Two new book programmes have been announced by the BBC and ITV- read more here . is this the lit equivalent of Pop Idol, or does it just broaden an overly incestuous marketplace?

It seems like books are being lined to become the new 'black', with writers seen as rock-star celebs.

Given what people like Cowell (and the various record labels, management groups and media enterprises associated with him) have done to pop music, i.e. virtually destroy it by making it even more disposable, then this would be a bad thing.

But on the other hand, as someone who does not work in book publishing and does not have a literary background, I feel that the literary world does at times seem un-accessible, where distinctions between 'serious' and 'popular' writing can feel a tad elitist.

Ideas that encourage more people to read a wider range of books and therefore drive new generations of writers should be applauded.

I'm just not convinced that these ideas are the best way to achieve that.

Beadle

I think that any programmes encouraging the public to broaden their tastes in reading should be applauded, and I certainly don't think encouraging people to read more can be construed as dumbing down unless the suggestion is that only those with rarified literary palettes have a right to access books, and only writers of that level and calibre have a place on the shelves at Books Etc?

Interestingly, the last two books I've read turn out to be on the Richard and Judy reading list: Nigel Slater's 'Toast' and Karen Joy Fowler's 'The Jane Austen Book Club'. Neither is even remotely lowest common denominator. Shyama:-)

Re the Pop Idol question: while the nation has been glued to the box for every series, it has not followed through when it comes to record sales. Gareth Gates and Michelle McManus have sunk without trace, as have David Sneddon and Alex Parks from the rival programmes.

Will Young has done remarkably well, but he did that by breaking away and writing/co-writing his own songs. Ditto Lemar and Darius who, despite losing, continue to enjoy success. In other words, audience participation in the process does not result in a mass hysteria that compels us to buy dross on the back of that interest. What's important will always be quality, even if one could transpose the Pop Idol format to encompass the process of writing :-o

The genius of pop idol is the way that the TV production company is linked to the record label and management company of the winners and the runners-up with potential.

This guarantees the singers and groups huge media awareness which then drives record sales, in turn prompting the next wave of viewers.

Asa result the pop stars themselves just become cogs in the machine and if the quality of the music drops or something more appealing happens around the corner, Gareth, Michelle, Hear'Say and One True Voice are expendable.

The winners are Simon Cowell, Simon Fuller, Nigel Lythgoe and others who run the machine. They are investing in the machine, not in the talent or the future of the pop stars they create.

The entertainment for the viewer is as much about the failures and the deluded individuals who pitch up to be the next pop idol as it is about the good singers and great songs that result.

Sadly the songs often turn out to be conveyor-belt fodder designed for one week at the top to promote the album that keeps things ticking over until the next series of pop idol or whatever.

It's business. I'm not sure if this format could be applied to writing, but if you think about all the failures and fall out that occurs with pop idol, this would be devestating for would-be writers.

On this website people express their opinions because they care. It would be a completely different kettle of fish if we ended up voting for the stuff we liked.

beadle

Gareth Gates is a speech therapist now.

I like the way that Tony Cowell is described as being the 'current' brother of Simon.

He auditions for new relatives once a year during an open call at his local Ramada Hotel.

I agree with Scoops. It's good to know there is such interest in literature again - maybe it's the inevitable response to a world where we are overwhelmed by TV channels! Maybe people are getting sick of instant gratification and too much choice?

Catherine

Im a little unclear on all this because I dont see the familiarity between Pop Idol and this latest venture.

In Pop Idol (and alike) ANYONE had a chance of getting in, i.e. college kids/broadway singers/lounge singers etc... Whilst it gave studio execs the chance to manipulate and make a load of cash off of unsuspecting hopefuls it also gave others the belief that it could actually happen to them and in turn encouraged a huge turn out of wannabes (Against popular opinion I see nothing wrong with being a wannabe, at least those people have a passion for something and a dream to aim for - even if they dont have the talent to back it up) to try and follow their dream.

In this latest venture it appears that the writers in question are already pre-determined, therefore it's not quite in the same spirit. I understand that they can not leave it open to every aspiring author, can you imagine how dull the first few episodes would be?? A shot of Tony reading a book whilst sipping his coffee, cutting to a shot of someone typing away furiously at a keyboard, cut to a shot of someone posting their submission etc etc etc... Zzzzzz!

It seems to me that this is merely a vechile (a word I can't spell, I know) to promote existing writers who publishers can't decide about. Whilst it is admirable to draw attention to new writing maybe the Pop Idol analogy is not appropriate??