Q. Why have book reviews on video?

A. For many reasons. First, it's nice to see who is giving their opinion. After all, a person's likes and dislikes are about them as much as about the book. When you read what a literary critic has to say, in most cases you have no idea who that person is or why you should listen to them.

Our book reviews are quick, informative and personal. Watching one is like listening to a friend tell you about the last great book he or she read. Each review shows you what regular people are really thinking about the books they are reading.

Q. Can I put this content on my own site?

A. You can't copy it without our written permission, but you can become an affiliate for no cost. We will provide you with an account and some code that plugs into your site so you can offer your own section of video book reviews. The reviews change automatically everyday, so your site will always be dynamic with five fresh new video reviews.

Q. Who are the people speaking about books?

A. The reviewers are regular people who want to talk about the books they have read lately. In general, we are interested in what real readers have to say about the books they love (or hate!). We strive to promote a diverse group of reviewers at Blue Rectangle -- not just literary critics, authors, professors or experts, but a nice mix of all kinds of readers.

Q. How are the reviews taped?

A. The reviews are edited interviews. We ask questions, the reader answers them, and we edit the recording to make series of condensed statements about each book.

Q. How can I be a reviewer?

A. We shoot at our offices near the Oakland Airport, in Oakland, CA. If you would like to review one or more books, and you can make it to our location, please email jessica@bluerectangle.com. You can also email Jessica if you would like to provide us with video that you've shot.

Q. Do you only accept positive reviews?

A. No. If the reviewer didn't like the book, then that's the way it goes. In fact, we think it's interesting when we get positive and negative reviews for the same book.

Q. Can I review any book?

A. We keep a list of books that we'd like to get reviewed, and we update that list regularly. Our priority is to get reviews for as many of the books on our own list as possible. However, if you come in to review one or more of the books on our list, we will gladly invite you to do an additional review of one or more books of your own choosing.

Q. If I wrote a book, can I review my own book?

A. Yes, if you think it's bad. We may be adding an author interview section, which would be a more wide-ranging interview. Not just about one book. So, please feel free to write us if you're an author and would like to be interviewed.

Q. Do you have a newsletter that highlights your weekly video book reviews?

No, not yet, but you can register to join our mailing list by sending an email from your own address to: newsletter@bluerectangle.com.

Q. What is the Pacific Book Exchange?

A. It's a small, highly committed cadre of trained assassins maintaining a sleeper cell in the form of an online book business.