Thwaite on Literary Blogging
The Oxford Literary Festival presents an interesting panel discussion this evening. Here’s the blurb:
Whose judgements are more trustworthy when it comes to books? Do amateur bloggers online do a better job than established literary critics in the press? Hear two highly regarded literary bloggers – Mark Thwaite, founder of ReadySteadyBook.com, and Lynne Hatwell, founder of dovegreyreader.typepad.com – battle it out with two professional critics – Sunday Times chief reviewer John Carey and broadcaster and journalist John Mullan.
The answer to all of these types of questions is the same: The most trustworthy are those who are the most intelligent, the most widely read, the most capable of writing clearly and arguing logically. Background is largely irrelevant, as is status, ‘amateur’ or established ‘professional. It’s the quality of thought and writing on the page that matters. The challenge lies in finding it. Websites such as readysteadybook.com help us to do this.
In a warm up to this evening’s event, Mark and John Mullan met on BBC Radio 4’s Today program this morning. Have a listen.
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:52 AM
Thanks for the plug and the warm words Nigel — much appreciated.
My intention, on both R4’s Today programme and at the OLF talk, was just to say that whilst many commentators seem happy to admit to the blogosphere’s vibrancy, few seem willing to allow that there is also much that is intelligent and informed out there too …
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:42 PM
Nigel, we had a great time and thanks for flagging up the event and your lovely comment at dgr scribbles. It was good to get the chance to speak at a Lit Fest and debate just what we all have to offer, all so different and of course different is what people are too.