Just in from CNET: Blogs to books: A six-figure industry?....


Bloggers are scoring rich paydays by turning their online diaries into books, but some publishers say the craze could fizzle out with a glut of new titles destined to yield disappointing sales. Is this a good or a bad thing?
Well, good for those few bloggers whose posts are worthy of a book; bad for the rest of us who don't blog our books but recognize a difference in style is required for different mediums. In the end, I think this may also be bad for those publishers tantalized by diaries but unconcerned and uncritical of writing styles.
This is what I see:
1. More mediocrity and trash on bookstore shelves, leaving less room for books worthy of a summer's read.
2. More taxi drivers, prostitutes, administrative assistance and, yes, marketers thinking they have something to say, when they don't. While a few paragraphs may carry a post, most bloggers may get lost turning those paragraphs into 50,000 to 200,000 words.
3. Books are hard to write (and so are good posts). I have written five and can't imagine doing it blog-style. While you have seen a page or two from my upcoming book appear here, I rewrote those excerpts for quick reads, which is what blog posts are designed to achieve.
4. Finally, an economic observation. If I can read your book on your blog, why would I pay $19.95 to bring it home?
Am I wrong?


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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lewis Green, Founder and Managing Principal of L&G Business Solutions, LLC, (https://www.l-gsolutions.com) brings three decades of business management experience. L&G Business Solutions, LLC, represents his third company. Additionally, he held management positions with GTE Discovery Publications, Puget Sound Energy and Starbucks Coffee Company.

In addition to his business experiences, Lewis is a published author and a former journalist, sports writer and travel writer. His feature articles have appeared in books, magazines and newspapers throughout North America. He has taught in public schools; lobbied for organizations both in state capitols and in Washington, D.C.; delivered workshops, seminars, and training programs; and made presentations to audiences in colleges, businesses and professional organizations. Lewis also has served as a book editor with a large publisher, the Executive Editor overseeing four magazines, and a newspaper department editor. Lewis served eight years in the U.S. Air Force, where he received the Air Force Commendation Medal.