5 Comments

Great argument and the differentiation between books and products is so important!

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Dec 20, 2021Liked by John Warner

Another valid question might be about whether the followers of some celebrities are likely to purchase a book period.

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Dec 20, 2021Liked by John Warner

For me, social media alerts me to the release of a book only. I have my favorite authors and are glad to hear when they have a new book coming out. I will then go purchase that book most likely from a bookstore. Books written by celebrities are of zero interest to me; fortunately or unfortunately depending on the book, perhaps. I veer outside of favorites when friends recommend a book or a Book Club selection takes me there. I have found some of my favorite authors in those choices. I rarely read biographies but did enjoy Viktor Frankl's, "Man's Search for Meaning in Life."

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Dec 20, 2021Liked by John Warner

I agree with your reasons why book sales are less than stellar for authors having huge social media followings. However, another thought for the low response could be that these followers are not readers. Social media feeds come with instantaneous responses. Reading takes time. Perhaps the vast majority of these followers are from a generation that prefers the quick response rather than an in depth, time required inquiry with a book! Happy reading....

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I few years ago I read through Harold Bloom’s As I Lay Dying > Miss Lonelyhearts > Crying Lot of 49 > Blood Meridian sequence and Miss Lonelyhearts was such a satisfying jolt of a story. Something like Confederacy of Dunces set in McCarthyesque version of New York.

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