books I purchase per week. I brag that my dollar does some part in helping an author do well. I brag about putting my tax dollars to good use when I show off my library stash. I brag about how the books I check out helps my library stay open by showing it is an essential service.
So if bragging about helping the industry is wrong, then I don't wanna be right.
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That was such a beautifully written post! It was great to really read how you were feeling. Sometimes you just need to vent! I started my blog for the same reasons you did. To have a little space in this gigantic cyber universe to share my thoughts and love for books and movies. I was blogging for over 6 monthes before I even received a follower. I didn't even know that other book blogs exsisted. I looked forward to writting on my blog, almost like it was a diary. I didn't even know you could get review copies of books either. Like you said it is a privilage. It's not about the number of review copies or the amount of followers you have(not in my opinion anyways). I love all my followers, and appreciate each and every single one. I still blog for myself but now it's as if I am ranting or raving to a friend about books(Which I really am, I guess). Thank you for posting that! And I'm sorry you had to hear or read such a horrible comment like that from that author person. Some people don't realize how hurtful they can be. Of course people want to "brag" about their new books. But IMM isn't like that, it's like a community gathering together, sharing their love for books.
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Awesome post! Ditto to the hundred plus comments prior to mine. Beyond the great books I've found & read and great discussions, this community–this kind of support I see here–is yet another reason why I love blogging about books. Stay strong and happy reading!
Mary
The Book Swarm -
You know, when I do an IMM the books I showcase there came to me and they are eventually going to another blogger after I read them. It is not an orgy of swag-fest it is me showing you what great books are coming to a book store soon near you. No different than WoW just I have the book in my hand! Also why isn't anyone picking on Mailbox Monday?
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This was awesome! I check out your blog weekly and as a fellow blogger, I definitely agree with what you are saying. I think that IMM is great…it gives promotion to books. How can that be a bad thing? I LOVE to read..thats why I started my blog and there was a time that I got a little burnt out with the blogging but I'd stop for a bit and find myself missing it! Keep doing what you love, and if it isn't what you love anymore…take a break. Just know that this blogger/reader definitely supports you!
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Excellent post! I agree with what you said about wanting to make people as excited about a book as you are. That was definitely the reason we started our blog, and ultimately why we continue. There are so many undiscovered books out there waiting for someone to read them. Book bloggers bring those books to people's attention and give them the push they need to pick up a copy. The book blogger community is such a unique and supportive place filled with people who share one sure commonality: the love of books. At the end of the day that's what should matter. Keep doing what you do best, Kristi.
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Okay, the only author who mentioned bloggers asking for iPods or giftcards for an interview or guest post has been the same author who was bashing IMM. To the Neg people, quit acting like it's every author saying this has been an issue!
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<3
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Believe it or not, you are the VERY FIRST blog I followed when I started my blog last year. I read The Story Siren like it was religious, I've read every word you wrote in this post and I simply feel…sad
Honestly, I really feel sad that an "author" have said such a thing about IMM. We don't get paid, some of us get free books but most of us buy our own books and borrow them YET we still publicise those books, free marketing whatever you want to call it and this post just shows that even the best of us are under appreciated.
Kristi, I love you IMM posts. I lvoe lookign at everyone's mailbox and going 'ohhh that looks relly good im going to have to read it' WHAT I don't think is ' that blogger gets more books than me, she's just bragging'
Ignore, all those who don't appreciate your effects and know that to most of us, you're an inspiration! Blog the way you want to, read, what you want, keep up the IMM and know that I will support you!
With Love.
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It really sucks you got slammed like that. On my blog I'm up front about bringing an everyman perspective–if people with degrees and more information than I me want to comment and discuss that's fine, but I still have a right to an opinion. And so do you.
If it makes you feel any better, even though you and I have completely different reading tastes I've still found a lot of inspiration in your blog. You have an awesome site, and you even post things to help others. That's class! You even inspired me to start doing my own videos to share my love of reading.
Keep doing what you do as long as you want to. That's my advice, for what it's worth. Cheers!
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You're welcome for the listen, Kristi. Thanks for sharing and being so open about the ups and downs (and the sour grapers–'cause I think that is what they are). You clearly do this from a passion for books and readers–I kind of got that when you started this. And the whole IMM? Yeah–it's sharing the excitement (and giving face time) for books everyone is getting. I kind of love that you take the time to do that (and it is time away from reading, so I _really_ appreciate that and all do you). And, you _are- are professional, you define, for me, what doing a good job of book blogging is…I could go on, lol…actually I've probably gone on enough. You ROCK.
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I don't know what I can say that hasn't already been said. Your blog was the first I came across, and it inspired me to start my own blog, so I could have a community of people to talk to about YA fiction, since none of my friends and family really read it. It seemed like fun, and my intent was never to get ARCs. That's still not my intent now–I've only gotten two books from authors and/or publishers, and while I really appreciated it and enjoyed working with them, the idea of getting a ton of ARCs overwhelms me, and I'm not convinced I'd like it. It seems like reading and blogging would take over my life if I were in that position, and I don't want that. That doesn't mean I'll say no if a publisher or author contacts me. It just means receiving ARCs isn't my goal.
What really blows me away is people saying that some bloggers just sell books and blah, blah, blah. Yeah, some bloggers do. Some bloggers talk about a book they're excited for and why, or why they liked (or loved) a book and why, and some people read it and just so happen to decide they want to check it out, so they buy that book. Like you said, you don't have control over other people, so if someone reads something you've posted and thought, "Hey, I think I'll buy that," or "No, that's not for me," that's not something you control. Do you want to sell books? Of course. What reader doesn't? Don't we tell people (through are blogs and in person) about books we love because we want others to read those books? It's called a recommendation, and I didn't realize that us recommending books through our blogs and people purchasing some of those books was a bad thing. You'd think authors, editors, publishers, and agents would be happy about it, since their goal is to sell books, too.
I love IMM. It's such a fun post, and I've added so many books to my TBR list because of it. I like seeing what other people get, because it introduces me to new titles and because I like seeing other people who are as exciting about reading as I am. Do some people use it as a way to brag? Maybe. But honestly, I don't think any of the IMM posts I've read are from bloggers who just want to brag. And I truly hope mine don't come across that way, especially since the majority of what I get comes from the library (along with a few books that I buy now and then).
Sometimes, I wonder if all the people who speak so negatively about the book blogging community do so only because they're jealous. I know I get jealous of other bloggers from time-to-time, so I can only imagine that the people who decide to talk negatively about our community do, as well, and instead of just admitting they're jealous and dealing with it, they decide to talk badly about us instead. Either way, it doesn't matter, because what they say can be inappropriate.
Also, just throwing this in here: the idea that being a book blogger could mess up my chances of becoming a published author freaks me out. It's not something I had thought about until you mentioned it, and I suppose it is a possibility. But at the same time, I tend to think that if an agent doesn't want to take you on as a client, or a publisher doesn't want to publish your novel, because you're a book blogger, then that would be unprofessional. Whether or not a book is published shouldn't be affected by whether or a not a person is a book blogger. It's supposed to be about the quality of writing.
Just know that so many of us love your blog and would be disappointed (but understanding) if you stopped blogging. I know a lot of other people have said, but you truly are inspiration for us. You've inspired a lot of people to start blogging, and you've helped a lot with blogging through you Dear Story Siren posts.
As someone else mentioned, blog the way you want to, read what you want, etc. Many of us will continue supporting you, because we <3 you!
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Kristi I couldn't have said it better myself.
I love your blog and what you do. ESpecially your IMM's and yes I have to admit when I watch the vlogs I get jealous but never enough to complain. I think what you do with IMM is terrific because it showcases books that honestly I might not know about and peaks my curiousity and yes since following your blog my wish list is increasing and I every two weeks I am at my bookstore buying books AGH!!!
Nothing against bloggers but i have encountered some big name bloggers who are holy then thou and think they are superior but not you. You are sincere and real. I was nervous when i met you last year but honestly you were just like I imaged you would be IRL.
Its hard to stay positive when there is so much negativity in the blogosphere. I look around and wonder at times how old these people really are as they aren't acting like adults. I hate the drama and tend to stay away that is why I am not on twitter as much. I was already in high school and lived that drama don't have the time or energy to deal with it as an adult.
Heads up Kristi there will always be haters in a group who will bitch and complain but please note that in my humble opinion you are doing and awesome job with your blog and books.
LOL and I think my credit card might love you because honestly I get more book ideas from you alone. You are awesome my dear and please don't go.
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I read every single word! I wont right a huge long comment, but just want you to know that I LOVE your blog and everything you do on it. Your hard work is much appreciated and very inspiring!!
Much blog love,
Megan -
That was a marvelous post Kristi. I've only been in the blogging scene for 8 months, but this is why I started it. It was never for free books or authors or publishers–I still don't have most of that linked to my blog! It was because I'd discovered the blogging world of books and writing. Since I love both, I wanted to share both. That's why I started. That's what I do. And I'm a bookseller–it's my job to sale books. So, I'm with you. It's been really discouraging lately and I'm glad you spoke out. Keep sharing your thoughts b/c I love your blog!
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It is sad that one person can sit there and ruin things for people with such hateful words. Mostly my gut reaction is that the person that said this was an attention grabber – looking for that comment that would get people all up in arms and defensive, so that they could stir the pot a little.
I dislike people who cannot respect the hard work and dedication that others strive for. I dislike that others do not remember "freedom of speach".
I know that there are people out there that take advantage of situations and I am sure there are bloggers out there that are all about the swag, but I would say that 99% of the bloggers I have met are just in love with reading and are excited to share their fave books and their book blogging experiences.
I hope you stick around a long while and keep doing what you are doing. You are an inspiration to us all and honestly, the book blogging community wouldn't be the same without you.
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Without IMM, I would never have found Julie Kagawa or Kelly Meding or Rachel Vincent or several other awesome writers that I fell in love with! Please don't let the idiots get you down!
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I am actually one of the few people who do not participate in IMM – not because I think it's lame or shallow, it's just because I have enough features to participate in as it is (yes, 3 is already too much for me). However, I do read up those IMM posts by fellow bloggers because that's where I mostly get ideas on what books I could read next. Those posts and the book reviews are what I watch out for when I want to have a new book on my shelf. And even though I do not make an IMM post, on my weekly recap I enumerate the books I got for that week – if I got any – but not to inspire jealousy or brag about them, I just felt that it's a good way to organize my reading list and also, to get the readers curious about those books, lend a little of the spotlight to them.
I have been a fan of your blog since I started blogging in November 2010 and you should continue doing this, you are a great blogger and I love your posts as do many people.
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Interesting, what I came across today on Twitter:
"i love when people put words in my mouth….
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"just one particular one, that doesn't even look as though she read the post. hypocritical and puts words in my mouth"Backhanded tweets about people who comment on your blog and disagree with you? Why not actually confront the person? Talk it over?
I followed your for a long time but I cannot after this. All the drama involved this past week has turned me off. But you'll be fine and I'll be fine. Keep doing what you're doing. Good luck.
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I pretty much ONLY pick books these days based on word-of-mouth, be it via twitter or book bloggers or writing forums. I totally appreciate what book bloggers do, and I think *most* other writers do, too. I honestly don't know much about IMM, but it sounds like a nice concept to me.
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I was a blogger for years before I sold my first novel. The blogging community has been one of warmth and encouragement for someone who spends long lonely hours at the keyboard. Book bloggers have also helped me build my to-read lists, learn about book covers, blurbs, and so many other aspects of the book world. It's been a wonderful, helpful education that I am putting to use now as I look forward to publication. Terrific blogs like yours are a resource and a great example of blogging done right. Thank you for all you have done for the YA literature community. And, please don't stop!
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143 comments some of them negative, wow that is insane. I can't believe people would go out of there way to actually type up a comment to even bash IMM or Kristi or the entire YA genre?? First of all its IMM its a good thing it hurts no one, so do it or don't do it, and then shut the hell up about it. Second of all its blogging, and I don't even follow The Story Siren that closely I don't read a lot of YA, but I even know Kristi blogs because she loves reading its obvious. I've been blogging a while, and its crazy how petty some bloggers can be and some people who don't even blog. There are petty people everywhere, but seriously some haters should calm down, by writing a nasty comment on Kristi's blog do you feel like your accomplishing anything. She's not an enemy or a person to be hated, she's just a girl who loves to read just like so many of us. When she does something good it opens a door for us to do the same. Again I can't stress this, blogging is awesome its fun, and its a hobby. It isn't a sport, it isn't a job, and its not life and death. The minute you start hating someone over blogging, its gone to far.
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I must have been under a rock this past week – I had no idea all this was going on.
Kristi,
I will try to keep this short – but when something like this happens, just stop and think about all the good your blog has done. Keep doing what makes you happy, it's obviously working. -
No wonder why you stopped reading books. (I follow you on goodreads, and i haven't seen you read books for a while.I was wondering why. It might not be the reason, but i guessed!) Frankly speaking, what you do is amazing. If it wasn't for you, i'd still be the old boring me. But, because of you, i discovered that i love reading and writing more than anything, and i look forward to see what you read, and what you think about them. You're wonderful!
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I'm sorry to hear you're having a hard time. Personally, I love the idea of IMM. I don't see it as bragging. Because of it you've probably given a lot of books the chance to be noticed by people you might not of come across them on their own.
If somebody doesn't like bloggers than they shouldn't, and this may be surprising, be reading a BLOG.
I read blogs/have a blog because I don't know anybody who I can talk to or share my thoughts with about books other than online.
When I read a blog instead of a professional review I feel like I'm more likely to get their real opinion. It's unlikely for a bloggers to get paid to lie than a reviewer.
If somebody sends you a ARC, that's their choice.
A Goodreads friend of mine had something similar happen to her. She read a popular book and wrote a review. Even though she gave it 5 stars, she talked about things she didn't like and got bombarded with negative comments for it. She was on the verge of leaving Goodreads, but stayed in the end.
She had a right to her opinion and you have the right to do what you want on your blog. -
Sadly for you, Ronni, you're in the wrong. An author if he or she chooses to be on twitter, blog sites, or have a presence online, *IS* automatically a role-model for teens. If they don't want to be, then get offline and write your books! Simple as that.
I actually have a lot of connections to some of the most popular authors in the genre and I don't say that to brag because I've never admitted that fact before but I can tell you that there is a lot of dirty politics involved. Like Kristi said, I wish I could go back to being a regular reader sometimes. Now when I see books on the shelf I know what the authors are really like. I still read them put it puts a huge damper on things. But seriously young adult authors need to start acting like adults. And t hey're only shooting themselves in the foot by bashing the people that help promote books.
I'll be honest, I'm not a huge fan of many book blogs. They come over as stale, or just not very insightful. I like certain memes like in my mailbox and the posts that show what's coming out in a certain week. The book reviews I don't really pay attention to because well, most times I simply don't agree. Which is fine… we all have our own opinions. There are some blogs that seem to have similar taste though and I pay attention to those. So having said all that I'm glad they're all here for us.
In my opinion I think it's not as big an issue for bloggers to act poorly as it is for an author to act poorly. A blogger (usually) doesn't make money or try to sell you things… an author does. And if an author can't behave, well they don't deserve to sell books then.
my 2 cents
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You are so sweet Kristi. We <3 Please don't listen to any bad words around because we are proud of you and of blogging
Some times blogging don't give me much time to work on my writing and I have been told that I am so good…
P.S. Many of us; bloggers would love to be heared like you, so don't care of whom trying to pull you down because you have us -your fans-
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Please don't listen to the jerky comments of a few ignorant people. As a reader and an aspiring author, I so appreciate how you and other bloggers give up your time and spend your energy blogging. I know it takes up a ton of your free time. And you do such a service by shouting out about books.
You are one of the first book review blogs I started reading and I so enjoy it. I so hope you won't quit.
I don't think your blog would hurt your chances of becoming an author someday. Agents and publishers look for authors to have a web presence and following. You've got that and could easily use this blog to shout out about your journey to publication if your writing career goes there.
So, please, please, don't quit. You give so much to the reading and writing community.
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Great post – you summed everything up so well. Your IMM posts have brought books to my attention that I have since loved and enjoyed immensely. As a UK blogger I know less about US titles and I feel IMM helps all of us to find out about upcoming titles globally.
Keep blogging – your blog was one of a few that persuaded me to start my own and I will always appreciate that. It's great that there's a place where book lovers can share their thoughts and share their love of reading.
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Just looking at the covers of the books and listening to the title can make a person choose whether or not to read/buy a book. We all want to read the latest whether it's by a favorite author or not. Keep up holding up those "jewels" and enticing us to read. P.S. Have you ever watched Twilight Zone reruns? The worst episode is where the man has been in the safe at the bank where he works during a nuclear explosion. Everyone is gone. He was hiding there to read. It protected him. Well….he climbs out, struggles to walk thru town and ends up at the library thinking he has all the time in the world to just read, and drops his glasses. Now that is hell. Ignore this person and her tyrade. She needs a mother or someone to call her princess, I think. C.Koontz
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I am not a blogger, but I am one of your many followers who loves to watch IMMB! I don't consider it as you showing off your swag but instead I feel like you share your excitement with me & I thank you for that
You are NOT a swag whore
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Sometimes IMM does feel like gloating to me. Before you get me wrong I want to say that I'm not talking about your IMM posts here. So many bloggers take part in it and most of them are humble and as you said realize it's a privilege. But a few don't and it comes across in their IMM's. May be that particular author had seen a few of those IMM posts; it was not fair of her to attack you but I do see where she is coming from.
That said, you shouldn't feel responsible or sad for what those few people do. You know what you doing is right, screw the others.
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Hi Kristi,
Just wanted to say that as a reader, I really like IMM–for example, I just learned about SO SHELLEY on yours, and since I have a friend who is writing about the Romantics, immediately went to the link to find out more about it and to order it.
As an author, I can't say enough about how grateful I am to the blogging community for having spread the word about my book. Like many books, mine didn't get much "print coverage," and without the blogging community, few people would have heard about it at all. Some folks liked the book and others didn't, but I didn't chalk up the "not for me" reviews to bloggers being "unprofessional." In fact, some the reviews that best "got" what I was trying to do in the book were written by bloggers.
So, thank you and the rest of the blogging community for what you do. I really appreciate you.
All my best,
Tanya Egan Gibson
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Don't let a couple of bad comments or annoying remarks get you down about blogging. As you can see by the many comments from your followers: we completely support you and the artful sharing of individuals who blog.
And not meaning to sound cheesy, but just follow your heart, deary. Hold onto the reasons you love reading and blogging. We've got your back. -
Personally, I don't really read other's reviews. I do look at the ratings and skim through for major ideas or whatever. BUT I love your blog and visit it every day… Without you, I would probably never have known about a ton of books I've bought. So, I say keep it up. Book bloggers do a ton for authors by spreading the word, whether they realise it or not. (: So keep it up Kristi!
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Personally, I'm sort of sick of all the drama. For every pain in the butt author is another one who you fall in love with. You know I love you and your blog and I hope you don't ever let any of the crap circulating around make you stop doing what you do.
Read on hon. Read on.
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The hole truth Kristi! We blog because we want to =)
Kiss!
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Hi Kristi- there's not much I can say that hasn't been said but I wanted to offer my support for you too– you are an amazing blogger and I have the most respect for you. You are not alone in your feelings either. I can relate to everything you said. Just know that there are so many of us out there who love & respect you–what was said about needing a degree in literature & IMM was just ridiculous.
What you wrote really hit home to me as I have been going through a lot of the same issues…blogging has become a way of life for me too but more and more lately I question it myself. Just know you are not alone and so many people support/care about you and can relate. Email me if you ever need to vent! -
Krisi, don't let the haters get you down! I've been reading your blog for at least a couple years now. I just got a deal with St. Martin's for a YA trilogy a couple of weeks ago, and I kid you not, one of my first thoughts was, wow, I wonder if someday now my ARC will be in IMM blog posts! How cool would that be?! That made it seem real to me, because often on your blog or IMM posts is where I first see and get excited about upcoming releases. You've kept me 'in the know' about what's what in YA, and I have ABSOLUTELY bought books that you brought my attention to!
I love your passion for books and authors. That's what it starts with and ends with, and I'm sorry for all the crap in between. Hugs to you, and take heart lady, you have something special going on here.
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I love your blog, Kristi, and I appreciate all the work you to for your fellow readers. Don't let these people get to you!! ((hugs))
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Kristi, know that you are supported through and through. I wrote in as an anon on one of your Dear Story Siren pieces and you stood by me (whether or not you know it) when an author and her students were criticizing me for having an opinion. They put the words "reviewer," "writer" and many other words in those quotes. That was then, this is now, and I know that you know this is just a hitch in your giddy-up, a really annoying hitch.
"I can say in good confidence that the majority of book bloggers understand that receiving advance readers copies, working with publishers, interacting with authors is a privilege. It’s not something that you are entitled to just because you have a blog about books. This is something that I take very seriously as a blogger, and it’s something that I try to advocate as a blogger."
Ahmen! You have captured why I started in at this- I love the chance to work with houses and authors because I have put my best foot forward and tried to make something enjoyable for me, and for readers who come along.
Lastly, very ironically, I made my vlog this week before knowing what had happened (Andye @ Reading Teen was the one who told me) and in my vlog I said- "And I bought XVI by Julia Karr, because James from Book Chic recommends too many good books!" So there. Bloggers sell books, even to other bloggers.
Blessings,
G.C.
P.S. heard the outlook for Kaylea was good! Praise God!
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As an aspiring writer, I'm really grateful for your site, and others like it.
When I study a book (I guess most people would say "read" a book), I don't want to know what it's about before I start. I don't read jacket flaps or summaries anymore. I choose books based on the number of times I "bump" into them in the blogisphere, and the general rating people in the know seem to be giving them.
The more times I see a cover, the more likely I am to pick it up – this is how I ended up reading 'Across the Universe' last month. I managed to avoid knowing anything about it except A) it was sci-fi, B) everyone seemed to love it, and C) it was the purply cover with two opposing faces.
We can't read everything, and it's really helpful to have others out there, like you, pointing us in helpful directions, based on our likes and needs. Thanks for all of your work!
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Hi
I just read your post as I wanted to take my time and read it properly. I have a seen some blogs I really loved closed down over the last week or two due to comments made by authors etc and it does make me sad. Like you I believe that recieving ARCs is a privilege and not something that we deserve just beacuse we blog about books.I love IMM posts and have discovered some wonderful book through this, that I might not of ever heard of.
Keep up the good work and don't let the haters get you down.
Sarah
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I think pretty much everything that could be said HAS been said at this point, but I just wanted to chime in with a message of support. I've been flinching away from some of the blog posts I've been reading over the past couple of weeks, starting with authors/agents saying that book bloggers will never get published if they dare to write honest reviews and ending with this snafu about bloggers being nothing but swag whores.
I'm not a big time author and my opinion might not count for much, but if I ever let the fact that someone had written a negative review about my work in the past affect my actions in the future (in terms of refusing to blurb a book that I liked because of a grudge, or trying to get my agent/editor to reject a talented writer for that reason) I would be so ashamed of myself that I would just cease to exist.
I've seen a lot of writers trying to turn this around and say things like 'Reviews are for readers, not for writers!' as if writers who like to follow book blogs and be friends with book bloggers are amateurish or just want an ego stroke. Well, my books have gotten trashed on Goodreads and blogs as much as anyone's have, but that never stops me being grateful for the book blogging community for actually CARING about books. This wonderful community on the internet where books are exciting and authors are important, and everyone talks about reading as a worthwhile, fun part of life – I never had that growing up. There were times as a teen reader when I felt utterly alone. I think YAs now are so lucky to have book blogs as a resource and I believe that bloggers like you, Kristi, are creating the readers of the future.
So…screw 'em if they can't take a joke. And keep doing what you love.
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Hi Kristi
Sorry that I'm so late in commenting, but better late than never right? Firstly, I have to say I agree with everything that you've said in your post. There's in fact not much that I can add that most bloggers haven't already said, but I just wanted to reiterate that I absolutely find value in your IMM posts and I absolutely find value in book blogging. Through your IMM posts, I've dsicovered books that I would otherwise have never discovered and as a matter of fact, have bought them because you have highlighted the book.
For an author of all people to trash that is to trash and trample over the heart of a book blogger who loves book so dearly and wants to express them in a way that will only serve to enhance book sales, is in such bad taste. You know, there are so many wonderful book bloggers out there and frankly, to be perfectly honest – I've found what they have to say far more worth reading than those dreaded and dull academic, objective reviews that this author (well I get the impression anyway). seems to want to revert to.
Keep doing what you're doing Kristi – you are a gem amongst book bloggers. We value you and your fantastic posts, reviews and opinions. You've paved the way for other bloggers to inject a real, honest voice in book reviews that certainly have made them far more marketable than dry, academic reviews.
xoxo -
Bloggers do sell books. You sold the entire VA series to me. I purchase books for our library that I've learned about exclusively through blogs. People read those books then go buy the series for their home collections because they dont' want to wait for the next one to become available.
It's such a bummer that you went through this negative experience. You do amazing work.
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Kristi –
I think the volume of positives in this thread speak for themselves!
Keep on blogging and supporting YA, don't let others spoil what you enjoy.
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You know I never thought in a million years when my friend and I started our blog that there would ever be drama when dealing with books. I see it on twitter and on blog posts, and it still blows my mind how so much shit (and it is mostly shit) gets stirred over things like in example: In My Mailbox. I LOVE reading/watching other people's IMM's. It is the easiest way for me to see new books I haven't heard of without spending time I don't really have anymore scrolling through goodreads or amazon.
Nor did I ever think blogging would become some sort of popularity contest for people. I don't get it, and I decided long ago to quit wasting my time on trying to figure out some people's motives on what they do. Don't get me wrong, books are very important to me and are a HUGE part of my life, but you would like by snarky comments on twitter, etc that we were all in a race to cure the world or something.
So basically: I love your blog. I admire you for putting up with a whole lot shit you shouldn't have to put up with. Those that are blogging for the right reasons will always come out on top
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What's wrong with sharing what you got for IMM? I personally like finding what others have to read and why they are excited to read them, etc. I feel happy for the people who have received ARC's, because I would probably feel like showing off a little too, If I got one. But really, I think its mostly a misunderstanding.
I think whoever has been saying all that rude stuff is being quite childish. Its fine if they don't like the meme, but it doesn't give them the right to rant about how much they hate it and hurt people's feelings. I never thought there could be so much drama about books! -
I totally agree that IMM is an excellent way to publicize books that you may or may not be able to review AND give books that you will review even more publicity! Sorry this has gotten you down, I really enjoy IMM for the tool that it is, not as a way to show off.
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This is exactly how I felt when I decided to quit blogging. I got tired of the infighting, competitiveness, etc. I think a lot of bloggers have become very competitive are far as IMM goes.
I don't think that this is your fault tho. You cannot be held responsible for other people's behavior.
I am glad I quit tho sometimes I miss the authors and I greatly miss chatting with other bloggers. I'm not saying that you should quit but I don't regret it.
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I don't think that IMM is about competitiveness, I feel that its about building anticipation for your readers as to what books will be reviewed on the blog and When i see a title I'm really excited about it makes the wait so much harder. I do IMM to inform my readers what to expect soon. Most of my books come from the library and almost all of my ARCs come from netgalley.
and I don't think you should even consider quitting! you are part of my daily visit and I love your blog.
Katie @ Novel Society
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I can only speak for myself in what I say here, but:
–I'm happy that book bloggers, in general, exist.
–IMM was useful to me as an author because I could see when my ARCs went out for review.But maybe what I think shouldn't even matter, because ultimately you blog and do IMM for yourself and your readers, not necessarily for authors.
Success and visibility never come without criticism. Some of it may be useful and some of it won't be. You're not required to change your life in accordance with it all.
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Don't give up Kristi! I totally understand that something you love, reading, has changed because of this blog. But don't feel down because of it! Think of all the people who you have connected with and all the people who have found their new favorite book because of you. Maybe you should take some time off and read a few books without letting anyone know? No blog post, no expectations?
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I love reading book blogs, I am a reader and many of my family and friends don't read so I have no one to share the excitement I get from a good book. I have never felt like you were showing off in your IMM posts, I love to see all the good books you received. It gives me a chance to see some books that I may be interested in and I always add one or two to my wish list, so I have an idea of what books I want when its time to buy some new ones. Dont let what other people say discourage you from doing what you love and that is reading…Thank you for all the work that you do!
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Kristi, I love your blog and youtube channel. Because of both I've been more exposed to amazing books in the Young Adult fiction scene. I wouldn't have found on my own.So I thank you for you In My Mailbox posts. I never thought for one second it was to brag about the books you received. I saw it has a way to let other readers now about amazing up coming books. I look forward every week for your videos to add books to my tbr pile. I didn't even year of ARC's till I came across your youtube channel and blog. And because of discovering your blog and channel, I decided to start my own book blog and video channel. So I thank you for that and for all that you've done to make me read more.
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I just wanted to offer my support. I have posted up my IMM post with A few ahem words of, well lets just call them wisdom at this point.
I have had my blog for four months now, and reading through yours really helped me set mine up!! I think there is always going to be someone who talks shit because they are either are jealous or have no idea what they are on about, i.e they should be cast aside.
If you love it and you know you do it for your love of novel; they can all go jump if they are going to have that opinion.
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I love your blog and I love IMM! I love it for what it is…a chance to squee over new books, and get excited about reading them. I love seeing what everyone has gotten that week, not because I think anyone is boasting about their "swag" but because I know the joy and rush I get out of a new book and I get to enjoy that feeling vicariously through IMM. Also, there is a reason a publisher sends you the books…to get the word out! So I don't know what that person's problem is, but IMM is awesome! Also if he or she had any brains they would send you their own galleys instead of griping about it! *end rant* Keep up the IMM posts…we love them!
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I fully support IMM posts! I hope that author was just confused and will realize later that IMM posts help make others aware of books that are on the market. I know that when I go into a YA section in a bookstore, the titles look a lot more familiar after I've seen them on a few IMM posts than if I had not.
I understand how blogging can take away some of the passion that was there at the beginning. It happened to me too (I have 3 blogs!). When I look back on my posts, it makes me happy that I took the effort to document whatever it was I wrote about and in the end I know it was worth the effort.
Very brave and honest post.
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I have to admit that, for a beginning book blogger, to wish to be on the forefront with the bigger blogs so as to at least be contemporary with your blog writing, it can be very frustrating to see IMM with loads of books being given away for free to someone who cannot possibly read them all.
That said, after a while of blogging you realize that it's earned respect that gets those loads of excessive books. It's a built responsibility that brings those perks and that they are justly deserved after sticking out all the frustrations and setbacks that make you want to just shut down your blog and call it a day.
I am grateful that, in spite of your struggle, you've decided to continue blogging. I think there would be a large hole in the book blogosphere without The Story Siren. Keep up the good work. You're VERY appreciated.
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I hope you will ignore the people who are jealous and continue sharing your excitement for YA books. I am encouraged that you are passionate about promoting teen lit. As a librarian, I especially appreciate your Books to Pine For feature because it gives me a great advance heads-up about upcoming books that might appeal to teens. Thanks for writing.
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First of all, Kristi, having met you at BEA and knowing that you take blogging VERY seriously and put so much work and effort into your blog, I am so sorry that you have had to deal with this backlash. You are a true professional. I don't think people realize all the time and effort that goes into keeping up a book review blog. It's definitely not a get rich quick scheme – it's driven by a love of books, which is something to be admired and applauded and not denigrated. As an author and a book publicist, I know that bloggers are the lifeblood of the industry right now. In an industry where huge publishing powerhouses are crumbling and book review pages in newspapers and mags are shrinking, bloggers are the ones who are supporting and helping the book industry flourish. You guys make reading cool and are spreading the word about great books. Please keep it up! Don't let a few bitter people get you down. Authors LOVE book bloggers! (at least this author does!) xoxo
Megan Kelley Hall -
Hi! I am a relatively new blogger, since October 2010. I really don't know why I started blogging. I was first introduced to the world of blogging by a good online friend of mine who followed tons of book blogs but didn't have one of her own. She started recommending blogs to me, and I followed all of them. Then one night, spontaneously, I started a blog. It was very frustrating at first because my only follower was my dad
But as time has gone on and I've met so many fantastic people, I realize that blogging is so much more than followers and ARCs! So, thank you for this post, I read the whole thing And please, oh please, DON'T STOP BLOGGING!
Chloe
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