Crooked River Ain't Burning Yet
Over at the Plain Dealer in Cleveland, book editor Karen Long weighs in on the discussion of print book reviews and has this to say:"The fact that Winslow, literary editor of The Nation for several years, sounded his cri de coeur in cyberspace carries some extra grit into our eyes. Because even as the National Book Critics Circle gathers signatures and stages a protest in front of the bricks-and-mortar Atlanta Journal-Constitution, a number of bloggers are borderline gleeful, ready to polish their dancing shoes for a nice tap across the graves of old mainstream media.
This, of course, is a false choice. As much as I love The Book Babes - "Two veteran book critics who believe books are better than Botox" - this pair will never be in a position to tell you, as Kathy Englehart did two weeks ago, which children's books to read with your kids before visiting the Monet exhibit at the Cleveland Museum of Art.”
Long talked to Plain Dealer assistant managing Debbie Van Tassel, and editor Douglas Clifton, both of whom affirmed the paper's continued commitment to books.
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posted by John Freeman 12:43:00 PM
8 Comments:
"A number of bloggers are borderline gleeful, ready to polish their dancing shoes for a nice tap across the graves of old mainstream media."
Name one. I'm fairly certain that none of the bloggers cited in the NYT article earlier this week would cop such an attitude, for example, particularly since "old mainstream media" is increasingly hiring them to add much-needed verve to their book review sections.
Ron (Beatrice.com)
Seems funny to me that of all the things said in that column, you, Mr. Freeman, would choose to make that the quoted portion. Why don't you come right out and say what your problem with blogs is instead of all of these not so subtle insinuations? I think everyone would be interested in reading your opinion on the matter.
Besides, she's wrong. I read a lot of the book blogs and I've yet to read one that is gloating over this. In fact, most have been supportive of the NBCC's effort.
What Ron said, with the addendum that one should be careful not to conflate the intent of the satire with the feelings of the satirist herself.
For what it's worth, when I talked with Motoko Rich, she seemed surprised to hear that I was very critical of blogs. I also told her that both sides needed to look inward and reach out to each other.
This is the funniest thing I've seen all week. Here are examples #1 and #2 of bloggers who gloat over this situation! I realize amnesia is bad in this dear country, ole sweaty ones, but don't you guys realize the evidence is on your stupid websites? Like Bill Cosby said boys, the proof is in the pudding!
Chuck Baby: If the "evidence is on your stupid websites," then why not simply cite it? It's funny that those who decry one side or the other in this needless little war often fail to cite specifics to prove their points. One would think that a body of critics would be interested in a bit of healthy discussion, both inward and outward, predicated upon examples. But as Disraeli once put it, it is easier to be critical than correct.
If you've got a link to one of our posts that proves your allegation, Chuck, feel free to share it with the rest of the class. Otherwise, I can't imagine any reason why anyone here should take you seriously. If there's one thing I've learned from online discourse, it's this: Put up or shut up.
Here's the thing, though: You can't just use a post where I criticize individual book reviewers for being shortsighted about this issue (or just wrongheaded in general), or even one where I point out that the newspaper industry has been shooting itself in the foot with regards to book review sections and that the current situation is the inevitable consequence. Only a non-satirical post in which I explicitly stated that I personally am aquiver with anticipation at the impending demise of the book review sections of America will do. If you don't have that, then stay offline and let the experts handle the debate.
I would also love to find out specifically which bloggers are gleeful.
Personally, I told Ms. Rich that the first thing I do EVERY Sunday is open the Detroit Free Press to the book page (yes, page, singular). Even though the majority of the reviews on a weekly basis are wire copy, and not written by somebody in Detroit, or the area, I still hit that before the sports page, before the editorial, or any other section.
I told her that the demise, or even reduction, of print reviews was the absolute last thing that this individual, who happens to blog, but more importantly loves to read, and discuss literature, wanted to see.
As a sometimes contributor of reviews of science books to Karen Long's outstanding book review section at the Cleveland Plain Dealer, I know she appreciates freelance niche reviewers like me, and I know how hard she struggles to find money to pay us.
Just today, I heard from another editor who likes my work but has seen her freelance budget nearly dry up. Not this review, she told me, but maybe the next one for a July book that I'm very high on -- if the freelance situation changes.
Last year, I was frequently able to sell my reviews to at least three noncompeting newspapers. This year, I rarely sell beyond my primary client, the Dallas Morning News. And for every review I sell there, I know that other excellent freelancers are being crowded out.
Sad....
Fred Bortz
www.fredbortz.com -- children's science
www.scienceshelf.com -- science book reviews
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