Shelfari

Lance Fensterman is a Cool Guy

Some of you may know Lance Fensterman, the director of Book Expo America.  Those who don't really should send the man a note and get to know him, because he's a really cool guy.  Lance has the auspicious task of shuttling thousands of booksellers, publishers, publicists, authors, and... um... Shelfarians... through the country's biggest book show.  I'm told it's quite overwhelming, but very festive.  And Lance is the guy who twirls the baton at the front of the parade.

Lance, Josh, and I became friends this Spring, and he's become one heck of an active Shelfarian.  Lance started a group called BEA Lit Insiders, about which we've already blogged.  Group members are suggesting books by new authors to feature at a session on Saturday, June 2nd, at BEA in New York.  That group is now one of our largest, and has been actively posting comments and selecting the authors who will be on the panel.  Lance will be moderating the discussion, drawing largely from discussion questions on Shelfari.

I've heard much of Lance's personality and larger than life persona.  It will be good to see him in his element next week at BEA. 

For those going to BEA, you may benefit from a comic posted by the folks at Unshelved.  I think it puts it all in perspective.

Come see us in NYC and say hello.  We'd love to meet the people behind the avatars.

--Dave

Book Expo America & Site Updates

A lot has happened in the last few weeks.  Shelfari continues to grow in its activity and popularity, and we're pleased with how it's going.

We thought we'd give you some highlights of what's new and what's coming.

Be Heard!

Next week is Book Expo America, the country's largest book show.  The show's director, Lance Fensterman, wants to tell publishers and booksellers what you think about new works that are being promoted at the show.  Hundreds of Shelfarians have suggested books and discussion topics, which have been narrowed to a set of finalists.  To be heard, join the BEA Lit Insiders group and take part in the discussion.  If you're at the show in NYC, come see our session at 3:30 on Saturday in 1E03.

 

Here are some of the finalists:

 

 

See What's New
You may have noticed that the site has been a changin' in recent weeks.  (If you haven't, then shame on you for not visiting us.  We're at least mildly offended.)  We added a new homepage which features your latest updates from friends, groups, and more.  You will also note updated designs for your groups and (coming soon) book pages.

Try the new Shelf

 

Many of you expressed (dare we say shouted) interest in getting rid of the pop-over links that showed up when you clicked on the books.  While we really did not want to keep you from getting to the books (honestly), we do like offering lots of features and info on the shelf.  Hence the new design. You can easily see how many friends and fellow Shelfarians have the books in the gray icons on top.  Then you can click on the blue icons to add the book to your shelf, tag it, remove it, or buy it.  You can also see star ratings on others' shelves and see if they have opinions posted.  Tell us what you think. 

 

 

We welcome you to come back and see the updates.  Then go tell your friends about it.  Shelfari is a lot more fun with friends, so invite them to come see what you're up to.

All the best,

 

 

The Shelfari Team