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Feb
03
Thinking Globally, Acting Locally: Book Blogger Style
2010 at 12am Posted by Rebecca Joines Schinsky
So, that #fountainreads thing I’ve been talking about? I want to talk about some more.
Why?
Because Style Weekly (“Richmond’s alternative for news, arts, culture, and opinions”) is talking about it in a piece featuring Fountain Bookstore and me! And I’m excited about it. (Something about seeing blog-related news actually in print makes it all somehow feel more real…)
If you love books—and especially if you’re a blogger or bookseller—then I think you have reason to be excited too because it’s an example of the kind of partnership that can exist between bloggers and booksellers, the kind of partnership I hope to see more of.
Independent bookstores are, by nature, local. Awesome independent bookstores, like Fountain Bookstore here in Richmond, put a great deal of thought and effort into providing excellent customer service, planning exciting events and author appearances, and cultivating lasting relationships with members of the community. Indies live or die by their ability to build a local audience.
This blogging thing, on the other hand? It is made world-wide by the nature of the web. Sure, bloggers can affect their audience demographics with niche-specific content and targeted marketing, but anyone anywhere in the world can find a blog and make a connection. Of course, with social networking sites like Twitter, local booksellers can reach out to wider audiences as well.
So what could make more sense than putting bloggers and booksellers together?
When Kelly Justice, owner of Fountain Bookstore, and I kicked off the #fountainreads twitter book discussion this past Monday, she got to expand Fountain’s audience by meeting some of my far-flung readers, and I got to meet local readers. Participants got to discuss a book with people they would probably otherwise never meet. It’s the perfect storm.
So in that part in the Style Weekly piece where I talk about broadening the conversation because “Fountain is local…but I’ve got followers all over the world,” that’s what I was talking about: bloggers and booksellers partnering to share books with new audiences and promote their common interest in keeping the love of reading alive and well.
(Ain’t it amazing what can get lost in ellipses…)
If you’re at The Book Lady’s Blog today because of the Style Weekly piece, welcome! I hope you’ll look around and stay a while, and I look forward to meeting you through conversation in the comments and on Twitter.
And if you’re a blogger or bookseller (or a blogging bookseller—that’s my favorite combination!), I encourage you to reach out and seek new ways to use your platform, whatever it may be, to connect with other readers and move the conversation forward. If you’re already doing something like this, I want to hear about it. Let’s start a dialogue about innovative ways to work together to keep books alive regardless of how their formats may change—make no mistake: books are changing, but that doesn’t mean we have to let ourselves be left behind.
Finally, I owe a huge thanks to Kelly Justice for inviting me to be a part of the #fountainreads initiative and for partnering on an exciting project-in-the-works that I can’t wait to tell you about soon. This is just the beginning.
And if you’re looking for more information about the Twitter Book Club concept, originated by Bethanne Patrick (@thebookmaven) and Kassia Krozser (@booksquare) visit The Book Studio for details.
Kudos to you Rebecca! This is a great idea…not only are you supporting local bookstores, but are furthering the role and relevance of the book blogger!
I think this is a superb concept! (Also can’t wait to visit the Fountain Bookstore in person.)
Now if I could just get my local indie to embrace Twitter….
I never cease to be amazed that so many indies are missing opportunities by not having blogs, Facebook pages, and tweeting booksellers. Who would pass up the chance to attract new business using technology that makes people feel connected? Best of luck inspiring your local indie!
I loved being a part of it, and am so looking forward to becoming more involved in the whole thing in the future, and in getting to know both you and Kelly a bit more in the time to come..and eventually if I ever visit VA, I’ll definitely visit!!
(hmm..a writing retreat?)
Yay, congratulations! I really wish DC (and specifically Arlington) had more independent bookstores that could partner with bloggers!
That is wonderful. As a blogger, I will take the initiative and reach out to my local indie booksellers and see what happens. It would be hard to link up every book we promote because they are not carried locally so I use amazon but I can help promote local book signings.
That’s great, Traci! I think anything and everything we can do helps. Let me know how it goes?
How wonderful! Well done you! There is a lovely little independent bookstore in our parish, but I get lost every time I go there. Maybe it’s time to print out a fresh map and bring someone with me who isn’t hopeless at maps and directions and try again.
Congrats on the success of #fountainreads, Rebecca! Keep spreading the word …