HarperCollins Gets into Social Networking
Millions of Readers Are Not Wrong
What do you guys think?
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Well, I'm not sure it's a question of right and wrong. People can like a story that works today but tomorrow may disappear. Excellent writing plus excellent story lasts longer, in my opinion. It's why we still read Lewis.
It seems to me that there's a balance. Moby Dick was not well received when it first appeared. In fact it "ruined" Melville's career. But it lasted while his other works have not.
I think there's a difference between literature that you read to enjoy and literature that you have to work at. It's the difference between symphonic music and rock music. You can have good quality in each (i.e. good art) and bad quality (or art) in each, but one you may need to work at more. You may have to have more background knowledge of the symphonic form. All genres of literature need to have good storytellers and good writing, but there may be some that have more layers and textures that are not as immediately pleasing.
On the first, I'm not surprised that HC is getting into the game in this way (signed up for the beta by the way), even if they are a bit behind the curve...
As an IT guy, though, I will say that it bothers me that they are appearing to "roll their own" social networking site. I see this more and more with businesses of all stripes and I think it's a mistake. People are tired of re-entering their personal information in yet another site. And adding friends they already have in one location as friends in this new location.
Will I build a bookshelf using HC's site? Probably not, I already use Shelfari.
Glad that HC is getting in the mix. I hope they grow and evolve the site over time to include existing communities instead of creating new ones.
{steps down from soapbox}
As for the second story... nice gut-check for me. If I'm not careful, I can be that guy from time to time. As a writer reading, I think the bottom line is that comparison to any other writer good, bad or indifferent is a tactic of the enemy that I must avoid.
Thanks for the links!
"Millions of Readers Are Not Wrong "
This post is right on, H. Readers are often forgiving, whereas some writers and wannabes are not, besides being haughty in their criticisms of others' work.
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