Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion
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Informal Buddy Reads - How should they be handled?
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❀ Oo ❀ wrote: "I would definitely but INFORMAL in the title. It clears up a lot of things. Perhaps a statement paragraph could be posted e.g. This is in an informal buddy read where members can read the book at t..."Thanks Oo. You do make sense. At present we have no plans to get rid of informal reads, we're just trying to feel out how people would like them to be done. Would, for instance, a posting of say between 5 to 10 questions for the book, like the following, be something that would interest those doing an informal read (bear in mind, I am creating these on the fly):
1) How do you like the author's writing style?
2) Who was your favorite character and why?
3) Did you have any favorite quotes?
4) What struck you the most about the book?
5) Was there anything that surprised you, that you hadn't expected?
6) What did you think of the ending? Was there anything that you wish had been wrapped up better?
7) What will you rate the book?
8) Have you read anything else by the author? If not will you do so in the future? In you have, which books and would you recommend them?
I love the idea of informal buddy reads because a lot of the time I want to bring up something that hasn't been highlighted in the discussion questions made by whoever is listing them.Also, I usually find the specific page numbers/chapters per day very rigid and hard to stick with most of the time so end up giving up half way through because I feel I'm too behind and can't contribute much worthwhile.
At least if it was informal for a certain period with general questions like that listed above no-one would feel too intimidated in joining in at any time with their opinions and it wouldn't be so strict.
It's definitely a good idea to note this in the topic though so those who love the formality aren't disappointed if they join in.
Michelle wrote: "I love the idea of informal buddy reads because a lot of the time I want to bring up something that hasn't been highlighted in the discussion questions made by whoever is listing them.Also, I usua..."
Our normal "buddy style" reads were never intended to intimidate anyone and if you feel the need to, feel free to skip sections of questions or, if you desire, only choose only those you want to answer. If you've read the book already or read it straight through, then feel free to comment at the end. AND DEFINITELY FEEL FREE to pose your own questions. We know occasionally we miss things and don't want you to see us as being bookish snobs who know more than you. We don't. If you don't agree with something we state feel free to argue, but in a pleasant/non aggressive way. I personally love it when a member makes me see something in a way I wouldn't have without them. We (the mods) just love a good book discussion. The reason we started doing the "buddy style" reads were that we wanted to stimulate discussions, and prior to our posting questions we just didn't get much of any. (Yeah, we're sneaky like that. You wouldn't believe the lengths we mods will go to instigate a good book discussion. lol You do know we're book addicts, right? *grins*)
I personally love seeing what everyone thinks as our "buddy style" reads progress. I think it makes it more fun. It makes me feel like I've got a bunch of friends sitting there next to me reading it at the same time whom I can discuss what's happening each day with. In fact, that's one of the reasons I joined Goodreads. I couldn't find anyone who liked the eclectic assortment of books I do.
I love what everyone has said about informal buddy reads, so far and I really don't think I have anything to add to their thoughts or suggestions at *this* time. If something comes to me later, I'll definitely share. I just wanted to pipe in as another voice for feedback purposes. I love the idea of 5 to 10 general questions like the ones you've come up with, Lisarenee. I like Oo's suggestion for a snippet of text explaining how an informal buddy read works, and I also like the idea of 'labeling' it as informal in the subject line.On the topic of BR: I like both informal and structured buddy reads with the schedule and DQs. Each type fulfills different needs for me. I find that with the structured DQ style, I am more likely to stick with the reading schedule and I try to really pick up on things that I feel might come up in a DQ. My discipline when it comes to the structured BR really impresses me. I think of it as a sort of challenge to tell myself I can't read beyond a certain page, therefore I must really focus on what I am reading. I can't quite explain but it gives me a different reading experience, it feels more immersive, I guess, than I normally receive if I'm not participating in a structured Br.
As for informals, I love them because well, they are informal. I enjoy the random conversations that come up with informal BRs. Ha, I seem to be drawing a blank on more explanation here because I have to get ready for work, but anyway...
Both BR styles appeal to me and I really appreciate the mods for trying to make everyone here happy!
I like the fact that they are informal...you can join as you go, but no need to worry about it ending...because it is ongoing :) I always seem to forget if it is a set time period :)
I had not participated in any buddy reads prior to this round of tower teams, so I may have a different perspective than some of the veterans.I have really enjoyed participating in the informal buddy reads, even more than the formal ones with discussion questions. The DQs either slow down my reading or I get further ahead and forget to go back and chat about it once I get past those chapters. It also seems like with the DQs there are long lists of people answering questions but far less interaction about other people's reactions (it could be just because of my limited experience so far). If you start a little later in the informals, it seems more people come back and chat about your thoughts, and it's harder to get that going with a list of answers to the questions.
I'm sure most people here enjoy the formal reads based on the participation, but I really hope you continue the informal BRs as well.
Michelle you said that beautifully. That's exactly how I feel. Ditto!
Mod
Hopefully it continues after this round of TT ends
-Karen
Michelle wrote: "I had not participated in any buddy reads prior to this round of tower teams, so I may have a different perspective than some of the veterans.I have really enjoyed participating in the informal b..."
I definitely feel the same way. I don't read as fast as others because of other commitments so I get too behind on the formal questions and usually give up. I feel I can chime in at any time a lot easier with the informal reads without feeling like I'm trying to play catch up with everyone else.
I agree as well....participating in TT3 was my first experience with buddy reads and I've enjoyed the informal reads. I've tried one formal BotM in another group and agree for me I don't like it as much. I think the DQ are a good thought, but I find myself skimming the responses rather than actually reading them since they are too detailed and so many more of them. I think other than the fact that I signed up to write DQ for it, I may not continue it!
Also, should we better label which ones will be informal? Perhaps put "INFORMAL Buddy Read" in the topic title for the read? Please let us know. Your opinions are important to us.