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  |
Quote:
Originally Posted by montsnmags
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 |
I quite agree with much of what you're both saying. The key word of course is OVERSATURATION. I appreciate advertising as a source of information, to intelligently introduce something as new or different or useful. But when that advertising becomes obnoxious and in your face, as Moejoe says, I resist strongly to have anything to do with the author, book, movie or whatever.
I don't like going along with the crowd because media saturation says I MUST have it, read it, watch it, wear it, use it or smell like it. If the reason to partake in something is because "anybody who is anybody blah blah" or "everyone has one" or does it, then I prefer to be nobody.
Anyway, how can they tell me it's a blockbuster movie, or a #1 best seller even before it's released? Focus groups, pre-screeners and movie critics don't speak for me and often use an entirely different set of criteria than I would to judge something worthy of a read, watch, wear or use.
I'm turned off by oversaturation. I stubbornly refuse to read or watch Harry Potter, Lord of The Rings, The Da Vinci Code, et.al. Don't have an iPod either. I don't feel I'm missing anything by my stubborness. There are too many alternate choices in every area of consumption; many other and possibly better choices than those they try to shove down your throat.
I'm not good with "group think" or "crowd mentality." And the more you tell me I should need or want something, the more defiant I become in wanting or needing it.
I'm speaking in generalities of course. There will always be an exception somewhere.