2010 Group Feedback

2010's winding down and I'm starting to gear up to make the 2011 group (quit hyperventilating, it's still a couple of weeks off!) and thought it would be good to get feedback from the group on this year's experience.

My thoughts:
- Overall, I liked the changes we implemented this year. Posting the group read and other important threads on the group page seemed to work well. I'd like to think about whether to just link to the first thread of a particular subject or move the group page link to the latest thread is better. For instance, should I link to the first Kitchen thread or the current one?

- I'd like to figure out a way to avoid some of the chaos when the 2010 and 2011 groups overlap, but I think there's not a good way to do this unless I just wait until the very last minute to make the new group. The risk in waiting is that we'll get preempted by someone else. I can live with the confusion for a bit, I suppose.

- Personal lesson: I'm not good at leading group reads. :) One of the things I appreciate is all the people who pitch in the do things I can't, like plan and lead group reads, or Stasia's care of everyone. It's much appreciated, and it's those sort of things that make this a community, not just a collection.

- TIOLI was awesome. Let's do it again next year. Even though I didn't participate much, it was fun to watch and it resulted in more than a few books hitting the TBR pile.

- The Halloween read was also awesome. There was some talk of spinning off a new group for seasonal reads, etc. If that happens, I'll continue to link to that so we can easily find 'em.

- I'm looking forward to seeing how Mark's book exchange goes. It's another cool idea that I hope continues next year.

Let me know what you think of the year. I'd like to continue to make this the best experience on LT!

I loved this year. I love the 75ers
I didn't do much this year aside from my own thread.. but I liked watching the other challenges and group reads..

great job, Jim.. and I am excited for next year :)

I am so pleased to be a part of this wonderful group!

TIOLI was amazing and so much fun - months end has never been so exciting.

My first group read, The Count of Monte Cristo, could not have come at a better time. I waited 20some years to read this classic and probably still would not have without the group read.

I'm looking forward to another first with my 11 in 11 challenge.

The only change that I would recommend is lets not have so many surgical procedures in 2011! Stay healthy everyone :)

Thanks 75ers for making this a great place to chill, converse, complain ....oh yeah......talk books.

It was a great year! I also think TIOLI was a wonderful addition to the group.

One thing I'd like to see next year is a wiki index of all threads, including personal threads (at least the first one, which usually includes a link to the next). The group is so active that it can be hard to find a particular thread.

I love 75ers as well; so many friends, so many interesting posts, ditto books new to me and recipes as well. This has been great.

I agree with #4 from Zoe: I had trouble with dropping threads and then having to tediously search and seek to find them again. Of course, that may be my own personal difficulty as r.l. often gets in the way of my true real life: LT.

Motion and second on Wiki linking to first threads of individuals in the 75er group; a vote is herewith called from the floor.

I'd be in favor of your proposal, Jim, to link on the Group page to the first thread of a given group endeavor, like the Kitchen, the birthdays, the group reads et alii. Anything after that, considering the rate of proliferation of these threads, seems like just flat too much work.

>7 richardderus: That stuff could always go on a wiki too, so that Jim wouldn't have to do all the work.

This was my first year in the 75 group. I was in the 50 group last year, and started this year in it as well. But I decided to make the move a few months into the year, and it was a great decision! So many wonderful, kind, and intelligent people here. I'm so fortunate to have found this place. :)

Yes, the change over chaos doesn't sound fun...and I don't know how you can fix it. I personally will want to stick to this group until December 31st so I can get every last 2010 read in before making the switch...but I can understand wanting to create a new group early to avoid having a less competent person creating the group (and not keeping up with all the group read links and whatnot.) I guess we'll just have to put up with it for a couple weeks. A couple weeks of chaos is definitely worth it for 12 months of lively conversation with so many wonderful 75ers! :)

>8 _Zoe_: It could...but I fear for the foundations of the Republic if we open those sorts of admin duties to the broader public. Their own threads, sure; everyone's threads, oh oh.

>10 richardderus: Oh well, it's no skin off my back if Jim has to do everything ;)

I have no idea how much work goes into keeping this up and running, but I've loved it since joining late in the year! I wish I could suggest an intelligent, helpful addition or change, but I'm just too happy with things the way they are. Thank you, O wise founder. I'll be here through the 31st and then eager to switch to the new year.

Oh, and I'm not worried about the year-end craziness when we have two groups going at once. That's all part of the fun.

I agree that a wiki that links to first threads (using username/name or something as the link text?) would be nice to have. And then if the user wishes, the link could be change to later threads, or not.

I also kind of wish that TIOLI would get its own group so that the threads don't get buried in regular 75ers chatter, but as a noob to the group as a whole, that's just my wish because I had trouble trying to find TIOLI stuff when I first started hearing about it, and the first thread isn't in the group description. I understand, though, that TIOLI is a subset of the 75 Challenge, so having its own group might be less useful. And it does have the wiki page.

I also kind of wish that TIOLI would get its own group

Keri,

There was a method to that madness. The reason TIOLI did not get its own thread nor is it on the 75-er group page is because I manage that challenge manually. That would be impossible for me to to do if it grew too large (especially too quickly). Its present size is large, but manageable. If it gets too large, I'm not sure how it would work. Time will tell, I guess.

I also think it's kind of fun to be here on LT and discover something new. I remember when Tim started the BETA group. It all sounded so mysterious, and I was delighted at that time to find it and be included in it. Like TIOLI, it was open to everyone. It was just not overtly advertised (probably also to have a smaller, more focused group).

The way to not lose the TIOLI threads is to bookmark and star those threads you want to follow. You can also use the new search (top right) and insert the word "TIOLI". Click on "messages", and you'll be deep into the TIOLI threads without a moment's hesitation (okay, but with the lightning-fast new search, it shouldn't be more than a moment or two!).

15> Yeah, I understand the reasons behind keeping it inside the bigger group, which is why I said "kind of wish"! And I've started using the stars to keep track of threads here without having to have them ALL show up on my talk>groups thread list all the time. It was just that trying to find the TIOLI stuff a few weeks ago inside all the rest was confusing and difficult. You're right that the new search will help a lot, though.

What I like about the 75-ers:

I've been part of several challenge groups over the few years I've been here at LT, but I find this group the most enjoyable. I like it for many reasons.

1. I love the folks here! People are genuinely warm. My welcome when I was a newbie here seemed sincere and encouraging. It made me feel comfortable enough to jump into other people's threads.

2. I love the kitchen! That's a really nice gathering place for people to just pop in and out when there is not much time for an individual (like myself) to follow threads.

3. I love the real life meet-ups. I enjoy knowing that the people here are for real and interested in getting to know one another. For me the social aspect is very important as I'm hard of hearing and don't always do well in large, noisy real life groups. I'll take my chances with you guys, though! When you all type, I can hear what you're saying. :)

4. I love the TIOLI. I enjoyed learning how to use the wiki, teaching others how to do it, teaching others about features of LT, and finding this clever way to keep reading challenges from getting boring.

Other comments:

1. I wouldn't worry about year-end chaos. It'll all straighten out as the year progresses. Even if there are groups with similar names, we recognize each others' names enough now to be able to eventually find the "genuine" 75-ers.

2. I'd stick to just linking the first threads to the group page. Otherwise, the group page will be inundated with too many entries.

3. Make Mark's book exchange more prominent, I'd say. Could we use BookMooch to do this since it's international? The points in mailing internationally should help with the postage costs. I might even be convinced to mail internationally occasionally if we do this.

Hmm? I can't think of anything I didn't like here on the 75-ers. Let me ponder this a while.

Re: difficulty finding threads...
Wouldn't the new search help with that?

I hadn't participated much on LT until I joined the 75-er group this year and I'm so glad I did. It opened a whole new way for me to meet book friends and hear about new books. I'm really looking forward to next year. I agree with #14 that it was a little confusing trying to locate TIOLI threads but I got better about starring the ones I was interested in. Thanks to all who make this possible!

I am sooooooo silly...thought the new search only worked for books....it will be a huge help in finding threads!

See, that's why I like the 75ers; no poopiness, just a gentle pointer in the right direction. Thanks.

This was my first year in the 75 Group, and when I joined late in the year I was warmly welcomed with open arms. I can't believe what a stupendous group of people there are here! I don't have any complaints at all, other than wishing we could all meet in real life and hang out. A million thanks to you, Jim, for organizing and starting us up every year. Do whatever is easiest for you, re: updating new threads and whatever else.

We'll figure everything else out, and help direct each other to the right places if any of us ever lose our way. The kitchen is great, real-life meet-ups are great, Mark's holiday book exchange is great - aw, shucks, I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!

I've really enjoyed my two years with the 75 books challenge.There is no changeover chaos, it's just fun and endless starring of threads.

Suggestions:
Genre 'what are you reading' threads seem to have fallen by the wayside these past few months Are we continuing with them or should we just have a monthly 'what are you reading now' thread?

Group reads - a central thread for discussing possible group reads with a link on our group page.

TIOLI: I would suggest that we have a link to the first TIOLI thread on our group page as Madeline has updated that first thread throughout the year with links to each month's thread & wiki. Perhaps whoever starts the first kitchen thread could update it as well.

A group page image - would love to see a welcoming image when I open the group page, not important but why not.

I joined late but was made to feel very welcome so will return next year. There is no nastiness here - at least none that I have experienced anyway

I was very overwhelmed with the sheer number of people here - but have now learnt how to use the star to keep track - what a godsend:)

TIOLI is awesome - Again no pressure - lots of new friends and even if I read 1 book (my November effort) I am not made to feel bad.

First - I have loved being part of this group for the last couple of years. Huge thanks to Jim for organising it, and to Stasia and everyone else who helps out. If everything stays exactly the same for next year, I will joyfully sign up again.

I'm not worried about the changeover - there is a bit of chaos, but we managed okay last year. It's helpful if people put a link to their new 2011 thread on their 2010 thread, but thinking back to last year I am pretty sure most people do that anyway. I think that having two or three weeks for the changeover would be better than creating the group after Christmas: everyone has time to set up their own threads and find other people's threads, rather than a mad flurry of dozens, potentially hundreds, of threads being created on the same day.

I love the group index wiki idea. I think this would really help people to keep up with each other's threads (and for that matter, to not lose their own).

Most of the threads linked to from the home page have stayed at one page, so they're not a problem. However, I'd like to see links to the first and latest pages of the kitchen and introduction threads. Why? Because there are enough kitchen threads that if the most recent one is lost, it's hard to find it through following the trail of old threads, and because the first introductions thread grew to astronomical proportions while the second was completely overlooked, despite repeated posting of the link to the second thread in the first. However, this is a minor thing, and I can cheerfully live with a link-to-first-page-only policy.

I'd like to see the genre threads continue, perhaps with links from the group home page so they don't get irretrievably buried under all the other threads.

Another great year, Jim! This is my third year in the group and I am still loving it. Thanks for all you do to make it happen.

Two things. One of them a question. Both related to sorting the threads by topic.

The idea of using the stars to mark different types of group threads was inspired, but when I actually sort by topic, I see some people's named threads up at the top scattered among the starred threads, instead of the orderly progression from four stars through 1 star and then the named threads. Why is that? What causes it, so maybe we can avoid inadvertently doing it?

The second is to maybe post about thread-naming on the page somewhere. Suggest that people start their thread name with their user name, which makes finding their thread by sorting topics very easy. And then they can get creative with the rest of the name. And note that they don't have to put the "75 Book Challenge" or "2010" at the beginning of their thread--the system puts the group name there automatically. That also would help people find threads.

I agree that except for the Kitchen and Introductions threads, linking to the first thread in a series should be sufficient.

If people will resist posting BOOKS on their new thread until January 1, and just open up their new threads in the weeks prior, that will make the transition easier for most of us, as we will not have to be trying to keep up with reviews in both groups during that time. That was the hardest part of the transition for me.

I like having the genre threads (at least the ones that I read in :-) ) so would like to see them continue. I know that I haven't been good about posting in them lately, but I have gotten some great leads from them.

I didn't even know there were genre threads. Hmm...

After 3 years in it I still love the 75 group. But... the one downside for me is the sheer size of the thing. 800 members - sheesh! That's just too gynormous for me to deal with. By September, these last two years, I have felt lost and frankly when I get to that point my postings slack way, way off. Don't know what to do about that. Still, I will be back.

I've also been neglecting the genre threads, but I like their existence in general and should really look at them more.

>26 Fourpawz2: I found that TIOLI really helped avoid the sense of being overwhelmed. It has a smaller number of participants to begin with, and it makes it very easy to find people with similar reading tastes whose threads I can then start following. Also, even in a worst-case scenario when I'm too busy to read individual threads, I can still follow the main TIOLI thread and feel like I have a decent sense of what's going on.

The idea of using the stars to mark different types of group threads was inspired, but when I actually sort by topic, I see some people's named threads up at the top scattered among the starred threads, instead of the orderly progression from four stars through 1 star and then the named threads. Why is that? What causes it, so maybe we can avoid inadvertently doing it?

I have no idea what causes it, and was disappointed when I saw t happening. I suspect there's a bug somewhere, but haven't pursued it with The Powers That Be.

this being my second year with 75ers has been a joy and though I've not been around the last month or so(work really cut in to reading time and internet time) I still alway feel welcome. the TIOLI needs to stay!

I like the genre threads - I think those and the TIOLI often offer more interactive possibilities than the individuals' threads, as we can't all keep up with every individual.

>30 elkiedee: we can't all keep up with every individual. Unless you're Stasia.

>31 teelgee: But Terri, be fair: Stasia has ~17 cyborg eyes and only needs 59 seconds of sleep in every 24 hours. Mere mortals can't keep up!

> 26

I think the way to keep from getting overwhelmed by the sheer size of this group is to stop by the threads of various people at the beginning of the year. Star about 5-10 of them basing your decision on whom to star by deciding which people have reading tastes most similar to yours. Follow those people and continue to post to their threads. They, in turn, will most likely come to your thread to see what you're reading and also post on your thread. Do not try to follow too many threads at once.

If you're feeling super-overwhelmed, simply stop by the Kitchen thread to say hello.

>33 SqueakyChu: Wise words, Madeline, and I think that's the only sensible course. Each year I try to follow 50 people and end up losing most of them, and even some of my dearest online pals get their toes squooshed if they feel ignored. (Me, I just go onto the person's thread and post graphic violent images until they speak to me again, but that's clearly not for everyone.)

The point here isn't to be Stasia, whose astounding energy and unflagging kindness are unparalleled and allow her to have a personal connection to most of our 800 brethren and sistern, but to find some niches in which you feel comfort and connection. This is a haven, a place of safe and kind and accepting interaction, almost always. Used with that guiding principle, the forum attracts the very best people the online and "real" worlds have to offer. That's why it's such a joy to be here.

Well said Richard! This is the niche in LT that I have found myself most happy- mostly because there are so many NICE and DIVERSE people here. :)

I plan to focus more on group threads next year - the problem with choosing a few individuals whose threads to follow - I've starrred more than a few - is that newer people can feel lonely sometimes, when no one comes and visits our threads!

>34 richardderus: I thought you were grossly exaggerating 800 members Richard, but lo and behold, there are 801 as of tonight! Jeesh! Very nicely stated, by the way.

37> And I'm sure that many of us haven't actually joined the group, so that the group threads don't overwhelm the talk page. (I did join it for a few days, but then I left because my primary method of using talk is the Your Groups tab! Now I try to check the 75ers group page at least every other day.)

This is my first year in the group and I love it! Don't change a thing, well, except the year, of course. :)

I appreciate the work you do, Jim, to keep us all organized, and Stasia, you keep us feeling connected and involved. Thank you!!

Yes, it's kind of big and clunky and overwhelming at times, but that's part of the fun of it.

I don't remember if this was done or not, but maybe just reminding people that posting a link to their thread on their profile page can make them easier to find. I know it helps me find myself sometimes.

I know it helps me find myself sometimes. Ah, would that it were that easy to find oneself!

> 40

Helpful hint - star yourself!!!!

Don't laugh - I starred me and and can find me easily now - LOL!!!

#40, 41 With the new "Started by you" option in the left-hand column, it is easy to find all the threads you've started including, presumably, your own reading thread. I also link to my threads from my profile page, so I can find them easily that way too.

>34 richardderus:: very well said , Richard. I also star threads of interest and use "your starred" to keep up with this group and reading threads in other groups.

>42 rebeccanyc:: oh that's a good point about "started by you"... Very handy.

Richard expressed my feelings quite accurately (he often does that, though we've never met) about 75ers. And the "started by you" was a blessing, as I've lost myself several times because of intermittent posting. So like real life.

It's a lot of fun, when one has an hour or so of idle time, to sift through the indidual threads, looking for congenial, like-minded readers...or those who will open up new reading vistas.

And, of course, you can always just use your browser's bookmark feature. I have a folder on the Link bar that has the primary LT threads in it.

>45 TadAD: ... ... ...
Never *once* occurred to me.

*feels dumb*

Is the 2011 group started yet? No rush but after reading this thread I looked for it and found one started by someone else.

I've not started the "official" one yet. The other group uses a variant of the name, so they haven't preempted us. My plan is to start the next group sometime in the next two weeks.

Thanks, DrN.

I'm just wondering, would it help on cutting down the volume of the threads if we all stopped just " stopping in to say hi" or "starred you again"? I mean if we only wrote something when there was really something to say, maybe the messages to read wouldn't be so overwhelming. I know that there are more threads that I wish I could follow but when I try, half the time I'm just reading the "hi or starred you" messages. I can read a read or star a thread without saying anything.

>50 cyderry:: I had a similar thought and was afraid to voice it, thinking others might see me as a curmudgeon. But now there are two of us :)

I hate to curtail this group's friendliness, but such a practice would definitely help keep message volume manageable when we are all setting up our shiny new 2011 threads.

>50 cyderry:, 51...maybe we can start posting polls as our first or second posts...somthing like this:

*Shrug* Posting "hi" allows me to better manage the threads because it adds the threads I follow to my "your posts" page. If anything, I encourage more people to do it! :)

I also love everything about this group, didn't find the transition too confusing last year and star myself so I can find me later! Looking forward to another great year!

>53 Ape: Stephen, I do the same thing, but voting in a poll does the same thing without making the threads unwieldy.

I like to know who stops by my thread. Polls are not the same. Just sayin'.

>56 SqueakyChu: So do I, Madeline, and I'd never like the method I propse for *my own* threads. But an alternative is never an all-bad thing.

ETA And honestly, I don't think thread proliferation is a huge issue, myownself. Member proliferation is the driving force, followed by the chattiness that this forum seems to create in even the most taciturn. It's the thing I love best about 75ers! I don't want them to shut up!

I personally like the friendliness of the "hi!" posts, and when they're so short they don't take long to read or skim past.

58- Ditto what Zoe said. I feel sad when I set up a new thread and no one posts on it for a day or two. I wonder...have I lost everyone??

I really have nothing to add to the discussion here, although I am worried that, given the growth of the group this year, I will not be able to keep up with everything next year.

I agree with 57/58/59. It's not so much the number of posts happening as the sheer number of people with threads. It's going to move quickly regardless, but it's MUCH more manageable with the "your posts" and "your starred" pages. And I like the chattiness. It's hard to keep up with at times, but then I wouldn't be encouraged to keep up at all if all the friendly chatter disappeared.

I like the voting AND saying hi.

#53, 55 An alternative that I use is to star threads, and then they show up in "Your starred" and I don't have to post to have them show up.

>60 alcottacre:: Actually, Stasia, the growth over the years is one reason why I'm not the slightest bit unhappy someone is starting another 75 Books thread. Maybe a little confusion will suck a bunch of people away!

In the 2008 group, it was pretty easy to read everything as we only had a few hundred posts a week and the threads with new posts took up maybe a half a page. Last year we routinely broke 1000 or 1500 posts and I could read every post some weeks and some weeks not. Now we often break 3000 a week and the new post list pushes off the page if you don't check it every single day, so I've just given up the attempt.

I know everyone's time and tastes differ, so some people like this and some people don't—it's impossible to please everyone. For me, the group has somewhat stepped over the line from "inclusive" to "unwieldy". That's OK, though. I still enjoy it and will still participate, even though it's not what I'd prefer.

ETA: Though I didn't comment, I was all in favor of the name change for the group being discussed on drneutron's thread. If someone else had a 75 Group and this group became something else, we'd still all have found each other because we know the names but the mass influx would have diverted elsewhere.

I look at Green Dragon and see how big a group can become. If we get 2400 members at the rate this group posts, then "unwieldy" is no longer the term to use.

#64: Now we often break 3000 a week and the new post list pushes off the page if you don't check it every single day.

Don't I know it! I was gone for 3 days and had almost 2 full pages of posts to go through.

I think you are right, Tad. The other group will pull people to it instead of this group.

I'm afraid you'll all be disappointed if you're hoping the other group will attract members away. It doesn't have many members at all so far, and I don't see why that would change.

I think the secret for success with a massive group like this is just to focus on the group discussion threads rather than on reading every individual's thread, unless you're superhuman like Stasia. People have different reading tastes, and I don't feel too guilty about skipping threads where I'm unlikely to find books of interest, as long as I can still interact with people in the general group threads like TIOLI. Tad, are you participating in TIOLI at all? I find that it makes the group feel a lot more manageable. It draws the more active members of the group and makes it easier to keep up with their reading, at least partially.

>66 _Zoe_:: Zoe, the problem is that that is sort of the opposite of what I'm looking for in the group. I've tended to be disappointed in group reads. Either I finish early and want to talk about things now but no one is ready...or I'm busy in Real Life and everyone else has finished and I'm still slugging along. My most successful reads of the non-solo category have been when I get together with one other person and we read a book together. Caroline and I read Confederates in the Attic and Team of Rivals that way and had a blast (at least, I did and I think she did).

What I find most enjoyable are the individual conversations surrounding, "Hey, I read this book...what did you think?" There was a lot of that in 2008 but it's been diminishing a bit simply due to volume. Not universally, of course—Darryl's thread is a prime example of where good conversation continues to abide—but there's a definite trend to the short "Hi, I was here" comment rather than the longer post because who has time? (Or, is it too much Twitter and Facebook influence? *grin* My age is showing!) A few hundred of those and, well...

I thought that concentrating on a few starred threads might maintain that feeling but I...quite foolishly...forgot that ignoring 80% of the threads does you no good if those 80% are still coming to the threads you do read and posting. It's significant that, even if she had broken it up at the Thread Police's post limit, Stasia would have had 2 threads in 2008 and now she's up to 1,793 threads.

I didn't participate in TIOLI. I generally have a feeling about what I want to read next and trying to fit it into an arbitrary category that often had nothing to do with the content of a book seemed strange. I don't know...maybe I missed the point.

ETA: This sounds like I'm just bitching about everything. I don't mean it that way. As I said, I enjoy the group and will continue to participate.

FWIW, I'm seriously considering the Wiki idea for tracking threads. I'm thinking of a clearinghouse where folks could go to find the things they've lost track of. I'm gonna have to learn a little about wikipages and we'll need to help folks that aren't as savvy with regard to this sort of thing, but the TIOLI threads have positively demonstrated that it can be incorporated successfully.

One major benefit I see is that information doesn't depend on a single person. Right now I'm a single point failure in the sense that if I drop dead, no one can modify the group home page where all the links are (unless Tim and company make a manual change to a new group owner). If we keep info on wiki pages, anyone can modify it. The cost is a little policing to make sure things stay consistent, problems are fixed, etc, and I'm willing to live with that.

I think this will reduce some of the difficulty folks are having keeping up, but there will still be difficulties from the sheer volume.

I'm 100% fine if the group decides to change its name to the Bibliodeviants as well. I spoke up about it on Jim's thread because if we do change, I won't be able to participate while I'm at the office anymore. But I will still be here on my off hours. Whatever the most people prefer, I guess.

Maybe someone should set up a vote! Do we keep the same name or change to the Bibliodeviants?

> 64

Actually, Stasia, the growth over the years is one reason why I'm not the slightest bit unhappy someone is starting another 75 Books thread. Maybe a little confusion will suck a bunch of people away!


You have a point there, Tad!

Though I didn't comment, I was all in favor of the name change for the group being discussed on drneutron's thread. If someone else had a 75 Group and this group became something else, we'd still all have found each other because we know the names but the mass influx would have diverted elsewhere.

The actual advantage of this is that our group would remain together as an open group that still accepts others and yet would not become overwhelmingly large (which it already is). I *love* the chattiness of this group. I think that's one of the reasons that real life meet-ups have taken place. It's simply how we've grown to know one another.

This is also a concern I have for managing the TIOLI challenge. Once it become too large and unwieldy, I'm not sure How I'll be able to keep it going manually. (Perhaps Tim wants to code it? Ha!)

> 66

as long as I can still interact with people in the general group threads like TIOLI.

Zoe! TIOLI would not work with 3,000 challengers!! In that case, I'd volunteer *you* to run it. ;)

>67 TadAD: I think you should give it a try for a month or two. It's not really about the group reads, at least in my mind. We try to read the same books as other people sometimes, but generally just for the sense of community, not for getting into an in-depth typical group-read-type discussion, if that makes sense.

I also prefer the categories that are less arbitrary, but there seems to be enough choice for everyone to find the sort of categories they like.

Anyway, I'm not trying to force you into something you don't want, but I do think the TIOLI participants generally seem very happy with it and with the group in general, so it might be something to think about.

More generally, I think that one of the best things about this group is how welcoming it is. I hope we can find ways to keep it satisfying for everyone without deliberately trying to avoid getting new members. As long as it's the most active group on LT, people will find it no matter what it's called, anyway.

Oh, I also think the 75 Book Challenge group is important because it attracts a certain type of readers. In one of the more snobby groups, I once saw a comment that people who were reading a very high volume of books must not be reading good-quality literature, or something along those lines. I think it's important that light genre reading is accepted here, and the name might contribute to that. I'm not sure what sort of people "Bibliodeviants" would attract, but it might make the group very different.

I think as long as TIOLI remains somewhat hidden, it won't be a problem. It's one thing to mention TIOLI, but it requires a certain type of user to actually track down the thread after hearing about it and start participating.

Also, Madeline, you were just saying the other day that it wasn't too hard and you only had to create the wiki pages! But I'll be happy to help if you want.

My most successful reads of the non-solo category have been when I get together with one other person and we read a book together. Caroline and I read Confederates in the Attic and Team of Rivals that way and had a blast (at least, I did and I think she did).

Tad, that sounds like a great idea and one worth exploring. Please share more details for how you both did this.

Would you be willing to host a sub-group here for "Paired Reads"? It would be easy to find people who want to read the same book together by simply looking at the asterisked books on the TIOLI wiki.

now she's up to 1,793 threads.

LOL!! Glad you're still counting! ;)

I didn't participate in TIOLI. I generally have a feeling about what I want to read next and trying to fit it into an arbitrary category that often had nothing to do with the content of a book seemed strange. I don't know...maybe I missed the point.

The idea was not to fit a book into a category, but to provide a way to choose a book that has been in your TBR for *too long* and you suddenly discover it because it fits into some obscure category. I personally hate planned reads so TIOLI fits the kind of random reading I prefer. Not everyone reads that way.

I always like to be surprised by what I read. I find that reading vastly different books back to back keeps my level of interest in reading up. In addition, I almost never like to know much about the book that I'm planning to read other than those books not being of those genres I dislike.

This sounds like I'm just bitching about everything. I don't mean it that way.m

I didn't take your post that way at all. I think it expresses very well how you personally like to read and containes some excellent ideas which should be taken to heart by others.

I guess I missed the glory days Tad is referring to in post 64. I only joined this year, but it's been a blast. I certainly don't read every thread. I probably don't even read half. And I know a lot of people don't read mine. But I see some people who follow all my threads, and some who come and go, and some who I am only in contact with through other people's threads.

It's not ideal, I suppose, but I love it here. I've visited the other challenge groups and, while I imagine they are much easier to keep up with, they seem so...dead. This group is warm, welcoming, with so many wonderful and kind people. It's so uplifting to read the messages in this group. We have so much fun, and we care for one another. It's been so uplifting meeting so many book lovers...I say the more the merrier.

>75 Ape: Amen!

> 68

I'm seriously considering the Wiki idea for tracking threads

Jim, the reason I started the wiki is that I was not about to do all the work that managing the TIOLI involves. If people want to be involved, they'll just need to take the time to learn to use the wiki. It's easier than it seems at first. The beauty of the wiki is that any mistakes made can easily be fixed.

In addition, with a wiki you personally don't need to do all the setting up and managing. Why not divest yourself of some of the problems of managing the group? If there is something you do not like to do, simply ask for volunteers. I predict you'll have many who'll be more than happy to help you.

> 73

I'm not sure what sort of people "Bibliodeviants" would attract, but it might make the group very different.

Deviants, perhaps? :O

Also, Madeline, you were just saying the other day that it wasn't too hard and you only had to create the wiki pages! But I'll be happy to help if you want.

So far, I'm cool with setting the pages up each month. I'll take you up on your offer when we're up to 3,000 active TIOLI challengers (...or sooner!).

See what I said (see post #77) about volunteers, though Jim? They're there, reading for the grabbing!

>75 Ape:: I didn't say glory days. I didn't even mean to imply it becuase that assumes some sort of commonality of taste.

I would characterize them as "days I preferred". I don't think I'm alone in that, especially since some of our most prominent members from the early years moved onto another (smaller) group for some of those reasons.

However, other people clearly prefer these days...so these might just as well be called the glory days.

I'd rather we didn't assume I'm making a universal judgment here.

> 75

We have so much fun

For me, Stephen, that is the key reason I've become so active in this particular group. I, too, find it so much fun.

> 79

moved onto another (smaller) group for some of those reasons.

Which group is that?

>72 _Zoe_:: Zoe, I may. I guess I'll wait to see the next TIOLI thread pop into my view and see what is going on.

Since I wasn't participating, I'm a little fuzzy on the details.

>74 SqueakyChu:: Madeline, there wasn't much planning to it. I've done it with three or four people and they all worked much the same.

We'd pick a book and a start date. Then, we used PMs to communicate where we were and where we expected to be at the end of each week. Discussion would ensue up to the point we both had read each week.

No rocket science involved (apologies to Jim).

2010 was my first year here, and I've truly enjoyed it. I can read what I want when I want, and talk about it and somebody listens!

I've been warmly welcomed, and expect that I'll develop more/closer connections with people as time goes by.

The exercise of listing what I read has, I think, made me more conscious of what I'm reading. Between that and other people's reading lists, I think the quality of my reading has improved. Sure, I still read "comfort" reading, but with the variety of tastes represented here, I'm getting exposed to titles I might never have heard of.

And this thread has taught me that there are more ways of marking & sorting threads than I realized.

I'd like to see the wiki take shape - I haven't participated in one, but I'm teachable, and willing to spend a little time learning. Hmm. . . guess I'll have to find the TIOLI page.

> 82

We'd pick a book and a start date. Then, we used PMs to communicate where we were and where we expected to be at the end of each week. Discussion would ensue up to the point we both had read each week.

Would that work on a thread or is the experience better by private messaging?

>63 rebeccanyc: It's a good option for the organized, it's true, but I'm terminally messy in my information management. One thing that I've used stars for is to mark my own threads, but now that we've got "started by you" I think my management skills just got an outside boost.

#85, Different strokes, chaçun à son gout, etc. For me, it's easier to star than to post.

I must say I've enjoyed this group this was my first year in it. I try to check out peoples threads that have stopped by mine or that I have run into in other challenges. But I must say this converstaion has turned a bit sad, almost like your asking all the new people that came in this last year to go find another group to be in, or we are to stay here and those of you who have been here longer will go off on their own. This may just be me and I'm not trying to start anything just voicing my opinion.

I have really enjoyed the conversations when more than 1 person has read the same book and stops bty the thread to discuss it. I haven't done very well on the group reads but I'm trying again now. I hope to enjoy this group next year too !

Susie, not to speak for anyone else here, but I don't think anyone is calling anyone out as a nuisance or to leave the group or anything. I think they were just saying that it was easier to follow and find things when the group was smaller. This was my first year here too, and I've yet to have a bad experience, or an unfriendly one, as a matter of fact. Just seems like a little nostalgia to me. No need to worry, my dear!

I think they were just saying that it was easier to follow and find things when the group was smaller

Exactly my impression, Laura and Susie. It's the nature of things to grow, or die; I for one would rather see the 75ers wax healthily. I also know the appeal of a forum that one single human being could be social with MOST of the population of; I just think the nature of the living and loving beast that is this forum is going to make that a brief moment.

Perhaps I don't *want* things to change, but accepting that they *will* change and finding a means to continue to enjoy myself is a priority for me.

That said, I'm not coming back in 2011.

I loathe polls.
I love the hell posts.
I like seeing them, and I like making them.. so I am not just a ghost in a thread or a LURKER ( don't like that word) . I also find it useful in keeping track of what I read.

Madeline.. That is why I haven't done TIOLI. And what Tad said is why I don't do group reads. If I read it faster .. or slower.. no.. I just don't want to feel that pressure. I just want to read what I want to read when I want to read it. That is what works for me. I do enjoy reading about others experiences with the above mentioned reading groups.

I love the group the way it is.. ( including the name of the group ) I don't expect the world, LT or the 75ers to revolve around me.. so I am pretty easy to please. I just adapt... and carry on doing it my own way :)

oh, I did do the Books Off the Shelf challenge.. but I made it very low pressure.. only 12 books! lol! Someday I may try a challenge within the group.. but, then again.. I may not .

>89 richardderus: What?!?!??!

It is just that--everyone is welcome and we love all the new blood, but now we have to pick and choose, because no one but Stasia can keep up with all the threads anymore, and it's frustrating in that we KNOW there are good book discussions going on that we are MISSING for that reason.

That said, what I do early in the year is go to each member's home page and see what we have in common, and then star the threads of those who seem to share common tastes. Then of course, there are people who have become friends over the last few years--I star them even if we don't have that much reading in common, and that helps keep me from being too parochial by broadening my horizon of types of books discussed. And then, anyone who visits my thread and comments regularly gets starred. And finally, several times a month (almost but not quite weekly), I go to the groups page and open the thread of several members that I haven't read yet (as seen in the # unread column) and browse them to see what's going on in their thread. If it looks interesting, I'll star it as well. That leads to about 150 active threads at any given time, but a number of those are not that active, while others are superactive, leading to numerous but sequential threads.

Just in case anyone wonders.. richard was joking.. but forgot to put the wink in...
So if you.. like me.. might be having a heart attack over his post.. do not.

pfffffft

richard is giving me the headache

>92 mckait: Thanks for clarifying; I admit I did have a moment of worry there!

> 91
It is just that--everyone is welcome and we love all the new blood, but now we have to pick and choose, because no one but Stasia can keep up with all the threads anymore, and it's frustrating in that we KNOW there are good book discussions going on that we are MISSING for that reason.

So well said Roni, especially when real life is interfering with reading the threads here ;-)
The first year in this group I was mostly able to keep up with the threads, the second year it became difficult and the last year I started optimisticly reading all threads to find myself overwhelmed in a few weeks time and go back to starring threads.
Then even the starred threads get too much and I withdraw a few weeks because of something and I am not able to catch up with my friends in this group. Luckely there is always a wise member of this group who points out to me (again) I should not worry because my friends will find MY thread if I don't have the time to visit their threads :-)
btw I just realise that the last sentence is a good example of the spirit of this group and why I love it here!

Yes, I will be with you all next year.

91.. I do pretty much the same things...

I'm beginning to feel like an interloper. I have no idea how I came to the 75ers when I began posting on LT about 3 years ago. I've never reached my goal of 75 books and I probably never will. However, I found everyone so welcoming regardless of the number of books I read. "It's not the numbers that matter" was what I often heard, but perhaps they do matter when it comes to the size of this group.

So, although I would hate to leave this group and go, to say the 50er's, I would do so if it meant reducing the size of this group for better navigation.
As Anita.....or Frank said in #96 "I should not worry because my friends will find MY thread if I don't have the time to visit their threads" and I'll add,...or if I were in another group.

I love this group!!

#1 Jim, there is already a similar-sounding group out there, if you search for "75 books" but not sure if it's the same people.

> 98: what ever the size of this group, spirit matters, I hope still not the numbers :-)

I personally do tend to loose track of members leaving this group...
Anita

argh!!!!!! Lynda .. don't be silly.. omg.. we need you.. I need you!

No leaving.. got it? No leaving... no thinking about leaving..
IF there are thousands of 75ers .. people just have to learn to navigate the threads. Any talk about too many people is just silly.

Good lord.. what an awful thought .
Please.. no one think that way.. ye gods.

Linda - yeah, I know about the other group. It's not going to impact much of what we do here.

No one should think they're an interloper or unwelcome. We mean what we say about the numbers, we mean it when we say "welcome".

Just so everybody's aware of what I'm thinking, I'll be starting up the 75 Books Challenge in 2011 group Any Day Now. As with this year, we'll put together important threads and group them so we can easily find them. As a way to make it easier to track others' threads, I'm going to put together a wiki page, if possible, so folks can post links to their threads.

I've had way too much fun with the group this year to make big changes! :)

75 Books Challenge in 2011

Is the change from "for" to "in" deliberate?

I've had way too much fun with the group this year to make big changes! :)

Good call!

Ooops, no not intentional. I'll follow the convention from the last few years. Good catch, though!

Hey gang, check this out. Took me about five minutes to reproduce our group page information on a wiki page. This is going to work well!

http://www.librarything.com/wiki/index.php/Groups:75booksin2010

Looks good!

Nicely done, Jim.
Um, not to be a pedant, but I noticed the wiki name (Groups:75booksin2010) uses "in," not "for" ...

I really appreciate your efforts in setting up the wiki and this wonderful group!

Yeah, that's because the name allowed in the URL for the group is limited in length and I had to shorten the name to make it unique from the previous years. You'll note the URL also doesn't have "Challenge" in it. Weird, but that's the way Tim and company made the site...

Argh, the cognitive dissonance might just kill me. I guess I really *am* a pedant.

>106 drneutron: A thing of beauty. Hope it will save you a lot of time next year!

This may be an ignorant question, but what does a wiki page actually do? Does it mean that unless we look at both the threads here and the wiki page we will miss something?

The wiki page is just another webpage, I guess. In this case, it acts as the group page, but with the option of static thread links (alphabetized, perhaps) instead of the constantly changing thread section on the group page. And anyone can update bits and pieces, whereas the group page can only be updated by whoever 'owns' the group.

I get the impression that the group page and the wiki will contain the same info, but the wiki might have it organized differently, or it might be more complete? But, definitely, I don't think you'll miss anything to just look at the threads, except there are so many threads that having a wiki page to help organize them would be nice...

The wiki page is great. I am sure that some folks will find it to be very useful.

I am feeling a bit unsettled though. Don't you realize that changes such as not posting "starred!" or "Just popping in to say hi" in thread will change the tone and fiber of the group? I myself do not want a sleeker group at the expense of friendliness and warmth. That is what makes this group special. The fact that the conversation caused a member to offer to go to another group has shaken me. Has no one else seen this??

Different is not always better. For those who find such things useful, I am glad and grateful for the wiki page. But really.. can't we just leave things the way they are?

>114 mckait: The wiki won't replace anything, as I understand it, but will offer the people who want a more comprehensive index to who, what, and where in the group to have it. It won't replace anything.

The idea of saying-hi messages going away is a non-starter, Kath, since no power on this EARTH can control behaviors of book people. I should know, with my GIF ban so roundly ignored lo these many threads.

Some members want a different way to handle the finding of threads than "starred!" and the like. They've got more options now, but no one says we must *all* do our thread-finding the same way. (Or at least, no one with any sense at all.)

But the group is changing, and nothing short of group-death will stop that. Many more people than last year in 2010, and I bet even more in 2011, will make sure of that. How about let's all look at the bright side of that? More viewpoints = more quality discussions possible! Newbs will do things that the old-timers don't like, and we'll mention that the reason we don't do x is tradition/geas/Word of God/whatever, and they'll conform or ignore us.

Just exactly how it is now, in other words.

Let this stay a place to hide from stress, Kath dear, you do not need another thing to worry about! We should all look forward to 2011's changes with interest but no fear...there isn't anything to compel obedience in our membership.

#114: I think the main point is that no one can keep up with every thread. Chasing off a new member or two is certainly not going to be effectual, nor warranted. We want everyone to feel welcome, which is one of the reasons why I try to visit everyone's thread. I do not have any one individual's starred. As far as I am concerned, the group's tone will not change. One of the best things about this group is its friendliness. We have a good group of core people here who work to make the group work and have succeeded admirably.

I think what we are striving for is accessibility. The wiki will help immensely with the ease of finding each other's threads as well as the important ones such as the Kitchen, especially in the melee that marks the beginning of each new year.

Good.

>89 richardderus:: Perhaps I don't *want* things to change, but accepting that they *will* change and finding a means to continue to enjoy myself is a priority for me.

That was well said, Richard.

As for the rest of the posts, I don't see anyone suggesting chasing off new members. I don't see anyone suggesting rules limiting what people can post.

I thought we were just having a friendly discussion.

And what is it that makes you think it is anything but? TAD

And friendly it is, Tad. Perhaps we're all, at least I am, trying to see where we fit in, in the scheme of things. Yes, it is a big group and I'm sorry I can not visit as many threads as I would like, I'm sorry I don't visit my RL neighbor's more often or old friends to whom I only send Christmas cards and I never even phone my relatives in Houston. But hey, that's life and LT is just another layer in that rosebud.
*patriotic background music intensifies* but if need be,and I really don't want to, I would move to a more suitable thread for the sake of the masses.

BTW: good comments Richard and Stasia. Don't be unsettled Kath it will be OK.

lol Lynda. ok. settled then.

No further comment.

Oh wait one more, Kath. This came to me as I was chopping onions just now.
People who read less than 75 books a year belong here just as much as the people who read 100 books a year. We're just a bunch of people looking for some friendly chatter and talk about books in an otherwise unfriendly world....and we've found it here.

Nice job with the Wiki, Doc. I don't completely "get it" yet but it will be discovered as time progresses.

#122: We're just a bunch of people looking for some friendly chatter and talk about books in an otherwise unfriendly world....and we've found it here.

Exactly!

>123 alcottacre:: I agree with that, too. Despite my comments in #51. I don't feel that strongly about what I said, and I really enjoy being part of this group.

ETA: One of the most amazing things about this group (and for that matter, every LT group I've participated in), is how we can have friendly conversations like this. In so many online communities, someone inevitably goes off the rails and flames someone. LT attracts a whole different crowd and the group dynamics are one-of-a-kind. * group hug *

Thanks to Jim for running this group. I like the idea of using the Wiki to help keep track next year.

I love this group. There is a great feeling here, very friendly. It isn't about the numbers but the sense of community.

I know I don't post on many threads but I love getting bombarded by Book Bullets; reading about books I will probably never read myself and all the other friendly chatter that goes on here.

So thanks to all of the 75ers who make this one of the best places to hang out:)

I think the reason debates and discussion blow up so much online is the critical aspect of conversation that gets lost on the internet. Tone of voice. One person can make a perfectly innocent statement with the best intentions, offering a critique or suggestion, and another person can get offended because they interpret hostility that isn't there. I think it is so easy to misunderstand people. Sarcasm is hard to read as well. It's just easy for people to read something wrong or read too much into what someone is saying, or apply a tone of voice that wasn't intended. And before you know it, there is a huge argument and lots of hurt feelings.

But look at us? The 75 group. I don't think I've ever read a remotely serious fight here. The group is filled with people who are so perceptive and intuitive of one another. There is so much wisdom and understanding within the people who post here. It is truly an amzing group of people.

*Joins in group hug*

Exactly Lynda.. it isn't number of books, but the fit of the group.

> 116

I think what we are striving for is accessibility.

I agree totally with Stasia.

Jim, the wiki looks great, by the way!

Perhaps what would help us maintain our tone of friendliness (precisely what enticed me to join and stay here in the first place) might be an addition or two (or three) of "gathering places". We have the "Kitchen". Why not "The Gazette" for news of interest, "Ye Olde Book Shoppe" for setting up bookmoochs between 75-ers, or "The Train Station" where we chat about real life meet-ups?

I'm not volunteering to run these or even saying that they should be these specifically, but you get the idea. Rather than try to change what we do in individual threads (I prefer no changes!!), why not create some additional space for 75-ers to come and chat. That's what Newbs do in real life!

I'm good with having a wider set of social threads. I'm putting a little thought into some structure, but I'm also interested in some of this growing organically through the year. TIOLI is a great example of an idea that sprang forth and took off. One of the strengths of the group is that everybody has the freedom to try out an idea like that.

On the subject of wiki, I plan to put a link on the group page to the wiki. The wiki will contain some info that's also on the group page, like links to our important group threads, but also what I'm calling in my head a Threadbook - a sorted list of links to all the individual threads like a phone book. I'm thinking sort by user name right now. I still need to think about users with multiple threads - I'm leaning toward linking to the most recent thread. And I'm thinking this would be opt out so that if for some reason a user didn't want to be listed, s/he wouldn't be. It could be a bit of work to keep up with things, but worth it if it increases accessibility. I may solicit help once I get things set up and get the bugs worked out.

>126 Ape:
It's just easy for people to read something wrong ... And before you know it, there is a huge argument and lots of hurt feelings
This does not happen here often and I think this has to do with the fact that we all are readers and thus much more used to reading and interpretating words for what they are ;-)

112: Oh, I meant to respond to this but forgot. No, don't worry, the wiki page won't change anything, it will just add a page of links people can use to better navigate the group. It's like the group will have it's own little map. You can use the map if you are searching for something, or you can go about as you usually do and not worry about it.

> 129

I'm also interested in some of this growing organically through the year.

The seeds are out there, group, for your organic gardening. You heard Jim. Plant away in 2011! :)

I'm leaning toward linking to the most recent thread

Yikes!! That would be impossibly difficult for you to keep this up! *Here* is where the wiki comes in handy. You do the first thread. 75-ers then come to the wiki and insert their own additional threads. This would always be optional.

If you don't do it this way, you're going to have to give up your day job! It is also a way to *force* people into trying the wiki. Just be sure to keep what individuals have to do simple and with clear directions at hand. It works for TIOLI; it should also work for your group in 2011. People who said they'd never used the wiki slowly dipped into it. Nothing distrastrous ever happened.

130: Oh, definitely! Well said. And even when we read things in books that we disagree with, over the years we figure out how to accept the author's opinion, despit how different it is from ours, and we learn from it. That makes sense, indeed!

You know what would be cool for the wiki? Perhaps a list of potential real life meet-ups planned for the year linking to those threads that discuss them.

I just wanted to say thank you, Jim, for creating the best and most active group on LibraryThing. That makes your group my favorite group on my favorite website (not a small thing!).

Cheers!!

#129 Thanks for the clarification, Doc. Got it!

#130 Very good point, Frank and Anita

I plan to put a link on the group page to the wiki

That would encourage me to remember it :P
IT might become a favorite thing if I get used to it.

New thread links... I agree that sounds hard to keep up with.. but since I know nothing about keeping up a wiki page, it would.

134. Agree

135. ditto

>135 SqueakyChu:: In addition to Jim, who certainly deserves kudos, I think thank you to Cariola, who started the whole 75 Group, is also deserved.

Madeline's additional social threads sound like a good idea. We tried the "bragging and backslapping" thread this year, but it petered out in favor of shout-outs in the Kitchen. Meet-ups being so specific in time and space, I think perhaps they'll always need a thread of their own...maybe two, if we get to plannin' early enough he said, thinking of the Gaithersburg proposal for May 2011.

Jim, if I can mildly point out that the wiki should *primarily* be the members' job to keep up...you set it up, enter the *crucial* data, and then it's on US to do the donkey work. You do enough, O Force of Nature.

Okay, now to start the screaming match-cum-flame war: What welcome-page image should we have next year?

*flees the Holocaust*

>138 TadAD: I had no idea!! Cariola, come take your bow!

> 138

Indeed! Three cheers for Deborah!!

Jim, has the new group been set up yet or is the one I found another group? Are we merging together or staying separate? I am thoroughly confused now.

142: He is going to create it in a couple week, I think.

The group that was created is not the one I'll be creating soon. When I do , I'll be announcing it far and wide! :)

#134 Madeline, I like the idea of putting the RL meetups in (on?) the wiki.

#143 & #144 - Thanks!

Like so many others who expressed the fact that this is a warm, friendly, non-judgmental group, I feel the same! I discovered LT via a friend and co-worker. Initially I thought the beauty of LT was the ability to track books I've read...Then, by happenstance, I found the 75 group!

Skeptical of on-line social networks, I dipped my toes in the water and soon I was happily immersed in the friendly, sincere, diversity of our group. Facebook is not something I'm fond of, but this group is very different and increasingly I'm comfortable sharing and learning personal happenings.

When my beloved 53 year old friend died last February of ovarian cancer, the support I rec'd. was simply incredible. Madeline offered assistance when I was learning how to give Phyllis her tpn treatments. Richard, Stasia, Darryl, the "Lindas/Lynda", Roni, Bonnie, Mark, Kath, Anita, Nancy, Terri, Laura, Deborah, Caroline and many others offered emotional support and kind words.

In reaching out to others and in accepting the gifts given and rec'd., we have created a unique, safe space.

The fact that we care about each other is an incredible blessing and a wonderful, natural evolution.

Regarding the size of the group, I'm ok with this. There is no pressure to post on every thread.

Thanks to Anita I discovered YA books. Thanks to everyone, I've leaned of authors I never knew.

I wouldn't change a thing. Why try to fix something that is not broken?

We were indeed strangers who now are friends!

well put Linda.. as always

I love the idea of everyone linking their current page to their profile next year. Please, please do it, folks! When I read an interesting comment from someone on another person's thread, I don't always have the patience to wade through all the unstarred threads. (I guess the Wiki thing would get me there too and would be nice, but why give yourself even more work, Jim?)

I spend so much time following individual threads (hundreds) that I won't let myself even enter the kitchen or TIOLI even though I know I'm missing out on a lot of fun. I guess I could follow fewer threads, but that makes me feel bad--maybe because I wish more people would come have conversations with me on my thread.

I have to admit that I sort of wish the group would divide itself up--though don't know how that would happen. (It seems like there are enough people to get a YA bookgroup started, for example.) I was happy in the 50-Book group, but then so many of my favorite people moved to the 75-book group, I gave up and followed.

It just seems like this 75-book group has gotten so popular that it's sucked the life out of similar groups. There's way too much conversation to follow even half of the people in this group while there's not nearly enough conversation going on in other groups (imo). Still,even though I love so many people in this group, I'm seriously considering moving to either the 50-book group or the 100-book group next year, because I'm one of those people who doesn't like ignoring three-quarters of a group. And I'll be brave enough to say that I hope someone more popular than I am will do the same, drawing others with them. Any takers? ;-)

Last year I tried to post my link on my profile but you couldn't click on it you had to copy and paste it how do you make it so it is clickable?

I pm'd you the instructions, Susie, but Tad also has a thread explaining how to do it right here:

Thanks so much Bonnie I got it to work!

I'll be sad to see you leave, Bonnie, even though I don't manage to visit your thread as often as I should.

Everybody (who wants to) can still visit my thread. :-) Before I officially joined the 75-group, I starred and followed lots of people here as well as people in several other groups.

What I like about this group is the very flexibility -- I'd hate to see Bonnie or Lynda leave because they feel overwhelmed, or because they won't read 75 books, or...

This is a group that welcomes everyone regardless of whether that person reads 25 books or 400 plus -- and I value that. I've been part of the 50-book group and it is nowhere NEARLY as social (I think I've had two outside comments on my thread(s) there all year).

The other thing I like about this group is that while I may not get around to visiting everyone else's thread -- some I never will, or some I realize I don't have much in common with, or some simply because there aren't enough hours in the day -- I know where to find y'all. I like having a "one-stop shop" -- a place to find people and chat, about books and other stuff, without having to remember who is in what group. The 1010 group is the only other one I post on, but many of the people I first noticed over there (like lindapanzo) also post here, more actively.

If there isn't enough conversation going on in other groups, that may have something to say about the composition of those other groups?

I don't intend to feel guilty that I'm not visiting everyone's thread; I do look forward to visiting more new threads next year and paying more visits to existing posters. Basically, I like that we have so much going on here that it's kind of a massive cyber TIOLI -- we can pick out the things we want to participate in, find a way to better manage the posts, do a group read or not, swap books independently or in an organized way or... whatever. It's large enough to offer that variety. I LIKE coming here and knowing that there is always going to be something new. I could have gone to France last week, come back and checked in on some of the other groups and found nada. I'd rather (most of the time) feel that I'm scrambling to keep up rather than that there was nothing happening to keep up with.

Another plus? Frankly, it's the tone. We've got a whole array of people here, from people who read narrowly and intensively to those who are omniverous; from those who read massive and serious books only, to some who delve extensively into YA and children's books. We cross the age gap, span the political spectrum and include an array of religious belief (an nonbelief). And yet everyone is courteous -- without any attempt at policing this. Occasionally I've seen a bit of snarkiness or snippiness, but it quickly vanishes or is confined to PMs. That goes to the size of the group (if you don't like someone's posts/comments you can ignore them readily).

I joined this group partly as a way of tracking my reading when I decided to do that at the end of last year. I didn't expect to find a community, but I'm glad I did. So I thank Jim for orchestrating it, and the rest of you for making it what it is. And I hope that none of you vanish "for the greater good" or out of a misplaced sense of guilt or responsibility or whatever. Because it ain't about the number of books, at the end of the day. That's just a barometer. It's about sharing the passion for reading -- the kind of passion that too many people in RL find just a wee bit eccentric.

*climbs wearily down off soap box*

'night.
*edited for coherence*

#155: It's about sharing the passion for reading

Well said, Suz!

Great post, Suz!

>155 Chatterbox: There's a reason you get paid to write, isn't there? That was eloquent, heartfelt, and spot-on. Brava!

>155 Chatterbox: Great post, Suz! I know they are your thoughts but it so perfectly states what this group is about that it should be posted on the group page!

I found this group mid-year and joined in part because of the friendliness and the social aspect. I'd been tracking my books already this year, but being in the group gave me more motivation to keep track of what I read as well. It also got me thinking a bit more about what I read so that I could put in a bit of blerb about the books when I listed them on my thread. That's something that I had always meant to do over the years and just never got around to.

One of the benefits of being in this group is all the new reads that I have been introduced to. I've read several things this year that I'd never have picked up or known about if I hadn't seen them discussed and my wishlist is now bulging with things to track down for next year.

Joining part-way through, I can't comment on the overlap chaos but I'm quite looking forward to being here from the start next year. I started out following threads linked from the introductions thread and starred a number that were interesting to me, either due to the chatter or the books being read and discussed. I've also been starring and following people who pop into my thread.

On days when I have a lot of spare time and I've read the new posts in my regular threads, I browse around to see what else is going on in the group. It would be good to have a wiki where I can easily find the first (and onwards) threads for each member because I'm a bit of a completist :-)

Having starring and being able to track threads that I've posted in and threads that I've started makes thread management easier for me. I'd miss the 'popped in to say hi' posts, because I often find other threads to read from that. The flexibility of the group allows me to read as much or as little as I like, depending on the time that I have available.

I've loved the way that the group feels and wouldn't want us to split up. Having some more social threads with purposes (like discussing meet-ups) would be great. I have no idea right now where to look for that kind of info! And I think keeping the group name consistent would be easier, particularly for anyone who pops in from work and would get blocked by word content if we switched to Bibliodeviants.

#155 Great post, Suz.

Yes, I use 1010 more to keep track of my reading/reading goals. There are a only few people who post there but not here.

I use 75er both for reading purposes and for social purposes.

For 2011, I hope to wander around and visit more threads, particularly those of TIOLI folks I haven't visited before.

#155 Beautifully stated. Like Linda (#161), I use the 1010 for specific reading goals, but not every book I read fits there. However, anything and everything I read gets listed here. I love the conversation in the 1010 group, there are folks over there who do not post here. But there is so much more activity here. More books, more conversation, more everything. I plan to continue posting in both groups, even though I often find it hard to keep up on reading others' threads, and often lurk more than post. It's a new year coming up, and I've always got high hopes to do better than before.

#162, ah yes, those New Year's Resolutions. With 12 books still to go for each of my 1010 and off the shelf challenges, I'm thing twice and thrice about those for 2011!!!!

#160: Great input, Kathy, and I am glad you have found an LT home here with the 75ers. There is not going to be a group name switch, so no worries there. I had not thought about all the people who log in from work, myself included, who could potentially have 'Bibliodeviants' blocked at work computers.

Yes, I ended up with hiccups after the laughing bout that followed that bibliodeviant comment -- one of those matter-of-fact sensible things that being too creative could raise!! So thank you for the early-morning guffaw...

I still think it is a great name. Too bad we cannot use it :)

Found this thread rather late in the day but wanted to say that I have really enjoyed my first year as part of this group and really appreciate all the hard work put in by Jim adding the links to group reads and all the other admin bits. Joining this group has to be one of the best things I have done in 2010 and one of the most rewarding :-)

And Jim I really enjoyed our steampunk group reads too. I understand if you feel that's not your strongest point and decide not to lead any in 2011 but I would probably never have tried some of the authors we read and I enjoyed the experience.

And I loved the TIOLI challenge too and found it worryingly addictive!

I liked the genre threads although I am also guilty of having forgotten to use them recently.

#75 What Stephen said!

#91 & 96 Well said, that's roughly how I try to keep up...

#98 No, don't go!

#106 Very nice!

I also really enjoyed reading about the real life meetups and seeing the photos. Would there be interest in a UK meet up for 2011?

One thing that was discussed briefly on Darryl's thread (I think) was having biweekly Readathons - one on Sunday and then one midweek, like Tuesday, for those of us who work every weekend. Any input from anybody on that idea?

There have been lots of really helpful posts saying what is so valuable about this group. I don't want to repeat what we all seem to be agreed on, but just want to say how much I have valued being part of this group since I stumbled upon it round about February. I would not expect to keep up with every member's thread in a group this size - I don't manage to keep up even with my starred threads half the time - and while the completist in me sometimes gets frustrated that I can't follow more threads if I am also to get on with Real Life occasionally (and do some reading of books!) I do enjoy all the social interaction, good conversations, interesting reading suggestions and friendly support on the threads I do manage to follow, and through TIOLI, occasionally on genre pages, and in the Kitchen.

The wiki page sounds like a good idea, and I look forward to the chaos of transition to the 2011 group. I hadn't heard of the idea of renaming the group 'Bibliodeviants' - not sure I like that name so much, but I'll be part of it, whatever it is called!

#168 Stasia, I like the idea of the mini-readathons. Sundays, especially, though I realize that mid-week readathons are better for some people, even if I'm not as likely to participate.

#167 I'd certainly be interested in a UK meet up.

#168 I'd love to try a Readathon - but Friday is my only day off so if we had a midweek one, perhaps the day could vary so I'd get the chance occasionally to join in?

#171: Genny, I think we could have a Readathon for every day of the week and people would participate! I am just mentioning the twice a week idea to see what people think. We could certainly extend it to 3 days a week with no problem. In fact, I think it would be a better idea to have one every couple of days so that more people could in fact participate.

So if we had Sunday-Tuesday-Friday Readathons, surely everyone who wanted to could take advantage of one of those days? It would be just a matter of setting up a Readathon thread at the beginning of the day, deciding what hours to do it, and then reading :)

Hallo there friendly, talkative 75ers. By my reckoning, 132% of the posters to this thread have mentioned the friendliness, welcoming, positive, non-judgmental personality of this group, along with how large the group is. I recently ran across this paragraph in an article.

" James Fowler, a political scientist at UC San Diego who studies social networks both online and off, has shown that positive networks built on cooperation and altruism tend to thrive, while negative ones tend to dissolve. ' Apparently, evolution favors behaviors that cause us to disconnect from mean people', he says."

There's likely something to his research. At least some of the numbers in members and participation rates in LT groups bear this out. Carry on and go with what got you'll here.

>173 VisibleGhost: I hope you'll consider participating here next year, VG. Despite my best efforts, I haven't done very well at following 101010 threads this year, and I expect that 11-11 will be no different.

#172 That sounds good, Stasia. Of course the hours bit needs to be flexible too given the different continents and time zones we all occupy - I'm not sure how other ones have been organised so far, but perhaps there needs to be a rolling start/stop time but with plenty of overlap.

#173: What Zoe said, VG!

#175: The starting and ending times thus far have been fairly flexible, so I would imagine we could keep it that way into the next year.

As I was just posting a quote on my thread, I thought that perhaps it my be nice to have a 'Quotes' thread next year for us to share what we are reading or a message that especially spoke to us in a book. Thoughts?

I'd be interested in participating in the odd one day readathon: I often try to plan a day of dedicated reading and get side-tracked by other commitments, so then I'd have the perfect excuse!

"Sorry, can't help with the bake sale, am doing a readathon. Why? Er..."

I like the idea of weekly readathons. Assuming that different people could volunteer to host, maybe it could shift a day forward each week -- eg week 1, Monday, week 2, Tuesday, etc. Then whoever is hosting the Sunday readathon could just remind people what day it was going to be that week. That makes the odds that much higher that everyone can participate at least once a month.

I like the idea of a quotes thread! Wasn't that a thread back in the old days of "What Are You Reading Now?" dominance? "Share a line from your current read" or something like that. Seems to me it was monthly.

Of course, when the quotes come from you, dear Stasia, the majority of the forum sees them anyway. Your threads rope in at least 60% of the 75ers.

I like the readathon idea.

I also like a "Best Of" - either monthly or quarterly. These are great for getting a feel for folks who share your tastes and wonderfully hard on the wishlist. Do we do this already? or do I do it on the "What Are You Reading Now" thread?

If other people want a "Best Of", I'd be willing to try to keep stats through the year on most popular titles, authors etc.

#179: I don't know, Suz. I am thinking that might get too confusing, whereas if we set the three days a week ahead of schedule everyone knows when the Readathons will be.

#180: Since I am in charge of setting up the 'standard' threads for next year, I will make sure we have a Quotes thread.

#181: Yes, we do a 'Best of' both monthly and quarterly. You remind me that I forgot to set one up for November, Nancy! At this point, I think I will just set up an annual one for the group.

Just stopping by to say what everyone else has already said, what a wonderful group this is. Friendly, chatty, crazy, helpful, you name it, it's here. I'm sure one day, someone will use this group in a manuscript that will become a best-seller, a movie and a series. So if you'll have me, I'll be happy to join again next year.

#184: So if you'll have me, I'll be happy to join again next year.

Ha! As if we could stand to lose you!

I'd definitely be interested in a UK meetup next year.

I like doing the mini-readathons, and I like that the days are flexible because my timetable is quite variable; I'd be willing to host from time to time, time differences etc permitting.

I like the idea of a quotes thread, too!

So many reasons to be a member of this group.. all good ones.
Please no one leave.. please anyone interested.. even mildly.. join. Wit so many of us visiting as many threads as we can.. everyone sort of ends up with a sort of
core group within the group, I think?

Anyway.. I too first joined to track my reads. Something I had never done before. Then I found fun, entertainment and friends. Goodness abounds.

I love the best-of threads. I'm already eagerly anticipating the best-of-year thread, and was wondering how soon would be too soon for that....

Please no one leave.. please anyone interested.. even mildly.. join

Amen!

#188: I am thinking about posting the 'Best of the Year' thread around the 15th or so, Zoe.

>189 alcottacre: Sounds good to me :D

So far this year I have read 126 book is it bad that my best of list is 50 books long??I read very few clunkers this year!

#191: My 'best of' list for a year is around 50 books long too, Susie, so welcome to the club!

Thanks good to know Stasia I was looking at it thinking I don't want to take any off there just to shorten the list that isn't fair to those good books!

#193: Nope, no shortening necessary!

GennyT and Stasia- I have Fridays off so I'll participate! :D

Oh, Best Of...wow. I only have one that *cannot*be*missed*.

I have been reading the responses with interest.

I have to say that this group may be large - and can be overwhelming - but the friendship and niceness is wonderful.

#149 Bonnie and anybody else considering changing groups, although it would be very altruistic of us to leave this group, please reconsider. In the past two years, I have twice, attempted to leave this group for the 50 challenge, a place more suitable to my ability. Twice my attempts have been gratefully thwarted. Although I know that I would meet very nice people in another challenge there is an inexplicable aura surrounding the 75er's that certainly can not be duplicated. As creatures of habit we tend to gravitate to the same threads while others are neglected, I accept that and I understand it and of course there is the matter of simply different likes and dislikes. Regardless, I plan on sticking around and I hope you do too.

As creatures of habit we tend to gravitate to the same threads while others are neglected, I accept that and I understand it and of course there is the matter of simply different likes and dislikes

Lynda, that is so right on the money! But it's also just proof that there is such an embarrassment of riches in this group, personality-wise, that one mere human with two to four eyes and limited stamina simply can't be asked to keep up. That inexplicable aura has its roots there, I believe.

And I think/hope that most of those who post here will find a group of people that they read, and who read their posts. I can't imagine that anyone is left utterly out in the cold? Certainly, I was a newbie this year and without much effort on my part, it didn't take long for that to change...

Argh, I just looked at my list of top reads of the year (which I keep on my profile page) -- 65 books. And the year ain't over yet. Heavens.

What I noticed in looking over that list is how clearly I can remember reading each book, thinking about them and discussing them all here. If I think back to last year or the year before, I don't have that context -- I can remember the books, of course, but not much about what I was doing when I read them, etc. And a decent chunk of those top reads are books suggested by others, or that I moved to the top of TBR stacks in response to comments from others on these threads. That says a lot to me about the value of this group...

It might be relevant to this thread that Tim is considering allowing multiple admins for each group.

Yeah, I've been following that discussion as well. One of the things I'm a little bit unhappy with is that should something happen to me, it would take a manual change by one of the staff to give someone else access to the group page. One of the plusses of the wiki approach is that anyone can modify it. But it appears a new approach is in the works.

>202 drneutron: I don't want to taint this happy thread with too much RSI discussion, but I don't think a manual change would be particularly difficult, if the need did arise (knock on wood that you'll be on LT for a long time!).

I prefer something like the wiki that everyone can contribute to equally, rather than elevating a few group members to special status.

Jim, how will you let us know when the new group has been created?

204- You could jump the gun and start it yourself when Jim's not looking. That'd learn him. :-0

OOps, forgot. Zoe & Stasia, thanks for the invitation to rejoin the 75ers. *shakes magic 8-ball and sees*, odds are not high at this time. I have problems finding things to say in one reading group much less two. It would likely turn into a cut and paste sort of thing which I'm not crazy about. I popped into the 75ers this year from time to time with no ill will expressed towards my person. I'm sure I'll make a visit or two next year as well.

#206: Any time you want to pop in is fine with me, VG. I tried to pop in on your thread occasionally, but found myself forgetting about it. Sorry :(

VG, I've ended up doing a cut & paste job over in 1010 *she admitted sheepishly* I know what that feels like, and I agree that having one primary group is great. Which is why I'd hate it if too many people defected -- I'd end up chasing around LT trying to find 'em again!

*raises hand* Me too on the cut-and-paste to 1010. And Books Off The Shelf. In fact, in the last few months, I haven't even cut and pasted, just made a list. And I've been resisting joining a couple of other groups because I think the same would happen there. Having one primary group is definitely logistically easier - but it's always good to see droppers-in, and to drop in elsewhere.

#206 I think the cut & paste is a common enough occurance that you shouldn't feel embarrased about it. I like posting in 2 groups because there are different people in each and the same comments will often generate quite different discussions. Please re-consider joining the 75ers.

>210 sjmccreary: What Sandy said! No one should feel awkward about cutting and pasting things. We've all got lots of stuff to do, so shortcuts should never be a source of blushes. I post links to my reviews, no matter where the review lives, in all the chatty threads where my friends hang. Of course, reviews are also on the book threads, and I wonder how many of us use the RSS subscriptions to keep track of the reviews our nearest-and-dearest post...?

I hate to think someone isn't coming to the sandbox to play just because they worry about judgments from the 75ers...this truly, truly isn't a judgmental group! I'm a cranky, opinionated old cuss with opinons the polar opposite of some of the people I love best around here. It's okay with all of us. Please, don't let concerns about judgment coming from outside stop you from playing here!

For the most part, I copy/paste from 75 Books to my reviews (with a few adjustments) and I don't feel bad about it one bit.

When I make the new group, I'll announce it in this group on the Kitchen Thread, the Message Board Thread, and a new thread for that subject.Given my schedule, I'm expecting I'll get to it sometime in the next week. (I'm balancing not wanting to start too early with my work schedule, which is completely nuts right now...)

Just found this thread and can't read through all 212 posts now, so I am sorry if what I write might already have been mentioned a hundred times.

My feedback: I love this group and I feel at home here! Looking back, 2010 clearly has been my best reading year ever. I've met so many wonderful people here and I got excellent reading recommendations.

First I must say that this is the only internet community where I ever posted more than the most basic data. Starting a thread here and commenting on other threads were enormous steps for me, even more so because I am doing that in a foreign language and cannot answer as spontaneously as a native speaker might do. I am still easily feeling overwhelmed languagewise when reading some of the very busy threads and that might keep me from commenting, but it's getting better.

I came here from the 1001 group and remember that one of my first impressions glancing at the list was that 'alcottacre' must be a computer program, she seemed to have written the last message on 99% of the threads. I quickly learned she isn't - thank you so much Stasia for always commenting on my thread and thus helping me to get over my internet anxiety! :)
It's incredible what you are doing here for us 75ers!

Then I joined my first group read which helped me to get through Midnights Children. It's been ages since I really discussed a book with others and it has been a wonderful experience. I did several other group reads since then and I am looking forward to new ones in 2011.

The next great discovery was the TIOLI. The first time I looked at one of the threads I left it immediately, it seemed so chaotic. But I don't know why, I felt more and more drawn to it and soon started taking some challenges. By August I was so obsessed that I forced myself to read a book for every challenge. I have become a little more relaxed since then. :)

Deern, your English is so good that I almost always forget it isn't your first language! We're a lucky group to have someone whose Internet anxiety got *less* from being here. Thank you for being such a part of the group, and I look forward to seeing you next year, too!

#214 "I came here from the 1001 group and remember that one of my first impressions glancing at the list was that 'alcottacre' must be a computer program, she seemed to have written the last message on 99% of the threads." LOL - so true! Well done Stasia for being a real human being and welcoming so many people.

Deern, this year and this group was also the first time I've posted anything in an internet community and it was a lot less scary than I feared it might be. I agree with so many of your comments that I could just repeat your whole post but I will just say that 2010 has also been a great reading year for me and I'm sure that is because of this group.

#214: What Richard said Nathalie!

I am so glad you are feeling comfortable with the group! We would certainly be lesser without you.

Deern/Nathalie, seriously, your written English is excellent. It may take you longer to type it out, but I never have to puzzle over a word or a meaning -- If I weren't aware of it, I would never guess from your writing that it wasn't your langue maternelle.

Shhh, Stasia IS a computer program... That's how she gets so much reading done... and she sends an avatar out to meet people...

I will say this is the only Internet community where I have ended up being more or less comfortable sharing my RL identity. I'm a privacy junkie, so that was a big move.

Well done Stasia for being a real human

Inhuman, Heather, INHUMAN! ;)

#219:

Silly boy.

Unfortunately I don't have the time available to properly enjoy the group. I've had to cut my stared threads to a minimum in an effort to keep up, although it doesn't seem to work. It seems every time I visit there are hundreds of unread messages which means I have to skim through and try to pick up the highlights, which also prevents me from commenting much. I'm sure I've missed out on a lot of great threads and great recommendations. What continually impresses me about this group, and one of the reason why I stay with it, is the level of civilized discourse. Most online discussions quickly break down but I have rarely if ever seen that happen here. So while you may not hear much from me, I'll be here in 2011 trying to keep up.

Mike

Glad you are staying with us! All good wishes to you.

Opps..Mike, I forgot to say Happy Birthday coming at ya...January 1...am I right?

I began a birthday thread early last year and wanted to let the group aware of birthdays, alas because of a heavy work schedule and surgery, I didn't have the time and energy. I hope that somehow we can post birthdays of members and let them know we are thinking of them.

Maybe the UN should study this group as a functional example of "civil society", in its many and varied senses?? (only partly joking...)

220: Poor poor cyborg. Well, maybe we can find an electrician to check you out. Hopefully it's just a loose wire or some radio interference or something like that.

#222 & 223 - Thanks Linda, yup another birthday coming up. I'm beginning to dislike them, however I prefer them to the alternative.

>224 Chatterbox: I don't know but what that idea isn't slightly brilliant, Suzanne. Some sociologist in need of a PhD topic might be able to use LT in general and this forum in particular as a positive model. After all, Coming of Age in Second Life was a (comparatively) big success....

>225 Ape: Hopefully it's just a loose wire or some radio interference or something like that. No, we need a coder to debug her software. She's been too nice here lately, it's makin' me antsy.

>226 sgtbigg: Mike, given your many other commitments and educational demands, when we see you at all, we're going to consider it a gift. Happy I-Ain't-Dead-Yet day. Since I'm a lot older than you are, I can say that. Nyah.

She's been too nice here lately, it's makin' me antsy.

She must be getting too much sleep.

I have enjoyed the experience of reading along with everyone on this thread. It has led me to several new wonderful authors and the reviews give me much to ponder. I have also learned not to be in the middle of drinking something when reading some people's threads to avoid snorting out through my nose.

I'll be back next year and I look forward to participating more in TIOLI challenges.

Reading and discovering new books thanks to the 75ers is, obviously, very important.

Also important is the sense of community that we've developed. When someone is in need, we rally 'round. That's what I appreciate most.

I find, too, that I can talk about things here that I normally would not address.

Looking forward to another even greater 75'er year in 2011.

Well now that I have posted my first book on the TIOLI wiki I'm excited to do more of those next year!

this has been a great group and have found alot of new books and had some good converstaions about books I've read thanks everyone!Look forward to another year with this fun group!

Me too. I am excited, waiting for the new group.. but then, I don't want to start in on a new group thread too soon. Silly!I think 12 28 is the perfect day to start! It gives us time to start a thread find other threads and not get too unwieldy before 1 Jan. But whenever it starts I will be there.

I am not starting a thread in the new group until about January 15th or so. That way I do not have 3 threads full before the end of the month.

Totally smart of you, Stasia!

I predict that on Jan 15th all 800 members of the 75 group put stars in Stasia's thread causing her to have to open a third thread that day.

#234: I think so too, Bonnie :)

I have to mention that I am so very proud of this group and the community we have formed here. The outpouring of support for Rachel when she was going through a rough time deciding about her academic career and the recent support for Sandy in the death of her son just makes me glad that I discovered this wonderful bunch of people. Too many times we hear about the internet being a scary place and I know those circumstances exist, but the flip side is that there are groups such as these. Thank you all for being a part of making this group work.

Ha! Ha! Let's make it happen! ;-) I was thinking that her thread is the one for which we could all take TaDad's advice and not post just to say we starred her, but don't think that's gonna happen.

eta: Oops! Here I am joking around while Stasia is posting a kind, thoughtful response. I didn't know about Sandy's son--I'm so, so sorry to hear about that. I just can't imagine how I would cope if something happened to one of my sons.

#235 - and causing the LT system to crash in the process, as too many people try to figure out what carries the "Stasia approved" label!

It just isn't going to happen, i think.

You people are silly!

Stasia...may I remind you that *I*, the thread police himself, swore I'd never no how no way start another thread in 2010?

Never say never, the Goddesses just *love* that.

#240: I never said 'Never.' I just said I would not start my thread until mid-January, not that I was not going to start one at all :)

Why mid-January? You'll have read 50 books read by then! The Sunday post on that thread might be so big as to put the whole group in danger!

I have to thank everyone who commented on my thread when I was having the aforementioned academic crisis, when I really needed advice and support the 75ers really came through for me and I am so grateful to be part of such a fabulous community.
Also my deepest condolences to Sandy, that has to be one of the hardest things to ever have to go through and I'm so sorry for your loss :(

I've been thinking if it would be a good idea to start a very "sensible" thread next year in which everyone is registering the books they've read or particularly liked without anything else (except maybe for the star-rating). This woud enable the 75'ers who are not able to read all the threads (everyone except Stasia) to quickly see what everyone has read. Anyone who is interested then can go to the thread itself. For me it would be a good way to discover the reading-tastes of other people, apart from the few people I'm able to follow in this group. Anyone's interested?

244: I actually kind of like this idea. Just like a master list? And then if you see someone has read a book you know well and want to discuss it, you can go to the wiki page and find their thread to post more about it. I like it.

>244 Trifolia:, 245 I think TIOLI already serves that purpose, to a large extent.

We're planning to bring back the Currently Reading threads next year, which would do this except be sorted by type of book or genre. It is, of course, dependent on the members to add books to these threads.

I would find a list of books read only (no chat), with appropriate links, very helpful. It would help negate that horrible feeling that no matter how much time you spend browsing threads, you're still missing too much good stuff. :)

247.. that sounds good..

Oh, I had forgotten about the currently reading genre threads. Those are good too.

I'd post to a 'master-list' w/ star rating. The problem w/ starring is then you only read the threads of people you already know. The master list idea would allow 75ers to either PM a reader for more details about their take on a book or to use the Wiki phone book to go to that person's thread.

>>247 drneutron:. Jim - I like the Currently Reading threads. Somehow they've gotten lost in the shuffle for me. I'm going to try to do better next year. I'll star the genres I read I think.

>>246 _Zoe_:. Zoe - I think TIOLI only captures a subset of readers and even then most of us probably read things that don't fit into a particular month's challenge.

Zoe - I think TIOLI only captures a subset of readers and even then most of us probably read things that don't fit into a particular month's challenge.

I agree

The master list idea has merit.. you are right about reading thread of friends..
But I would probably be afraid to enter them lest my WL become completely out of control :P

If your wishlist isn't already out of control, you're in the wrong group. :)

>251 nancyewhite: Sure, but the advantage is that TIOLI is more manageable and it's easy to focus on the parts that are of interest; the genre-based currently reading threads have these advantages too.

Anyway, I don't mean to discourage anyone from starting up a master thread. It's just not something I personally expect to read or contribute to.

Some of us are not interested in TIOLI

Like me..

lyzard... you have a point. But it has gotten that way by reading only a dozen or so threads.. a master list .. yikes! But as I said, I think the idea has merit, I am afraid I would probably read them. Maybe title/ rating/ link to readers thread in case you want more info or discussion?

I didn't mean to say that everyone has to use TIOLI. This is why I keep mentioning the genre-based threads as well, once I was reminded of their existence ;)

I'm having a really, really hard time imagining a thread in this forum that's chatless. Frankly (or Barbraly, as you prefer), I do not see this happening outside a wiki environment that makes it harder to mingle list and chat items. (WIKI PEOPLE just go with me here OK?)

I forget about the genre-reading-now threads because they're low-chat environments. Lists of books hold little fascination for me. I can find a scarily-close-to-infinite number of books to peruse over at the 'zon, but here I can find people to exclaim in delight or disgust and thus offer me some insight into the books I might want to procure for future reading pleasure. There are even some 75ers whose thumbs-down is tantamount to a guarantee that I'll like a book. It's all about information, the more the merrier say I, and lists aren't terribly informative to me, even those with mute, uncomfortably terse stars.

good point re: chattiness.. lol

I seriously doubt if I'd look at lists to see who's reading what if talk were not involved. I like the talk part.

I can always go to the Your Books sort option if I wanted to find out who exactly is talking about the specific book I want to read or am reading. This is not meant to discourage you or others from doing this if it would be helpful, however.

Bottom line: I'd hate a chatless thread.

>257 richardderus: I see the genre threads as being at least as useful for finding people as for finding books. When I see the same name occurring again and again in a genre that I like, I go look at that person's thread.

>260 _Zoe_: (oh how it hurts to type that number and not go all Thread Police) Like Madeline, I don't think *not* making the threads is in any way a good idea, I just don't see them attracting *me* -- or, apparently, Madeline! It's more in the nature of a comment on the reasons we make threads, is my post 257...I make threads to have people, any people, all people, come and say something. I don't much care what, so long as it's not an attack on me or someone I don't hate. So go on and make threads with low chat, cool, great, it takes not one single solitary thing away from me.

I guess I was envisaging such a thread as facilitating more chat, by pointing you to where the chat is happening about a book you're interested in - a time-management assist for people who don't (or can't) get through as much thread browsing as they might like.

>262 lyzard: Hm! Never thought of that use. I can see that being quite useful.

>262 lyzard: - I've used the "best of . . ." threads to help me find people who are reading books that catch my eye (since I have no hope of keeping up with threads). We used to have a thread for favorites every month. There was little chat - mostly just a few favorites from each person. I forget to post to the genre threads sometimes, but the end of the month triggered me to reflect.

Oh, I love the best-of threads too.

> 262

I guess I was envisaging such a thread as facilitating more chat, by pointing you to where the chat is happening about a book you're interested in

For simply a list, using a wiki would be much more appropriate. MHO.

The way I think you're going to set it up, though, sounds too complicated. Who is going to do all that work?

by pointing you to where the chat is happening about a book you're interested in -

Isn't that why we have forums sorted by "Your books"?

Threads such as "Best of..." are great. When we get the LT list feature, that will help as well.

>>259 SqueakyChu: & 266.
Madeline - Can you help me understand how to sort a forum by "Your Books"? I have no idea what that is and it sounds great.

Wow, I must say that as a newcomer to the group, this thread has been hugely helpful. Now I see everything I've been missing! There's so much happening with this group that it's a bit overwhelming trying to figure it all out in the beginning, which might be why I've mostly stuck to posting on my own thread and only occasionally piping up elsewhere.

A big thanks to Stasia for visiting and leaving me such thoughtful and frequent comments, something I would not have expected at all considering how late in the year I joined. Have no idea how you manage to keep up with everyone woman, but all the power to you!

Going forward, this thread will definitely help me figure out what to look for starting in 2011, so thanks everyone!

> 267

It's really not that great. It leads to forums with "your books" but mostly mentions the names of your books in passing and has no real conversation about the books' contents.

Scroll to the top of the page. See that column on the left hand side of the page? Under Your World, click on Your Books Voila!

I've been reading this thread with interest, and it's finally time to add my own $0.02. I LOVE this group, and simply can't think of a way to make it more perfect. Yes, I wish I had time to visit more people more often, but I am so very grateful for my dear friends here. This group has been a beacon for me while I've slogged my way through this tough year, and much to my surprise, I actually did reach 75 books. A heartfelt thank you to all of you who make this such a special place.

I actually think that Your Books has the potential to be very useful (once we get a combined Groups/Posts/Starred Talk view). A lot of the much-lamented "mentions" occur in challenge threads, so I can imagine using it to find out whose challenge threads I want to follow.

so I can imagine using it to find out whose challenge threads I want to follow.

Oh, good! So I won't have to read those talkless threads after all?! ;)

Hehehe.

One thing I was considering doing next year was keeping an Excel spreadsheet of every title the group read throughout the year. If I added the user names and stars to it, I think it would be very similar to what lyzard is proposing. I had about decided that the spreadsheet was not worth the effort though. If others think it would be worthwhile, I will endeavor to keep it up - either on a wiki page here or as a spreadsheet.

>274 alcottacre: Stasia, that would be amazing, if you had the time to do it. A wiki would let other people help a bit with the work.

>274 alcottacre: Stasia, you might already be aware of this, but I obtained an Excel spreadsheet online from a certain arukiyomi to help keep track of 1001 Books. I see he's become quite sophisticated with V4 and now has three versions, i.e. Free/Lite/Full. In any case just mentioning it because might prove useful as a template of sorts, or not... I'm personally an Excel dummy but for all I know you're probably a wizard so do what you will with this suggestion! :-)

ETA: Obviously I think it's a great idea otherwise I wouldn't have made the suggestion to begin with! lol

silly question but I see that target"_blank" doesn't work on these threads... am I missing something?

New group's up...

http://www.librarything.com/groups/75booksin20111

I wonder whether it might be good to have a welcome thread for new members; the group can be a bit overwhelming and it might be nice to have a specific place where people can ask questions, get tips for dealing with the huge volume of posts, etc.

Sounds good to me! Wanna make a stab?

Would anyone still be interested in a Master List in a wiki-format, so that everybody can add books they read in a straightforward format:
title (with touchstone) - author - reader - rating

I know some people won't participate, but I'm a list-girl and would like to discover other members with similar reading-tastes without having to read thousands of post on hundreds of threads. And I have a feeling I'm not alone with these thoughts.
If so, does anyone know how to set up a wiki-masterlist and link this to the 75-group for 2011?

#281 - I check out the conversation link on books I'm reading or thinking of reading. There's usually someone from the 75 book group who has mentioned it and it's an easy way to access threads and discussion on books that interest you. No work required for anyone.

#282 - Yes, that'll work for me too. Thanks for the advice, Kerry.