AKA What will make me wildly unpopular. Or, even less than wherever I am now? Whatever. This is a culmination of a number of thoughts and posts and conversations. In part, it’s why I’ve been quiet lately. Who am I kidding. For the past year. I’m blogging it now because… well, it’s a blog and I can talk about what I want [so long as Sybs hasn’t forbidden it], and I want to “explain” where I am right now/what has contributed a bit to my reading slump. (Because every so often I issue cries of help/book recommendations. I am trying to get out of it.)
This is also going to be a meandering post that I’ve merged with what I was going to title “No Book For Me!”
A number of things are changing in publishing. Blogs are coming and going. This is nothing new. (Well the latter part. Publishing is slow to change, or at least it feels that way.)
I guess I’ve been disillusioned, or more annoyed by the “us vs them” mentality that 
seems to show up online consistently. There’s also the sense that “readers are the enemy” and frankly, I’m sick of that. No, readers are not the enemy. And I know not everyone feels that way, of course, but I see it consistently enough to annoy me. This also makes me sad, because I used to read at least a book every two days. Maybe two to three books on a good day. (More if they were categories.) Reading for pleasure was a priority for me. I mean I did this throughout my undergraduate career, law school, and while studying for the bar as well. It’s been a few months since I’ve read for pleasure daily. At first it felt strange. I used to read before I went to sleep, no matter the time. Now? I … don’t. I tried a few times, but just couldn’t get into books.
More explanation on being turned off reading? Sorry… but… authors. Social climbing, diva behavior… laughing while saying “oh I just write the same story over and over.” But … really the “I’m so much more important than you” vibe. Like an author who will be all “oh hiiiiiii” and excited to talk to you when you’re standing next to someone who is a “super star.” But if/when you’re alone – you’re more than invisible, said author actively is looking through you.
Maybe it’s because this is my first year attending conferences/signings, etc. Or I have bad luck. Or I’m over sensitive. Perhaps it’s all of that in a small part. But I’m also not the dullest crayon in the box. I’m fed up with that behavior, and I for sure know not all authors are like that, but I’m just really… over it. (I’ve been to RT this year, as well as Lori Foster’s Reader & Author Get Together. I didn’t like the former very much, enjoyed the latter… and will be going to RomCon as well. So, we’ll see. Either people will make an effort to ensure they aren’t marked by me as snobs, or will avoid me madly. 😛 And, for those of you going to RWA, you’re safe. I won’t be there to judge you.)
I also got sick of seeing rave reviews on every. single. book. out. there. I mean, yay for authors. Hooray for you, and job well done, and all that. However, call me a skeptic. Cynic. I don’t believe it. What makes it worse is people would agree with me in private – that, yes, s/he didn’t love that book more than his/her first born. I give a number of “C” reviews, which here at the pond is an average read. At many other places that’d be a 3 star/book/whatever review. (But a “C” looks so much worse and meaner, right?) I enjoy most books. I don’t love them all indiscriminately. I don’t love having to defend myself for being a discerning or critical reader. And no, actually, I’m not talking about authors behaving badly.
Anyway, readers are the enemy. No. Not true, and very annoying. Readers are 
consumers, who want reasonable prices, and to not be dicked around. Readers are consumers who expect this across the board. I guess in a way I’m waiting it out. After all, Bluray and HD DVD got figured out. The problem is a number of us aren’t patient enough to wait. Although I suppose now my life is more well rounded? I used to never watch movies. I’d see maybe three a year. So, being called or treated as the enemy makes me want to pirate books. I don’t, but gosh – every time I’m lectured about it it makes me want to. In fact outraged rants complete with swearing is what made me aware of book pirating in the first place. (Yup. Guess I was naive. Also – no worries. I’m too computer/technologically inept to pirate books even if I decided to. Which, if you didn’t pick up on that, I wouldn’t.)
Now? I’ve been watching a lot of TV, and many more movies. Oscar nominees, new box office hits, etc. Whatever I can get from the library. As for television… my newest show I 
watch? The Ultimate Fighter. I’ve come a long way from not even being able to watch Macbeth in AP English. (Violence! No!) Um, guess a lot of stuff annoys me? Iron Chef, Burn Notice… So You Think You Can Dance… sometimes Chopped. Catching up on The Office, Bones, maybe re-watch Spartacus: Blood and Sand. Justified, Deadliest Warrior, Merlin. Giada at Home. Gordon Ramsay’s F Word. Kitchen Nightmares. Sometimes Hell’s Kitchen, and if I remember, Master Chef. (I don’t have Bravo, otherwise I’d watch Top Chef. No Cooking Channel either, sadly.) And more. The United States of Tara. The Tudors.
Movies? I’ve been on a Takeshi Kaneshiro kick. Or as much as I could. Watched Red Cliff/ Chi Bi, the international version, and Warlords. Love the former, meh on the second. The Young Victoria. Inglourious Basterds. Sherlock Holmes. Law Abiding Citizen. 9. It’s Complicated. And so on.
And my secret shame? I have even watched the odd episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians. >.<
So that’s my meandering rant, as usual. Now my questions for you? Have you been annoyed by something lately? Or have you have stopped doing/participating in something you enjoyed due to being turned off from/by it? Do you have slump buster books to suggest? Or your own secret shame shows? (Or shows in general you enjoy – obviously I’m not picky right now.) 😀
*ETA: My point in this post is… why can’t we be nice or at least civil to everyone? Why only be nice to a person when you think s/he is someone “special?” It’s really not a “ZOMG PAY ATTENTION TO MEEEE” – it’s a “Hey – how about throwing that stranger a smile and a simple hello?” I’m willing to bet the person [especially in the closed setting of a romance conference] doesn’t have leprosy, and it’ll be ok. Promise.
Sit next to me…
I have been reading more now I have my iPad actually sorta useful but now I have to find something in that pile to review.
*sigh* maybe I will never get back to reading that much again… I don’t now.
I read lots, but mainly ebooks. And as an author and a reviewer, sometimes I get stick. But if a book is bad, then it’s bad. I’m sorry for the author, and I feel awful putting up a bad review, but I owe something to the reader, too.
I just try to be precise about what I liked or didn’t like about a book, so anyone who happens to like cute kids and big misunderstandings can pick it up if they want to.
Lime, you should have contacted us at RT. I saw you a couple of times, but I wished I hung with you more. There are always more people than time at these things.
right now, watching the football. And my, there are some pretty footballers this time!
Ooo Teddypig – heh, of course I’ll sit next to you! 😀 And do my best to develop sticky fingers. 😛 Actually, I like how compact my ipod touch is, so your iPad is safe from me. But I’m cool with sitting [preferably in the back] and drinking.
Also – say it ain’t so! Never get back to reading that much?! O_o What will I do with my life?!
“Readers are consumers, who want reasonable prices, and to not be dicked around. Readers are consumers who expect this across the board.”
AMEN!!!
I have definitely been right where you are now, for some reason or another. I get annoyed and just walk away for a while. Then I also go through phases – internet (and blogging), reading, movies/tv. When I go through the phase I tend to get all caught up on something that catches my attention and then move onto another phase … unless something can manage to keep catching my attention.
Right now, I’ve been lucky with books. Been reading (and reviewing) more than I have in a long time. And I agree about the integrity of reviews. If I read a good/glowing review somewhere, and then read the book for myself and there are glaring problems – I’m not going to trust that reviewer. I try to be as honest as possible about what does and doesn’t work for me in a book – and why. I’ve read bad reviews that have made me pick up the book in all honesty, so people shouldn’t be afraid of bad reviews.
I haven’t been following your blog for a long time, so I’m not sure what your norm is for reading in order to recommend something – but I’ve been reading some great books recently 🙂
As for TV shows – I’m addicted to True Blood, and Supernatural. I also watch NCIS quite often. If you haven’t watched Supernatural though, I highly, highly recommend getting caught up on it. There’s 4 seasons out on dvd right now (best to watch in order) and it’s just a great show – fun, campy, serious, good acting, funny. I love it.
I am annoyed and fed up with my youngest child right now, does that count? Of course, I don’t have the option of setting her aside for movie watching :). Sometimes a genre switch can help a reading slump. I have been reading YA fantasy / princess books lately (not the darker urban fantasy YA, but more Shannon Hale or Gail Carson Levine) and enjoying the majority of them.
*gulp* I sure hope I wasn’t one of the ones who looked right through you at Lori Foster. And I’m lousy with names, so if you didn’t tell me limecello, I wouldn’t connect the dots. Truth be told, I have trouble connecting dots anyway.
Lime my girl, we should get together and do jello shots. Not sure when that will happen though since you’ll be at RomCon (and I won’t) and I’ll be RWA (and you won’t).
… I thought I was the only one who felt like all the reviews right now were OMG SQUEEEEE BESTEST BOOK EVER MUST HAVE BABIES WITH IT! It could just be me being cranky though. Either way, I’ve just gotten to the point where I “listen” to readers I “trust” and ignore all the rest as noise.
I know where you are coming from re the reading thing. Sometimes it just feels like a desert out there, despite the zillion books published for our reading pleasure every month. Can’t be helped. And I offer no advice. When I hit a reading slump, I try Jody’s suggesttion and try to step out of my usual genre. It doesn’t always work, but I do find some interesting books/ideas this way. I went mad for THE THIRTEENTH TALE a year or so ago and I am still thinking it’s one of the best books I have *ever* read. Then there was THE GUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY that just blew my reading socks off. But, really, I hate being in a reading slump, and they do come with more and more frequency these days, I’m sad to say.
(And I am just now, finally! starting one of your recs THE REDBREAST by Jo Nesbo–so wish me luck.)
I’m there with you. I’ve hit a slump again. Partly due because of RL stuff going on here, can’t seem to focus on reading when personal stuff keeps coming at me but when I do get online and blog-hop, read emails or Tweets, I do a lot of eye-rolling when I see post after post of “this is the BEST book EVER! You MUST go out and buy it NOW!!!!” Which seems to be about books by certain authors I’ve seen. I call BS on that because not every author has written the BEST book ever, every single time. Hell, I have lots of favorite authors and I can’t think of one who did that for me. Seeing stuff like that just has the opposite effect on me. The more readers push (via Twitter or FB or Goodreads) a certain author and/or book on me, the more I subconsciously add it to a Do Not Read list. Could be my slump, could be the personal stuff going on here that has made me realize what’s more important to me or it could be because I’m a bitch and I’m mean like that. *g*
As for TV/movie watching, because of this slump, I’ve found myself watching a lot of TV too. I recently emptied out hours and hours on the DVR of Brothers & Sisters, Justified, DH, Grey’s, Dateline, 20/20, DWTS and Criminal Minds. Once I finished those, I watched (and finished) the first season of Burn Notice in 2 days. I’m now working on Season 2 of Burn Notice and Season 1 of La Femme Nikita. In between those, I’m now watching Hell’s Kitchen, SYTYCD and lots of TruTV and ID channel. I’m also eagerly waiting for September when Sons of Anarchy comes back and I’m hoping next month sees Big Brother back on CBS.
No reading slump here … but MEGA pissed off with the ebook situation… it’s really tempting to turn to the dark side of the force given the attitudes we are witnessing from certain people in the industry.
I am leaving it at that because each time I think of it, I want to rant, and that is not good for the blood pressure situation 😛
Lynne – you’ve said that before , and I’m with you 100% on the reviewing, etc. It does almost seem some people think reviews are more for an author than other readers. Probably what has helped that thought is reviews being sent to authors.
As for RT… it was just crazy. I think it was much more author workshop oriented, etc, than I expected. (Considering it’s supposed to be a reader conference, yes?)
As for football, you mean soccer, right? 😉 There are some pretty ones! Sadly it seems everyone I root for doesn’t win/make it through. Sad.
.
Fiction Vixen – PREACH! *angelface*
.
Angela- Thanks for your comment and honesty! It’s hard sometimes to say “I disagree” out there, isn’t it? What are the great books you’ve been reading? Share the love! Maybe one will catch my attention.
As for shows… don’t have HBO, but don’t think I could watch True Blood because I cannot stand Anna Paquin :X I love the actors on Supernatural… but I haven’t… enh. Maybe, considering my slump. Thank you 🙂
.
Jody W. – Yes! Being annoyed with kidlets totally counts. And kudos plus a cookie to you. I’m often grateful I’m not a mom :X Heh – what you need to do is set a movie in front of *her!* Or send her to summer camp during the day. I love Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine – I still think she was robbed and should have won the Newberry with that one instead of being a runner up. How do you feel about her newer ones? I’ve read a few others but wasn’t as impressed.
.
Monica – No problem – I suck at names and faces, but my bigger issue is… why not just act consistently? I’d prefer you know, being civil and courteous to everyone across the board at all times, but at least don’t be *fake* you know? 😛 That’s another rant.
.
Wendy – HEE! Jello shots! You know how to solve that problem? You need to go to RomCon! Done! I am a *genius* 😀 I’m …. I pretty much never liked reviews (shh don’t tell Sybs) for that reason – these days I ask for a personal guarantee if someone tells me I have to buy a book.
.
EC – I feel like reading slumps are contagious! What’s going on with all of us!? Wow – I’ll have to look into the Thirteenth Tale. I had an unorthodox reading journey, and have been wavering between classics again recently, I suppose.
Heh, as for The Redbreast :X I hope you enjoy it, but I’ve never read it, so I hope you meant you plural, instead of you singular as the recommender!
.
MAD! Yeah, RL stuff is the pits, and you’ve definitely got a ton on your plate. Oh and you don’t need me to tell you this, bt yes! You ARE a bitch and mean like that! *beams*
Heh – you are ornery and contrary, and I totally get that. Sometimes I don’t do something I want to, just because someone told me to O_o
Isn’t Burn Notice awesome? And I really like Justified. Don’t really watch the others- and… you need to watch Bones!
Hey Lime,
I hear you….I’ve been dying to go to some of the conferences but after reading about your experiences maybe it’s a good thing that I wasn’t able to. Fortunately I haven’t had the reading slump that you have but I can understand where you are coming from…especially after meeting some of the authors that you may have read in the past that turned you off.
You’ll get your mojo back, especially if you loved reading romance that much. Taking a break can be a good thing. The Tudors and as someone else mentioned the Sons of Anarchy is also good. I watch both on DVD and got them both at the library. Big Brother is also a good mindless diversion, and I have to admit that I’ve watched the Kardashians a time or too myself 🙂
I have taken to not reading reviews on the web much anymore just recommendations from a few fellow readers who I know have similar tastes as my own. Because as you’ve said too many are 4-5 star reviews all the time. I believe in honest reviews because how can an author know what didn’t work for you unless you give constructive criticism…it certainly won’t help them in the end because readers will remember their last reading experience with that book/author and decide not to give it another go with their next book which could mean lost sales and contracts. It does no one any favors.
Another thing that I hate to see is so many authors giving up their personal blogs in favor of going solely to Facebook and Twitter. I love the blogs because they seem to be more personal, the messages and insights into the books more meaningful…not just a platform for advertising or promoting their books. I understand about time commitments and frankly am always surprised when authors do blogs, facebook, twitter, myspace, work a full time job, have families, write and promote. I get this. I don’t need daily updates, but what I do take the time to read I want to mean something that is relevant to that author or what they are thinking or writing about, but there are tools that will allow them to automatically post to Twitter, Facebook and Myspace via their blogs. It’s not that I’m anti Twitter or anything, but you just don’t get the same thing from 140 characters that you do with a blog post. I’m sorry but it’s just not the same. I don’t get the same excited I must read or learn more about this book in a snappy twitter comment.
It’s all changing, and I normally embrace change, but some of these changes aren’t for the best and readers like you and me are the ones who are feeling it most deeply and disappointingly. Maybe what you need are a few brand new authors that bring something fresh to the experience for you…who are eager for readers and appreciate you for your support in whatever form that may be.
Monica – No problem – I suck at names and faces, but my bigger issue is… why not just act consistently? I’d prefer you know, being civil and courteous to everyone across the board at all times, but at least don’t be *fake* you know? 😛 That’s another rant.
Truthfully, I don’t have an answer as to the place manners have gone. I do my damnest to be polite and friendly to people. Some I hit it off with and we’re BFFs. Others just don’t hit my nerve right, and I just politely extract myself from the situation. It’s easier on the BP and confrontation doesn’t do anyone any good. Good manners are important. More people should follow them and stop acting like they’re the most important thing in the world. My oldest is in for a RUDE awakening when she gets her first teaching job and she’s thrown to the wolves. I shall then try desperately NOT to say I Told You So. 😀 The hardest thing manner wise is the Internet. It makes it FAR too easy to be rude, obnoxious and impolite under the guise of whatever. Hate mail is NOT fun. And if I DID pass you by, it was NOT intentional. I like meeting people. Life is too interesting to remain in a hole.
So that shows you what I know–I was sure it was a Limecello rec for THE REDBREAST. But, oh, well, I started the book, and it seems to be damn good so far. So it’s all good. As for that reading slump, I’m guessing mine is going to last most of the summer. (Unless I get some porch-sitting time.) There are times I do wish that I was a more organized book-buyer though. When I read a good review and the book sounds interesting to me, I so often jot it down–then lose the frickin’ note. Or I don’t have it with me when I’m in the bookstore. And I’m brutal at remembering titles. I have to admit that I find it easier to react to my literary whims since I’ve become an e-reader. Point and click. Kaching! 🙂
Hmmmm. Mostly I’m reading my old favorites. Sad to say there isn’t much new out there that I’m interested in. I’m not a television or movie person so I have fewer options.
As for my rant…grandkids are out of school. And for the last two weeks we’ve had company. I’m ready to have some quiet time to write. Yep. In my “spare” time I write. On the review situation–I’m always interested in reading reviews for my books as I hope the reviewer will point out any problems I can correct and learn from. I seldom read reviews for other books.
Usually, if I read a review, it will be for a book I’ve already read. I like to see if the reviewer agrees or disagrees with my private assessment. Most of the time, they’re not even close.
I also agree about those five stars/hearts/feathers/… reviews. There are so many I don’t trust any of them, especially if one of my own books receives one. Oh, the ego enjoys the stroke for a few minutes and then reality smacks me between the eyes.
As for rude writers at conferences. If you ever encounter me at a conference, please say hello. Like most authors I’m “unknown” and I would love to meet someone new. The DIVA types excepted, most of us sit in the corner with the two or three people we know. If by some good fortune someone recognizes us, we’re thrilled beyond all expectations.
And finally, if you would like to e-mail me with a snail mail addy, I’ll gladly send you a couple of my books, not because I think they’re the next Great American novels, but maybe you’ll get a chuckle or two from them. Sometimes a giggle or laugh isn’t bad.
anny cook
Hi, Hi, Hi! Awesome post. I was laughing out loud. Wanted to make sure you got an invitation to the blogger party at RomCon hosted by Melissa Mayue and friends. Let me know if you didn’t and I’ll hook you up! TWO…WEEKS… Ahhhhhhhhhhh! Cheers.
BL1335 😉 – I’ve watched all the seasons of Tudor out on DVD – it was in my list 🙂 It made me hate JRM though :X
As for change in social media/networking…I think it’s just a number of authors are going on blog hiatuses. Understandable – it’s easy to get burnt out. I agree twitter isn’t a *substitute* for blogs – or shouldn’t be used as one.
.
Monica- Hahaha :X Uh oh – your poor daughter. Depending on what grade(s) she’s teaching… kids are/can be so cruel. And they really don’t care about social niceties.
As for good manners – agreed it’s way too easy to just lose all semblance of reasonability online. I like to think I’m pretty consistent across the board. And maybe I’m not *friendly* to everyone, but I like to think I’m at least civil. (Because I’m just not one of those people who likes *everyone* :X)
My issues are lack of good manners, I guess, and honesty. I just hate when people are fake. If you think I’m a bitch either tell me to my face, or like you said – extract yourself from the conversation/group. Don’t smile to my face then talk smack about me behind my back.
.
EC – I wish it had been me, would like to be able to take credit for something well done 😉 And more importantly, wish I had a book to recommend. Oh my goodness- as for forgetting titles, I hate hate HATE that. I used to keep lists as well, but now… don’t. And e-books are wonderful and dangerous like that. I’ve definitely bought a few books I later regretted :X But you know, my own fault. Buyer impulse! Who can resist that 😛
.
anny – Hm, re-reading is nice, isn’t it? I like doing that, but sadly haven’t even been able to get into that as well. And, I wasn’t a TV or movie person, before, but if I don’t do that I’ve got nothing left! [Yes am being slightly overdramatic]
And – ack. Kids :X they’re a lot of trouble, aren’t they? Hopefully they’re more out of your hair or at least you have more spare time now!
Also… YAY YOU! Your comment made me so happy 🙂 When I started reviewing I thought that reviews could also act as constructive criticism for authors. Then I got disillusioned – but I do still think the key is pointing out what did/didn’t work for the reader. As opposed to a summary.
And I’ll do my best at a conference 🙂 [I’m actually pretty shy. Or… it depends. I’m either on, or off – and when off am a grumpy bear and it’s best I don’t inflict myself on others anyway :X]
Lastly – for books, that’s so sweet! Thanks for offering 🙂 For reviews though (assume that’s what you’re after?) Sybil controls all – and her info/ the email address is on the info page 🙂
.
Michele – :X Uh oh – what part were you laughing at?
And, thank you for offering – I already got an email about that a few weeks ago 😀
(Gosh and I REALLY hope you didn’t hope this post was me trying to inveigle an invitation, because that was not not not the purpose of this post >.< Also, am totally not singling you out – just a general statement – apparently that's how some people are taking it. *head desk*)
Personally, I try to be nice and think sometimes I come off as too much stars and rainbows in my reviews. Lately I’ve been feeling harsher though. (Okay, the reviews I’m about to write are positive, darnit.)
I really have trouble relating to people, in person or on the net. I feel like people think I’m aloof, whereas I’m generally pondering what I’m going to say until I don’t say anything. Sometimes I’m on, but most of the time I think I come off as overly reticent.
Also, I think I should give props to Esther Friesner. She was at A-kon 21 and had a nice, long conversation with me after I bought the cheapest book she was selling.
Liv! Thinking is good. Frankly I should think more – or, scratch that – my problem is over thinking, but my result of my over thinking leads to my talking. Or… anyway point is I should generally keep my mouth shut. Especially since it generally bites me in the ass and sometimes leads to 2 hr conversations with Sybil wherein I find out things that make me paranoid and unhappy, feel like my head is going to explode, and use many ALLCAPS.
So… good for you. Being reticent isn’t bad at all. Stars and rainbows are lovely things. But not fitting if you’re talking about a shit book. And… I’m pretty sure you’ve given D or F reviews, yeah?
Also – awesome on Esther Friesner. Love hearing that. Guess if I were feeling less snarly I’d write a companion post to this one, which would be how “meeting” some authors – online or in person made me like them and buy their books which turned out to be pretty good which ended up in a great experience altogether. 🙂
Yeah, I’ve given Ds, Fs, and DNFs. But they’re the minority.
I keep what I call my classy list. The people on it are secret, but they impressed me. Nothing makes me not enjoy a great work like realizing the person who wrote it is a jerk. But knowing someone is truly nice and companionable makes me like their work more, even if it isn’t as good.
Heh. Truthfully, I’m not very interested in reviews. I write. If a reader enjoys what I write, then my job is done. Do hope to meet you sometime.
Anny
I was at RT and LF and can’t believe I missed you BOTH TIMES! I not only would have sat with you, I would have dragged you over to sit with my critique partners and me. You could have joined the “Let’s dress Becke’s muse puppet up as a pirate” party.
And when, after I saw you tweet about LF, I mentioned that I had missed you AGAIN to CP Keri Stevens, she was like, “Oh yeah, we sat together at the bar!”
Next time I’ll wear a badge: “Looking for Lime” so we can connect!
Liv – I like it! I have a “classy” list as well. I of course have an opposite list :X Heh. I am much more likely to talk up my classy list than I am to bash my shit list. No point in that. But I think people’s “good behavior” and general awesomeness should be rewarded.
Anny – whoops :X Sorry for misunderstanding you! And definitely – let me know if you go to any conferences 🙂
Becke – Will you be going to RomCon? As for a muse puppet… :X sorry but no thanks. Baby dolls and humanoid things too often creep me out. Like whoever had that creepy doll thing at RT. >.<
Haha – my badge did say Limecello… and Keri Stevens is so freaking adorable! Gah!