David Estes Fans and YA Book Lovers Unite! discussion
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How to be active in groups on Goodreads
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Kidding, kidding, why can't I be serious?
Ok, my real biggest advice: Only accept invites to groups that are about things you're really interested in. Before joining, check out the types of discussions the group has and what books they've read. Get out of any groups that don't seem that interesting to you :) Being in groups is supposed to be fun, not work.
Second, for the groups you decide to focus on, pick out a few threads that you're interested in following, and only get notifications for those ones plus any new ones that are created. That way you don't get bogged down with all the ones you're not interested in. Be as active as you'd like in those threads and you'll find it really fun and you'll have a lot to say.
Does that make sense? Does that help? That's why I do and I have an awesome time in all the groups I'm in :)
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Tanya, some of the groups I joined were too young for me and some too old and serious. You pick up on that fairly quickly. I eventually discovered 3 that I'm active in all the time that are fun and have my same interests and have even made life long friends. (Hmmm... I sound like I'm retelling the story of the 3 bears! Hahahaa...) I still pop in to a couple of others here and there and follow a few of their threads.
I'm addicted to GR and because of my groups, have found the most amazing books to read that I never would have found. I've also been involved in some of the most amazing discussions!
Also, I think the moderators have a lot to do with it. They keep the group focused and are usually loads of fun! I've seen groups where everyone kind of runs amuck.
Hope that helps! :-)
I agree with David. I joined a lot of groups when I first started on here but I have been a member for I don't know 4 years now?? and I have streamlined my groups a lot. I only accept group invites when it seems like something I would post a lot of comments in the group. I also, as David said, only pick a few threads here or there in each group to concentrate my comments. I can be quite OCD so seeing all those little red (new)'s used to drive me batty but now I only click on the (new) threads I am interested in. So many groups so little time! I love Goodreads!
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Ha! Heidi, you are so like me with the OCD thing, I have the same exact issue and I'm probably involved in WAY too many threads, but I can't stop going in and looking at them! But I've recently started doing a better job of choosing which ones to focus on and which to let go, I couldn't agree more :)
David I used to be so crazy about it I would go and click on all the new comments so there wouldn't be any showing! That was when I first started and was only in like 2 groups. I had to reign it in!
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Same here!! So glad it's not only me!! The little red "new"s are so annoying to see!! :)
Yay! I am not alone! I also use WAY more capital letters and explanation points on Goodreads than I do anywhere else!!!!!!
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I love getting crazy with the punctuation!
I agree with what's been said here...I have joined so many groups, I have started weeding out the ones I never comment in. I normally only join a group now if I have some friends in it. When I was new on Goodreads I didn't know anyone, I think I only have 2 real life friends on here, and they are never on! It helps and makes it much more fun after you make new friends, and the way to do that is to find people who love the same books as you!
And also, stalk your favorite authors, its allowed here! (Muhahaha!) ;)
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I love getting crazy with the punctuation!
I agree with what's been said here...I have joined so many groups, I have started weeding out the ones I never comment in. I n..."
Well said! Friends are fun! And I too get crazy with things like lol, eep, ha! and smileys :)
Sometimes I have to go back and edit out some lol/lmao/lmfao/hahas! But a lol can take a sentence from sounding serious to funny.I tend to keep my groups low too, and I have a few different threads I enjoy most.
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@ Tanya, if you feel that the groups you joined don't read the books that you are reading you can also ask if someone wants to buddy read a certain book with you or mention a certain book you really enjoyed.Just like mentioned before I also joined a lot of Goodreads groups at first and actually am only active in 2 or 3 now. It takes a whole lot of time to be active in more than that for me.
Thanks for the advice everyone, you have been really helpful? What threads would you choose to focus on when starting to increase being active on Goodreads?
I would recommend threads of books you have read, buddy read threads, the 'what are your reading' threads and the book of the months threads.
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I used to join lots of general groups with lots of members but found they were reading chicklit and general fiction that didn't appeal to me. Now I am in groups based on my favourite genres.The best threads to get started on to keep active are things like:what are you reading,books you have bought,what are you doing today,has anyone read this book,etc. Then see what book discussions you can get involved in and keep an eye out for new release threads. Simple comments like 'I'm adding that to my wishlist' can help you feel involved.
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Heidi (Seriously. Trust me.) wrote: "smileys are the best :)"Couldn't agree more ... especially since I am one ... tee hee hee!
I've been waiting for a new thread about spine poetry. Have you guys seen any of it yet? It's where you take the spines to books and the titles make up the lines of the poetry and some of it comes out really awesome.
That's different. Sounds difficult too!
I like the advice too, David Estes! Thanks:-)
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You're most welcome ;)
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I love Spine Poetry, I've never tried it myself. Hmmm...maybe something to do today!
I'd never heard of it until I read this thread. I've got so many books with interesting titles. I think it might be a lot of fun! *rushes over to my group to get started*
I do agree with David. I've been a GR member since a year ago I think but it's only this year that I joined groups. Before that, it was all about testing the waters, see if things work for me. :D
I am the same way with groups, I like to be up-to-date and participate in the ones in which I belong. Some groups are just there for the sake of having an online presence, I believe. Also, I think some people just join as many groups as possible because they think it looks impressive. I agree with the majority of people, pick a few groups where you feel like you belong, and have fun!
I only join groups I know I have an interest in like Davids here, I joined it obviously cause he is an awesome person, author and the books are awesome! I may not post everyday but I try to take atleast one day to knock out all the new posts so I can catch up
Hi Everyone. I just joined this group b/c I discovered David's books (and the fact that he seems like a cool guy). Plus I really wanted to comment on this thread. I saw lots of great advice about just following certain threads within a group but am not sure how to do that. I seem to be following every thread of every group i've joined thus far and its already starting to be overwhelming. I'd be ok with emails when people respond to my comments, but not every comment posted... it's just too much.Also, I was wondering if anyone could offer advice about groups that have assigned reading lists. Do you have to always read those books? I like the conversations in some of these groups and enjoy reading what people thought about various authors, but can't possibly read them all.
Plus, not all the books appeal to me. I joined a group about YA fantasy and, right now, they want to review werewolves or vampires. I'm already reading Cassandra Clare and don't want another vamp/werewolf story. Does that mean I should drop the group? I'm sure they'll read something else next month... I gotta leave time to discover Moon Dwellers and at least squeeze in some of my own writing! ;-P
- Scott Boyer Bobby Ether and the Academy
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As to all your email notifications, go to your profile to changethese. There should be a section labeled "emails"
Jenny wrote: "Nice to meet you, Scott! I don't know of any group on Goodreads that REQUIRES you to read the bookof the month. Its kind of like a book club where you pick a book every month to discuss, but you ..."That was very helpful. Thanks. Just started to feel a bit overwhelmed. Stress levels at the volume of information to consume and the number of books to read starting to recede :P
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So glad I read this! I was about to dive into everything I could just to get a piece of all the action. I think I will stick the the 3 for now. Thanks a million!!!
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I forgot all about the spine poetry thing! Maybe I'll try to set that up tomorrow, today will be pretty busy!
Tanya wrote: "Hey Guys,I'm sorry if I may have put this in the wrong folder but I wanted to know how to be active on the groups on Goodreads. I'm on so may of them and I feel that I can't be active because I'm ..."
This is an excellent question! I too am on Goodreads but am always reading something I have chosen, usually a series that has at least two followup reads so to be reading the same as the "buddy read" is not possible. Other times I have already read the book up for the Read. So my participation is usually not in the buddy read groups. But I like to read and I like to give reviews and I have found many good reads from the comments and reviews here. In fact sometimes just from people telling us what they are reading. So I love being a member. I do listen although I don't get involved sometimes.
David wrote: "Hi Tanya! I think this is a perfect spot to put this thread :) Well, my biggest advice is to take my Goodreads ninja classes, which I offer twice a week at midnight, but only when it's a full moon ..."I took that serious for a moment :D I think I need a nap :)
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In answer to your question about following certain discussions, Misty...Either set your group notifications so they get sent individually, then make sure to click the "read the comment on Goodreads" link in the e-mails that come for the discussions you want to keep track of, but simply delete ones you aren't interested in following. Or set it that you get a daily digest of discussions and visit those you want to that have new comments mentioned on them in that e-mail. Hope that helps.
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For the most part authors who submit their book for read and review will accept that your review may be a bit late and accept that it happens. It's people who don't do the reviews at all that annoy the authors. So, if you say from the start that you'll do your best to get the review done on time but it may be a little late, then get it as close to the time limit as you can manage, then you should be OK.
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Victoria wrote: "For the most part authors who submit their book for read and review will accept that your review may be a bit late and accept that it happens. It's people who don't do the reviews at all that anno..."I will have to say, that when you sign up in a group to do a Read and Review, that you need to communicate with the coordinator that you need more time. I am the coordinator for a R4R in another group, and I have no problem giving extensions, but if you just communicate with the author the coordinator has no idea and will mark you as incomplete. Proper communication are the key words for read and reviews.
Very good point, Marni; great advice!
I'm sorry if I may have put this in the wrong folder but I wanted to know how to be active on the groups on Goodreads. I'm on so may of them and I feel that I can't be active because I'm not reading the same books as them. What else could I do? It would be much appreciated if you could help.
Much Love.
Tanya x