“The most splendid achievement of all is the constant striving to surpass yourself and to be worthy of your own approval.” ~Denis Waitley
Rumor has it there has been a softening of the hearts of those who typically review traditionally published books only. I have heard that book reviewers employed by trade magazines, such as Publisher’s Weekly www.pw.org are now more accepting of putting their declaration of approval on books that are independently published. To me, this is a sign that independently published books have gained respect and a prestigious place in the world of booksellers and reviewers.
From all that I have read, movie goers and book buyers are now more frequently seeking advance information on books and films through the internet. Readers seem to be relying less and less on traditional review resources like trade magazines. Potential book buyers and movie goers are heading for blogsites and websites to catch all the latest “buzz” on books and films.
Some books and films that come highly recommended “crash and burn,” in my opinion. Sometimes it can be attributed to all the over-rated “hype”, leading to dissapointment. My personal opinion is that “one man’s treasure is another man’s trash.” A good book or film review never guarantees anything, as I see it.
What do you think? Do you think book and film reviews influence what people buy and watch? Do you like knowing other’s notions and opinions of books and films, or would you rather rate them yourself? Do you think word of mouth has more power in selling books and films to their potential audience? Let us hear from you!
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As a filmmaker, I DO think that reviews and “Buzz” is important to different mediums. I am a strong believer that any press is good press. With the internet being such a strong resource, it is so easy to get word out about a film or a book. This opens up a gateway of opportunity for the creator.
Pertaining especially to this site, it is only COURTESY to spread the word on an independently published piece’s of media. Most things independently funded or published are need to viral to people to take time and explore what they have heard.
Personally, I do not read movie reviews. I like to go into a film with no prior notions. HOWEVER, that does not mean that I do not recognize when there is a “Buzz” surrounding a film. And it’s that Buzz that will make me go see it. Not a movie reviewer.
-Marc
Thank you, Marc, for your thoughts. I found it interesting that you are more in tune to the “Buzz” than the reviews. After some thought about your remark, I would have to say the same for me – I am more aware of the buzz than searching out and reading reviews!
And yes, to an independent publisher, the use of e-marketing and social media marketing is extremely important to reaching large groups of people who often share the same interests.
Book and film reviews don’t influence me at all. I tend to rely on the opinions of friends I know who have read the book or seen the film. Usually my likes and dislikes are very much the opposite of “professional” reviewers.
Mitzi, Thank you for your comment. Most of the time our friends are our friends because we share common interests. So, listening to the recommendations of our friends often turns out to be reliable because our friends often are tuned into our likes, dislikes and often our needs. Don’t you think?