Ticonderoga Online Survey

[jack_ryder]

If you are a reader/writer of science fiction,punkrocker1991wants you to do this survey

Frankly I have problems with the phrasing of some of the questions (exactly how does one subscribe to Antipodean SF? Though I've just noticed they have an RSS feed - shows how long it's been since I've looked at the site.) And I think some of the questions demonstrate the parochial nature of the Aus SF scene (questions about do you buy stuff because your friends are in it? Well, yes and no, I'd be broke if I bought and chased down everything.)

And I couldn't model successfully the fact that the last two genre books I bought were solely because they were by writers I liked.

There were also no questions about accessing Australian SF through libraries (which makes sense if the underlying purpose of the survey is commercial.)

But don't listen to me. Do the survey. Win fabulous prizes. Support the Aus SF scene. Give blood generously.

(edited, slightly, because it's not just Russ's survey - see comments)

Comments

[jack-ryder.livejournal.com]

Okay, I'd just like to ask one question here-

If this was a survey by a US/UK publisher, would you think they'd include the question in point 1?

As for point 3- (just for your information)

Infinitas (in Parramatta) has a section for local authors.
Galaxy doesn't (but may have shelf cards indicating local authorship - and does indicate Australian authorship in their newsletters)
Dymocks used to (when Leigh Blackmore was manager) but I don't think it does now.

And, yeah, point 4 is a perfect validation for the survey.

I really don't want to give the impression I think the survey is anything less than a great idea. I just think there are ambiguities in the questions that may taint the final results.

[punkrocker1991.livejournal.com]

I think any small press survey should look at the friends with writer angle, and would probably come up in an overseas survey. A mainstream publisher might not ask the question. Basically we brainstormed every reason we thought someone might buy a book, and it came up.

Consider this year's survey a beta test. Next year, with more time and a better idea, we can iron out some of the issues that have come up this year. If all goes to plan this will be an annual event and be able to provide good relevant info and track trends over time.

I just want to emphasise that this is the first time anyone has done this, so we had nothing to borrow from and nothing to compare with. Small press in Australia is a small industry that has very little knowledge of the market. For it to grow, and expand beyond all parochialism, it needs to know more. The final result will be, despite the ambiguities, at least something to start thinking about.

And thanks for your feedback and for doing the survey.