There has been tension between book bloggers and reviewers for professional book reviews. “But now there is a growing sense that enough is enough — and that the friction between old and new book media obscures the fact that the two are in bed together now, for better or worse. Often the same people who churn out literary blogs are reviewing books for mainstream reviews.”
Tag: 05.13.07
Why Do Books Sell The Way They Do?
Why is it that books that are hot properties before publication fall flat in the stores? And why are books thought to have little sales potential suddenl bestsellers? “The answer is that no one really knows. ‘It’s an accidental profession, most of the time. If you had the key, you’d be very wealthy. Nobody has the key’.”
How To Build A Blockbuster
Putting together a major show these days takes the skills of a diplomat and the wallet of a banker. “The cost of a big exhibition such as ‘Monet in Normandy’ stems mainly from insurance and shipping; museums generally don’t charge hefty fees to lend works of art. But obtaining loans can be difficult for other reasons, such as the physical condition of a painting, or its popularity or importance. Some museums are reluctant to lend their signature works.”
Calm Down – Reading Isn’t Going Anywhere
Cuts in newspaper book review sections have many worried about the future of American literacy. But “the future of books and reading was never in doubt. Literacy programs abound, both here and nationally. Despite fears of a digital takeover of our minds, finding information and entertainment on the Internet requires the ability to read.”
Perseus Cuts Back
Perseus Books says it will close two imprints and cut 24 jobs. “Recent Perseus books include Zbigniew Brzezinski’s Second Chance, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus’ Banker to the Poor, and This Moment on Earth, by former Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry and wife, Teresa Heinz Kerry.”
And Now – A Coupla Jokes On 9/11?
References to 9/11 are starting to show up in entertainment. “Allusions are cropping up more often because 9/11 and its aftermath — from color-coded terror alerts to removing shoes at the airport — have become part of ordinary life. But that is probably not the major reason. As the fallout from the attacks, bundled under the term “war on terror,” became unquestionably politicized, the images of 9/11 also became less sacrosanct, fair game for mainstream entertainment.”
Elgar’s Long Road To Fame
It’s Elgar’s 150th birthday. One of England’s greatest composers, Elgar has always fought for respect, even at home. “There will not be wall-to-wall Elgar on Austrian Radio or in Italy, France and Germany. America has its Elgarians but they are not a major force, although over two weekends in August in New York there will be an astonishingly comprehensive survey of Elgar and his contemporaries.”
Celebrating The Story-Tellers
Short fiction has always had a tough time finding a market. “Obviously, novels are more central in our culture. They’re easier to sell and they’re easier to make a living from. The question is: Why?”
Annie Leibovitz On Taking Pictures
“It’s this idea of letting things unfold in front of you. You’re not doing journalism, you really do have a point of view. And it’s done with a 35-millimeter camera, black and white. … I just aim the camera and take the pictures.”
Cannes At 60
“Cannes’s doe-eyed affair with American film has often, it should be noted, been at the expense of French cinema. The hosts haven’t had a home win since 1987’s Sous le soleil de Satan – and that choice was booed to the Palais rafters. But some of the cosying up to Hollywood studios has been plain vulgar: Godzilla as closing night, The Da Vinci Code as opener, Shrek II in competition.”