A Public Response to a Private Message on "Goodreads".
I recently received a private message from a Goodreads member accusing me of being an elitist who rarely participates in group threads and declines to accept friend requests. Those members with whom I have participated in group discussions or who follow my blog know that I prefer open discussion and very seldom reply to a private message. Therefore, I will now respond to the aforementioned private message in this open forum.
Discussion Group Participation
I choose to participate in a group thread discussion only when I have something to contribute that has not already been posted by someone else. The contribution is my personal opinion, which may or may not agree with the majority of the other posts. If others disagree and choose to challenge my opinion, that is fine. However, I refuse to participate in what often becomes a never-ending debate that usually devolves into a spitting match in which nothing gets resolved and all those who take part end up covered in spit.
I choose to participate only in discussions directly pertaining to writing techniques, literary subjects and personal reading preferences. I am not interested in what a member had for breakfast, what they plan to do that day, their physical or mental issues or what the weather is where they live. There are social websites specifically designed for such conversations.
Limited Acceptance of Friend Requests
To date, I have accepted 35 friend requests. Only those from members whose profile and posting history with which I am familiar are seriously considered. None are accepted from members with private profiles or whose history does not interest me.
Closing Statement
Whether you agree or disagree with the above choices and reasoning is your prerogative. It is neither relevant nor important that you do. Right or wrong, correct or incorrect, they are my choices and reasoning. They should be respected, as should yours.
Discussion Group Participation
I choose to participate in a group thread discussion only when I have something to contribute that has not already been posted by someone else. The contribution is my personal opinion, which may or may not agree with the majority of the other posts. If others disagree and choose to challenge my opinion, that is fine. However, I refuse to participate in what often becomes a never-ending debate that usually devolves into a spitting match in which nothing gets resolved and all those who take part end up covered in spit.
I choose to participate only in discussions directly pertaining to writing techniques, literary subjects and personal reading preferences. I am not interested in what a member had for breakfast, what they plan to do that day, their physical or mental issues or what the weather is where they live. There are social websites specifically designed for such conversations.
Limited Acceptance of Friend Requests
To date, I have accepted 35 friend requests. Only those from members whose profile and posting history with which I am familiar are seriously considered. None are accepted from members with private profiles or whose history does not interest me.
Closing Statement
Whether you agree or disagree with the above choices and reasoning is your prerogative. It is neither relevant nor important that you do. Right or wrong, correct or incorrect, they are my choices and reasoning. They should be respected, as should yours.
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Alicia wrote: "Goodness! There isn't enough misery in the world that people have to go out and accuse other people of things to create more?You participate exactly as much as you can and want to. You accept fri..."
Alicia,
Thank you for remaining a loyal follower of the blog and, once again, sharing your viewpoint regarding the subject matter of the post.
Your input is always welcome and very much appreciated.
Jim Vuksic
There is nothing in the Terms of Service that says you have to do anything to retain your membership in Goodreads. Amazing how so many people out there have nothing better to do than criticize others. I quit participating in GR discussions when every one seemed to end in the neverending spitting contest - seemed like a lot of members felt they could dictate their own rules and opinions. I have better things to do.
My father always told me to pick my battles - sometimes peace is better than being right.
Christine wrote: "There is nothing in the Terms of Service that says you have to do anything to retain your membership in Goodreads. Amazing how so many people out there have nothing better to do than criticize ot..."
Christine,
Your father was a wise man. Even the U.S. Marines, an extremely proud and fiercely determined lot, will occasionally abandon an untenable situation. It is referred to as a strategic withdrawal.
I agree with your observation that too many discussion participants just can't accept the fact that some opinions posted will disagree with theirs and always feel obligated to challenge or even personally attack the disagreeing member. As every parent knows, some children mature far too quickly, while others never do.
Thank you for continuing to follow the blog and so often providing your insightful comments.
Jim Vuksic
You participate exactly as much as you can and want to. You accept friend requests if it seems like a mutually satisfactory arrangement. You've only published one book - we've chatted about that - but why is this anyone's concern?
I would think this person would have trouble making friends if he/she goes about it in such an accusatory way! Not everyone wants or needs to participate in discussions - and I applaud your decision to contribute when you have something to say. Wish more people would do that.
Alicia