tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781966284013710689.post3924716468834649774..comments2024-03-29T03:28:33.481-04:00Comments on Hannah McBride: Current Author, Former Irish Banana: Blogger Talk: Conferences and the ElephantHannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14609984238909948421noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781966284013710689.post-8064713510718525532014-06-20T19:23:37.336-04:002014-06-20T19:23:37.336-04:00Yes, yes and yes! I stayed in Jersey to go to BEA!...Yes, yes and yes! I stayed in Jersey to go to BEA! That was the only way I could afford to do it. Was it ideal? No. I would have much preferred to stay in the city, but I did what I had to do to make it work. I couldn't go last year. It was sad. But I had just started blogging so I didn't really feel like I HAD to go or that I was entitled to those ARCs. In fact, I don't think anybody should feel entitled to ARCs. It's a privilege and a gift from the publishers. I sometimes think that people don't understand that it costs the publishing house money to print the ARCs and distribute them. Seriously, have some class people and stop bitching about not getting an advanced copy that you want. Have I been jealous before? Absolutely. But I don't publicly whine about it. Everybody needs to grow up. Well said, Hannah. Well said. Rebecca @ Unbound Pageshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14609128581185079525noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781966284013710689.post-15216815063988261602014-06-07T21:37:47.242-04:002014-06-07T21:37:47.242-04:00It's sad to see people apologising for their B...It's sad to see people apologising for their BEA book hauls, I don't understand why people can't be happy for other people, and if they can't do that, why can't they keep their nasty/jealous thoughts to themselves?<br /><br />Great post!<br /><br /><a href="http://thebookishmanicurist.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow"> Mands @ The Bookish Manicurist </a><br /><br />The Bookish Manicuristhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12306340951256242816noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781966284013710689.post-47049450016277854412014-06-04T16:19:46.605-04:002014-06-04T16:19:46.605-04:00I agree with Parajunkee that it's a shame you ...I agree with Parajunkee that it's a shame you even had to write this post. This all sounds like sour grapes from someone who has never attended a conference like BEA.<br /><br />Last year was my first time attending, and I will admit that I went nuts and took WAY too many books. I learned my lesson. But that's MY mistake and MY lesson, and I couldn't presume to get into the heads of other attendees to decipher and judge what they're doing with their ARCs. And plus, it's none of my damn business!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16532824873675624385noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781966284013710689.post-86751522356699973622014-06-03T22:33:13.584-04:002014-06-03T22:33:13.584-04:00I truly just want to "Like" your comment...I truly just want to "Like" your comment. <br />I am am a blogger but I tend to avoid the drama because I blog for the love of reading and just getting my thoughts on paper. Do i think people rush to my blog to see what I write...no Blogging is my way of expressing myself about all the feels a book makes me have.<br /><br />Lovely comment<br /><br />and Hannah amazing post and hope to see you next year at BEA (Im a noob) :p<br /><br />Ashley<br />@Bookz4Nerdz<br />http://books-4-review.blogspot.com/Ashleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18134470770189263554noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781966284013710689.post-1654713649402705792014-06-03T11:58:02.950-04:002014-06-03T11:58:02.950-04:00The fact that you had to write this hurts my head....The fact that you had to write this hurts my head. More power to ya...and Sabrina and I grabbed extra copies of YA books for her library at the high school. So we could get the books in the hands of kids that want to read. I think there should be no apology for it...isn't that where books belong? ParaJunkeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11874529185180873346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781966284013710689.post-10953073231464896692014-06-03T11:43:20.955-04:002014-06-03T11:43:20.955-04:00Hannah, I have been a subby of yours for quite som...Hannah, I have been a subby of yours for quite some time now and I normally don't chime in when it comes to drama but i just want to say this was very well said.<br /><br />I wasn't able to go to BEA this year because of money and things in real life were just a little more important then a vacation in NYC. I know personally for me I literally have to start saving up from day one to order to go because honestly NYC is not cheap what so ever.<br /><br />Jealousy is a part of human nature and we all get jealous..gee even I was jealous when I was seeing all the tweets and instagram pics coming through... but you know what that is my own fault for not being able to go not you or any other bloggers fault...<br /><br />I have been three times in the past and as each comes and goes you realize that your not going to be able to read those 100+ books you get so you gradually become more picky more so for me because I am in Canada and shipping to here is expensive so I get selective of that I will bring back.<br /><br />I never once have asked anyone to pick up books for me but I have been lucky to have a few bloggers send me the book when they were done because they didn't want it and I thought that was super nice of them to do that.<br /><br />I am pretty good and donating any books I have read or have gotten that aren't my cup of tea to other blogger friends or to the library. My local library never gets ARCs so the truly appreciate getting them to read and if they like it they order it for the library. With a limited budget they truly appreciate any and all the help they can get.<br /><br />As for the parties, the first year I went I got no invites to anything and that was because it was literally my first year of blogging. The second year I had to many things booked and had no idea if I was coming or going and then the last time it was managable but in all honesty we all have different connections with different reps we all read different books so of course we will get invited to different parties... Its sucks not being invited yes but I am truly happy for those that get to go because its nice to see the hard work bloggers do get rewarded. <br /><br />Its really sad that as a community we just can't get along. AT times it feels like high school all over again. We are an amazing group and there is so many amazing friendships to be made. I am lucky to have made some amazing blogging friends through this and cherish the memories I have with them. <br /><br />As for the ARCs, reps and publishers know we can't read each and every single book but I think as long as you share them it gets the book out there. I have discovered so many books through spotlights, mailbox posts etc because of this exposure that I might not normally know about since my bookstore doesn't carry each and every new book.<br /><br />As long as your not selling them on Ebay hoard away if you want.<br /><br />BTW Hannah was going to say hi to last year at BEA but i never got the chance.cindysloveofbookshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15524947326319750388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781966284013710689.post-56903971816122684982014-06-03T11:01:04.591-04:002014-06-03T11:01:04.591-04:00Definitely. I don't think it's right to ju...Definitely. I don't think it's right to judge people because you don't know what their intentions are, and they aren't the only ones who benefit from a giveaway - particularly if the author is debut or midlist.Kaye M.https://www.blogger.com/profile/00317443755542376196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781966284013710689.post-58618077608031574902014-06-03T10:20:11.591-04:002014-06-03T10:20:11.591-04:00There's a ton of truth in this post, for sure....There's a ton of truth in this post, for sure. I think a large portion of shaming people over ARCs is a projection from the person doing the shaming. They are jealous because they want the books, so they make you feel bad for having them. To get an invite to those BEA parties, you have to have contacts with publishers and be in good standing and work your patoot off to post reviews. You earn those swag bags, in my opinions.<br /><br />Also, I donate a ton of my ARCs or unread books to a library in Virginia that has minimal funding. Since I've started donating books to them (and other of my DC friends have as well!), their YA readership is up, I kid you not, 700%. That's something to be proud of. I'm sure it's the same at your PA library.<br /><br />Either way, I think it's time we all realized that we are all in this because we love books and we love reading. There's no reason to tear each other down. Let's build up!!Jessicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14461782163623891657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781966284013710689.post-54248670301922822822014-06-02T23:54:14.607-04:002014-06-02T23:54:14.607-04:00I totally agree with you. I mean, don't get me...I totally agree with you. I mean, don't get me wrong, I do get a twinge of jealousy when I see someone getting to read a book I have been dying to read, or meeting authors, or attending conventions, or whatever. BUT, I am also super excited to read their reviews, look at their pictures, etc. I would never, ever begrudge another blogger the chance to do these wonderful things! And, it is something for me to aspire to do. I was bummed during BEA week, but like others who've commented said, I have started making plans for next year when my kids will be a little older and maybe we can swing it financially. Maybe I'll have (hopefully!) built more readership by then, etc. <br /><br />Also, you are completely spot-on about accepting the books graciously. I cannot even imagine the audacity it would take to not accept the book! It is far better to have a book that you can share with others who ARE interested than to shove it back in the face of the people who worked so hard to release it! Shannon @ It Starts at Midnighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10043593641190645773noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781966284013710689.post-26292815911518563352014-06-02T22:09:42.516-04:002014-06-02T22:09:42.516-04:00Thank you for this lovely post. It is upsetting t...Thank you for this lovely post. It is upsetting to work your ass off for something, just to have other guilt you and try to force you to feel guilty for your accomplishments. Did I feel very jealous last year when others went? Yes. I didn't aim the frustration at other bloggers who earned their right to go. I started to pull out money and I placed my first donation into the BEA fund. It isn't hard to find something positive in negative things, like jealousy and envy. Use these emotions to help you set your goals. Don't use it to tear down others, don't use it as a crusade against other bloggers, and don't craft it into a weapon. Lyn Kayehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10471867801089862828noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781966284013710689.post-65549038579937414092014-06-02T21:59:57.730-04:002014-06-02T21:59:57.730-04:00I can't believe this is a thing. For the folks...I can't believe this is a thing. For the folks who feel jealous of people getting ARCs: you can get all those books and more, in finished publications, for free from your public library. There are more important things than judging people for the gifts or promotional materials they receive. Let's take a little less time from judging other people and a little more into helping others and making ourselves into better humans. <br /><br />Lots of love to you, Hannah. Bibliosaurus Texthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17038437731726542781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781966284013710689.post-61876980778209108992014-06-02T21:58:41.163-04:002014-06-02T21:58:41.163-04:00I missed all of this drama, but someone directed m...I missed all of this drama, but someone directed me to your post and while I don't normally chime in, I am because I totally agree with what you've said.<br /><br />Sharing book hauls is showing love to the books and publishers that send them. While I may opt not to look at all the pretty pics to avoid any possible jealous feels, not showcasing them takes away from the buzz that should go to them. Especially if you won't get the chance to read them all, or read them right away.<br /><br />Saving up and attending a conference that allows you to get any number of books the pubs and authors wish to give you entitles you to take home as many as you'd like. As long as you're not wrestling books out of other people's hands, throwing punches to move ahead in a long line, or tripping/shoving or assaulting people to get said books, so what if you take three for yourself, your blog partner, a giveaway, your library, etc.<br /><br />Sure things aren't fair, but instead of whining people should figure out a way that they might attend, or reach out to a publisher to request a book, or ask nicely to see if they can borrow one from someone who attends a conference. In my experience bloggers are super generous when they can afford to be.<br /><br />And yes, you are so right - you can BUY or BORROW the books when they release in a few months. Now that's a novel idea.<br /><br />Though I have to say that I am not so patient or mature when someone steals a parking spot I've been waiting for, for like ever. I envy your patience.Fiktshunhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17427683900301365770noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781966284013710689.post-87185884810078321582014-06-02T21:39:46.257-04:002014-06-02T21:39:46.257-04:00I LOVE you! And my high school students LOVE you ...I LOVE you! And my high school students LOVE you and your generosity. And the generosity of all the bloggers that help us get books to our students. Paithan1https://www.blogger.com/profile/18275512522053521379noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781966284013710689.post-57765790374773131252014-06-02T19:56:23.930-04:002014-06-02T19:56:23.930-04:00Well said. Making this trip was not easy for me, o...Well said. Making this trip was not easy for me, on top of money issues I had work issues and it took a lot to get everything worked out at the last minute. Because of this I treasure not just the books I got, but the people I got to spend time with. Given the time and money I spent to go to BEA I'm not just going to give away all the books to just whomever because that would make me nicer or whatever. There were a few books this year that I didn't get that others did and while that made me a little sad I also know where the bookstore is. I've been buying my own books for a long time, and I don't see that changing anytime soon. <br /><br />I will admit that at my first BEA I went totally overboard and I did end up giving quite a few books away that I don't even know why I picked them up, but I have a fabulous book club and I love that if I come across a book that I have second thoughts about there is someone in book club that is probably interested in it. This year I was much better about being choosy, but there will probably still be some that when I get to them it might not appeal to me anymore.<br /><br />I also want to say that I have other things going on in my life. While I love reading I have a job that sometimes takes up ALL my time and other things going on in my life. I am a fast reader, but I don't think I could get through them all in a "reasonable" amount of time. I'm sure it's the same for other bloggers, everyone has other things going on in their life.<br /><br />Kimberly @ Midnight Book Girlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10649785182080499981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781966284013710689.post-34644086015487092172014-06-02T19:55:30.489-04:002014-06-02T19:55:30.489-04:00I've seen the recent drama going on surroundin...I've seen the recent drama going on surrounding BEA and it's sad to see.<br /><br />I haven't been to BEA, but I've been able to go to two ALA conferences. I ended up both times with some books that I haven't read or reviewed- some that I just haven't gotten to yet and some that I'm not interested in. I ended up donating pretty much all the books I lacked interest in to ARCycling, so that someone with genuine interest in the titles would have the chance to read them. I feel like even by featuring a book you receive, in any small way, such as a photo, you're spreading some publicity about it. Someone may see it who's never heard of it and decide to eventually pick up a copy.<br /><br />Thanks so much for the great post! The way you responded to things was perfect.Montana @ The Book Belleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08467441835054398252noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781966284013710689.post-44300083019232861472014-06-02T19:30:39.868-04:002014-06-02T19:30:39.868-04:00I don't think I'll ever get the judgement ...I don't think I'll ever get the judgement some bloggers have towards other bloggers. We all love books, right? That's one of the reasons why we have a <i>book review blog</i> isn't it? And I'm sure I'd fill up a suitcase with books when I finally managed to get my butt to BEA - because I've been wanting to go for a couple of years.<br />What I don't understand, though, is why some bloggers think it's OK to make digs on those who were able to go. It's all about the books, and then, it's also all about meeting all the other bloggers, some authors, and having fun!<br />I'm glad you're not feeling guilty for picking up ARCs and/or finished copies of books. That's what BEA is for, and if you don't get to read or review all the books you received, I can totally understand you. I suffer from a mild addiction to Netgalley, and sometimes, a blurb will make me think I'll just love the book in question. If I don't, I won't read it - but it will already be on my blog, as I post weekly posts about books I receive. However, I will send an e-mail (or directly through Netgalley a private message) to the publisher to let them know I didn't finish the book, why , and also that I won't review it.<br /><br />Great post! Hopefully, I'll be able to hang out with you next year in May :)<br /><br />Lexxie @ <a href="http://unconventionalbookviews.com" rel="nofollow">(un)Conventional Bookviews</a>Linda @ (un)Conventional Bookwormshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16627780985218960080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781966284013710689.post-55047988229232414162014-06-02T18:49:36.342-04:002014-06-02T18:49:36.342-04:00This is a great post, I'm sorry this has happe...This is a great post, I'm sorry this has happened to you. I've been blogging a year now, I didn't even know about ARC's when I started. I did it because I WANTED to blog about books because I LOVE them. I got my first big approval on EW within the last week and I'm ecstatic about it. I still read and review books that are not ARC, and I wouldn't be upset if I stopped getting approvals for them. If you're blogging because you want free books then you're not in it for the right reasons. I'm a pretty shy person but it's drama like this that keeps me in the small group of bloggers I've met. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781966284013710689.post-2646912002720734012014-06-02T18:18:58.034-04:002014-06-02T18:18:58.034-04:00I am giving you a standing ovation for this post (...I am giving you a standing ovation for this post (or I would if I saw you in person, but my feet are still a little tired from BEA and why make them hold my weight when you aren't here to see the standing o?). I read you and Jen's comments (the ones that were deleted) and thought they were spot on. I couldn't afford BEA when I first started blogging, so I didn't go. I was all sad panda about it, but I never, ever, not once, thought that those attending book conferences owed anything at all to me. I would love to go to ALL THE BOOK THINGS, but I too have a full time job and it just isn't possible. <br /><br />I would also love to go to all the publishing parties- but I'm not a big enough blogger. Which is on me, I don't put the effort and time into my blog the way other big name bloggers do. I don't take the time to establish relationships with publishing houses, so I don't whine when I don't get the sparkly invite to all the parties and teas and swag events. I'm thrilled that I get to go to BEA and get the books I do get, so yes, I'm going to post about them. Who I share them with, or don't share them with, is my business. The blogger that made the assertion that those who get arcs should share them is obviously forgetting the fact that shipping books cost money, just like attending the conferences cost money. I shouldn't have to explain what I do with the books I get, although I do donate to an arc tour that helps me in return to get arcs that I'm dying for the rest of the year. I love that you donate them to a school library, but honestly, it's none of my business if you choose to throw them into a black hole (only, please, don't, because that would be sad). <br /><br />I wish this sense of entitlement was just a new blogger mentality, but I'm not so sure it is. If you're blogging to get free arcs or to be handed books by other bloggers, then you've missed the point of book blogging. Great post, Hannah!Kate @Midnight Book Girlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01220575670960466054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781966284013710689.post-47297394226722058652014-06-02T15:46:23.745-04:002014-06-02T15:46:23.745-04:00I'm so disappointed by that blogger's post...I'm so disappointed by that blogger's post. Seriously, I thought she knew better than this. <br /><br />Like you, I can completely understand blogger jealousy, but I really don't like the accusations of hoarding, greed and complaints/timelines for just how/when a person chooses to review an ARC.<br /><br />I will say that as someone who works an insanely demanding job - like a significant number of the book blogosphere - I do fall behind reviewing sometimes. I won't always get around to the book before the publication date, but I will review it eventually. <br /><br />(And I've talked to enough authors and publishers to know that they are okay with this, because it's actually helping them keep the momentum going after the excitement publication date.) <br /><br />Or, I simply just won't get around to reviewing books that are unsolicited. It's not that I don't want to - I just really don't have the time. <br /><br />However, that doesn't mean that those unsolicited books don't go to a good home. I donate books to schools and homeless shelters in my area, and even though it might not drive up sales necessarily, I'd like to believe that publishers are okay with the fact that their books are helping change the lives of young men and women in underserved communities. <br /><br />I don't know. I think I'm getting tired of the MINE!MINE!MINE! mentality in a lot of book blogging circles as well. I like spreading the word for books, which is why I actually doing a significant number of giveaways on my own dime, but I feel that a lot of people just have a non-stop take mentality. <br /><br />Hope this comment makes sense. >.< <br /><br />The Reading Nook Reviewshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11718281172247789872noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781966284013710689.post-80364767258183092702014-06-02T15:36:20.489-04:002014-06-02T15:36:20.489-04:00Honestly, when I see people packing up hundreds of...Honestly, when I see people packing up hundreds of ARCs per day at BEA, my first thought is : "Are you going to sell those on eBay?" I guess I just can't fathom someone wanting, liking, and reading all those books. It's insane! But as long as they're not selling books on eBay, whatevs. They can grab 200 books if they want, because they paid to be there. <br /><br />But I agree that the entitlement some people think they have is crazy. I don't get physical ARCs from publishers, and that's fine. I get denied on netgalley now and then, and that's fine too. We're not entitled to ALL THE FREE BOOKS FOREVER just because we have blogs. <br /><br />And if someone can't attend BEA they shouldn't cry and scream unfairness and expect people to bring books back for them. As you said, we save and work hard to get to BEA, and they could too. Ashleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03490794166647799624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781966284013710689.post-18133021153434918772014-06-02T15:34:50.101-04:002014-06-02T15:34:50.101-04:00As someone who's been doing quite a # of givea...As someone who's been doing quite a # of giveaways Twitter-style (the whole RT & Follow format) of unsolicited books recently, I will say that it's not always simply just to get followers. E.g. I try my best to actually send followers the author's way, because I want to help them increase their numbers and audience.<br /><br />(And sometimes, I just do it, because I want people to know about a book. If I get followers in the process…yay!) <br /><br />So even if we're not always donating to schools and children in need, it's always not just a blind effort to get followers. ;) The Reading Nook Reviewshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11718281172247789872noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781966284013710689.post-12206184770798778042014-06-02T15:10:38.075-04:002014-06-02T15:10:38.075-04:00We spoke about this on Twitter, but yes to all of ...We spoke about this on Twitter, but yes to all of this.Kaye M.https://www.blogger.com/profile/00317443755542376196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781966284013710689.post-18878048564034076242014-06-02T15:09:15.220-04:002014-06-02T15:09:15.220-04:00To me, though, that's their decision and we ca...To me, though, that's their decision and we can't really police it. I mean, everyone wants more followers. Maybe giveaways aren't my thing, but some people really like to do that sort of thing and that's what they like. Asking for followers in exchange for a giveaway on their own time, and without asking for money or time in exchange beyond the follow, doesn't seem so bad. You can just unfollow afterwards. <br /><br />But again, that might just be my thoughts.Kaye M.https://www.blogger.com/profile/00317443755542376196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781966284013710689.post-61475635559215425412014-06-02T15:06:07.004-04:002014-06-02T15:06:07.004-04:00As someone who works in publishing, I care about g...As someone who works in publishing, I care about getting the ARCs I work on in bloggers' hands. Maybe someone took 5 other ARCs from BEA, maybe they took 500. I have no control over that. All I can do is hope that I hyped the book well enough at the booth or on twitter and made them want to read it. If they don't, they don't. As long as they don't sell it I don't have a problem with it.Ericahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07052524644015959267noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781966284013710689.post-32740261816310823482014-06-02T14:59:21.398-04:002014-06-02T14:59:21.398-04:00YES. DEFINITELY. ALL OF THIS.
Last year was my fi...YES. DEFINITELY. ALL OF THIS. <br />Last year was my first year at BEA and I slipped into the temptation of "HERE! Take this book!" I'm ashamed to admit that I did not read and review all of them and sometimes, yes, the ARCs that I have even received from publishers go unreviewed until after their pub date. Bloggers do this as a hobby, yes. And sometimes "real life" takes precedence over blogging. It happens. Especially if you're a reviewer who's fortunate enough to get many, many ARCs from many, many publishers. Often times it's more books than you have time to read before the pub date but I know for me personally, I do INTEND to read all of them, even if I don't get to them before their pub dates. <br />As far as conferences go... I did a LOT better this year at BEA. I didn't grab any books I was iffy about because I knew that I didn't read those books last year and I took a LOT fewer books this year because I knew I wasn't going to be able to read ALL THE BOOKS. I don't see anything wrong with sharing photos of the books you grabbed -- especially if they are ones you got from a party, like you said. That's the NICE thing to do, actually. You're sharing what you got, appreciating that you have them, and that in itself is promotion. In fact... All those books that you see in my pictures? Half of them I grabbed specifically for the purpose of sharing. A couple bloggers and I host ARC tours and I grabbed those books with the intent of sending them on "ARC tours" and sharing with the people who didn't get to go to BEA. I did NOT grab multiple copies to keep for myself either. I could have "rationalized" that one book was going on a tour and another was for me, but I know that's not right. I grabbed one copy and one copy only. I ended up with two copies of a book because I got one signed and then received a second from a party and immediately gave the second one away because I don't need two copies. I just don't think it's fair to generalize to say that SOOO many people grab more than one and (I did read the "other" post) that soooooo many of those people only post once a week. I post every weekday and I work really hard to make sure that I'm reviewing as many of those titles that I've requested or grabbed at BEA as possible. *shrugs*<br />And yes, it is a LOT of money to stay in NYC. BEA is a conference that you choose to attend. It's basically spending tons and tons of money to see all the bloggers and the publishers and grab all the books. I definitely worked hard to attend and I also work really, really hard on my blog to represent myself as well as I can when the time comes. <br />This was very well written! I know many of us don't want to write a post that's a response to another post, but I think this did need a little defending and I was really happy to read & respond! Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00133612131488048932noreply@blogger.com