I originally created a vlog that was to be posted today. I ran into some technical glitches which slowed down the uploading process (I started uploading at 1:00 this afternoon, and at 7:00 this evening it was still uploading!), but it may be for the better that I do not post this vlog since so many things in the YA blogging community are being scrutinized lately. Don't worry, I will have a different vlog for you on Thursday--and it is going to be very laid back.Because I am preparing to schedule reviews and contests for the summer, and I want your input (and these are actually three questions I asked in my original vlog).
1. Which would you prefer to see more often on my blog, highly publicized novels or lesser known novels? And this does not refer to newly published vs. older novels because all of the books I have pulled for review were published within the last three years (most within the past year).
2. If you have read several reviews that you do not agree with, does it influence your decision of whether or not to continue visiting the review site?
3. Do you prefer infrequent giveaways with larger prizes or weekly/monthly contests with one or two books as prizes?
Your feedback will be of great assistance, and I look forward to reading your comments!
17 comments:
Glad I can be of some help by answering these questions. Okay, here it goes:
1) I'd like to see some of the lesser known novels on your blog. Highly publicized novels are just that, meaning I can read about them anywhere.
2) Not necessarily. Just because I don't agree with a blogger's reviews doesn't mean that I won't follow them. As long as they update regularly and post stuff I'm interested in, I'll follow.
3) Definitely the more frequent and smaller giveaways. It increases your chances of winning. Ok, so it may not be as big of a prize but what does that matter if you never win it?
~Briana :)
1) Well... it depends. If it's a really publicized book and you have something different to say about it then anyone else, I think you should post it.
2)Well, if all the books I like are being trashed on a site, I might not visit it as often. But if the blogger has valid reasons to dislike or like the book, then I'll probably still visit them.
3)Hmm... as long as there's books involved, I don't really care! LOL
1. Lesser known books. I'm subscribed to like 175 blogs (mostly YA) and I pretty much read every single update every day. It gets a little old when I'm seeing the same book reviewed over and over again and I'll skip those after a while. I appreciate finding that hidden gem through a blog! But I mean, the most important thing is that you're reviewing books that you want to review. And sometimes there's a book that everyone just has to weigh in on!
2. Opinions in reviews do not influence my decision whether or not to continue to read a blog. Everyone likes different books. That's a given. That's why we're reading and writing reviews. What turns me off are reviews that are not well written or are not thoughtful. That's when I'm like, well maybe I'll take this off my reader.
3. I love giveaways. Any kind... doesn't matter. I don't win anyway! lol
I like all types of books being focused on. It can get old when all these blogs have the same book reviews, but I know I've reviewed lead title books too and it's hard to take them all out and you shouldn't have too, b/c book blogs reflect our tastest a lot too. So yes, I like a mix. It's nice to have variety.
I don't have to agree with all of people's reviews...I probably hardly ever do. I like the person a lot of the time and I just keep going back. :)
I like more contests with less prizes, just b/c more people can win and you have more contests to enter and we all know how much people like to enter things. LOL But I don't really mind either way.
-Lauren
1. I prefer a bit of both. I don't think it's fair to see the same ones you see on almost every YA review blog over and over again. I don't mind it but it would be nice to have a little something new in the bunch.
2. Um, I do have thoughts for sure but I would likely come back to the blog if I'm already following it.
3. I prefer smaller giveaways.
1. I like a little of both. If there was a book that is well known that I've read, I might want to know your opinion on it.
2. If someone is really insulting to a book I may like, (i.e. Harry Potter, Twilight, Sarah Dessen novels, then I get kind of annoyed. But if that person is being respectful and giving well thought opinions rather than "this books sucks", then I don't really mind.
3.Probably the smaller giveaways.
1. I like to see a mix of old and new, well-known and surprising. Sometimes I feel like EVERYone is reviewing the same thing at the same time, which is a little boring, no?
2. I agree with the Book Pixie here.
3. Frequent and smaller giveaways.
Hope that helps!
1.I like to see a bit of both although as a few others mentioned already, after a while I may skip over some reviews if I've already seen it on many other blogs. I think finding out about lesser known novels is always fun and exciting.
2. Nope, I respect everyone's opinion regardless if I have a different view of my own. Everyone has their own perception on a book and I appreciate that. If everyone thought the same, reviews would kind of be redundant and dull.
3.It really doesn't matter to me. Whatever is most convenient for you is what counts. Plus, any giveaway regardless of size is awesome. :D
1. Depends - if there is a lesser known that was released at same time as highly pubbed - highlight it.
2.Depends - were the reviews particularly snarky? Did I agree with the negative reviews? Did they try to find at least one thing good about the book? Do I find myself agreeing with blogger?
3. monthly is better.
Thanks so much to everyone for your comments. It seems that the consensus is that it is nice to see lesser known books because they often get overshadowed. So I will be sure to feature more of these.
As for question 2, it is just a question that I've often wondered about. I don't always agree with reviews, but I continue visiting the site, but I've heard from some people that it sometimes turns them away from a blog. I agree with your comments, that not enjoying a book is fine as long as you as your post is respectful.
Finally, more giveaways with fewer prizes! I like this as well because I love to give things away!
Thanks again Briana, Catt, Summer, Lauren, Diana, B.A.M., Not Nessie, Michelle, and The Brain Lair!!!
1. I think the lesser knowns need their time to shine. They need love too!
2. Consistency is key and it does play a role however, when it comes to buckling down and actually reading a book, I only go with reviews and recommendations from people whom I share reading taste with and who I know. I'm way too picky and way too lacking time to read everything otherwise!
3. From this side of the box I think I like the monthly giveaways better than anything else. But then again the infrequent ones are always a nice surprise!
Thanks Donna for sharing! I totally agree consistency is key.
I am only going to answer question 1 to say that I want to hear about the books YOU want to read. Whether they are big titles or not..I want to know what YOU think!
1. Lesser known novels are the best. The hyped ones are all over the blogosphere.
2. If I am not interested in a book b/c I don't like it, I won't rush to get it, but a review may make me see the book in a different light.
It is my choice in the end. I will give it 25pp before I make my decision. I may not be in the mood for it @ the time & that may alter my opinion. Grrr... : /. I am a mood reader, Shalonda.
3. I think the giveaways should be whatever you want them to be. Now since you asked... lol. Frequent prizes so everyone has a chance to win something from your gr~8 blog.
Thanks, Shalonda, enjoy your day :}.
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http://mustandlustforbooks.blogspot.com/2009/06/lemonade-blogger-award.html
Amber
Amy: Thanks! That is always something that needs to be kept in perspective. This blog is a reflection of me, so you're right!
The Book Resort: Thanks for sharing your opinions.
Amber: Great! Thanks so much!
1. I like hearing about books I don't know, which is something I personally try to do on my own blog, so it's nice to see new ones, and I have a tendancy to skim reviews of very publicized books. I shouldn't, but you know how it is when that's the 50th review of the book.
2. Nope. With all the blogs I follow, I'm not going unfollow them unless they don't post for like a year, and even then I'll most likely forget about it and keep following it anyways. Plus it's nice to hear differing opinions.
3. Small and frequent. I like the odds of winning those better. But a big prize pack is cool for special occasions, the odds of winning just aren't that great.
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