Saturday, July 25, 2009

Saturday Soliloquy-- Book Blogger Appreciation Week



Last year, I'd barely begun blogging when I started to see Book Blogger Appreciation Week mentioned. I think that was back in the day when I actually had time to spend on LibraryThing! The more I read about this brainchild of Amy's (My Friend Amy), the more I liked the sound of it. I was just beginning to know some of the book bloggers out there, and I thought this would be an excellent way to become acquainted with more. I was right, and I have the Google Reader to prove it!

For the uninitiated, let me go over some Book Blogger Appreciation Week facts:
  • WHO: Anyone who blogs about books is invited to participate. In fact, we want everyone who blogs about books and reading to be a part of this week!
  • WHAT: A week where we come together, celebrate the contribution and hard work of book bloggers in promoting a culture of literacy, connecting readers to books and authors, and recognizing the best among us with the Second Annual BBAW Awards. There will be special guest posts, daily blogging themes, and giveaways.
  • WHEN: September 14-18, 2009
  • WHERE: Here at the new Book Blogger Appreciation Week Blog! (Please note that this year there are three separate blogs and feeds—one for the main event, one for giveaways, and one for awards.)
  • WHY: Because books matter. In a world full of options, the people talking about books pour hard work, time, energy, and money into creating a community around the written word. I, Amy, the founder of Book Blogger Appreciation Week love this community of bloggers and want to shower my appreciation on you!
Speaking as a newbie book blogger last year, I was flabbergasted to learn there were so many like-minded people out there. I visited all the nominated blogs, saw how other bloggers were doing things, got tons of ideas, and began forming friendships that are thriving today. I got more out of that inaugural week than if I'd been nominated in each category.

I expect to gain even more from the Second Annual Book Bloggers Appreciation Week. I've been around long enough to actually be nominated for things, and I'd be thrilled to bits if I were, but that's not really the point.

The point is to come together for a week of celebration and sharing. If you're new to book blogging, don't let that stop you from registering. Again, if you're new, don't let that stop you from nominating your favorite book blogs. (You don't have to nominate a blog for every single category, ya know!)

Are you so new that you really don't know of that many book blogs? No problem! Do what I did last year: visit all the blogs that you'll see listed. You're going to find several that are your perfect cups of tea. (Over 400 blogs last year, and I'm hoping for 1,000 this year. Hey-- it's entirely possible if folks spread the word!)

Part of this week of celebration involves giveaways. If you like free stuff, there's another reason for you to register. However, the free stuff doesn't drift gently to the ground from the free stuff tree. If you'd like to donate prizes, let Amy and her team know!

Once you've registered for Book Blogger Appreciation Week, and you've clicked on the Awards and Nominations tab, keep in mind that nominations are open until August 15, 2009. And those items that you think would make great prizes? Don't forget to donate them. Please, please, please don't snooze and lose!

(One thing that I'd better make perfectly clear: You do not have to be a blogger in order to nominate your favorite book blogs!)

I know y'all are observant, and you've noticed that I've given the registration, awards and giveaway links more than once. That's just a sign of how much I want every book blogger who reads Kittling: Books to participate in this fun event.

Book Blogger Appreciation Week is more than nominations, awards, and free stuff. It's all about books. It's all about the people who live and talk books. It's all about joining in with folks who feel the exact same way you do about books so all of us can have a whole lot of fun.

I'll see you there, won't I? Of course I will!

4 comments:

  1. Hi - I'm only a newbie book blogger, but I've registered. I'd also like to donate some prizes for the giveaways - I'm clearing my shelves (a painful necessity) and I have some nice books on the "throw out" pile - may I offer them? I'm happy to ship from here in Australia...

    ReplyDelete
  2. I think most of us feel the same. Where would we be without Amy?

    Great new look for your blog, by the way!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I had no idea you were new to this last year too! I thought you'd been at this for years. I agree with you about BBAW - it really made me feel like part of the community last year.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Kate--I'm certain Amy & her crew will be more than happy to accept your donations. Just go to Book Blogger Appreciation Week and click on the giveaway/donation tab to get the instructions on what you need to do. I'm so glad you registered!

    Rhapsody--Thank you!

    Kathy--Amy had such a wonderful idea!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for taking the time to make a comment. I really appreciate it!