David Weller is falling into the Publisher Trap ;-) My comments...
First I need to thank Dave for putting this stuff out there, since it really does spell quite clearly what the author market is all about. The review cycles for books are pretty lame, and you never find something that is in-depth enough to make a decision. Reviews tend to be inflamed opinions rather than objective criticism (criticism being used in the generic sense that it can be both positive and negative). After realizing the extent that unbiased reviews affect the sale of books to a target audience that would actually benefit from the book, I an say there is a definite need for a professional review site. Why professional? Well, I'm not talking about professional in terms of how TV critics will rate movies. I'm talking about sitting down and allowing the user to run through an expanded TOC with personal comments from the reviewer about each step. I'm talking about the reviewer taking the time to cross-link potential additional sources and point out any references the author made in the book. It is from this type of study over a books content that a user can make a real decision. I plan on having at least 3 or 4 objective reviewers for the book portions of Games 4, but having more would never hurt. If you think you want your book objectively reviewed, you can always send me a copy (PS > If your book just made print, I also tech edit and can send you errata), and I“ll add it to the list of books that will get placed on G4 when I launch.
David Weller's comments on his first review Got my first book review on Amazon...ouch.
Yet another problem is the follow-up book. Publishers are so fast to get their books an ISBN and SKU'ed into the stores. They play a dangerous game in which they go in and have 30 minutes to an hour to sell 150 titles. With not much time to spend on each book they have small “rap-sheets“ on why each book will sell. The earlier they get the book on their list of books to sell, the earlier they can start pitching the books to buyers and the more chances they'll get before the book is actually in print and on the shelves. Places like Amazon are exceptions since they'll pick up every book, irregardless and place it on their list of books that is coming out. What you end up with is a forward look into a forest of books that may or may not get published even.
David Weller realizes people already know about his code port Uh oh -- looks like I"m officially writing another book...