BEA and Bookcon Experience | 2019

[@withcindy]

thanks for sharing your honest thoughts. i've been on the fence about attending bookcon, but mostly on the side of "no", because i'm not interested in book consumerism, but i AM interested in meeting with everyone in the booktube community! but i also feel a bit anxious thinking about which "friend groups" to hang out with, because i want to hang out with everyone (both big and small booktubers), but not everyone wants to be with each other. i think if the best part about bookcon is hanging out with your friends outside of the venue, it sounds like it would make more sense (and save more money) to just visit their hometown and spend one-on-one time with them rather than be in a super crowded venue.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

that's honestly why many of my booktube friends and I have just started traveling together outside of book events. It can be easier to hit two birds with one stone and get the book event and the friend time, which is why I attend Yallfest as well since it's a chill event. Also for as crappy as bookcon can be, it does attract the most people, so if meeting new people is a priority, it is statistically the easiest way to do that, just not the more organic or chill way.

[@KMaeRader]

Sam spills the tea ☕️ 🐸 💕 I was getting a lot of these vibes from a lot of other booktuber’s vlogs of the events and it was extremely off putting.

[@TheYellowcrush]

Thank you for your honesty and detailed but balanced perspective! So refreshing to see someone who isn't blinded by the BS and celebrity, as well as showy consumerism. Just another reason you're my favorite! (Aside from your taste that matches mine and honest opinions I can trust!) There are a few larger name booktubers who have been giving me the ick factor for a while now with their self-importance and I was afraid this would seep into Bookcon. As an indie SFF writer, that part of the community has been very off-putting and nonsupportive. So many want you to pay for their endorsement or only want to connect if you make them look good. Super shallow and disgusting. Bring on the real conversations to keep this community and the writing fresh, forward-thinking, and above such elitism! 💖

[@katehickey2047]

Novel-length comment incoming: I completely 100% agree with you. BookCon is not for me in any way, shape, or form. I'm an extrovert, I love being around people and discussing and making connections, and even when I'm tired at the end of an event, I usually feel like I've been lifted up and I have so much energy and inspiration to make more things, do more things, go deeper into my passions, and lift others up with me. BookCon has not done that for me. I've been to BookCon twice, and after the second time, I don't think I'll ever go back, and it comes down to a similar sort of experience that you're describing here. I went once as a Public Rando. I was making KZbin videos but I hadn't branched into making BookTube videos yet, so I was mostly there for the experience and to maybe run into about two BookTubers I gave a shit about saying hi to and then continuing with my day. (Which happened - that was a good experience because I had no expectations or particular interests beyond 'check BookCon out, see what's there'.) The second time I went on the General Admission ticket again, but I was going to meet up with other BookTubers. I was there to hang out with other BookTubers who were my online friends. But I had (significantly) fewer subscribers, and so wasn't super involved in the whole Publisher Party thing, etc, and these people who were perfectly friendly online, who seemed genuinely interested in building relationships with me suddenly became closed off and too cool for me over that weekend. And then, of course, as soon as the weekend was over, it was like nothing happened and we were all still friends, even though the people I was there to make IRL, face-to-face connections with had clearly not been as interested to spend any time with me in that setting. It was BAFFLING. It was honestly really, really disappointing. It completely took the wind out of my sails about BookTube in general. It darkened the entire community for me for a very long time, and it soured some friendships for me. But I really didn't know how to talk about it, because the post-BookCon 2018 online discussion was much more about friendship group cliques and then discussions of lack of PoC representation at the event. I felt like my issue wasn't really about either of those things - and it's not, it's about what you've said here. Long story shortish, I stopped making videos for a long time partially because I was emotionally and mentally exhausted from graduate school, but also because the community didn't feel welcoming anymore. The people I'd seen welcoming me online did not welcome me IRL. It hurt quite a bit. Luckily, the second day of BookCon I found some other people - ironically, subscribers as opposed to mutuals - to hang out with who wanted to build real relationships and make real connections. (We are definitely mutuals and actual friends now!) I just. Felt the need here to tell you my experience at BookCon because everything you've said here hit so close to home. I left BookCon 2018 so incredibly disappointed and disillusioned and discouraged. And ultimately just kind of repulsed by the whole experience. I wanted it to be the connection-making event that it looked like, but you're right - that is not the purpose it serves. And you are even more right about the behavior it promotes and encourages in people, especially people who have X amount of "presence" in the online book community. Thanks for this video, really. So much thanks. I can't make it to Book Net Fest this year, but maybe next year. (Honestly, I think I still need some time to decompress from the BookCon experience because watching this video is the first thing that's made me feel less grossed out about book events since BookCon 2018.) Thanks again, thanks for saying everything I was thinking even though I didn't realize I was thinking it. It feels pretty cathartic.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

oh I am so disappointed that you had such a horrible experience, but again, not shocked. There is something about this event that brings out the worst in some people's egos. And I really don't see it as much at other events. Not just at BookNet Fest but even Yallfest, which still has a lot of people, doesn't leave me with the visceral ick feeling. I'm glad this was cathartic for you and I hope you can find events that allow you to make those connections in a way that BookCon didn't.

[@kristinhershey1903]

Yesssssss thank you. So yea not everyone is going to be friends and like you said it’s nice to catch up with people you don’t get to see often, but some of these vlogs I’ve been seeing are so painfully cliquey, self important and annoying I feel like I’m back in high school. Super off putting. You’re definitely not alone in not digging that sort of environment!

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

thankfully I left the event so done that I really haven't seen any vlogs lol

[@AlexaDonne]

Your mood on NYC is also my mood. I spent one summer there and was like "nah." You should try DragonCon! I used to be on staff for the YA Lit Track, and they have some really good discussions. I assume it's just as good on the other book tracks, though I never left the YA room ha. If you do plan on going (it is the week before BookNet Fest, every year), decide a year out and book your hotel immediately in October when the rooms are released. I also really enjoyed Denver Pop Culture Con when I went last year (and was sad to miss it this year). They're actually SUPER open to programming and we pitched an in-depth Booktube panel, I think they'd take it.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

DragonCon definitely looks like something I'd really enjoy, though idk if I could ever pull off something that close to BNF! But it is definitely the kind of thing I'm looking for and appeals to a lot of my interests. Also I love Denver and have friends there so I would totally go back.

[@babystarcandy7]

I love the DragonCon lit tracks!!

[@ashleyreadmylips7283]

First of all, it was so lovely to meet you in person and say hi! I appreciate how down to earth and approachable you are! This was my first time at BookCon and it was not at all how I thought it was going to be. I'm just starting out at a Booktuber and it honestly kind of made me want to completely stop making videos because of how everything was. I joined bc I love reading and watching Booktube but it felt like such a popularity contest where if you didn't have enough subscribers you weren't allowed to talk to 'bigger' Booktubers. Once again, I appreciate how you keep it real and I appreciate this video.

[@SFF180]

Publishing industry be like "We want all you booktubers and bloggers to do all this free promotion work for us, but please don't embarrass us by actually turning up to our events. Thanks!"

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

EXACTLY

[@bookslikewhoa]

If folks think that the vibe they give off or the little moments of off-putting behavior aren’t noticed by smaller creators around them... they are wrong. And if they think publishers don’t notice that behavior & adjust accordingly... I think folks are being to find that they can’t get away with that stuff in a professional environment. 😬 Kindness and manners go a really long way. Anyways, hearing about how BEA/BC went down this year from all my peeps has made me even more excited for BNF! 💚💚💚

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

I'm unconvinced that publishers tend to notice or care tbh. But other creators definitely do and honestly, I'd be more concerned for what my peers think of me than I nebulous company. I'm so glad you're excited for BNF :)))

[@BeautifullyBookishBethany]

I appreciate this discussion. I enjoy Book Expo/Book Con, but I also live in the city and am not paying to travel to it. For me it's really about connecting with people I don't usually get to see and connecting with publishers.

[@nocturnus009]

GRADITUDE for sharing Samantha. BEA/BookCon/Book Expo is as foreign to me as Coachella. That is, Wait... WHAT?! And I live in Manhattan. I think I spotted some con lanyards crossing the street at the Port Authority Bus terminal after a Sam's Club trip. The discussion following the event by AuthorTube & BookTube is an illuminating experience.

[@Erwikka]

I adored this video. You are the only booktuber who didn’t show all the stuff they got. I loved your thoughts and appreciate your channel so much.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

thank you. I only got two things so I figured that would be kinda boring to show and I can just include it in my normal monthly haul lol

[@Erwikka]

Thoughts on Tomes I just really appreciate the fact that someone shares a lot of the thoughts I have about bookcon.

[@MaggieReads2023]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on your experience with this event. I've always been interested it in. However, I have a lot of social anxiety, so I've never gone.

[@onesleepyreader7982]

I'm so glad you did this video! I went to the morning online community discussion at Bookcon and afterwards walked over to where a group of "big OG booktubers" were just to say 'hey, really enjoy your channel, just joined the community myself" and I wasn't like self-promoting, I didn't even give them my channel name at all because that's not why I went over there. Just wanted to say hi and compliment their channels real quickly and some of them were looking at me like, "How dare you just come over and talk to us, don't you know how special we are?" Not all of them, just a few. But it made me so angry! My sister works at the Gaillard Theater in Charleston in marketing and because of that I've had many opportunities to meet actual A list celebrities. For example, last September I got to meet Reese Witherspoon briefly. I've always had very positive experiences getting the chance to say hi and compliment these type of celebrities. Like I said, I wasn't following these booktubers around or anything weird, just a few quick words and to be looked down at like that was so defeating. I've actually unsubscribed to a couple of channels. Ironically as I was walking away I saw you in a group and I would have come over and said "hi, just wanted to tell you your channel is really great" , but felt too defeated to talk to anyone at that point. I think it's ironic because I believe you would actually have been cool to talk to!

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

oh I'm so sad that you had that experience and a few people's bad attitudes tainted it for you :(

[@PagesandPens]

First, you and Mari and dinner and that play were for sure a highlight of the entire trip. New York smells like hot piss all the time so I feel you. I HAVE to make Booknet next year! Better financial planning and I’m all over it. I totally hear you on the overall vibe but I still find it so positive for the touching base and meeting people aspect. I just also am pretty adept at ignoring the drama parts. Lol

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

Can't wait to have you at BNF in the future :) I wish I was so adept. I am day to day, but I think the years of attending these events has lowered my bullshit tolerance. I may attend BEA again when they move it to another city like they do every 5 years, since I didn't mind going to Chicago in 2016.

[@PaulineFireheart]

It was my first time attending BookCon and I totally agree with everything that you said. The best part of the weekend was meeting and spending time with my bookstagram friends who I had only talked to online before the event.

[@trishrayner5213]

this is a really interesting watch. I hadn't looked at any of this in this way (I've been reading years but i'm new to the online book community) and its making me think again about some of the bigger BookTubers that I've been following so far.

[@fallingwithangels]

I love this! You’re the first (that I’m aware of) to discuss your concerns in a video and it’s so refreshing! I totally feel you on the consumerism aspect. I feel like it creates this weird sense of FOMO that can take the enjoyment out of reading. Plus, I personally don’t care for any of the Bookcon haul videos. To me, if I’ve seen one I’ve seen them all, with a couple of exceptions. As a viewer, they only serve to show me what publishers were willing to spend the most money in promoting their books.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

I've seen a few videos and more discussions on twitter about it. It absolutely does create FOMO that you don't even experience if you don't go to the event. And, I totally agree about the hauls. Since theres only so many books to get, if you've seen one you've really seen them all, unless someone seeks out unique genres. It is precisely more about "what are publishers promoting" than what is actually interesting, although there can be some overlap there.

[@KierTheScrivener]

I definitely agree with the connections that's all I wanted, I want those bigger conversations and deeper ones which I really did with friends just at the hotel in the park wherever. I didn't have high expectations thus my expectations were really exceeded in connections and interactions. The time I was most uncomfortable was with the 'BookTube MeetUp' Sunday afternoon where they just paraded the larger creators and told people to line up to talk to them. That made my stomach crawl but in general there was warmth but also as a small creator I think I am less privy to a lot of things. It was fantastic meeting you. Thank you for sharing your experiences I really wish I could come to BookNet Fest but financially with it being so far I don't think I can.

[@vamps_rock]

What a refreshing and interesting perspective on the whole event. Thanks for your honesty. TBH, the thought of these events mostly sends shivers up and down me as they do seem to be primarily about waiting in line for hours and rushing about to see who can get the most amount or ARCS - even if they are of no particular interest - many of which lie around unread until the next years' event! In some vids I've seen, it almost looks like the event is mostly set up like a series of extremely long airport queues... and the idea of standing in line for hours (or sitting if able) and moving along a maze to get to the "prize" at the end is not my idea of fun. Also, the scent of "I'm a celebrity, look at me" has screamed at me from some of them #notsorry. I can totally see the benefit of using the time to meet and greet others in the bookish community, getting together with online friends meeting new friends etc, but really how much quality time is there to do that with all the frenzy around ARC drops? Your comments about the ways in which many of these drops are promoted were also very telling, and I've wondered at other people's vids when they talk about secret drops and last minute notifications... publishers are absolutely selling the idea of the madness that you say they denigrate. If it was really about getting as many in the hands of people as possible, surely there is a much more methodical (and way less physically exerting) way to do it? You mentioned the panels, and that is the part that would be of most interest to me and yet it is hard to find official footage of most of these so far which means that they are not promoted that much by the publishers/promoters of the events... again a telling point. Especially given that I watched, almost crying when she did, the booktuber panel arranged by Christina Marie... There's more that I've thought of and felt whilst watching all the different vids that have popped up so far, but as I'm neither a BT creator (for a multitude of reasons, I'd never get on camera to do anything like this so hats off to you all who can and do!) or have the funds or physical ability to go to these events, I'm not going to continue. I wish you, Marines and everyone who attends well for booknetfest, and look forward to seeing the footage from some of the booktubers that go. TFS :)

[@unfurledlife]

You may want to look at Sirens Conference - it's about women/nonbinary people in fantasy. It's fairly small less than , in late October in Colorado. I've gone years in a row, and there is not only great programming but it is also a great space for discussions and just listening to people. The attendees are writers, publishing pros, librarians and readers. I've gone to other events but nothing is like this one.

[@theinkedpath9631]

Hi, Sam! How are you? I hope you had a great time in your holidays. What you point out it is quite interesting and revealing. Since joining Booktube and listening to you (and other creators) talking about all these events and knowing how it is from the inside it is very helpful. I can't afford traveling to the USA but I don't think BEA is for me (as I would have to travel back home). I would have love meeting authors and all. I don't know about YALL Fest but I always find myself very stress out about meeting booktubers and people because, I normally go to events of this type on my own so, I always feel out of place. Disconnected. I think that, all this feeling comes from the fact of being scared of not engaging well, of not getting along with people (as I know that first social connections are made through the comments and so on but I have times in which I can't be as stable regarding comments). For all of this I believe BookNest Fest may be a better option (as it is all about chatting about Booktube and the community... if only I could go though). As I live in Spain its the only country I can talk about regarding the bookish events. A couple of years ago I assisted to an event, which I don't remember the name sadly, that was all about KZbin and you decided which panel you wanted to attend. As I said, I went on my own and listened to the most popular booktubers over here talk. Of course, after the event I went to some of them and chat for a bit (we met in other events but we are not friends). So, for the majority of time, although the panel was very interesting, I felt quite along. The other event I wanted to talk to you about is La Feria del Libro de Madrid (Madrid Book Fair) which is a yearly event that happens in Parque del Retiro in Madrid, the Capital of Spain. This event is very similar to BEA and lasts for three weeks, although this one is completely free and open to the public, there are no ARCS or meet&greets but you can meet authors at the signings and chat with them for a bit (I met V. E. Schwab this year, for example). It is a book fair, and therefore, it is an event very centered in consumerism and you can buy Spanish or English books (I have to admit I don't have the great self-control you have). There are also tents where you can attend to talks where different authors speak about their works. There are also events for Booktubers and Blogers with creativity talks with authors, for those who like me want to be writers one day, workshops about book tube, games and things like that so it is very social too (there is even a picnic at the park where all gather). However, as I said before the times I've gone to the picnic I've gather with booktubers that I really admire but that didn't give me a lot of opportunity to chat, really. But it is not all bad. I've met great friends (bloggers and authors) and we met yearly. This year, for example, I have decided not to attend to all this social events and met with a couple of friends (one author and the other one author and blogger) and we went to a picnic together inside the park. The great thing is that, we thought it was going to be a quiet gathering and then, out of luck another friend of ours (also author) found us so she joined to our picnic with other authors friends (all people I respect a lot so I felt very happy and excited at the same time...this doesn't happen quiet often). In the end, we all accompany one of the authors to her signing (where I bought one of her books and she was over the moon about that because, when we met, thanks to a common friend, she had released that book and I have been meaning to pick it out for ages). The good thing about this book fair though, and why I think you may like it, it is that as the book fair happens in a park (in a very specific space of the park) if you get stressed out or tired you can take one path and walk deeper into the park and far from the fair. To be fair, I think you would love it. Sorry for the long text, but I wanted to tell you this for a very long time! Hugs

[@chrisyoungberg3245]

I love how you worded this. I've enjoyed watching all the vlogs everyone has been sharing but just seeing the environment, crowds, and obvious push for consumerism had turned me off from ever attending (also, I don't really know anyone yet since I'm new lol but that's different). I would imagine the meet ups with friends to also be the best part and am glad you didn't feel the event to be a complete waste of time. It's sad that some have let their "fame" go to their head though and would probably make interactions uncomfortable and insincere.

[@BostonBookBitty]

I didn't go this year, but as much as I missed seeing everyone, it was nice not going. The con does foster this rather intense atmosphere that I needed to step back from.

[@CreatingCo]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! This was my first year attending and it was just a lot over all. I have been thinking about doing yallfest maybe next year. I'm not sure I'll go back to bookcon but I did love meeting people the most! It's good to hear other events are more geared toward that. I wish I had run into you!

[@jolafaith]

This is wonderful. I always love the authentic way you discuss things like this. I’ve never been to a book event like these but even the vlogs overwhelm me, haha! I think the connections are amazing. That’s why I watch Booktube and why I joking Bookstagram! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@ForTheLoveOfBooksAndReading]

I completely agree with everything you said. I had heard the “horror stories” surrounding BookCon and so a part of me was really apprehensive about the whole event. But it was my first time attending and I wanted to keep an open mind about it. But unfortunately a lot of those fears came true. Even though I was right there, I almost felt isolated. I feel like an outsider looking at these people having a great time. I had my friends there and i even got to meet some people that I watch in real life and give them a hug. And those were truly the highlight of my whole experience. I normally always feel awkward around people I don’t know personally but this event was the first time I ever felt like an outsider. The only time I ever felt “included” (aside from the times I was with my friends) was during the Friday night booktube meet-up and Mari came up to me and started to talking to me. Honestly that whole small meet-up was my favorite part of BookCon and it wasn’t even necessarily a part of BookCon. Anyway, these were my general thoughts. thanks for this discussion. It was great.

[@a.n.lashley1073]

Thank you for being honest about your experiences. I haven't gone to any book conventions before but I hope to go one day. I've gone to other conventions before and I definitely prefer for them to be more about meeting people and panels rather than selling and buying merch. I hope the first book conversation I can go to is BookFest, maybe next year?

[@dawnabercrombie7722]

If you like travelling, check out the Edinburgh book festival- beautiful city, beautiful event.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

Edinburgh sounds like a magical place tbh

[@KrystleVisions]

I love you for this!! Thanks for being so transparent on the event. It truly is a rough event

[@beecaro4412]

thank you for giving us who have never been your point of view on these events!

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

you're welcome!

[@LifeIsAPageTurner]

First, I loved Booknet Fest last year, and I'm so happy to be going this year. Second thank you for sharing this about the "celebrity" aspect of bigger booktubers. It is something that I've always wanted to say because sometimes you meet people and you're just like, I'm not your fan, I'm your peer.... but okay. Like you said "booktube ain't shit" on the grander scale of the internet and youtube, and I feel this

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

I'm so glad you're coming back :) "I'm not your fan, I'm your peer" is such a mood.

[@missburn]

I think the fan aspect comes from the viewers, not the booktuber. It is the viewers who see themselves as fans, not the other way around. Probably because a lot of the viewers are young people so it is natural for them to see people on screens as idols.

[@oliviareadsalatte]

i definitely got certain..... vibes from the vlogs. if i went to these events, i would honestly probably only go to book expo because i do really like reviewing books and i like that it's book centered. i'm far too anxious to meet people in the kind of atmosphere that bookcon seems to create and i know i probably wouldn't enjoy it because of the sheer amount of people there. i would love to meet booktubers, which is why i'm looking into booknetfest, but i don't like the chaos that seems to happen at bookcon.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

bookcon and chaos do go together. even when it is chill, just the sheer amount of people makes it overwhelming. hope you can make it to BNF :)

[@abookishdream]

Ok so I have thoughts about the toxic ‘run for that arc or you won’t get it’ bs. So at the Orbit booth they REFUSED to form a line for Queen of the Conquered. Like I asked because a lot of people were just standing there for it, they told us to keep moving and then when it ‘was time’ people bum rushed the table to the point where I couldn’t get one. Only reason I got one on day 3 (i tried all 3 days) was because I had a medical badge and didn’t go for another arc first. But I missed out on Starless Sea... oh well

[@UnicornHunterbooks]

I agree about arcs, I’d rather get 1 or 2 that I’m most highly anticipating than 20 that are mostly like 3-star reads or something. I’ve only been to Book Expo once, but I’ve been to Yallwest 3 times & the arcs get less exciting to me each time, so each time I’m mostly after a couple of main arcs & just to meet some of my favorite authors and go to panels.

[@LatinLector]

Omg yes!!! That’s why I haven’t gone to Bookcon again because NYC is so crowded!!

[@nocturnus009]

Samantha, your empathy is your superpower: See the Tummelvision link I'm about to tweet [so I don't get shadow banned from KZbin].

[@Tom-dg5zp]

Travel Recs: In the UK, the London Lit Fest is great, they have adult Lit specific events and also a YA day during the Fest. It is a semi-large event, I can't compare it to the ones in the US, I also don't get anxiety in crowds so I can't attest to that. But also in London in the South East area is Greenwich Book Fest; a smaller more local-area feeling book festival close to where I live held by the University of Greenwich. Its far more chilled, but does still attract some well known YA authors like Angie Thomas with real interesting panel discussions. I would recommend both!

[@SirJamesLester]

Been on the look out for more UK/London based ones myself after finding I really super enjoyed the author focused things I managed to find at MCM :)

[@bebefry-younge345]

Hi, Greenwich book festival isn't run by the university. The team behind it are a mix of those in the publishing industry in various ways and capacities. The team rent the site from the Old Royal Naval College and use the space for events, same as Greenwich theatre. The only connection with the university is they advertise to and have student volunteers working at the festival and a few paid roles for students via the student jobshop and one of the lecturers who are published by a smaller press has been on team behind this event from the beginning. :)

[@Tom-dg5zp]

@@bebefry-younge345 oh right, fair enough! I am a student at the university myself and by the way they advertise it it always seemed like they ran it. Either way, it's still a great event lol.

[@bebefry-younge345]

@@Tom-dg5zp it is! They marketting always relys on Greenwich uni heavily to get the tourists walking around it in and using them to sell extra tickets on the day/just get more footfall .

[@newnametocome386]

I went to BEA the year before they started approving which bloggers could go. I went in with no game plan. So for me it was relaxed and fun to just see what happened. I couldn't stay long at BookCon because it seemed crazier to me than BEA had. I had one panel I wanted to attend at BookCon and thankfully I was able to get in and loved that but after the panel I had to leave because there was just no room to move and I get anxiety in times like that and I wanted to keep the happy mood I had from the panel.

[@BrunetteBibliophile]

This is such a great video. I loved going to BookCon, but the drama was too much. I want to leave BNF and YallFest feeling inspired and seeing all the friends I want to see, which I have in the past. BookCon just left me feeling exhausted and stressed going back home.

[@amy6610]

I've never gone to BEA/BookCon BECAUSE of the stuff you've mentioned here. I tried being a Booktuber for a hot second but got too busy with college and haven't gotten back into it since, but I always watch Booktube and keep up with my favorite channels. Yet, I find that every time BookCon rolls around I want to avoid social media because when certain creators post about it, I get very weird vibes. I very rarely see people post about books or the event itself, rather the social experience and taking pictures. Which is totally fine! It's their weekend and they can spend it however they want. But something feels off with it every year, yet I've assumed I just don't get it because I'm not there. I've been interested in attending in the past because I would love to get some ARC's, but it seems like your experience exactly lines up with what those 'weird vibes' I was getting by watching from afar on social media. I feel like if I went I would be too scared to go up to my favorite creators because there is just this unapproachable vibe? But only at that event? Again, I've never been so maybe I'm just making it up in my head... but also you've said that's how you feel too! It just doesn't seem like an event I'd enjoy. It seems like it creates drama and gross feelings for the book community rather than bringing us closer and giving inspiration.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

yeah I always find that there's more drama associated with it than anything. Honestly, the unapproachable vibe isn't the case with everyone, but those that do it cause ripples that other creators and attendees notice. It's not even about the socializing or taking pictures, as that happens at any event. There's something specifically about this event that causes egos to come out and I can't quite pinpoint what it is.

[@maiawithani]

Thank you for sharing your truth and perspective with us. I greatly appreciate it. You truly are a beautiful human being. BookkNet Fest sounds wonderful, and I would love to go one day. For now, I’m planning on going to the San Diego Festival of Books in August. I’ve never been, but I’m very much looking forward to it!

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

thank you :)

[@DebbieChristina]

Already hearing all the stories makes me want to crawl under my blankets and be alone 😂Eventually, I would love to go to a book event in the US and when that time comes I will probably look into every event there is and see which one suits what I am looking for.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

the good thing is that book events are expanding and there is a variety that can meet a book lovers needs :)

[@amberinoface]

Firstly, it was lovely to see you again. I really appreciated this video and the discussion that you provided with it. A lot of the points you made about the community resonated with me as I've now gone to two book events Booknet Fest and Bookcon. You can probably guess which is my favorite :P. I wanted to go to one of the industry events this year and a lot of my friends seemed to be going to Bookcon so i picked it. Turns out all of my friends who have gone to Yallfest ended up saying that that they vastly preferred Yallfest to Bookcon by the end of it.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

agreed about Yallfest! It is so chill in comparison, while still being a larger event. I think because it is mostly outside as well, it makes the amount of people much easier to handle and the event doesn't feel condescending to its attendees, which is nice.

[@fannfannmsb]

i also want to say that all of these events are American. Nothing wrong with this, we all know that the majority of the english-speaking booktube is American (which is logical) BUT a lot of smaller channels and bookstagram accounts are not. I just think it's important to remember that a lot of the community cannot attend these events and we probably shouldn't give them too much importance because it makes international people feel a bit excluded tbh. The people who actually attend bookcon/BEA/whatever don't reflect the whole community. Yes, they're the biggest booktubers but there's so much more than that.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

oh absolutely. I've discussed that in previous videos. These events are a blip and not representative of the whole book community, or even important in the grand scheme of things. They are simply an added bonus for those who can attend.

[@jamesbaird1342]

I just recently found booktube. Enjoying different people some genres not mine and some tubers younger than I. That said I watched dif tubers in NY and thought this would be a perfect place and atmosphere to join a stranger for lunch and find out that they were an author for example.

[@TheFancyHatLadyReads]

Some year I'll make it BookNet Fest, I'm sure, it just... hasn't happened yet. It comes close on the heels of WorldCon scheduling-wise, which I attended for the first time last year in San Jose and will be going to again this year in Dublin. I know WorldCon is international this year and will be again next year, but I think year after next it's going to end up being in DC? If you want to hear about WorldCon, I had a really great experience last year with the small group of SFF booktubers who were there, and it didn't matter at all socially that only a few of those people had previously known me and my tiny channel. The event itself doesn't feature or highlight the booktube community in any way (at least not yet), but I think that's part of what made it such a low-pressure social experience. We, collectively, as a group, had I think one person who recognized us all as book people from the KZbin, and that was sort of it. We're working on getting some ribbons this year to hand out to advertise that we exist, since we're Hugo eligible in the fancast category and all. The WorldCon demographic... It skews older... I think there are so MANY booktubers at something like BookCon that you need to already have a social group to anchor you, or you end up like me, desperately hoping that the one friend I had there would introduce me to people, which was very weird for me and very unfair to the one friend. And you're totally right, it's NOT an environment that makes meeting new people in the community super easy. I didn't go to the second BookTube panel at BookCon because it was at the same time as the Tor Presents SFF panel, and I made a choice. I'm thinking it was the right choice. I don't need to watch the biggest BookTubers in the internet talk about what BookTube is like for them? Because that's not what it's like for me? I dunno.

[@AmberMcManus]

It was so great meeting you too. Dinner was awesome and I’m so happy we got the chance to just hang out and chat.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

agreed :)))) such a highlight for me!

[@babystarcandy7]

I watched a bookcon vlog and a popular booktuber was signing something for someone in it and it blew my mind. I love watching y'all and I appreciate the content, but...what??

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

that is an awkward thing for sure. People ask for things to be signed, so it tends to leave the booktuber in a weird place. But I think interactions like that further cement the feeling of separation in the space.

[@ebeth5891]

Even just watching someone's vlog from that weekend made me tired! Who knew there were that many extroverted bookish people! LOL

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

I think most of us that attend these events are extraverted introverts, so we can do the people thing in short bursts and then crash after

[@ruuuuuskimychica]

@@ThoughtsOnTomes that's an amazing description that fits me well ☺

[@sarahbrown9191]

I want to go to YALC in London but it does seem kind of huge and overwhelming. I've heard it's friendly though

[@sarahbrown9191]

Also most literature festivals in the UK delve into deep topics and are absolutely not ARC focused!

[@mackenziebrynnrap]

I’m right there with you! These events for me are so much more about meeting people and building connections than they are about materialism. And I’m an extrovert in a community where the majority are introverts, but I’m also an anxious bean to skim always afraid that I’m too much or something when I’m trying to make friends and meet and talk to certain people. And that’s definitely why I liked BookNetFest a lot more. The sad thing is tho that some bigger booktubers that I would like to foster relationships with didn’t even go last year, and idk if they’ll ever go again which really sucks cuz BookNetFest is awesome and I thought they were all about community and stuff. Oy, I’m rambling sorry, but that was just something that I was afraid of with the community growing. Like “what happens if it becomes too big?” Ya know? Then there are more divides and more separation and less inclusion or something. Idk. Thank you for this, and thank you and Mari so much for BookNetFest! It was great to see you again, and I’m defo planning on going to BookNetFest again so looking to see you then!! 😁❤️

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

that's definitely a concern and kinda inevitable as a community grows that there will be some level of separation. It seems like BNF is going to be even bigger this year so hopefully some of those creators you wanted to meet will be there :)

[@bookwormcherly7447]

Are there any good book events in the Midwest?

[@LisbethJimenez]

Native New Yorker here :) This was my second BookCon and I honestly thought it was my imagination about the consumer aspect and it left me feeling icky. I also saw some of the separation of people and a part of me was not surprised but I was disappointed. That feeling of separation has slightly colored my viewing of the BookExpo/BookCon blogs no tea or shade. When I got home I honestly wondered if I would participate again. I love being around bookish people but BookCon felt a bit like Alice in Wonderland. This video is great and I am so glad you shared your experience :)

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

same vibes. this is the only even that I'm always walking around like what is happening. why is this happening. I'm uncomfortable.

[@atashofmagicnpages7142]

Just by everyones vlogs and experience at Bookexpo/Bookcon I can tell that that event isn't for me. I would only go for the panels and meeting new people. I think that's why l would enjoy Booknet Fest more. That and its lass than a 2 hr drive from me. I'm hoping to go this year and am super nervous but more excited to meet new people.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

YAY! Hope you can make it!

[@myreadingisodd]

HAVE DEEP DISCUSSIONS WITH MEEEEEEE 💚💚💚

[@myreadingisodd]

Also I am fomoing over that dinner because I love y’all.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

ALWAYS MY LOVE! honestly, having food with others at events is always a highlight like if I could create an event around everyone eating food together I would

[@KrystleVisions]

I would love to go to SFF event! I’m in NJ so let me know if you find any near by!

[@BobbiReads]

Thank you so much for being honest. When I watch people’s vlogs of BookCon I get overwhelmed. To me it looks like a giant shit show. As a small booktuber trying to find or make a connection with some of my favorite other creators would be near impossible. BookNetFest sounds much more up my alley. If I ever could swing a trip that huge I would go in a heartbeat.

[@Neverrgreen]

As someone that will never have the opportunity to go.....what is the difference between the two? I've never been able to figure it out

[@Sophiek2221]

👏👏👏

[@bitterlyfun]

Thank you for explaining book-con and book expo, I've been interested in going to be able to chat books with other people but have never been that into arcs. What book events would you suggest? Not necessarily for content creators, though I do create some I don't necessarily call myself a "content creator" you know? But just a fun bookish event where there's a possibility of meet booktubers, maybe see a couple panels of interest and have a chance to get a book signed by an author selling a new release?

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

well... BookNet Fest lol but besides that I think Yallfest (and Yallwest though I haven't attended that) are great. Also more local YA events like Texas Teen Author Fest or something like that in your area is great for the panel and signings, but less for the booktuber part unless a lot also live in the area

[@leadinglady]

I think videos like these are really important. I've never been to a bookish event because college, but I want to go someday! I am moving to the West Coast after I graduate, so Bookcon and BEA are probably never in my future, but I'd love to go to YallWest someday. I find it odd the event would literally encourage "bad" behavior, only to question why people were acting crazy. It's like if you put kids in a park with cute dogs and then are like "Why are these kids running and petting the dogs?" Very strange. I also agree, there are Booktubers who have a lot of subscribers, but... they're no Jenna Marbles lol. Sounds... icky. I also hate NYC!

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

If YallWest is anything like Yallfest, it is very chill. I like to think the outdoor setting of both events adds to that vibe. I love the puppy analogy. So true!

[@DanielleP0314]

I've never been to Bookcon/BEA but it's so odd to me how some of the booktubers act like they're ALL THAT because they have a million followers, etc. But at the same time, I get it because booktube is such a niche, small, tight-knit, specialized community, that if you DO have over 1M followers, you'll think you're the shit lol. When in reality, noonecares lol. I'm not an ARC collector anyway, I usually wait for the book to drop if I like it enough to borrow from my library/Scribd/Overdrive. Bookcon/BEA is a lot like Disney World; you don't have to go if you don't want to/can't afford, but it doesn't mean you're too important if you can go.

[@lantreauxlivres]

Thank you for this video! Honestly, I've never been to BookCon or BookExpo because... I'm French and can't afford it 😅 but I don't go to big things in France either, still because I don't get the money. I think I'll try it one day, but I feel like it won't really suit me; I got to one little event close to home, it was my first experience and it was great; but it seems like big events are not the same 😅 Love you and your content! 😘

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

thank you :) I've actually heard that the UK events that are larger aren't bad, if you could make it up there!

[@lantreauxlivres]

@@ThoughtsOnTomes thank you, I'll try then!

[@GwendolynKensinger]

I wish I could go to BookNet Fest, but the timing never works for me. I am a teacher and that's our first week of school. Have you ladies ever considered slightly changing the dates? Basically is there hope I will ever be able to go?

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

we've always dabbled in the idea of different dates, but always come back to the fact that the current dates don't conflict with other events.

[@JamieReads]

The celebrity vibe was so off putting. I was glad to see true colors and now I know who to give my energy to. I hope I can go to book net fest for the first time this year!! I'm trying my hardest!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

I hope so too! Knowing who to give your energy to is exactly the feeling I get as well when I have these experiences.

[@JamieReads]

@@ThoughtsOnTomes ❤️❤️❤️

[@hpbruin]

Will you be able to do a review of The Starless Sea as soon as you finish it? Or do you need to wait until the book actually comes out before you can publish your review? I’m trying to find my own copy of an ARC and really want to know what people think of it.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

I think reviews need to be posted closer to release date

[@hpbruin]

@@ThoughtsOnTomes Any chance you'd be willing to mail the ARC out once you're done with it? :)

[@chelseawritesbooks8763]

I have similiar feelings about comic-cons. I'm glad I saw this since I've heard about Book Con and wanted to go, but it would be an expensive trip, so it would have to be 100% worth it. And if there's mad rushes and like, mob type behavior. Nah. Not worth the flight.

[@JayGTheAwkwardBookworm]

I wish I went so badly 😭

[@ebeth5891]

Highly recommend a Hades Persephone web comic called Lore Olympus to cheer you up!! m.webtoons.com/en/romance/lore-olympus/episode-62/viewer?title_no=1320&episode_no=66

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

I've been meaning to read it, just haven't had the time.

[@ebeth5891]

Thoughts on Tomes hope you love it when you get a chance!!

[@TheClockchan]

What a baffling way to advertise/execute an event targeted towards a bunch of people who spend a chunk of their free time reading books. Seems counterintuitive?? But it’s cool there is more variety on the horizon! The more the merrier

[@stacd6425]

everything that you have said is evident in 90% of the videos about BEA and book con that I have seen. Even from book tubers who i really enjoying watching, some seem to have put on this fake persona to be there.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

I've been avoiding any vlogs to not have to relive the ick lol

[@micky1390]

Right now you have exactly 5 down votes, I’m assuming from New Yorkers 😂

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

definitely

[@joshuamarimpietri7708]

First comment! I think.