Today's question: Early Reviewers- do you participate? How many books (approximately) have you received through the program? Have you liked them generally? What's your favorite ER book? Do you participate in the discussion group on LT?
Yes, I've participated in the Early Reviewers Program since January 2008. During that time I've received four books, three of which I really enjoyed (with the fourth being so-so). Through reading various topics in the ER discussion group, I've seen that some folks request practically every book that's on offer, thinking that this is the best way to snag something. That's not a method or philosophy that I'd choose for myself. I don't want to receive just anything. My reading time is very precious to me, so I only request books that I think I will truly enjoy. (There have been a couple of months when I didn't request anything.) My favorite ER book has to be Ann Cleeves' White Nights, the second book in her Shetland Quartet. I have participated sporadically in the discussion group whenever I see a topic that piques my interest.
I have to credit LibraryThing's Early Reviewer program for making me realize that, yes--I, too, can receive free books, and it's also introduced me to the wonderful world of book bloggers!
LT was also a gateway for me into the world of free books and book blogging.
ReplyDeleteI only request books I would like to read too. It's wonderful to receive a free book.
ReplyDeleteWe are newbies, requested only a small number of books that might be appropriate for Book Dads. Decided for October to request a couple more that interested us beyond what's a fit for our blog.
ReplyDeleteThe most I've ever requested was two, but for some reason the algorithm loves me. My book collection is kinda strange, so perhaps it all does come down to how eclectic your taste is.
ReplyDeleteI agree that requesting everything just to get something is not for me. I have to be interested in what I choose, otherwise what's the point?
There were very few books in the October batch that looked interesting to me.
ReplyDeleteI only request books that I think I'll like, too. I have so many books in my TBR that I can be quite selective.
ReplyDeleteI only request books I think I'll enjoy - unfortunately, there have been months when I have requested 20+ books! Wide-ranging tastes, I guess. But unlike some ERers, I don't feel that I should have to limit myself to one or two selections a month, if there are more that interest me.
ReplyDeleteI am a newbie at LT, but I wouldn't have discovered it without my book blogging friends leading me there!
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you on the requesting thing - I only request books that I think are interesting. I take the reviewing component of ER seriously and I don't want to be stuck reading a book I don't like!
ReplyDeleteI only requests books that I truly want to read to... from LT or from any publisher.
ReplyDeleteI also only request what I would enjoy reading. I'm like you, I sure don't want to slog through a book I don't like!!! Enjoyed your post:)
ReplyDeleteThe ER program introduced me to the whole books for reviews phenomenon. I'd never have considered having a book blog were it not for them. So, while I still request a books if I see something interesting in the program, it's grown into so much more - in the past 9 months, I've gotten 6 books from LT...and 79 from other sources. How cool is that?!?
ReplyDeleteYes, the ARC Junkies group has led to quite a few great connections for me!
ReplyDelete