This is in response to the recent article by Vulture and The Guardian about bookstagrammers, which was so uncalled for. Describing them as annoying, pretentious readers, and who are likely to depress others by sharing
pictures of them while reading or throwing themselves in a pile of books, for Instagram. Of Course, I am a book blogger, and I couldn't help but pen my thought and disagree with how the
article has portrayed us. It left me feeling livid, hence, I had to note my say and defend our book blogging
community on the ongoing debate. Coz, hello! It's 2018, let people enjoy the things they love doing, reading and clicking pictures of books, for instance.
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| Credit: pinterest |
Am I even a real
reader, if I throw myself in a pile of open books, just coz I wish to show how
much I love the smell of freshly printed books and that I can easily fall prey of it?
Am I even a real
reader, if I buy books with pretty covers, only to read them later and discuss
with my other bookworms?
Am I even a real
reader, if I display the number of books piled up in my bookshelf, whilst checking
off my TBR list?
Am I even a real
reader, if I make use of the Autumn season with dry leaves, and a pumpkin to go
with my current read, just so I can make my picture look aesthetics and gain
‘Unearned Likes”?
Am I even a real
reader, if I keep a mug of coffee on a table along with my journal and more books to
make it look unreal?
Am I even a real
reader, if I use books as props and set them down for just a moment, a cup of
steaming coffee set to one side, wool-sock-clad feet in the frame but
not a hint of pants. All that for Instagram?
Maybe you are not qualified to be called a reader. Well, at least
according to some people. One must eliminate all the above-aforementioned
condition and read books in silent, or at least not show off or talk about it
on Instagram page, i.e, if you are a realistic reader. Mind you, there are Vultures
and other book Guardians eyeing on us, bibliophile (pun intended). They may
start judging you, call you annoying or someone who doesn't have time to read,
but buy books only to take a picture and post them, or worst to worst tag you
as somebody who is willing to depress other’s life.
But, truth be told, how much do they know about Bookstagrammers? A
community filled with book-loving individuals, who love to read (correction:
re-read.), review books, create group/buddy reading session, discuss their
favourite literature characters, and yes, of course, take attractive pictures
to share and encourage people to read. And, maybe, just maybe, some may find it
unappealing to see us getting bonded over bookish discussions and clicking striking
book post. What does it matter? if we
use books as a prop, FYI, we do actually read them and share our views with our
followers. What does it matter? if we drape our bodies around books and find comfort in it?
What does it matter? if we fan out our long hairs on the things we love and feel
the calm from the chaos that is around us, at least for a moment.
To clear off the doubts you have on Bookstagrammers… some food for
thought to all those who are uninformed about the fact that there is more to
book blogging than just about taking pretty pictures as well as surrounding
ourselves with piles of open paperbacks. Thank me later.
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| Credit: pinterest |
No, we don’t just use Instagram to post pictures of our books collection
just so that people will envy us, or it will make them feel depressed. We do it,
coz we want to encourage others to read. What harm does one see in that? Also,
if you must know, reading books can educate you, better your memory and
increase empathy. Make note.
No, posting bookish related posts are not to annoy anyone, we just love
to share the pleasure we feel when we are about to devour the 'intellectual' knowledge filled in literature world.
No, we just don’t cosy up for the camera, we actually prep ourselves
with all the necessities, Coffee? Check. Blankie? Check. Woollen socks? Check.
Open books? Double Check. That’s how we prepare ourselves before delving in the
fictional world where you are no longer vulnerable.
No, we don’ t wish to share few titles of the books we are
reading. Some things are better left unknown (Also, we love Mystery.). But, if it intrigues you, we are
always welcome to recommend the book.
No, we are not ashamed or hopelessly addicted to our intellectual hobby, we are proud readers who love to bond with like-minded people, who won’t waste their time on bashing book lovers, but instead inspire each other 'to read and to click' so that the world can be a better/kinder place to live in.
No, we are not ashamed or hopelessly addicted to our intellectual hobby, we are proud readers who love to bond with like-minded people, who won’t waste their time on bashing book lovers, but instead inspire each other 'to read and to click' so that the world can be a better/kinder place to live in.
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| Credit: pinterest |
There, you go! I did my part in educating you about Bookstagrammers surrounding
their world with open and close books. And, if you still think only real readers
enjoy books in silent, while the rest just post them on Instagram to mess it
up and show off, then we would just leave you thinking that Bookstagrammer lives are prettier, more
whimsical, more creative than yours. Which is true BTW.
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| Credit: pinterest |
Now, off I go to annoy people with my Bookstagramme post!
Haha this is such a great response. People are always quick to put down others if they do the same task or hobby differently from them. There are bigger problems to worry about that whether a stranger you've never met is a "real" reader because they have lots of cool photos of books. Maybe they should read about said actual problems and give us all peace!
ReplyDeleteThank you. And Indeed. I agree with you, people are always judging no matter what you do. Good or bad.
DeleteWell I liked the pictures of organized and chaos books. I say if it annoys you all you have to do is keep scrolling.
ReplyDeleteSame. Exactly, my point.
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