Comments on: Online Book Reading Videos

By: Used Books Blog

Used Books Blog — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 18:16:45 +0000

Steven,

Thanks for your response and, yes, the social reading sites may get a cult like following. But these, or other stand alone sites like Meet The Author (which a reader clued me in on) just don't generate the traffic necessary to really bring this to a wide audience.

No problem on Flip Video and Fliqz, they're both interesting companies with good folks at the helm. And you're right, the confluence of these technologies could allow independent bookstores to participate in video.

By: Steven Williams

Steven Williams — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 17:55:02 +0000

I think that online readings are good because they provide another way for readers to discover authors and works they might like. Streaming video online has become quite a bit less technical than it was just a few years ago. I think your point about social reading sites like LibraryThing, Shelfari or GoodReads becoming involved as a clearing house for selections of streaming video readings. It would probably achieve adequate notice and distribution though if it took place as some sort of partnership with a large online/brick and mortar chain, preferably Borders. This last opinion about a partnership is based on the fact that it seems so hard to generate the traffic it would require to justify the investment in time.

By the way, thanks for the referrals to Flip Video and Fliqz. These seem to me like a perfect confluence of technologies that independent bookstores can afford (i.e., both time and money).

By: Used Books Blog

Used Books Blog — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 17:52:00 +0000

Marty - I think the idea of “Virtual Book Tours” is a good one and that the phone certainly is the most prevalent form of communication. I’m just not sure how long that remains to be the case.

Chircu - markets as conversations are an extremely interesting concept and I also liked your idea of selling autographed books to those who had seen the video reading.

Rob - perfect! Ellis would certainly fit the mold of a cult author and it’s just these type of videos that would really be in high demand in my opinion. And Powell’s (a great place and company) should be interested too, since it gets them more exposure.

Thank you all for responding and contributing to the dialog.

By: Rob

Rob — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 13:33:23 +0000

I have about 20 minutes of Brett Easton Ellis reading from Lunar Park at Powells in Portland Oregon during his book tour. I considered putting it up, but have yet to.

By: chircu.com

chircu.com — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 03:59:11 +0000

I posted something similar here:

http://chircu.blogspot.com/2005/12/markets-as-conversations-or-december.html

To address your question, the answer quickly comes: Duh!

By: Marty

Marty — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 03:56:08 +0000

I’m not sure what the market for “virtual readings” via video might be, but I can tell you there is big demand for what has been dubbed “Virtual Book Tours” offered via Teleseminar and Webinar.

These are audio-only events where people participate via telephone to a live reading and interview with the author.

The advantage of doing it this way?

Nearly everyone on earth has access to, and knows how to use a telephone, BUT not everyone has access to a broadband internet connection to watch an online video.

Click the link below for an example.

http://askshellysaltman.com/

By: Used Books Blog

Used Books Blog — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:35:44 +0000

Lynn - Thank you for your comment and I’m glad you agree.

BLC - I like LibraryThing quite a bit and you’re right, authors could participate easily and film themselves doing readings, or even testing a chapter of new work for fans.

Alberto - Thanks for that information! As I mentioned it really makes so much sense for Barnes & Noble since they have so many readings across so many stores. I’ll be watching to see how they implement and market the video readings.

By: Alberto Garcia

Alberto Garcia — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 16:31:46 +0000

Barnes & Noble will be placing videos of book readings and signings on their website starting this spring. It will only be from the Union Square NY city and a Seattle store to begin with. I don’t know if it will be expanded from there.

By: BLC

BLC — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 21:55:33 +0000

I think integration with LibraryThing would work best. Not only are the users already invested in social aspects, collecting and cataloguing, but *authors* use LibraryThing as well.

By: Lynn Wienck

Lynn Wienck — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 17:53:50 +0000

What a great idea! The book reading video is
inspired — a lovely merge of technology and tradition to make something of interest available to all. It would be of tremendous benefit to authors, booksellers, associated book sites, and readers.