INTRODUCTION - BLOOD OF TYRANTS - GEORGE WASHINGTON AND THE FORGING OF THE PRESIDENCY (SPOILER THREAD)

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

Lucky Recipients and those of you getting the book for the discussion:

The discussion will begin on August 12th.

This is the first week's assignment:

Week One - August 12 - August 18-> INTRODUCTION and Chapters ONE, TWO and THREE p. 1 - 31 - INTRODUCTION, ONE – The Not-So United States, TWO - Not As Happy in Peace as They Had Been Glorious in War, and THREE - The Shadow Government

When you get your book do not read beyond page 31 - prior to August 12th.

The terms and conditions are:

a) read the book in its entirety,

b) post on the weekly non spoiler discussion threads and discuss the book with the group,

c) post a question or two for the author's on the author's thread,

d) write a brief review on the History Book Club site.

Note: List will be posted this weekend.

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

John, if you go back to the beginning of the thread - there are quite a few links that I added. Please do take a look at them.

[John]

Will do. Thanks again.

[Frank]

Thank you for those links Bentley. I quite enjoyed reading them. Especially the one about Washington and how he would have handled the Mohammed Trial.

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

You are welcome Frank.

[cheryl]

I agree to the terms and conditions of this offer.

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

Just as an FYI folks - I sent out the event notification for the book - if you posted your name as interested on this thread - you should be responding to the event notification. Very helpful for planning.

[Lewis]

Looking forward to the book and hope to participate!

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

We hope so too - make sure you responded to the event notification sent out. Check your home page

[Kelby]

I can't wait to start reading this.

[[deleted user]]

I am new to this group, so forgive me if this is a silly question, but I do not think I put anything down as me being interested, yet I still got an event notification. Does that mean I was somehow entered in the giveaway without realizing it (though I joined after the fact, so I doubt this), or because it pertains to my interests?

(Again, forgive me if this is silly.)

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

Hannah, you were not entered into any giveaway unless you followed a very strict selection criteria process. The Event Notification is for anybody in the group who would like to participate and read the book whether they got a free book (and very few were lucky to do that) and/or were going to get the book on their own. Event Notifications are sent to all group members whenever books selected for group discussions are announced. The giveaway was announced in a broadcast and you had to follow certain steps to even be considered.
There are no silly questions.

[[deleted user]]

Okay, thank you very much! I am still a bit unsure as to whether or not I shall be joining in on this one (I'd love to, but seeing as how I just bought four new books, I'm not sure if I should spend my money so readily), but thank you for the opportunity!

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

If you are in school, I can understand budgeting your money - but this book is about George Washington and it might be fun for you. Maybe you can get a Kindle download or maybe get it from your library and/or suggest they order it for you. Some libraries will do that.

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

First, there were many more requestors for free books than we were originally allotted from the publisher who graciously offered us these copies. We were allowed only 25 books and out of those 25 copies - we were also supplying the moderators with their moderator's copies - so the books were in short supply. I requested if the publisher would consider adding an additional 25 which they did. And that meant that 25 more additional group members were going to get copies who might not have otherwise made the cut.

We follow the selection criteria very carefully. Here is the Selection Criteria:

The selection criteria is based upon the following:

1. Participation: Has this individual ever participated in any discussion previously? If they did receive a free book offer, did they read and participate in the previous discussion: in other words did they read, post, discuss, participate in the Q&A with the author, write a review) or did they just ask for the book and disappear? Did they ever contact the head mod and indicate why they had not followed t's & c's (medical problem, computer issue for example). We are very lenient about this category but we do look at this aspect of membership. Have they introduced themselves on the Introduction thread?

2, Geographical Distribution: We try to get folks from all across the United States and each region as part of the group receiving the book.

3. Rules and Guidelines: We try to check whether the member ever followed the rules and guidelines and introduced themselves or bothered to add the citations properly according to the group's rules.

4. Camaraderie: Is the group member selected going to be civil, respectful and non inflammatory?

5. Response: This is an area which unfortunately we do not have any control over; but if the requestor asks for a book and then does not get back to the Head Mod and doesn't provide the full information for the mailing list; then there is not much we can do. Also, when we alert folks that the books are coming and have been mailed, we want to make sure that everyone receives their book; we ask that folks as soon as they get their book or by the end of that day, to just post as much on the intro thread or post a PM acknowledging such receipt. We do not want to have to chase folks down to see if the book was lost in the mail and/or they need a replacement. We will send a PM and post a note on the profile (which we will delete) when we get a response but this takes time and we frankly do not want to have to do this when the requestors are the ones who are receiving a free book with free shipping. A very prompt response to us is the least that can be done.

6. Giving everybody a chance: We try to be fair and equitable and give everyone a chance at receiving a book. We try to give newbies and veterans alike a chance and a level playing field. If you have received a book before, we try to give others a chance too.

[John]

Thanks Bentley- I am very much looking forward to this and grateful for the opportunity!

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

You are welcome and don't let us down - we know you will enjoy the book and the discussion and I always tell folks that you will get out of the experience as much as you put into it.

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

Jodi - you are making me smile and enjoy the book.

[Lorespar]

Looking forward to reading this book. History's details come alive when analyzing our first President, and his decisions.
Thanks,
Lorenna Sparling

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

You are welcome Jim and Lorespar.

[G]

Thank you very much and thanks to Encounter books for giving us this opportunity. Bryan, I can't promise, but I will try to be less cantankerous when commenting on this President. I really enjoy the discussions almost as much as the books themselves. I have learned so much.

[Jason]

Thanks Bentley! I'll post as often as possible. Can't wait to start reading it, but don't worry I won't skip ahead of the schedule.

[Roslyn]

I am very excited to be participating and receiving a free copy!! This is a great club! Thank you Bentley for all of your efforts in making this possible! Roslyn

[Katy]

Jodi wrote: "Thank you, Bentley, more than I can say. :) I will try to get my husband to sign up for GoodReads. I will most likely read with him (he drives, I read whenever we go places, and we work together), ..."

Jodi, I love your idea. I'm going to see if my husband will do the same.

[Teri]

Looking forward to this read. Thanks to Encounter Books and the moderators for donating the books and setting this up.

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

G, Jason, Rosyln, Kathy and Teri - you are welcome and I look forward to reading your posts.

[Kelby]

awesome. thanks Bentley

[Clayton]

Thank you very much for the book. I look forward to participating in what I know will be a lively discussion.

Clayton D Brannon

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

Welcome all.

[Jason]

Thank you Bentley and other moderators! I look forward to a lively discussion with everyone!

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

You are welcome Jason

[Hope]

Thank you very much! I look forward to reading and discussing the book with my fellow history enthusiasts!

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

You are welcome - just follow the t's and c's and you will do great. And having the author with us will be terrific.

[Ann D]

Thanks so much for the book. I love the discussions here. Thank you Bentley for doing such a great job organizing all of this!

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

I try

[Phillip]

Bentley wrote: "If you are in school, I can understand budgeting your money - but this book is about George Washington and it might be fun for you. Maybe you can get a Kindle download or maybe get it from your li..."

Thanks for including me. I am sure I will enjoy the journey. Hope to read Ron Chernow's biography simultaneously.Washington: A LifeRon Chernow

[Phillip]

Any tips on how to add picture link of book and author?

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

Check out the Mechanics of the Board link:

http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/2...

[Tacman]

Anxious to read this and I am interested in the offer of a free book and will abide by the terms and conditions. Thank you.

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

All, see message 126 - offer is closed

[Kristie]

I am interested and agree to the t's and c's. Hope it isn't too late to be considered.

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

All, see message 126 - offer is closed.

[Jason]

Hey Bentley,

I've been trying to be patient but I'm very excited to start this book. Do you know when they will begin shipping them out? Apologies if you've already mentioned this.

Thanks,
Jason

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

Well I did say that I would let you know when I received word. Remember do not get too excited and only get ready for week one Jason.

But the good news is that last night I received word that the books are ALL on their way.

As soon as you get the book in the mailbox (any of the recipients) please post here that you have the book in hand and/or send me a PM.

This is part of the t's and c's and I want to make sure that you receive the book in time and it arrives safely - we are cutting it a little close for some locations - there was one person in Hawaii - but we have our fingers crossed.

[John]

Bentley wrote: "As soon as you get the book in the mailbox (any of the recipients) please post here that you have the book in hand and/or send me a PM."

Bentley-

Thanks for the heads up. Do you want us to post in this particular thread or PM when we receive it or in a different thread?

[Jason]

Bentley wrote: "Well I did say that I would let you know when I received word. Remember do not get too excited and only get ready for week one Jason.

But the good news is that last night I received word that t..."

Thanks Bentley!

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

Yes, this is the thread or send me a PM but this thread is ok.

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

Lucky Recipients who have agreed to "read, post, discuss, participate in the Q&A with the author, and write a review on the HBC".

They have also agreed to post the receipt of the book as soon as they receive it.

Here are the names:

1. Bentley - Metro NYC area - Received
2. Bryan Craig - Virginia - Received
3. Jerome - Pennsylvania - Received
4. Richard P of New Jersey - Just received book today August 17th
5. Clayton of Georgia - received book - August 2nd
6. Bob of Illinois - received book - August 3rd
7. David T. of Pennsylvania - received book August 6th
8. Jason W of California - received August 4th
9. Mark M of North Carolina received book while on vacation
10.Mary Ellen of Connecticut - received book August 2nd
11. Robyn P of New Mexico - received book August 6th
12.Lewis of Tennessee - received book August 3rd
13.Doreen J of California - received book August 6th
14.Hope G - just received book - been away on vacation and just got back to me
15. Tomi of Arkansas - received August 3rd
16. Ken G of Ohio - rec'd book - forgot to tell us
17. Andrew of New York - received book - August 1st
18. Cynthia G of California - received book August 6th
19. G of New York - received book August 1st.
20. Jack T. of Hawaii - just received his book - a minor miracle on August 21st
21. Sam H of Illinois - received book August 6th
22. Roslyn of Maryland - received book - August 1st
23. Craig S of Texas - received book August 6th
24. Rusty L. of Oklahoma - received book but forgot to let us know
25. Quinn W of Pennsylvania - received book August 6th
26. Teri B of Texas - received book August 6th
27. Ann of Nebraska - received book August 6th
28. Walter O Virginia - received book - responded to my PM - do not know date
29. Kathy H of Idaho - Kathy rec'd book while on vacation
30. Todd S of Arkansas - received book August 6th
31. Sarah K. of Virginia
34. James (Jim) of North Carolina - received book - August 2nd
35. Malinda H of California - rec'd book and forgot to let us know
37. John of South Carolina - received book - August 2nd
38. Jason S. of Arizona - received book - August 6th
39. Jodi of Illinois - received book - August 3rd
40. Chantal L of Colorado Springs, Colorado - received book August 6th
41. Mark L of Utah - received book August 6th
42. Frank M. - received book August 3rd
43. Tyler E of Texas - received book August 6th
44. Phil K of Washington - received book on August 6th
45. Steve of Pennsylvania - received book on August 2nd
46. David S of Nebraska - received book on August 6th
47. Kelby of Kentucky - received book on August 6th
48. Tom D of Illinois - received book August 4th
49. Lily S of Wisconsin - received book August 4th
50. Arun S. of Texas - received book August 7th

The above are the folks who will be receiving a book.

First, let us know that you have received the book if your name is listed. It has been known that these books go astray and if we are told enough in advance - then we will contact the publisher.

This is what we say in the selection criteria which is your responsibility:

When we alert folks that the books are coming and have been mailed, we want to make sure that everyone receives their book; we ask that folks as soon as they get their book or by the end of that day, to just post as much on the intro thread or post a PM acknowledging such receipt. We do not want to have to chase folks down to see if the book was lost in the mail and/or they need a replacement. We will send a PM and post a note on the profile (which we will delete) when we get a response but this takes time and we frankly do not want to have to do this when the requestors are the ones who are receiving a free book with free shipping. A very prompt response to us is the least that can be done.

Second, make sure that you have clicked on yes for the Event Notification that you are going to participate in the discussion. Make sure you say YES NOT MAYBE. Check to see that your name is in the Yes category:
http://www.goodreads.com/event/show/8...

Check your home page and you will see notifications in red beside the word events - make sure to click on that and answer yes you will be attending the group book discussion on Blood of Tyrants.

Third, when you do get the book - only do the first week's assignment and no more before August 12th.

This is Week One's assignment:

Week One - August 12 - August 18-> INTRODUCTION and Chapters ONE, TWO and THREE p. 1 - 31 - INTRODUCTION, ONE – The Not-So United States, TWO - Not As Happy in Peace as They Had Been Glorious in War, and THREE - The Shadow Government

When you get your book do not read beyond page 31 - prior to August 12th.

This is the Table of Contents and Syllabus link:

http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...

Congrats on getting the book - don't let us down. We are counting on all of you to participate in a very active discussion. I look forward to reading your posts and questions for the author Logan Beirne who will be joining us.

Regards,

Bentley

Books have been received to date in NJ, Virginia, Pennsylvania (earlier) and with latest batch in New York state, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Connecticut, Louisiana, Virginia, Illinois, Arkansas, Tennessee, Colorado, Georgia, California, Nebraska, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, Kentucky, New Mexico, Utah, Idaho, Arizona, Hawaii, Oklahoma

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

Our Group's Processes and Procedures for Free Book Offers

All, I tell group members not to start the book until the start date of the discussion which is August 12th. That way you are not tempted to get ahead of the syllabus and the time line for the discussion. We do not simply race through a free book discussion and devour it but study and discuss the people, places and events in detail. We are still setting up the discussion which will begin in 5 days and we want folks to be careful and not get ahead.

We have weekly non spoiler threads for each week's discussion and we can and will discuss everything in depth.

At the end of the discussion there is a spoiler thread where you can post your final review of the book.

But let us take first things first and just let me know you have the book. And if you absolutely cannot help yourself from getting past page one then make sure that you stay with the syllabus as you agreed to do ahead of time to be awarded the free book in the first place and only read up through 31:

Week One - August 12 - August 18-> INTRODUCTION and Chapters ONE, TWO and THREE p. 1 - 31 - INTRODUCTION, ONE – The Not-So United States, TWO - Not As Happy in Peace as They Had Been Glorious in War, and THREE - The Shadow Government

Remember we are only discussing through 31 up until August 18th so your getting ahead would only result in rereading of the week's assignment.

We have found that folks who get ahead do not follow the t's and c's and never contribute to the discussion because they either got too far ahead and/or lose interest so let that not happen here with you.

Just stay with the syllabus and maybe do not start the book until the start date of August 12th - then you won't be tempted and get off track before you begin.

This book is going to be a good one, the whole purpose of our spending so much time doing the work to make an offer like this happen is not to dole out free books but to have a great weekly discussion and study of the book which is the fun part for us.

We are not about free books here but about the process of reading a great book and discussing it among like minded folks. So follow the t's and c's which you agreed to do and stay with the syllabus, post weekly and write your final review on the Book as a Whole thread at the completion of the discussion and have a good time in the "community process".

We really look forward to reading your posts beginning August 12th.

[Phillip]

Looking forward to it. Patience is hard if the book is good.