Dear Editor,
1 seek to use your medium to highlight a practice that I have seen become more and more prevalent in our society over the years, much to my annoyance. I was privileged to attend the launch of Dr Ian McDonald’s latest book of poetry on Friday, March 30, 2012 and I have managed to complete reading this book within this short period, with no regrets.
However, what bothered me about the launch was that the ceremony lasted for nearly two hours, which caused me to reflect on a statement made by the late Mrs Janet Jagan who rightly said that when a book launch lasts for more than one hour, people tend to lose interest in the entire proceedings, and I think this applies to many other proceedings of a similar nature.
From this experience, I rather get the impression that some of us love to hear the sounds of our own voices.
In addition, I was present at another book launching on April 2, 2012, for Dr David Dabydeen’s two books. Although lovely, I was disappointed with the fact that there was no book available for purchase at this launch.
What is the point of having a launch and those interested enough to be present are not afforded the opportunity to purchase a copy and have it signed by the author at the said time?
I wish to implore that we become cognisant and mindful of peoples’ time, and make programme events of this nature shorter and to the point.
Moreover, if you are going to launch a book, at least have a few copies available at the time for those who wish to make a purchase.
I really do not think that it’s too much to ask.
Yours faithfully,
D Melville
