Book discovery for readers would be so much easier if R.R. Bowker allowed the public to search their database of upcoming releases.
I know I can go to a library and access the database (if the library pays for access -- my public library no longer does), but it would be much more customer-friendly if I could do so from home. If publishers were serious about making it easier for readers to find new books, they would force Bowker to open this resource to the public. And Bowker should restore the search agent email function they used to have but no longer do.
The same goes for Amazon -- at one time many years ago, Amazon allowed readers to save their search criteria, and when a new title was listed that matched the reader's criteria, Amazon would dispatch an email to the reader. They no longer offer that service and for the life of me, I cannot understand why. I mean, aren't they in the business of selling books?
Why make it harder for readers to find the books they want to buy and read?
Ah, but you see Amazon's in the business of selling books that they're being paid the most to promote. I work in web marketing and have gotten to the point where I just don't even want to deal with most sites. They want you to go to their website so you can get splashed with ads and make purchases of their "suggested products" and on their "specials". Welcome to internet marketing.
Find a good bookstore. The old fashioned browsing way is the best!
Totally agree Cove. Now I just wish that there were more mom & pop bookstores out here where I live.