A little earlier today, I blogged about the potential for book bloggers to influence reading trends and to do so in collaboration with the more traditional book industry. These thoughts were prompted by a blog post on Juxtabook which acknowledges that comments, discussion and feedback can be one of the marks of an influential book blog. Blog readership though can be much deeper than the raw number of contributors may suggest. I am not confusing readership with subscribers. Subscriber levels can be a useful indicator of influence but they are not a measure. And yet, like Catherine Hawley – the book dealer behind Juxtabook – I too am guilty of reading far, far more book blog reviews than I comment on. Many book bloggers put huge effort into their reviews and reading guides, and some show real talent and insight. They book reading and book buying choices, helping to maintain the vibrancy of a well-tended Mount TBR. Would it be too hard to hit the ubiquitous ‘like’ button or leave a few words in response?
No. So I’m joining Juxtabook in an idea initiated by another great book blogger, James Reads Books, in commenting on a book blog review today. The challenge is simple. As James explains it: “”Go out into the world, well, into cyber-space, and read a book review today. After reading it, leave a comment.” You may also tag a few other book bloggers to invite them to do the same.
I’m tagging some of my personal favourite book blogs (in complete ignorance of their views on commenting and other book bloggers) – Liz at Liz Loves Books; Annabel at Annabel’s House of Books; Lynne at Dovegreyreader Scribbles; Ali at Heavenali and Simon at Savidge Reads. Absolutely no pressure guys – play it forward if you like, or don’t. There’s no chainy-wainy guilt thing about this. I’m just sharing what I thought was a neat idea.
BookAddiction 
Wow. I admit, I was being half serious with this ‘challenge’ but I’m very happy to see it spreading. Thanks.
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I wondered whether you really meant for people to pick it up and run with this. But it’s a really neat idea (plus has had the advantage of introducing me to a few new-to-me blogs). When it makes you rich and famous, you can buy buy me chocolate cake!
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Thank you so much. What a lovely idea.I so love hearing from commenters I am sure others do too.x
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Thanks Ali. I thought it was a neat idea too. I don’t usually do challengy-things but this is sort of more of dare, I guess. I hope you didn’t mind being tagged.
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I don’t mind. Probably won’t be able to do similar post on my blog. Struggling to keep up with my normal posting at the moment. So busy at work and at home.
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No worries – I know just how that feels. And I like your normal posting, so I wouldn’t want to interfere with that at all 🙂
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This is a great idea. I love receiving comments on my own book reviews and posts, and I try to leave comments on the blogs I read too, especially if I’ve added the book they’re writing about to my to-read list! Great post 🙂
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Thanks Gemma – although I can’t claim credit for the idea! But you’ve gone and done it now! I nominate you to read and comment on a book review today! Pingback if you manage to do it.
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Thanks for tagging me Jessica – and reading my blog! Your blog is new to me – I have added you to my blogroll as it’s a lovely discovery. I’ve also been tagged in this challenge by Juxtabook, and am making busy around the web leaving a few more comments than usual in response.
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Ahh, I should have spotted that Catherine has also tagged you!
No surprise that my blog is new to you – I only started blogging again last month after a break of about 5 years. My old site is defunct (as it is the provider) so slowing coping reviews over to this one. Thanks so much for adding me to your blog roll. I’m a huge admirer of your (and I think we share a love for Persephone books too).
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Great idea! I do read lots of reviews and probably only comment in half of them. *will try harder* because I know how much I like reading comments on my reviews.
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Yes, I know what you mean. Some reviews really inspire me, and certainly affect my choices of what (and what not) to read – those are the ones I aim to comment on. Some reviews leave me cold and wondering why the blogger bothered – those I’ll probably continue not to comment on. I’ll just stop following the blog if it happens more than a couple of times.
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