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| Hearsay: |
Last issue of the Globe Books section today. Get it as a souvenir of when the mainstream media in Canada cared about literature nearly as much as advertising revenue. Furthermore, looks like there’ll be another two week “hiatus”, but this time to “retool”. After the raging lie they told us in August, are you sure they’ll be back at all?
This issue of Books will be its last in stand-alone form.
Beginning Jan. 10, Books will have a new home, in print and on the web. We’ll be part of a Focus & Books section every Saturday with the same authoritative survey of the Canadian literary scene, along with descriptions of our new online content.
We’re taking the next two weeks off to retool so that we continue to bring you not only the sharp and insightful reviews and features you have come to expect, but some new and, we hope, exciting ones.
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December 20th, 2008 at 11:25 pm
Sorta pathetic that they need a couple weeks to retool. I mean, they couldn’t have it all planned out so they can make the transition from one issue to the next?
Sheesh. And “hiatus” has only one letter different from “haikus,” which probably says something about how big the new section will be.
December 21st, 2008 at 4:43 am
Words like ‘retool’ and ‘hiatus’ are the death-words of any publication. Or anything, really. Horrible business words that distort the meaning of truth and clog the channels of truth. It’s a sad day, it really is.
December 21st, 2008 at 11:19 am
And that’s the last Globe Books cover we get? Those two yahoos? They couldn’t even spring for a classy final illustrated cover. Really, really sad. Makes me feel so depressed.
December 21st, 2008 at 4:29 pm
How easy it is to heap scorn on someone else. Perhaps you don’t like these changes, but only a fool thinks someone else’s job is easy, when they have no idea what it entails.
Martin Levin and Jack Kirchoff should be justly proud of the work the did and their huge contribution to Canadian letters. Gentlemen, thank you.
The gripers can put up or shut up.
December 21st, 2008 at 10:07 pm
Just because we kvetch about the loss of the separate Globe Books section does not mean that we are automatically criticising Levin and Kirchoff. I highly doubt they were the ones making the final decision on this change. I’m sure they will continue to do their best with the hand they have been dealt by those above them. (Though I still say the final Globe Books cover sucks big-time).
December 22nd, 2008 at 10:39 am
I’m excited. I see endless opportunities for publishers to create new ways through which to share and showcase their content, gain exposure for their authors, and be part of active and ongoing discussions with the reader/consumer. If we have no choice but to look toward a new horizon, I’d want to be surfing the tide, not getting left at the shore.
December 22nd, 2008 at 11:28 am
Ahhhh…
It’s so refreshing, after the seasonal goodwill, the warm expansiveness of the solstice night, the coziness of a community buried under snow, to come here for yet more unfounded cynicism and bitching.
Brings a tear to my eye, it does.
December 22nd, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Julie – your comment was in moderation when I replied.
Yeah, I completely agree.
I don’t view this as the end of the world. A stand-alone book section is great, but let’s see what happens before rending our garments, shall we? I think there’s a lot of potential for higher readership in an amalgamated section, and readership from those not necessarily bookish (ie, those who would stand on their front step and chuck the book pull-out the way I chuck the sports section).
December 22nd, 2008 at 3:00 pm
I am with Julie in principle, but I think it is curious that Peter Scowen is sniping back on twitter [see link above] without leaving a comment on the site himself. Peter if you read this, you are showing everybody — with your tweets and the fact that readers are following you on twitter but you are not following them back — that you (or the globe) are not getting it. This isn’t a broadcast medium. I am sure George would appreciate it if you engaged in the conversation. Hello world????
I realize saying anything may be premature, but you have linked your name with the Globe relaunch on twitter so I didn’t think you have choice — you have to say something.
I am cheering on the globe’s social media game, but at the moment it feels like I am backing the underdog.
December 22nd, 2008 at 4:37 pm
Wait, the Globe has a book section?
December 22nd, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Hey Nathan, why doesn’t Q&Q hook up with the Globe and do four issues a year of a glossy mag about books as an insert? You know, like that car mag, Driver or whatever it’s called? ;)
December 23rd, 2008 at 11:27 am
So, Michel thinks others don’t have the right to criticize a product that they buy, and that, as writers, they have a great investment in.
And in that great tradition of writers and other embracers of free speech, he says critics should “put up or shut up.”
I move that only Michel be allowed to post here on B-Ninja. Clearly his is the only valid opinion.
December 23rd, 2008 at 5:17 pm
don’t put words in my mouth. I said gripers should put up or shut up, not critics. Are you claiming to be a writer? Learn to read, learn the meaning of words. It’ll help.
December 23rd, 2008 at 7:40 pm
Ah, so it’s only gripers who shouldn’t have the right to voice their opinions and should “put up or shut up.” My mistake.
December 24th, 2008 at 9:19 am
yes. Please, no more bitching about people who actually do something from people who, actually, do nothing. Except bitch.
Happy holidays, and here’s hoping the new year is happier.
December 24th, 2008 at 9:41 am
This is funny. Mr. Pot, meet Mr. Kettle. You’ve never done a thing around here except complain, Michel. You’re one of two or three commentors we rely on to whine about everything. From the persona you’ve created on the boards here, I wouldn’t imagine you’re even a remotely happy fellow. But I know differently. As with a couple others, I know you’re emboldened by the keyboard but are a big softy in real life. Cuddly, in fact. As am I, even though I gripe professionally for Bookninja.
So everyone relax and take it easy, as The Eagles say. Enjoy your latkes and chocolates. Have a beer on me. Take three deep breaths. Exhale. Ah….
December 24th, 2008 at 11:47 am
I had a good single malt instead, George, cuz I knew you would have wanted me to.
Now where do I send my receipt for reimbursement?
December 24th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
I had some gripe water.
December 24th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Hurray for George!
December 31st, 2008 at 10:53 am
“Get it as a souvenir of when the mainstream media in Canada cared about literature nearly as much as advertising revenue.”
Don’t mean to gripe, but isn’t this looking in the rearview mirror with rose-coloured glasses? The mainstream media never, ever cared about literature as much as advertising revenue. Not even “nearly” as much.
The sound of your disappointment is the sound of your illusion bursting.
January 2nd, 2009 at 9:21 am
Does anybody know if Jack Kirchhoff is indeed going to continue as Levin’s assistant? I just stumbled upon the official Globe press release, dated Dec. 3. Here’s what it says about the staff:
“Veteran journalist and author, and The Globe’s former deputy features
editor Peter Scowen, is assuming the position as the communities editor of the
Books hub. Working in conjunction with Books editor Martin Levin and Associate
Editor Colin MacKenzie, Peter will guide the aggressive growth strategy to
gather Globe readers in interactive communities and networks in areas of
natural debate and discourse.” Link: http:(slash, slash) http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/December2008/03/c6630.html
No mention of Jack anywhere. Is he doing a Phil Marchand? What a loss, if so, because he’s a real gentleman who appreciates books.
Happy new year, for what it’s worth.
Mary