As I reflect on my recent writing projects, a common thread seems to be emerging around the transformative power of revelations. Whether on a personal or societal level, when new information comes to light, it has the ability to ripple outward, shaping not only our personal experiences and relationships, but also, if the revelation is profound, impacting the world around … [Read more...] about BookTok’s Influence: Between Literary Culture and Performance
social media
Social Media Helping Youngsters Read Books
Waterstones managing director James Daunt said social media trends like ‘BookTok’ on TikTok had been hugely positive. He said: “There’s been all of this innovation, but it has reinforced reading and reinforced reading real books.” In addition, young people are listening to audiobooks, which is encouraging more book reading. The founder of Daunt Books said the wider … [Read more...] about Social Media Helping Youngsters Read Books
Social Reading Just Got a Lot Sweeter
In what has to be one of the best viral feel-good stories in recent weeks, the internet is going crazy for a woman who reads children's books aloud on Facebook Live. The woman isn't just a book lover with a social media account, though, she's Belinda George, a long-time educator and first-year elementary school principal from Texas. For some background, Texas falls well … [Read more...] about Social Reading Just Got a Lot Sweeter
People tend to get their news from social media
The newspaper industry is on the decline and dwindling advertising revenues is one of the primary contributing factors. How do people catch up on the latest news these days? Pew Research conducted an extensive study and found that only 16% read newspapers in print, but 33% read dedicated online news sites. For the first time ever, social media has surpassed newspapers in … [Read more...] about People tend to get their news from social media
Libraries are increasing their social media awareness
Librarians these days are very tech savvy. They can walk patrons through the process of borrowing audiobooks, ebooks, digital magazines and newspapers. Not to mention the myriad of apps they need to know like the back of their hand. Many libraries are now turning to social media to promote their branch and to foster discussion with their patrons. 44% percent of libraries post … [Read more...] about Libraries are increasing their social media awareness
The Power of a Book Tweet
Self-published authors have resorted to "buy my book" tweets for so long that social media is a minefield of useless book commercials. But one purposeful--albeit off the cuff--tweet from an independent bookstore led to an exponential increase in sales. According to Book Web, Carmichael’s Bookstore in Louisville, Kentucky, reached out to author Shea Serrano after he directed … [Read more...] about The Power of a Book Tweet
How do you stay in touch with your favorite author?
The Internet era has been keeping tabs on your favorite author a viable proposition. It was not too long ago that the only way to correspond with an author was to mail them a letter or send to off their agent and hope they would respond. If you had a big name like Stephen King there were official fan clubs that would send out newsletters with details on what they were up too … [Read more...] about How do you stay in touch with your favorite author?
Making Sense of Messenger Add-On Apps
All kidding aside, social messaging is as popular as it is powerful. Many people are quick to joke that fans of technology love messaging between mobile devices entirely too much --pushing old fashioned telephone conversations toward extinction. Any grandparent living a distance from their grandchildren will tell you that this new style of messaging bridges gaps unlike any … [Read more...] about Making Sense of Messenger Add-On Apps
Path Creator Embraces the Selfie with Kong Android App
In this version of the brave new world, social media is king and the selfie is his queen. Love them or hate them, we are surrounded (and included). Path for Android developers understand, and want to be a part of the trend with the addition of a new app: Kong. Kong is a clear attempt at trying to design the next greatest thing in social media by building on a simple concept. … [Read more...] about Path Creator Embraces the Selfie with Kong Android App
Facebook for Android Test Drives WhatsApp Integration
First, Facebook purchased WhatsApp (in 2014 for a mere $19 billion USD). Second, Facebook introduces voice calling into the app. Third, Facebook adds full-on integration of WhatsApp mobile messaging service into their signature social media app. Loosely translated, this means beta users of the newly integrated Facebook app can use a dedicated 'send' button to share messages … [Read more...] about Facebook for Android Test Drives WhatsApp Integration
Digital Magazine Haqiqah Spreads Message of Islamic Beliefs
Religious leaders across practically every belief structure and faith can expound on the woes of trying to reach new generations of believers as the societies we live in change at rapid-fire pace. For decades younger generations have complained that their parents' religions are outdated, don't "get it," or are just obsolete. But one new digital magazine has launched with the … [Read more...] about Digital Magazine Haqiqah Spreads Message of Islamic Beliefs
Create Photo Collages With Layout App From Instagram
When you consider the blend of photographs and mobile technology, chances are good that thoughts of Instagram are not far behind. Designed to be an easy way to share your favourite images with friends and family, Instagram is easy to use and feature-rich --unless you wanted to create a collage without using a third-party app... at least until now! Instagram has launched a new … [Read more...] about Create Photo Collages With Layout App From Instagram
Zuckerberg Doesn’t Want Telecoms to Fear Internet.org
Zuckerberg took the stage at Mobile World Congress to discuss the state of the union as it applies to his Internet.org initiative (with very little being said about Facebook at all). In an appearance that felt more like a public relations stunt than an actual interview (conducted by Jessi Hempel from Wired Magazine), Zuckerberg wasn't his usual awkward self... instead choosing … [Read more...] about Zuckerberg Doesn’t Want Telecoms to Fear Internet.org
Tinder Remorse Available For a (Variable) Price
Did you mean to swipe left instead of right? The user interface on Tinder can move pretty fast, especially for those of us who are maybe a little quick to judge. Fortunately, Tinder's new "Rewind" feature is finally live... but it doesn't come free. Included in the premium tier of their service, the cost to change your mind seems to vary greatly depending on a number of … [Read more...] about Tinder Remorse Available For a (Variable) Price