By Edward Nawotka
Today’s lead story, a digest of the London Book Fair, notes that while organizers have managed to fill in the gaps of author readings, many trade panels and events have simply been canceled. And no one is trying to find a way to teleconference people in or to schedule online chats, which would seem logical and quite reasonable. Is there some reason that the LBF hasn’t taken this step? Would you participate in an virtual book fair if given the opportunity?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below or via Twitter using #ppdiscuss.
4 Comments
I am a literary scout based in Italy and, as many other publishing professionals, I am unable to attend the Fair in London due to flight disruptions.
I also expected that — given the current situation and the fact that so many people who had already registered to the LBF were grounded — some form of online interaction (video conference, streaming, chats etc.) would be organised. But no. That’s a shame.
I am right now holding several of my booked meetings via Skype, and it seems to work well, although not everyone is responding with excitement, and it’s clear that no video chat can replace a face to face meeting.
So I guess the bottom line is that, given the exceptional circumstances, some form of virtual exchange is needed and the LBF organisers should make at least some content available online to its registered participants.
Sure would.
Poisoned Pen bookstore and press held a virtual Mystery Book Convention last year that I felt was very successful. The various video feeds and chats they use were simple enough that even not being familiar with the technology, I felt I caught on quickly.
I absolutely would participate in an event like this. In fact what could be easier than staying at home and still getting everything that you want as far as information about the authors and their books. If the online presentation also provided a way to purchase then it would be all I would need.
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[...] volcano disrupted the London Book Fair last month, Publishing Perspectives’ editor Ed Nawotka wondered why “no one is trying to find a way to teleconference people in or to schedule online chats,” and [...]
[...] volcano disrupted the London Book Fair last month, Publishing Perspectives’ editor Ed Nawotka wondered why “no one is trying to find a way to teleconference people in or to schedule online chats,” and [...]