Please Comment: When is the best time (day of week and time of day) to launch the "discussion" portion of each month's book?

[Sheila (Damnyoureloud), Moderator]

So the mods have been discussing how important we think it is to try to find a day of the week and a time of day that will allow for maximum participation in the book discussion thread. For me, the most fun part of book club is when there are a bunch of people discussing the book in as close to "real time" as possible. The initial discussion always seems to be the most spirited and fun.

Soooo....

Would you prefer to have the end-of-book discussion take place on the first of every month, regardless of which day of the week that falls on? Or would you rather it be done on a Saturday or Sunday that falls closest to the 1st of the month?

Also, what time of day would work best for everyone? Please don't forget we're in different time zones (including UK). So, just to try to find commonalities, when you post your reply to this portion please convert it to US Eastern Standard Time.

We are also thinking about launching two discussions start times, something like a morning and an evening chat, so that various time zones can be more easily accommodated.

Please let us know your thoughts via replies to this thread. Once we get your input, we will be setting up a calendar with each month's relevant key dates so you're aware of when things will launch. The mods will also send reminder PMs via Goodreads so that no one inadvertently misses the key dates.

Thanks for your help. You guys are awesome. Let your voices be heard!! :)

[[deleted user]]

I say Sunday. Mid day. Remember I'm hosting weekly ones. I think Sunday mid day while ppl relax and unwind is puuuuuurrfecf. But that's just my opinion then the close of the month/book at the end of the month - new book start the following month. That's my vote

[Sheila (Damnyoureloud), Moderator]

Blissfully, if this worked for everyone, it would be a really simple and pain-free way for me to set up the calendars and keep both the weekly and end-of-book discussions consistent and easy to remember.

If we did 3PM EST on Sundays, that means it would be 12N PST, and 8PM UK. That sounds like it might have the potential to work for everyone. Let's see what others have to say, but I love this idea!

[[deleted user]]

Perfect!

[Amy]

8pm would be ideal for me and a Friday/Saturday towards the end of the month is the best day.

[J, Moderator]

Saturday mid-day to evening. If 3pm here makes it 8pm in the UK, that totally works for me. But really, it doesn't much matter to me when, I can probably make it to the discussion. :) Whatever you decide.

[[deleted user]]

No that's fine. So 3pm est, 12pm pst & 8pm UK time. It's perfect. But that's for the weekly Sunday discussion correct? Then Saturday last Saturday of the month will be the final discussion with new books choose that Sunday following?

[Kristen (RAoA), Moderator]

I am usually the odd man out as far as time goes. My free time is usually Mon-Friday in the morning - when most of you "normal people" (even in the UK) are still at work. Sunday at 3pm EST sounds okay by me - I'll do my best to make it work. If I'm not around, you can surely talk about me while I'm gone at least.

[Sheila (Damnyoureloud), Moderator]

@Kristen, I think what we're going to try to do is get as much feedback from all the members as possible, then possibly set up multiple discussion times for those that can attend at different times. And, of course, anyone can jump on the threads at any time to leave their thoughts and comments. It will just be the most fun if we can have as many people online at the same time as possible, so that we can have a back and forth conversation going instead of just stagnant posts.

[Kelly]

Sunday is best for me, Saturday I'm not usually home. I can do just about any time and if we have a few spots like Sheila said I'm sure a few of them will work out.

[Carie]

At this point, I'm pretty much free all the time. That will hopefully change next month but weekends (preferably Sunday afternoons) are always good.

[[deleted user]]

Basically Sunday is the winner it seems lol but if you miss out remember there's always the end of the month Friday - Saturday discussion that I think jewishpopcorn is hosting.... I can't host it Friday midday because I work full time but Saturday or Sunday - no problem

[Julianna]

Sunday afternoons sound good.

[Sheila (Damnyoureloud), Moderator]

Blissfully wrote: "Basically Sunday is the winner it seems lol but if you miss out remember there's always the end of the month Friday - Saturday discussion that I think jewishpopcorn is hosting.... I can't host it F..."

Actually, the end-of-book discussions are going to take place on Saturday and Sunday, unless we get back an overwhelming response from members that there's a need for a weekday discussion. The time difference between US & UK makes it nearly impossible to do a weekday evening discussion thread. If we start it at 7P EST, it's already Midnight for JP in the UK.

[Anna]

It looks like Sunday has it hands down, but I just wanted to chime in and say Sunday is much much better for me. Because of my religious beliefs, Sundays tend to be quiet days at home so I have time to do something like the discussion.