The 'don't bother side argues that they don't increase sales and are just one more thing on the author's to-do list. And why do them if they are futile? Besides which, since none of the authors I know have access to Universal Studios, the production values are often poor.
The 'I like them' camp says they can be relatively easy and fun to put together a video montage and any tool to help get the word out is a good thing. No, they aren't Oscar quality, but maybe they don't need to be.
While the points made by the no video side are well taken, I do believe they can be another tool to help promote a new book. I've made a video for each of my books and I'll be the first to tell you that Steven Spielberg has nothing to worry about on my account. But they are easy to make and they add a dimension that a simple book blurb and cover can't.
What do you think? Do you like book trailers or do you find them annoying and distracting? Or something in between?
Here's the video I made for my May release, The Tender Bonds. I hope it strikes a cord and conveys the mood of the book, which is a serious look at the meaning of home and family.