Is there a desire for a Web based Book Convention?

I've been seeing all these amazing conventions the last few years. Conventions that make me jealous of those that are there because I want to be there. I see all the fun and desperately want to be involved. But, I just don't have the money. To pay for hotel, food, travel expenses, and the ticket to get in. It's way out of my budget. Sadly this year, I have to pass on attending a convention I've attended for the last several years due to lack of monetary. I will not be attending Balticon this year. I do hope to get back on track next year.

So what about the many of us sitting at home wishing we could attend a convention? Meet authors and talk with them. Meet new authors and readers. It's always fun and entertaining. Couldn't there be something for us?

I'm thinking I may not alone in this thinking. Also there are authors out there that can't make it to conventions yet too.

I have a crazy thought I'd like to run by you all.

Here's the big question: Is there a desire for an internet based book convention? 

Now I'm a fantasy/urban fantasy/science fiction reader so I would primarily focus in that area. But the range of books that are included in the vast realm of fantasy is huge, including romance books and so much more.

Why couldn't we create something like this? In this day and age with the technology we have I think it can be pulled together. But with the right people thinking behind it to make it work.

There could be panels scheduled for four or five authors together doing discussions, just like at conventions, through Google chat or some other viewing system. The nice thing, you can watch live or watch later. Maybe post questions live for their question time or post questions later that the authors could come back to and answer later in comments in the convention time frame.

Of course we wouldn't get to sit at the bar with the authors but maybe there could be scheduled author times where people could post questions for the author to answer or they could talk about their books. If you'd like autographs, authors could have book plates they could personalize and sign and send to you, if they are up for it. Maybe live interviews by readers and bloggers of authors they are fans of.

There are so many different things that can be done to connect via internet these days. Why not take advantage of it? Authors and readers from over seas could easily interact too!

I think this would be a great way to interact with authors we love, meet new authors, and learn so much more!

Would bloggers, book fans, and authors be up for something like this? It'd be a ton of work to set up at first and several people would need to work together to get this done. But it's a thought. Maybe there would be a minimum charge of $5-$10 or something to join the convention, that way the costs incurred to do this will be covered. Maybe for the entrance charge you could get swag sent to you? (That would all pend on shipping costs.) I don't know. Maybe a free ebook for the day? Or giveaways. As at conventions, sometimes you get these or purchase books at deal prices.

What do you think? Any ideas?

Where Do We Get Book Details Before You Buy?

I know, I had said this would be a three part discussion. It's grown to a fourth week. With doing the discussion posts about Amazon reviews and where we all post them at, I've learned that I'm not the only one that does NOT read Amazon reviews (unless it's a name I recognize). So that brings a new question to mind...

What weight do Amazon Reviews really carry? And for who?

This question is two sided. For readers and authors.

The author side, Amazon reviews, when hit the magic number posted, help authors by advertising their book in emails and such.

I'm thinking people that are not bloggers will benefit from this. People who buy books and read but don't post reviews, there are loads of them out there as I have several friends who do this, are who read the reviews present and purchase based on them.

It helps the author on that end.

But for Bloggers, we don't seem to verify books that way. Do we not trust those reviews? I don't know if it's trust the reviews for me in the way of the reviews are lies, I think I want to hear it from a friend. We trust our friends, even when they don't like a book they share why and we can decide if we still want to try it (and sometimes we very much do want to). We get our book details from blogs we visit and Goodreads. Or so it seems from the comments I've read.

I know I get most of my book details and recommendations from blogs I follow AND from publishers I follow. I get emails of books to release from publishers that put out books in my genre. This helps me see what's coming and plan for them. That's the recommendation. But I want to know ABOUT the book. So, when I see a book in these emails, I go looking for it. I'll search the author and look through their website about it along with mark it on Goodreads for my Want List.

Sometimes I find books through authors I love because they drop a name of another author or book coming out. But this seems to be hit or miss with authors. Some authors are amazing at sharing the love, and I look into what they mention, but not all share other authors much, so I don't always use this as a tool to find books. But again, if I like the sounds of a book, I'll go searching for the authors site to learn more about the book and Goodreads to see what people are saying.

In reading what people are saying about a book, I look for a well rounded review. I'm sure you are a lot like me and can sniff out a bullshit review. Sure, we all have those books we gush over and love. I love seeing those reviews, the love that the reader felt. But I also look for well rounded reviews that share about all angles of the book; plot, characters, writing style, world, and how it all plays together. But that's how I try to write my reviews too, so that's just my preference. But the bad reviews help too. I want to see what people are complaining about. Again, I can sniff out a bullshit bad review too. We can all see it. We know what to look for in reviews, and books. It's a preference that seems to run in line with the books we love.

I'm curious about you and your book relationships. Where do you look into books at? Where do you find your book recommendations? Do you buy books based on author recommendations? Authors you love being quoted on a book? Or publisher sites?

Where Do You Post Reviews?

I am all about sharing the love. I try my best to post my reviews on as many books sites I'm able to get to. And I'm always looking for new sites and venues to share on. This leads me to my next question. 

Where do you post our reviews? Everyone buys books at different places, many are at Amazon but other venues as well.

I do know that when I'm looking at books on Amazon, I don't read the reviews there. I don't trust reviews at Amazon unless I recognize the names of the reviewers. I like a bit more detail to my reviews rather than one or two sentences that rave about a book or denounce a book. I want a bit more meat to why the book was liked or not. There are some great reviews on Amazon, and maybe it's starting to turn around but I usually look at reviews on Goodreads first. I also look on many other sites that are for book fans and not about selling the book.

I'm curious if I should be trying to post reviews on more sites than what I am already. I like helping the authors I enjoy reading and friends who like books similar to me to find more.

I know this can be a time consuming process. I do my best to post 2 - 3 reviews a week on the blog, then on Sunday morning I post those reviews to a list of sites. Copy and paste is my best friend when doing this. Now, when posting there are sites that books are not found on so there can't be a review there if no book found. But! If it's a book fan site, I can request the book to be added and I do so. If it's a book selling site, I can't request to add it and no review is posted there. Which many bloggers do the same thing.

Where do I post reviews? (I link my profile on these so if you'd like to follow/friend me, please do!)
Of course, my blog. Which I also post links on Twitter and my Facebook Page.
Goodreads
Amazon
Barnes & Nobles
Powell Books
LibraryThing
BookLikes
LeafMarks
If I loved the book and think it's worth reading, I'll post a link on Pinterest.
If I'm reviewing Audiobooks, and received through Audible, I'll post on Audible.

I recently started (like in the last three weeks) posting on iBooks. I sign in with my iTunes account to do so, I believe you need to have an account to do so like many book venues. I also look to see if the book is in ebook or audio. If I review audio, I post to both places. If I'm reviewing an ebook or print, I'll only post to the ebook/ibook.

There are sites that you have to purchase the book from in order to post your review there. Smashwords and Audible are two sites I'm aware of.

I've learned that there is Kobo too, which I have not reviewed on. I think I had troubles getting in there years ago and left it go. I need to look into getting on their site again to post. I did start last week and of the two books I reviewed, only one was found on Kobo so I posted there!


What sites do you find helpful for finding books or learning about them? Is there other book sites I'm not aware of? I'll try to add them to my list.

Not Reviewing on Amazon. Does it Affect Bloggers?

Picture of Athena. Taken by yours truly, Melissa.

**This article is pure speculation on my behalf. I'm asking questions because I don't know the answers and I'd like to think out loud on the ramifications of what's happening with Amazon, for readers and authors. I like to get people thinking and see what thoughts are in the world. Some of this could be extreme, but something to talk and speculate about. I'm not looking for nasty responses, but a friendly discussion.



Does not reviewing on Amazon affect bloggers getting review copies of books?

I know Amazon has taken on many different hats to help authors in many ways. They do publishing where several authors only publish on Amazon, Kindle Scout, Kindle Unlimited, and probably other ways of helping authors publish. Kindle Unlimited is becoming a big avenue lately as people buy in and get all the free books they can read.

But with all the review stink going around with amazon, is it affecting the faithful bloggers and fans? Are bloggers discontinuing with posting reviews on Amazon? I've heard of a few that have. Is it going to affect authors in the long run? And bloggers?

I think it's possible. It may not now, but it will be a slow process coming in the distant future.

If  we know we like books (or an author) and continue with the series and Amazon finds we're deemed biased, that they think we are creating fake reviews (IF this is what is happening as we don't have a definite answer from Amazon yet to this), because we follow the same authors and read their books and post them with high ratings. It could cause to a slow trickle that bloggers are going to be kicked off amazon in the way of posting reviews.

Then there are the authors that are only publishing on amazon. Will they be able to create the fan base that well known authors have? They may not have anybody to post reviews or create a community in the blogging world. This goes back to the Indie world were it makes a big difference and impact for the authors. The self published authors are going to be affected in the long run.

Amazon is one of the highest traffic sites for books for authors. I've heard from authors that they need 40 reviews (good or bad) before they start appearing in recommendation lists to other book lovers. This helps them get seen and hopefully produce revenue along with new fans. I understand why authors would like to see reviews posted on Amazon, they need to make their paycheck too.

The big publishing companies don't seem to be affected as much. They are seen my many because of their own advertising and there are other places to post reviews as they aren't only publishing through Amazon. Now the authors who only publish through Amazon, they have to wait 3 months before posting the book on another book selling site. I'm not sure if this has changed or not. It may still be the same, may not.

Could it be that the blogging community is starting to lose ground and not be an impact for authors? If so, I'd still blog because I love the community I've become a part of and... well... if you saw my shelves, I have enough books to keep me reading for more years than I probably will live. lol.

My question today is, is that going to affect us as bloggers? Or authors? Do we mind if we get review books or not?



Note: I do think authors are trying to make a shift and add venues in where their books are available. I have noticed that more of them are starting to post their books on iBooks with iTunes and Apple. I know many authors have shifted to ebooks. Have authors started to post buy links on their own sites so people can buy ebooks in formats they'd like from the author and not have to go through Amazon? Authors are aware of many issues with Amazon and trying to earn money but that seems to be the most prominent avenue to find people.

So, is there a way we can help fix it and bring authors together in a new way or new site other than buying all books from Amazon?



**My thinking on this matter is all over the board. I can see both sides of the coin. I'm curious what your thoughts are.

**I reserve the right to delete any comments that are cruel, mean, and derogatory toward bloggers, reviewers, authors, or even myself.

Amazon Reviews Vanishing...

We've all heard the turmoil with Amazon and reviews. There is always something going on with Amazon and I'm starting to think it's all their way to keep at the front of our minds so we go there and end up buy, buy, buying.

I read a post that Amazon is deleting reviews for reviewers using Affiliate links. That by us "reviewing"** else where with a buy link, we are making money off our reviews. These links are their way to back track to us and then seeing the review, remove our reviews on Amazon.

I'm under the impression that posts that are NOT reviews ARE safe. That it's only reviews we post WITH the Affiliate link are the ones they are looking at. So we can post Affiliate links in other posts we create, just not on reviews.

Has any bloggers had this happen to them? I'm really curious if this is their method of madness. Have you heard this is happening? I'm curious as I'll have to change the way I do things.

((I did come across a reviewer that was affected by this, but I don't remember who it was to link to her post about it. However, Amazon has deleted all her reviews and her account is on hold, not allowing her to post any new ones because most of her reviews are high stars. Her defense is she's been reading for years and knows what she likes, and reads that.))

Just one more thing to worry about. I don't usually post negative reviews. I had a few in the past and I really don't want to ruin something I enjoy with upset authors pestering me. If I have a book I don't like, I don't post it anymore. I may note on Goodreads, but I don't post on Amazon or other book selling sights to prevent the crazy arguing of opinions.

As for Amazon following the Affiliate links back to reviews, I think it's bogus. Amazon should be grateful I'm sending people their way to purchase books, or anything at that. And I'm not "getting paid" for my review by the people who benefit by the review. The Author. Or narrator. If I make a penny it's because I've shared the word with a friend, who usually enjoys similar books as I, who might like the book too.

What am I going to do about it? *sigh* I don't know. I am tired of fighting against Amazon and corporate's like this. I'm not a fan of Amazon's to begin with. I only have an Affiliate program because it was suggested to me, as a blog, to try and make a few extra pennies to purchase more books.

Really, if I make a penny off any book I review, it's a damn miracle. No one uses my links to purchase a book. I know that because I check my Amazon Affiliate reports. I haven't earned a dime off them in over a year.

But in the end, it's to help other readers find books they might like too. I'm thinking I'll switch up my linkage so that my Purchasing links are not on my reviews. I'm thinking of creating a separate post at the end of the week with my Affiliate link in it with the cover of the books I reviewed that week. That way, my friends who have thought about the review and book can go purchase it over the weekend after pay day. ;)

This isn't the first algorithm I've heard of Amazon using to remove reviews. I also hear they check social media to see if you are chatting with authors and friends to remove reviews as you are a biased reader then. *sigh* Did I mention I'm not a fan of Amazon?

What have you heard of Amazon's antics? Any suggestions for us to by pass Amazon?





** I quote the term review because what we share about books are our thoughts and feelings. Everyone feels differently about a book.

Audio Books at a Reduced Rate, Through Amazon

Audio books can be expensive. But I recently purchased a $17.95 audio book for $5.98. How did I do that?

Amazon has started a deal program with Audible.com. You purchase the ebook, you can get the Audible book for $1.99.

Wow. Sounds...unreal. Right.

I recently tried it. I'm hooked on a series, after the first book, and I love keeping my series the same way I start them. Also, I love the narrator. So I gave it a go.

1st:
   Purchase the ebook as you normally do through Amazon. (I think this ONLY WORKS for ebook purchases, NOT print books.)

2nd:
Pull up the book on Amazon and go to the Audible version. There should be a note that states you already own the Kindle book and are eligible for a reduced rate of $1.99.
-- My image is from the Amazon purchase on my phone. You'll see half way down the statement with the coverting tablet to phone symbol in orange.

3rd:
   Click the 1-Click and you are done!


You'll see in your emails, your ebook purchase along with your Audible purchase.

This book I wanted is normally $17.95 to $14.95 for the Audible version through Amazon.

I paid $5.98 total for it. 

How?

Purchaing the ebook for $3.99, Then the Amazon reduced rate for Audible version of $1.99.

I saved $11.97 on the audio book!

There is something neat and special about this setup with Amazon ebooks and Audible. I've added a screen shot of the computer screen that shows it: (click to enlarge)

The neat thing about this connection is that you can read AND listen. If you are sitting at lunch, you can read. Then when you are riding in the car on the way home, you can listen -- Picking up where you left off!

Cool, right! I'm going to try it later this week.



This all sounds way to easy and like I'm missing something. But, I really wanted this book and it worked out. The book is in my Kindle library along with my Audible library. Sweet!

Am I missing something though? Thoughts?

AudioBook Month: What are you listening to?

Photo by Melissa Hayden of Philippa Ballantine's Chasing the Bard

I've heard through the grapevine of the Internet that June is AudioBook month. We are a little over half way through the month and I'm curious.

The audio book concept is, from what I see, divided between listeners and non-listeners. And I'm cool with that. I struggled with audio books for ages. Now, well I think, I'm getting better thought there are some I still struggle with. Podcasted books have helped me greatly with this hurtle.

But back to Audiobook month. I'm curious to hear what you have in your ears. What are you listening to? Are you enjoying the narrator for the story?

You are welcome to share Audiobooks and Podcasted books here and who's voice you are loving as they whisper in your ear. ;)

Hey, even if you aren't listening at this moment, don't feel left out. Share who your favorite voice is.


MY FAVORITES:
I've got a load of favorite voices I love to listen to. If you've been around to see my audio book reviews, which are mostly in the form of Podcasts, you'll know a few names at first glance. It's not fair for me to list a few as I enjoy them all and there is something different about each person's voice. But I'll try to mention a few for you.

I'll share them with you and links to where you can find stories by them, For FREE!

Veronica Giguere - Oh Veronica and her voices. Wow. This woman is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. This woman has a lovely voice of her own, but she is outstanding at different voices for all the characters. One place to find Veronica is at her site, where she has links to her books and her works. She does narration for Audible books along with podcasts. An ongoing braided podcast with Mercedes Lackey is The Secret World Chronicle. Do try to listen to her at some point, you'll be glad you did.

Philippa Ballantine - Oh her accent is lovely to listen too. I could listen to Pip for hours as she read with the passion she has. Outstanding. Pip can be found in many different podcasted stories along with playing the part of Eliza in the Tales from the Archives lead in's for the short stories. You can find two of Pip's stories from the duology series Chronicles of Art on Podiobooks for your listening pleasure.

Tee Morris - There's Tee with his strong voice. I enjoy all the pitches that Tee hits. ;) If you've listened to Tales from the Archives, you'll hear Wellington Books get a bit squeaky. lol. Tee is paired up with Pip for the fine lead in's for Tales from the Archives, as you guessed it, as Wellington Books. You can find him in a variety of podcasted stories, as well. You can also find Tee in his own stories. There are two on Podiobooks that are available for listening.

I could go on and on!

Alex White is an easy voice for me to listen to (oh and the world and stories he's created. WOW!). And my newest voice to listen to is Brand Gambling. I just listened to Brand's book The Hidden Institute and loved his voice.

All these amazing voices, and many, many more, can be found on PodioBooks where the COMPLETE podcasted stories are found. The stories are free but you can donate to the authors that you love as a tip for the amazing story you hear.

Also, you can find the completed stories on iTunes and subscribe to their threads.


Now I want you to share your favorite voices and stories you've listened to.

Just For Thought...(2)

I'm curious of your thoughts... One day the mind was wondering, a lot. But I came up with a few thoughts, questions... what ever you would like to call them, for chats with you. I thought it would be neat to have a nice chat with you on different things in and regarding books. I don't think this will become a post for every week, but I have several thoughts here to start some chats. I do hope you will join in and share your thoughts.

Coupons, friend of foe?

Are coupons your friend or foe when it comes to purchasing?  Let me set the scene for you... Beginning of the week and I'm broke already.  Paid the bills, need gas in the car, and saved a few slim dollars to go to lunch with the ladies at work.  And trying to save move for the crap that keeps breaking or need.  I get a 40% or 50% coupon off at the local bookstore.  What do I do?

Now, I think I'm crazy to not take advantage of these insane coupons that are sent from the store.  I absolutely need these books.  I want them.  I'll read them, eventually.  And goodness what if they aren't there when I want them?  Geez, I would have to wait.  And best of all, I'm supporting my favorite authors all the way!  So I rush out with the coupon and buy books.  Just what the store wants me to do.

My excuse.  The things I needed to take care of where taken care of so what if I take the five or ten dollars and spend it.  I have no other vices.  Well, sure I do... shoes, and fun days out doing stuff...

But anyway, coupons they are both to me.  Friend and foe.  They drive me crazy and burn the hole in my pocket to go spend.  I love them!

What about you?  Do they fuel your weakened state with book buying?

Just for Thought...

I'm curious of your thoughts... One day the mind was wondering, a lot.  But I came up with a few thoughts, questions... what ever you would like to call them, for chats with you.  I thought it would be neat to have a nice chat with you on different things in and regarding books.  I don't think this will become a post for every week, but I have several thoughts here to start some chats.  I do hope you will join in and share your thoughts.

Violence & Young Adult Books?

Is there ever to much violence in Young Adult books?

I started pondering this as I keep going to back to the Hunger Games books.  Yes, I read it. I loved it. I suggested it.  Friends kids read it. And my twelve year old son is reading it.

But let me explain, as brief as I can.  I wanted nothing to do with this book when I heard about it.  I didn't think any YA book should be about young adults, children, killing each other for enjoyment of viewers or not.  Then a friend in the book world finally convinced me to read it.  I didn't find it so bad when I did read it.  I even mention in my review, as you know there is killing going on you don't really see it or witness Katniss doing it.  She is struggling with surviving, on her own, not out killing the other kids.  So, I was happy with the book.  And passed it on to friends and my son as well.

But, there seems to be so much "killing" in the world and on television for the young ones these days.  So, my question is do you think there is to much in books as well?

Maybe it's my selection in books, and Young Adult books, but I don't seem to see it on an overly done process yet.  Maybe you have read different books than I and have or have not seen it.  So, I'm curious about your thoughts on it.