I've decided to blog eight times a year, on the days that traditionally mark the changing seasons: Groundhog Day, Vernal Equinox, May Day, Summer Solstice, Lammas,  Autumnal Equinox, All Saint's Day and Winter Solstice. 

If you want more, then please tell me.

Today I'm sticking my nose out into 2012, and predicting that the book marketing power attributed to social media will plateau this year. Has your agent been yacking to you about getting on Twitter or starting a Facebook page? The truth is, neither suggestion will hurt you. But guess what? it's not going to make or break your book either.

Remember the email newsletter craze from seven or eight years ago? We learned that when everyone has an e-newsletter, no one has an e-newsletter ... because there are so many that no one opens them anymore. When everyone has a "cool new video" on Facebook, no one will look at yours — they'll be too busy looking at all their friends'. Of course some videos may yet "go viral." At least, after the 2012 election. Of course, if your book is ABOUT the 2012 election, go for all publicity channels and make hay while that sun shines.

For whatever it's worth, my twitchy groundhog nose is smelling the coffee, not the kool aid. If you want to sell a book there's nothing like: 1. writing a really good one, copyedits and all; 2. believing in it, sharing it, transferring your excitement; 3. hiring a respectable publicist and getting media reviews; 4. getting TV spots and radio interviews from same publicist; 5. getting good Amazon and B&N reviews; 6. getting into libraries through services like Overdrive and Early Word; and if you've been able to do that — why not share it on social media? It can only help you. 

Just make sure there's something worth helping to begin with ...