Do you strive for novely?

I've often seen posts on sites like this one that said such things as, "Don't read in the genre you write. That way you can be original."

Is this good advice? Ask yourself why does every country music song sound like every other country music song? Why does all rap sound the same? Gospel music? R&B? Alternative rock? Why do all action movies seem like all other action movies?

Because the target audience likes familiarity.

So when someone says, "Don't read in the genre you write. That way you can be original." I'm tempted to ask why do think a good many thrillers (which you are intending to write) read like other thrillers?

Now if someone said, "You need to read in your genre to know how to write like the successful authors of that genre to get published."

I'd probably say, "Why not try to be original. That's the point of writing novels. Hell, that's what the word novel means. Surely you can do better than the garbage that gets published nowadays."

I know; I'm horrible, ain't I?

Which is better? Novelty or familiarity? (I'm sure someone can find a better word for the latter.)

As always there's no right answer when discussing art.

Do you strive for novely?