Quote:
Originally Posted by Moejoe
I try to avoid anything that's shoved directly into my face, advertising wise, so that would cover Authors too. Nothing more obnoxious than those prominent display stands in bookstores with the latest best-seller on them. I want to discover authors from recommendation and maybe reading the first few paragraphs. There's no fun in being told what to read  |
Initially I was going to say that oversaturation doesn't influence me to buy, but rather that I avoid the popular publicity so I am not influence in my approach to reading by the media-enthusiasm
(*). That's not true though, and I think I know why, because of what you say above. Particular when it's a "new sensation" (either new author, or from a paperback-King) I am reminded that it is (understandably) in the publisher's interest to find books that will reliably sell to the broadest/largest possible populations, and so may often be the "soft pop rock" of bookdom. Thus, it usually takes validation from critics I respect (and that doesn't mean, and usually isn't, a "professional critic" - in recent times it's been you lot here
) for me to look at books in the cardboard towers obstructing the entrances to the stores. Also, like in so many things, there's little for me to gain in feeling like a media-fashion victim (be it the publicity/fashion of clothes, music, art, books, movies) other than the pseudo-belonging of mob-affirmation. Thanks, but I won't get caught up in the excitement - I'll just go read a book.
(* Note, there's also the egotistical part of myself, that in its striving to be individual likes to think he's got different tastes to everyone else )
Cheers,
Marc