Why did I join Goodreads?

To be honest, I joined because I wrote a novel, and I wanted to find a good venue to generate interest in it. Is that why I am still here? No. Once I started participating in Goodreads, I had two realizations. First, I really liked the idea of being a member of a group where I am encouraged to read more and where I can exchange ideas about what we are reading with like minded people. Second, it was immediately apparent that any attempt to self-promote my book would just annoy the members of the group. Too many people have abused the patience of the Goodreads public that way. So, what am I going to do? I am going to take to heart the advice I read in the Goodreads discussion for authors. I am here. And I am here to read and discuss the books we read together. If members of Goodreads take an interest in what I have written, then I will be happy that they did. But the last thing I want to do is alienate the people it was my goal to entertain.