Group Read Administration questions

1. Should there be a set timeframe to read the selected book? (e.g., May 1 - May 31). Would a given timeframe make people less likely to read the book? Or would a timeframe prevent the group read from trailing off?

2. Should we worry about "spoiling" the book for others in the group read? I see the argument that to comment may deprive the slower reader (for whatever reason) of the electric joy of discovery. On the other hand, it seems such a rule would discourage discussion of the book---which to me is the point of a group read.

Good questions!

1. We usually have a very loosely set timeframe. The beauty of the message boards is that people can read them later if they read the book later than others in the group. Of course, there isn't much dialog happening at that point.

2. The reason we split threads up by chapters or sections is partly to avoid spoilers. If I see there are comments on Part III and I'm still on Part I, e.g., I don't read Part III (unless I'm one of those who LIKES spoilers!) It seems to be working out pretty well that way. So no, don't worry about spoilers if you're posting to the correct thread.

1. So when is TFS supposed to end?

What do you see as the goal of the group read? As I dont see the benefit of a person reading later and not being part of the discussion.

2. There werent chapter threads (or even Foreword, Poem, Commentary, Index threads)on PF and I remember an authoritarian post saying that discussing vocabulary and style would spoil the book for others.

I agree semckibbin that Pale Fire's discussion would be benefited from a second thread: one labeled "intro" with no spoilers and another one for comments about it.

I am pretty new to this group so I had no idea on the time frame for things. I thought it was to read Pale Fire first and read TFS. I took three weeks between them, so I know I'm behind the discussion but I still look forward to read discussion as I go through the book. It would be nice to know the time frame because even though I'm quite late I was very surprised to see a post asking for what we wanted to read next. I didn't think I was that late (apparently I am).

Actually, I am reading War and Peace right now. I was not a part of the group when it was read. But as I read each section, I go back and read the comments made. I finished Bleak House late, but I added my comments to the threads anyway, and people who had read the book could see mine, too, if they were interested. Sometimes a discussion can continue late, although not as much of a discussion. I am one of the late ones on The Forsyte Saga, but I am still going to read the whole thing even if everyone else is finished.
--BJ

All: it can take weeks to decide on the next book/s so we often get an early start. If I remember, the idea was to read Pale Fire then TFS, but everyone did what they wanted, which is fine. There are no hard and fast rules.

>6 teelgee: I'm glad there aren't any "hard and fast" rules! That's why I joined because I look forward to hearing what other people have to say, without necessarily a set book club schedule or anything.

When is TFS supposed to end?

What is the goal of the group read?

Speaking for myself, I think that the goal of the group read is to share your thoughts about the books with others and learn others thoughts. Sometimes when reading a book in a group, there is support to read a book that might seem hard to read on your own. (Or for me at least, I like to read really long books in a group to keep me hanging in there.) I usually find the comments that others make help me to enjoy the book more. I don't think that there is usually a definite ending date.
--BJ

#9 BJ
I agree in your thoughts about the goal of the group read. But we might make an APPROXIMATE ending date, and decide when to suggest (and vote for) new books to read.

Like semckibbin I'm wondering when TFS is supposed to end. Who are reading the saga, where are you in the book, and when do you think you'll finish??

I'm reading To Let and will finish it in two/three weeks.

I am still reading the first section. Not sure when I will finish, because my daughter is about to graduate from high school. But please don't wait on my account. I don't mind finishing after the group ends. Sorry to be so late with it. I am ready for choosing the next book.
--BJ

Happy May Day eveyone...
Let's give everyone around 20 days to finish other books.
Select a new book by May 15th; give members a chance to find a copy of the book and start reading around the 20th.

We will need to come up with a list of about 5 books by May 7th so we can have a week for final voting.

Let's call this "Plan A"... does someone want to propose a plan B?

Ack, I haven't even *started* TFS! I blame a Project From Hell at work.

But, if and when I *do* get around to reading it, I shall at least read the comments here from other people. :)

I'm not quite ready (obviously) to jump into another book yet, a couple of weeks at least would be good as we pfaff about choosing the next book, and then sourcing it for those of us who don't have it on their shelves, etc.

(PS, I'm a fan of pfaffing. Who wants to be definite and absolute all the time?)

wookiebender -- can I join your Pfaffling Fan Club?

Wookiebender,
It is not too late to start. I am still at the beginning. Plus, I have my daughter's graduation coming up to slow me down. I am enjoying the book so far, just not moving at the speed of light. By the way, I went to dictionary.com for pfaff and it was not in there. What does it mean? Have a great day and I hope that your project has ended.
--BJ

faff - fussing, dithering (Concise Oxford Concise Dictionary). You don't need a P!

To paraphrase a statement from a movie I saw recently: "Ladies and gentlemen, we are soon to be faced with the destruction of our fine little game. Some wish to impose RULES where there has never been a need before. Rules are killers".

It takes us longer to select a book than it does for most people to read the selection. This is fine.

Our loosey goosey style with this group is just fine the way it is. How many of us are going to read a 1,200 pager if we know we have to do it in a set time frame?

As far as discussion is concerned, if you are afraid of spoilers, don't read the discussion.

I will say, I am for selecting one book at a time, but can live with two.

Thanks, englishrose60 for the definition. I learn so much on LT!

Geneg, what was the movie? Sounds interesting.
--BJ

>17 geneg: although I'm new to the group, I like the idea of not having dates. I wouldn't have started TFS this week if I thought I was supposed to finish by May 20. I'm all for the loosey goosey style.

Loosey goosey it is. No need to mess with what is working for everybody.

#16> Yeah, but it looks cooler with a "p". :)

#14> Welcome aboard! Rule Number 1: don't talk about Pfaffing Fan Club. :)

And I shall try and start TFS at some stage, but don't hold your breath. (I do like how we don't have a rigorous & strict schedule here.)

*peeks quietly in the room*

Hi semckibbin -

I saw this thread, and thought you might like some advice from another Moderator. I am Co-Moderator of

The Highly-Rated Book Group
http://www.librarything.com/groups/thehighlyratedbookgr

and this is how we set up our threads:

Last Book Read:
The Blind Assassin: Early Spring 2009 Reading Group
http://www.librarything.com/groups/theblindassassinearl

If you notice, my Co-Moderator and I created a different thread for each Book Chapter, and additional threads to assist people in understanding posting, the Book Timeline and more.

Obviously, there are a few additional threads you don't need (prizes, etc), but the general outline is there and is re-used for each of our reads. Feel free to use what works for you, and ignore what doesn't.

Hope I've helped!

vintage_books

Hi, vintage_books! Good to see you!
--BJ

>22 vintage_books: Yah, that's kind of what we've done for most of our other books (except the questions and prizes and all!) You're so organized! We're such anarchists.

How do you go about choosing your books? Just curious. Our system is bulky, to say the least!

Sorry, I didn't mean to rush anyone I thought we were ready for a new book. Many great books already suggested on other thread.

hi, vintage_books... I'm curious too on your opinion of the best way to select a group read book?

The Tortoise is the Mastermind behind our Group Reads; he selects each book.

I just ask that each book have questions already published if possible, as it makes our group and my work easier.

I'd be happy to give more information if you'd like to know more details.

vintage_books

#25 I don't think that you are rushing things in starting to think about the next book. I just will probably finish later than sooner on TFS. I really do like that book, though. Just a lot going on around here with the baby graduating high school. I pretty much like all the suggestions so far.
--BJ