The Sword and Laser discussion

@Nick, I wasn't suggesting it has not been civil, I was just expressing my hope it can stay that way... My lem thread got kind of sad in some parts!

Tasha wrote: "To rate a book you have not read just doesn't sit right with me. Also, when you give a lemmed book 1 star Goodreads counts it as "read" but that is a lie, you haven't read it."

Hmm, I guess there is no way to list a book as 'stopped half-way through' on good reads, but I would say that the book can be classed as 'read' in the sense that as much has been read as will ever be read before the book was dropped, and is thus no longer a 'to read' book. Its good reads, not a place for serious professional book reviews, so it doesn't really matter so much. I did notice Nimrod placed Hyperion in a 'lemmed books' folder, though I guess that doesn't help people outside of Sword and Lazer. I said before that people should back up their reviews, but in the case of a simple star system, that doesn't really apply. Personally, I'm far more interested in what people have to say about a book. Star systems just give more of a knee jerk 'did I enjoy this book' reaction, and you are unlikely to give a great number of stars to a book you couldn't finish. I've only recently joined good reads, and I was clicking the star ratings for various books based on vague memories more than anything else, and I did so mainly for my only pleasure. I don't think it's something to take seriously.

Ruth wrote: "I've only recently joined good reads, and I was clicking the star ratings for various books based on vague memories more than anything else, and I did so mainly for my only pleasure. I don't think it's something to take seriously. "

That's a good point too, I basically did the same so that I could get recommendations... Rating a book 1 star when I couldn't finish it should *Hopefully* prevent Goodreads from recommending a book I am likely to lem as well...

As for my lemmed bookshelf, that was my attempt to keep track of books I've lemmed... but maybe GR should have a shelf for abandoned books?

Haha, I just noticed a typo (or thinko, as I like to call them, since it's not like my hand slipped) only after you quoted me, Nimrod. I meant 'own' pleasure, not only. Hee, now I sound like my only pleasure in life is to rate book for the hell of it! :P

Figured the lemmed shelf was for your own organisation rather than anything else, but it at least shows others in the know the books wasn't finished, though I really don't think it matters for star ratings and the like.

Tasha wrote: "To rate a book you have not read just doesn't sit right with me. Also, when you give a lemmed book 1 star Goodreads counts it as "read" but that is a lie, you haven't read it."

Personally, I quit doing just that because I didn't want to be a big Debbie Downer to others who like a book I dislike. Like the quote I mentioned earlier, books I Lem just weren't written for me.

However, it is quite legitimate to say you have "read" a book you have Lemmed. The word read has many definitions, although context should be given to convey the appropriate meaning. For instance, I have spent countless hours over the years reading and listening to the Bible. However, I have yet to completely read/listen to it cover to cover. It is entirely accurate to say I have read the Bible, though I have yet to complete it.

I think this whole discussion boils down to thoughtfulness and consideration for other people. Does anyone appreciate someone dogging out a book they like in an ugly fashion? I think not. But this is the internet, and some people feel free to act incredibly rude to others while they hide behind a keyboard and avatar.

Ruth wrote: "Haha, I just noticed a typo (or thinko, as I like to call them, since it's not like my hand slipped) only after you quoted me, Nimrod. I meant 'own' pleasure, not only."

LOL I just noticed! That's what I figured you meant!