Nigel Goodwin — March 8, 2006 — Lifestyle
References: lulublookerprize.typepad & news.bbc
A new prize has been announced for bloggers who have turned their online journals into books -- or blooks -- and the first short-list has been announced. Finalists for the so-called Blooker Prize include a prostitute's revealing personal diary and a guide to the United Kingdom's best cheap cafes. The winner will be announced on April 3.
There are an estimated 60 million blogs on the 'net today, covering virtually every imaginable topic. Sure, some people write boring accounts of their daily routines and descriptions of their housepets, but there's some good stuff out there, too.
Some authors -- some of whom have become immensely popular -- have decided to leverage their online content and publish hard copy books. Any blook published in English anywhere in the world before the entry deadline of January 30, 2006 was eligible for consideration.
The entries were sorted into three categories: fiction, non-fiction and comics. The overall winner will receive US$2,000 while the other two category winners will receive US$1,000 each.
There are an estimated 60 million blogs on the 'net today, covering virtually every imaginable topic. Sure, some people write boring accounts of their daily routines and descriptions of their housepets, but there's some good stuff out there, too.
Some authors -- some of whom have become immensely popular -- have decided to leverage their online content and publish hard copy books. Any blook published in English anywhere in the world before the entry deadline of January 30, 2006 was eligible for consideration.
The entries were sorted into three categories: fiction, non-fiction and comics. The overall winner will receive US$2,000 while the other two category winners will receive US$1,000 each.
Trend Themes
1. Blog to Book Conversion - With the increasing popularity of blogs, there is a trend of converting successful blogs into books which presents an opportunity for self-publishing platforms to facilitate this process.
2. Alternative Book Genres - Blooks' success showcases the opportunity for publishers to look beyond traditional book genres and consider alternative formats such as blogs or comics.
3. Alternative Literature Awards - The emergence of awards like the Blooker Prize aimed at recognizing alternative forms of literature indicates an opportunity for more literary awards to recognize unique and unconventional literary formats.
Industry Implications
1. Self-publishing Platforms - Self-publishing platforms can take advantage of the trend of blog to book conversion by offering services to assist bloggers in creating physical copies of their blogs.
2. Publishing Industry - The popularity of blooks provides an opportunity for the publishing industry to expand into new genres and publishing models such as blogs and comics.
3. Literary Awards - Literary awards such as the Pulitzer Prize or Man Booker Prize should consider acknowleding alternative forms of literature like blooks, blogs and comics in order to broaden their appeal and relevance.
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