What do you think? (9)
Don’t tell Mel, but I’ve hijacked her opinion post for today Here’s why: This month marks the third anniversary since I got back into reading after a half-decade hiatus. And what did I read back in February of 2009? Twilight, of course! (This was all due to Mel’s prodding me to finally pick up the book that she’d been raving about for so long.) I will wholeheartedly admit that I devoured the entire series … Read entire article »
Filed under: Jackie, what do you think
What Do You Think (8) – Augemented Reality: Are You Game?
Last week HarperCollinsCanada launched a unique and creative marketing campaign for Kenneth Oppel’s latest book, This Dark Endeavour: The Apprenticeship Of Victor Frankenstein. For those of you who live in Canada and are lucky enough to visit one of the larger flagship stores, you will find a setup with a large bookcase backdrop (as shown on the right, click to enlarge); all other stores will feature a poster format. Using a free app on your (Android based) smartphone, you scan the bookcase. Suddenly books fly off the shelf and begin telling a story, playing on the The Dark Library, secret books of alchemy and ancient remedies which are discovered by the characters in the book. Don’t fret if you don’t live near a Chapters store or even in Canada, the experience is also available … Read entire article »
Filed under: augmented reality, HarperCollins, Kenneth Oppel, what do you think
What Do You Think (7): Book Trailers Revisited!
About a month ago, I asked What Do You Think: Book Trailers…Do You Watch Them? I don’t very often and was curious if I was out of touch. I was shocked to see that a majority of the responses were not so pro-book trailer, it wasn’t just me. It made me question the point of book trailers, how they can add value and who their target audience is. Let’s say this pie represents readers in general, and according to responses, the missing piece is how many people are devouring the awesomeness that is book trailers…only a slice! (and it was delicious) Now look at that huge section still left untouched. This is not to say the trailers aren’t working, it’s just that maybe they are still relatively new and we need to find a … Read entire article »
Filed under: book trailers, getglue, what do you think
What Do You Think (6) : First Impressions…The Cover!
I admit, cover art is something that draws me to a book. When I receive the Goodreads.com email showing me updates from the people I follow, I glance down the left hand side and see if there are any books that “look” interesting to me. One thing that I’ve come to see more of while blogging is the switch of cover art. The most recent book to have a makeover is Lisa McMann’s Cyer’s Cross. Hardcover Upcoming Paperback I’m not so sure I’ve ever liked the ‘new’ versions better though. Or maybe I’ve just come to love the original and it’s like a new baby, you love them both but in different ways? While this cover remake may grab my attention, I feel that this gives off a different expectation. For me, this cover oozes … Read entire article »
Filed under: cover art, what do you think
What Do You Think (5) : The Good, The Bad and The… Fake?
When I started blogging, I was reluctant to post the not so hot reviews. I’m generally a glass is half full person so talking bad about something isn’t my thing. I have never felt any pressure from publishers to provide anything but an honest review, but I’m sure there are some who may feel they ‘owe’ the publishers something. My first priority though is being honest to my readers, that way if I really like something, they know it! What cemented my feelings on posting a negative review was a post by BookNet Canada after a technology conference earlier this year. Apparently, 75% to 80% of shoppers read online reviews. And, surprisingly, research has shown that “a negative review converts more effectively to a sale than a positive review.” This … Read entire article »
Filed under: book review, what do you think
What Do You Think (4) : Book Trailers…Do You Watch Them?
Earlier this week I read an article in the Toronto Star titled Video Trailers Sell Literature to the Internet Generation and now am curious how effective you think book trailers are. I may have only watched a handful myself and now wonder if I am the odd man out here. For me, I like the idea of reading the synopsis of a book and visualizing the story as I read it, but with a book trailer my view of the characters or the world is given to me. I have loved books forever and while growing up the Internet was, well, not so big yet (though I spend way too much time online now!). Do people have the desire to SEE things for instant gratification or is this a way to connect with those people who may not be … Read entire article »
Filed under: book trailers, what do you think
What Do You Think (3) : The Interactive Book Experience
Last month, there was big hype over what Pottermore.com was going to be. We’ve since learned that not only is it for the exclusive distribution of the e-version of the Harry Potter books, but Rowling said she “wanted to give something back to the fans that have followed Harry so devotedly over the years, and to bring the stories to a new generation”. The site is an interactive environment and includes some 18,000 words of new writing! Just like Harry, users will be assigned a house by the sorting hat, mix potions, shop for their own wand and compete with their friends for a house cup by playing games. How cool is that! This week limited access to a beta version is being given to those who answer Magical … Read entire article »
Filed under: 39 Clues, Go BZRK, Pottermore, transmedia, what do you think
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