Book Reviews 2010: Why we are here, and the disappearance of regional reviews

by David Varno | May-31-2009

Despite reports of dwindling attendance and reduced amenities, the scene this morning at BookExpo America was bustling, and the large conference room that held the panel “Book Reviews 2010: What Will They Look Like?”, moderated by NBCC board member John Reed, was completely packed.  There wasn’t time to cover all the questions prepared, but only because the issues that were raised—-do larger review venues retain their authority amidst online venues and social networking platforms, are friends or professionals more trustworthy when it comes to reviews and recommendation, and will advance reviews still be important—were thoroughly explored and sparked lively debates. In the end, the mood was brought from gloomy to hopeful, with a bit of excitement thrown in.

More video clips will follow; for now, here are some bookends: First, NBCC board member Barbara Hoffert’s introduction and John Reed’s introduction of the panelists plus the first question: Why are we here?  Responses are from David Nudo of Shelfari (and former PW publisher), who responded to a tidbit from the BEA’s Roundtable with Tina Brown, then New Yorker editor Ben Greenman, Bethanne Patrick of The Book Studio, Peter Krause, who syndicates reviews to internet sites through TacticCompany, and Otis Chandler, founder of Goodreads.

It seems to make sense to publish this next clip now, even though it’s from the closing Q&A period, because the subject links directly back to the first installment of this panel series, held on the morning before the March 12 NBCC awards ceremony.  Here is NBCC member Edward Nawotka, raising the issue of disappearing regional reviews, and Bethanne Patrick’s response, which cites NBCC board member Geeta Sharma-Jensen on the need to keep regional book coverage alive.