Book Blogger Appreciation Week.

Need to find some new book blogs to read? Might I suggest checking out the Book Blogger Appreciation Week website? The fine, dedicated-to-books folks (my favorite folks of all) there have been calling for book blog nominations; they are now running the voting for favorite blogs, and during the week of September 14-18, they'll reveal the winners. What they've done that's really lovely is provide a list of links to the nominated blogs, which is like a ready-made list of book blogging's greatest hits.

I in particular owe someone a big ol' heap of thanks, because someone nominated Citizen Reader for "best nonfiction review blog," which makes me very, very happy, and proud. Thank you! I have had a cranky week where books are concerned (more tomorrow), so that made my day. Please do consider voting for me if you have the time; otherwise, simply check out that great list of book blogs. Thanks should also be said to the tireless souls who run the BBAW process and websites; to see such dedication to blogging about books is a wonderful thing.

Comments

[Rachael]

Done, and might I say congratulations and good luck?!

[Citizen Reader]

Rachael,
Thank you! I was pretty surprised just to be nominated, and shortlisted. And I've got tough competition--I checked out the other nonfiction blogs last night and enjoyed them all!

I really have to salute the BBAW writers--man, compiling all that stuff and those links is a ton of work.

[Brandon]

Congratulations.

Now may I burst your bubble? Thankee.

I see a conflict of interest on the whole BBAW: the person who came up with this idea is nominated in two categories. And though I'm too lazy to verify this, I suspect that this person has probably won in several categories in the past. I'm just sayin'.

[Citizen Reader]

Brandon, dearest killjoy:
Burst away. I'd be very surprised if there wasn't something like that going on. Is it hinky? Sure. But, even if they are using BBAW for the promotion of their own "award-winning" blogs, I can't say it upsets me all that much. For one thing, at least they're providing something of value; I'm too lazy to go out and find new book blogs, so it's rather handy to have this list to go look and see if there's any book blogs I should be reading or would enjoy (your list of "literary links" is very handy like that too--hey, if anyone needs some new book blogs to read, check out Brandon's list at http://www.brandonvon.com/bookstorm/literary_blogs.html), and for another, unlike shills like Thomas Friedman or Jodi Picoult (who also don't provide anything of value) I can't see that these BBAW bloggers are reaping huge financial rewards for their efforts. All of which kind of makes me like them.

But your point is well taken; thanks for alerting us. I tried not to beg for votes as I have already used up my favor quota by asking readers to vote for me as a guest BookNinja, for which I still owe you all big time. I mainly was touched that someone had taken the time to nominate me, and wanted to alert people to a new list of literary blogs to peruse.

[Brandon]

I have nothing against good intentions. I'll admit, however, that I'm extremely cynical about things like this. It's all about the links and visitor hits. (What's most interesting to me is that people oalways find my site by accident, usually by typing in dirty words into Google.) I think that's the overriding motivation for a lot of people. It's a popularity contest, nothing more.

Or maybe I'm someone who simply doesn't give a shit about linkage. I get emails all the time from bloggers asking me to link to their sites. In a few cases, I've been offered free books to link to a site. Which, to me, is very insulting. I don't even offer purchase links (Amazon, Powell's) to books I talk about. That should be a clue right there. Incentive for blogging? Not for me, anyway. My site is a loser, truth be told.

I question the integrity of some of the sites on that BBAW list. Some of the review sites are so falsely enthusiastic about books that you just know they're chasing review copies. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with it--we all want free books--but you can smell the bullshit from some of those sites. As a guy who's been around the blogging block for several years, I can tell what's real and what isn't. Besides, those nominees, from what I can tell, pretty much pal around, blog-wise. They nominate and vote for each other, year after year. Sure, the intent may be a noble one, but I question the process. "You nominate me, I'll nominate you, and we'll vote for each other." Tell me I'm wrong.

I'm not slagging your blog, though. Yours is the only site I read from that list, and I think your integrity is beyond question. Nor do I think you're in this for the popularity/links. But others are. I've been shunned, or taken off someone's blogroll, for not returning the link favor. Not that I care, but it still amuses me. I know how things work with bloggers. I just don't follow the unspoken rules.

Sorry to further deflate your bubble with my cynicism, but I say, enjoy it anyway.

[Citizen Reader]

Brandon,
You know I love cynics so no worries there. (Good lord--I've picked on books about friendship--"The Girls from Ames"--and those written by dying men--"The Last Lecture") so I completely understand this cynicism of which you speak.

Largely, I'm with you, and I know where you're coming from. I don't accept books precisely because I don't want to feel like I owe anyone a review (particularly a positive one), but I also understand the excitement of receiving ARCs, and can't really fault other bloggers for accepting those. Likewise, I can't always fault people for largely being enthusiastic or positive about books--at least it's BOOKS that are getting them excited. That doesn't mean the largely positive blogs are the ones I like to read (or the largely positive review sources; ALA's "Booklist" magazine only prints positive reviews, and I find it the most useless and boring review source on the planet), note.

No one's ever found my integrity beyond question. Thanks! And in the meantime--I'll be keeping a close eye on your site to make sure your link to CR remains operational...

And, don't ever refer to your site as a loser again. I prefer the term "underdog." Everyone loves an underdog, and I love your site, so stop knocking it. You'll hurt its self-esteem.

[Brandon]

Not a loser? Okay, maybe in the sense that I run it at a loss--no ads, no Amazon kickbacks. Seriously: do you see the kinds of books I talk about there? I rest my case. (Appreciate the compliment, though.) I read the kind of stuff people say they want to read, but never actually do. But I like the term "underdog." I'm just not surprised that it's never taken off, and never will. I'm happy with my three readers. (The third reader is my girlfriend, and I have to force her to read it. I'm not kidding, either. When I told her I bought "Gravity's Rainbow," she said,"You should really go back to school, since you clearly enjoy making your life difficult.") Ironically, I rather like staying in the shadows.

As for receiving ARCs, I get them from time to time. I don't always review them, and I'm certainly not shy about slamming a book. In some ways, I think a negative review can be just as good as a positive one--there have been times where I've read a book because the review was so scathing. Take your hatred for Picoult; I often consider picking up a few of her books just to see where your hatred comes from.

And your link is no danger of disappearing permanently. However, if you don't take part in my "Inferno" reading group, I may delete your link for the entire time the reading group takes place. ;)

[Citizen Reader]

Brandon,
I think I can tell without even meeting her that I rather like your girlfriend. Forcing our significant others to read our blogs is just a sign of our love, after all.

Can't say that I will ever read a Pynchon, as I feel like is made difficult enough by the simple act of getting out of bed in the morning.

I totally challenge you to read a Picoult novel. Pick any one; they're all the same. It'll kill a few brain cells, just like alcohol, but it shouldn't cost any lasting damage.

Just commented on your underdog site re: Inferno, and ordered both Cialdi's and Esolen's translations from the library. Fasten your seat belts, gentlemen, we're in for a bumpy ride...

[Brandon]

I think everyone likes my girlfriend. I've come to terms with the fact that, when we go out, she's going to get hit on by hordes of men. She's just really approachable and friendly. It amuses me that, when we're together, it's as if I don't exist for the other guy. (Customer service settings aren't as amusing, however. I always want to wave my hand at the rep/cashier/manager/bartender and say loudly, "Hello? Asshole? I'd like to buy something, too!")

Come on, no Pynchon? I'm not one of Pynchon's cultists, but you should at least read "The Crying of Lot 49." It's short, you could get through it in one sitting. I'll accept your Picoult challenge if you accept my Pynchon challenge.

[Care]

In total respect to Brandon the Cynic, I respect and appreciate the volunteer staff of BBAW for trying to be fair. I was a panelist and I know that the work to put this on is amazing - I only had a small small part. I was glad that I reviewed a category I don't read -- I only knew one of the 50+ blogs (each had 5 posts submitted) so my ratings were NOT popularity-based. I think each category had at least 5 reviewers. I will defend the BBAW and I will respect those that question its sincerity at the same time.
Anyway, I was one that nom'd you for best nonfiction blog and I am very excited that you made the short list. :)

[Citizen Reader]

Care--
Thanks for another viewpoint. I too figured there was a lot of work going on at that BBAW site, and that's certainly something I have respect for. And good for you for reviewing for it! (I was too lazy to volunteer.)

And thank you for the nomination--I really do appreciate it. I would be campaigning harder to try and gather votes but I do feel like I used up all my voting favors asking people to vote for me to be a guest blogger at BookNinja earlier this summer. I too am very excited to be on the short list (it's an honor just to be nominated, dontcha know) and I really do, literally, owe it all to you. So thank you!!

[Power Home Solar Review]

Great site, I will be back. Well done