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message 4101:
by
Kelly
(new)
Mar 18, 2015 02:46PM
So sorry to hear about Topsy, my thoughts are with you Christine
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Lynn wrote: "Janet wrote: "I'd just found out tonight that another regular member has left the group. Someone who I thought was enjoying it here. The reasoning being that there are just too many threads to get..."Thank you, Lynn, you are so kind.
Sharon wrote: "Christine so sorry for your loss I can understand your devastation :( I still miss every one of mine and although I love the pets I have now they will never replace the ones I lost in my heart I ju..."Thanks for your thoughts, Sharon. I feel like you do. You can never replace the originals, but the ones that follow deserve our love too. HAHA on your tortoiseshell. Topsy was the first to climb the curtains and everything else! She was very lucky that I was home the day she got stuck in the blinds! I also had to fish her out of the refrigerator one day. Boy, It was a while before I figured out where that meowing was coming from!!!
dash - one of my latest furries got her paw stuck in a decorative candle holder thing that was like a fire guard that thing got put away out the way i had no idea how long the wee thing was stuck and we were so lucky she hadn't done any damage - mind you the nosey wee beggar shouldn't have been trying to climb over it anyway
Topsy got stuck in the refrigerator? She must have been very curious...or she was hungry!
I love this group and everyone in it. However, to be honest, I think the threads need to be trimmed. It's really challenging finding the one you are looking for! I agree with Ty that it would be much cleaner with more archiving. Just one suggestion would be to archive threads that have gone without comments for a month. I could probably come up with other ideas if anyone is interested. I sure don't like seeing wonderful people leaving or pulling back because they are overwhelmed by all these threads.
Ty wrote: "Christine wrote: "Christine wrote: "David wrote: "Though I'd best just nip on and say a quick hi. I've been really busy for the past few days doing some house renovations, so please excuse my absen..."Ty wrote: "Janet wrote: "I'd just found out tonight that another regular member has left the group. Someone who I thought was enjoying it here. The reasoning being that there are just too many threads to get..."
Thanks, Ty.
Some of the groups I post on only show the top ten or so (most recently commented on) in each topic; if you want to see the rest you have to open the topic and navigate. I assume that's something that the moderators of the group have control over. Visually that would make the threads less daunting.
Sharon wrote: "dash - one of my latest furries got her paw stuck in a decorative candle holder thing that was like a fire guard that thing got put away out the way i had no idea how long the wee thing was stuck a..."Oh dear, Sharon! My Jody got her head stuck in a paper bag handle and raced around the living room backwards trying to back out of it. Good thing I was home then too.
Sue wrote: "Topsy got stuck in the refrigerator? She must have been very curious...or she was hungry!"BOTH, Sue! Scared me to death as I was leaving for work and had run back to the kitchen to grab something I had forgotten. That's when I heard her meowing. I swear Topsy had 90 lives, not 9. The prognosis for her cancer was 8 months. She lived 30 months.
So sorry for your loss of Topsy, Chris. I love owning pets but the sad part is knowing that some day I will lose them. We had a black cat named Azzy (my kids named her Azriel for the black cat in the Smurfs). She lived with us and then went to college with our son. She stayed with him while we traveled and he asked to keep her at his apartment. She lived to be 20 years and that was a huge loss to all of us. I think my son still looks for her around his apartment when he forgets she is gone.
message 4114:
by
Sandysbookaday (taking a step back for a while)
(last edited Mar 18, 2015 03:59PM)
(new)
So sorry to hear of your loss Christine, but while Topsy is in your heart, she is not gone.Congrats on your new arrival DA. Absolutely gorgeous.
Fingers crossed for you Kerry.
It is a year today since we lost our tabby, Stringbean...I still miss her. She was incredibly affectionate. And for such a little cat, she sure took up a lot of room in the bed! 8:D
And like Sharon, I pick and choose what threads I follow in a group.
Oh, Pat, I know what that's like! Thank you for sharing that story.
I love the group but I agree that I cannot keep up with all the threads so I just read a select few. That's okay by me. Everyone posts and I can't always read all the posts, for example, this thread was on message 4148 when I left last night and is now message 4215.. BUT, the idea is to have lots of people posting because we do have lives off-line and can"t always be on. I generally check in once per day and usually in the evenings. I know it would be good for me to suggest something constructive on how to handle this but I just do not know what can be done. So, in conclusion, I'm older, I'm easily overwhelmed but I'm not leaving the group unless kicked off. If I can't always keep up so be it. I do the best I can. Please know I feel I have some wonderful friends on here and me being quiet is due to my not being able to get online. If I'm upset with someone, I have always told people you won't have to guess, I'll make myself clear. That came out kind of snarky but didn't mean anything insulting to anyone. Two cents and my opinion = 2 cents!
Mod
Most as mentioned above are happy, as we can see with the messages, this is my group and I do go in some threads more than others, the subject just interest me more.
One member leaves because of too many threads, why I do not understand, just read the ones you want to, I am not forcing anyone to read things they do not want to.
But I also do want to have posts/threads that offer a wide variety of subjects to ALL members.
Yes I agree if they are not active, then we will remove them.
For instance " Promote Your Book", is helpful to many authors, but is mentioned by a lot of members of no interest to them.
How do we please everyone, I wish I had the answer, I try me best.
Hours are spent daily sending invitations for authors to join and to do Q & A, because I believe this is a great part of our group.
There must be a reason why this year alone we are the fastest growing group, people are joining, but we do NOT want to lose our regular members.
I ask why do they walk away, and not just send a message to say what is wrong?
Small groups, with small amount of threads, are failing, as David mentioned.
Many moderators (on a special moderators group)complain of not getting anyone to join their groups, one group had increased membership by 10 in six months.
Please help us make this group better, stronger and more active, we can only make the group better with your help.
Mod
Sean wrote: "Sorry I am now going to bed a little unhappy and frustrated, especially after working for two hours with e-mails to two top selling authors, agents, publicists trying to arrange Q & A's."Sweet dreams Sean. We do appreciate your efforts! 8:D
Mod
Thanks Sandy
Pat, that sounds good to me, if we do something wrong tell us, all we are doing is trying to keep everyone happy!!
Seems an impossible task
Sandy *The world could end while I was reading and I would never notice* wrote: "So sorry to hear of your loss Christine, but while Topsy is in your heart, she is not gone.Congrats on your new arrival DA. Absolutely gorgeous.
Fingers crossed for you Kerry.
It is a year toda..."
Sandy, you sure are right. about their ability to expand to the size of a bed. Two cats can cover a king bed easy.
Mod
I must go to bed... 11.30 pm and up at 5.00 a.m
But just a point mentioned by Ty and Christine, that shows how hard it is.
A month ago I removed 20 posts/thread that were not being used much, I then had 4-5 PM from members, regulars who asked where the threads had gone !!!
I agree that the threads can be confusing, and it can take a lot of scrolling to get to the right section sometimes. I know I have bypassed what I'm looking for many times. Perhaps the lesser used threads could be screened and eliminated if they are inactive for a period of time, perhaps 6-8 weeks. It may also depend on what device one uses as to how easy it is to access the threads? And as someone mentioned, we all have varying degrees of computer abilities. Finally, as several others have already noted, the frequent flyers seem to all have our favorite threads, and there probably are 90% of the 1000+ members who do not actively participate in any threads, so I guess my feeling is that I personally value quality above quantity, and I value those who take time to share their thoughts, opinions, feelings, humor, and friendship on these threads. P.S. I can imagine that as a moderator, Janet, for you and the others who have to keep tabs on the threads, it must indeed be a very big job, and I don't blame you for feeling overwhelmed.
Mod
I know this group backwards - pretty much. I use my phone most of the time. I have notifications switched on for most of the threads so I now what's going. So it's not overwhelming in that sense because it takes 30 seconds for me to log on, read and I'm out. However, I know most of you will only go in once or twice a day if that.
So, here's the thing. Choose the threads that hold your interest and visit those. No one is forced to read everything and frankly why would you. If there's too few threads interest will dwindle, too many and some are overwhelmed. Yes, devices make differences, but surely after a while you should be fairly familiar with the the folders at least. I'm guessing that 'General' and 'Books' is the most popular, this is where I'm going to keep a really close eye on active threads. Those that I deem not of any interest after a couple of months will either be archived or just plain old deleted.
Also, please think before starting up a new thread; you're welcome to do so, by all means; but ask yourself how much interest will it invite. Many, many threads will have a short lifespan, that's obvious so once they've run out of life, they're out.
It's now nearly midnight. I feel stressed, fed up and have a banging headache. I wouldn't do this if I didn't want to but I do wish that if you're not happy then shout out. And don't feel you have to inundate Sean, message me too - I don't bite - honestly!!!
Tomorrow I will be making a start on streamlining more - for now I've had enough. I'm off to find a gory murder ... or something. Catch you guys tomorrow. Goodnight.
First of all Janet, Sean and Autumn you people are doing a great great job in moderating this forum. It is a thankless job as you do it out of your interest and passion for reaching out to the broader audience.Thinking about too many active threads, I think as long as the threads are active, you should not bother, the group is pretty well organized, the only input that I can give at this point is to move all old threads (i.e 2014 and before) to another section marked as old posts/threads.
We can brainstorm as a group and come up with suggestions that will help the group run smoother.
All Mods do a fantastic job with the group! Don't take it personally if someone can't handle the threads. You can't please everyone and each member can decide what threads to read/ participate. I don't think anyone puts any pressure on anyone to do so. For myself I participate when I can / want to and that's that!
I am new to the group and I love it! Thank you Sean, Janet and Autumn for all that you do.
I use the phone app and it shows 'Unread' for new threads and posts J haven't read yet. So I just click on that and just read the threads I'm interested in, it's quick and easy. Maybe it's different if you go on the desktop site?Sharon, so you have a Buffy too : ) Mine doesn't climb curtains lol, but she's very playful
message 4129:
by
Sandysbookaday (taking a step back for a while)
(last edited Mar 18, 2015 05:40PM)
(new)
Sean wrote: "PPSI must go to bed... 11.30 pm and up at 5.00 a.m
But just a point mentioned by Ty and Christine, that shows how hard it is.
A month ago I removed 20 posts/thread that were not being used much..."
Which just goes to show you can't please all of the people all of the time.....8:D
But to all the mods of this wonderful group - you do a great job - big hugs to you all 8:D and sweet dreams
Hi how are u all! Isn't chatting such a good thing! Lol
Janet, Sean and Autumn and any other moderators in this group, I am so sorry to hear you feel frustrated, upset or overwhelmed. Please know you are very appreciated for all that you do. I don't know how you can keep up with so many people and tasks.On that note, it is impossible to make everyone happy. If you ask 50 people how to do something, you'll get 50 ideas.
I think the group is fine the way it is but if you wish to make changes, I think you should talk among yourselves, make changes you feel are necessary and let the rest of us know.
I relinquish any vote/idea to your better judgments. And please don't stress with pressure to make it all perfect.
Remember that this is a book review chat group - that goes for everyone. We are not solving world problems here. Try to relax and enjoy the group as much as we/I do and anyone who wants to leave - bye, bye.
To the moderators, Sean, Janet and Autumn, I want to thank you for the fantastic thankless job you do to bring in new members and service the group. All of you go here and beyond with your effort to please and monitor this group. I think we have a super bunch of members in this group. I read all the threads I want to, and that is fine. I work on a desktop that is on 24-7. Like DianeAlice mentioned, the "UNREAD" new threads, on my desktop show in red and the number count. For example, when I get time, I need to read the PIFM folders for the April selections. Everyone reads what they want to read, and communicate with the members that have like interests. One big Happy Family! Thank you moderators for making it so great. Close the threads that are not used, and life moves on.Sue
Mods, I think you can see how appreciated you are and none of us want you to feel stressed or upset. It's a big group now and it won't always suit everyone all the time. Someone may just be feeling overwhelmed with life generally and finding it's not the right time to be in the group for them. I agree with just archiving threads that have been sitting around doing nothing for some time. But it's nice to have new threads sometimes too, if they don't take off they'll just be removed anyway. More ((HUGS)) all round tonight!!
DA - Congrats on your new furball =)Christine - I'm so sorry for your loss of Topsy. {{{hugs}}} Pope Francis recently said what I've believed for many years that God has a special place in Paradise for His special creatures. I know that my Bootsie, Cracklin', Midget, Fidget, and Harry ran to meet her and are playing together. My dogs Jackie O, Tar Baby, Cookie, Ginger, Lady, and Misty are also there waiting to play too.
Sean & Janet -
As a newbie here, I think y'all do an amazing job! As for threads, I skip some and follow others. What ever y'all do with threads is A-okay by me. I'm just glad Sean invited me to this group of warm, kind, and super people.
I can usually navigate around to the topics and threads that interest me,but there is certainly a case to be made for archiving those that have had no recent activity on them. Great group though.
And it's a little after 3.30am....can't sleep. Aaarrgghh.
And it's a little after 3.30am....can't sleep. Aaarrgghh.
Christine wrote: "Sandy *The world could end while I was reading and I would never notice* wrote: "So sorry to hear of your loss Christine, but while Topsy is in your heart, she is not gone.Congrats on your new ar..."
lol toss a couple large dogs on mine and I never had any room. Now with only one dog I still have no room. I miss having a cat but feel I would be sleeping on the floor.
Ahh I don't like seeing Janet and Sean down and frustrated :(((
Come on big bear hug!
We love you !!
Oh and guys, you will never make everyone happy, even if you want to.
The people who truly love this group will always approach you if they weren't happy over something. Some people are just going to leave.
Come on big bear hug!
We love you !!
Oh and guys, you will never make everyone happy, even if you want to.
The people who truly love this group will always approach you if they weren't happy over something. Some people are just going to leave.
I understand that it's frustrating though. Especially when you've put a lot of hard work in.
Sorry for your loss Christine. That is really sad. I know there might not be any proper words that can actually create comfort but still we try. Incidentally, about 8 years ago my girlfriend Priyanka had a cat named Pony (yes, a cat named Pony! Her naming sense is unique) who just left all of a sudden after staying 2-3 years with her. All these had happened before I met Priyanka. Unlike many countries, stray cats and dogs are very casual in India. Even after all these years Priyanka still cries and calls for Pony if she sees any cat resembling to Pony.
Although I never got to have pets (due to mother's allergies) despite being a pet lover, I too am sorry for you. Take care of yourself and we all know Topsy is still staring at you!
Janet and Sean, I have been with Goodreads since 2012, and admit I have not contributed much, I'm a country girl, don't get me wrong I like to talk, but when it comes to strangers, I need to listen, get a feel about them before I feel comfortable enough to speak, but through Sean's encouragement and reading everyone's comments of the last couple of weeks, I finally felt brave enough to comment, and soon discovered what a wonderful bunch you all are! Yes some posts have branched off in many areas, but I love that, for me it is like walking into a room full of strangers, not sure what to say, but one might make a comment that sparks my interest and suddenly I find myself immersed in a conversation with them, which then sparks a comment from someone else, and soon this room full of strangers has become a roomful of acquaintances, and some develop into wonderful friends. So suddenly I find myself logging into Goodreads continually checking updates, instead of my usual once a day. Needing to know how someone was coping with their current illness, or suddenly I was chatting about recipes, and saw such beautiful comforting messages, to one who had lost a beloved pet. So I guess what I am saying, this group has given me a chance to see things outside of the box , so would just like to say thank you, love you all, and will try my best not to babble to much! :)
DianeAlice has good points. You simply can't please everyone, everyone's needs are different. Also, this group is the most fun of all the groups I belong to. Many of these members belong to other groups, but spend more time here. There's just more going on.
I mostly use the app, so I log on and see only the latest activity on all threads. I just click on the ones I want to read. I don't have to search for anything really, unless it's a thread that's not active for a day or so. I can't relate to being overwhelmed. But you also never know what else may be overwhelming a person that makes reading threads too much to deal with. If it's emails or notifications that are too much, that can be turned off.
If there's a thread that only authors chat on, keep it for them, even if no one else goes there. I can see kicking off something unused for a long while, but don't change too much.
That's a really lovely note Jenni! Well said :)
Mod
We will keep trying our best.
I can tell you spoke right from the heart, Jenni, a sincere message.
Mod
Christine wrote: "Heaven received a new angel yesterday afternoon. Our Topsy was finally taken by the bladder cancer. We believe it went to her lungs as she started having difficulty breathing Monday night. Our v..."I'm so sorry, Christine! I remember the horrible heartbreak I felt when my darling Sierra died last year. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
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You all were busy on here last night! Just want to say I concur about Sean, Janet, and Autumn doing a super job. Also, I'm not having any problems with threads. Some I check multiple times a day, some rarely.
Kirsten, I look forward to your Happy Whatever Day posts every morning!
Mod
This morning I spent about an hour on here systematically going through the whole group. Everything that can be cut back has been - and not archived, I've deleted. Much of the 'Authors' folder has been cut right back to a much more manageable position. 'Book Promotions' is going to be regularly monitored and cut as necessary. In other folders, discussions that have not been commented for 2-3 months will be assumed that the lifespan has run out and cut. So, please don't be offended if your thread does get cut. Put your thinking caps on and come up with something new! ;) I mean in 'real life' we don't re-hash the same conversation everyday!!
What DA and Sue said in previous comments were good points. Last night on my phone I went into the 'UNREAD' folder at the top of the page. Sure enough it's quite clear where new comments have been added because they're highlighted in red. Very easy and quick to scroll down and have a look at what discussions interest you. So, for people on devices that seems like a good way of doing things. Don't forget that if you long press your bottom left hand or right hand key on your device it takes you to the newest comments first'. That's really important because it cuts out all the scrolling. On desktop it's pretty clear how to get around.
As said before, no one is forced to look at EVERY thread or interact, pick and choose what suits you. Whether it's one thread or 30, it doesn't matter.
Of the two of us, Sean is the more generous one. What I mean by that is that he would start a zillion and one threads to get discussions going in the hope that they would. I, on the other hand, am much more cutting and like to run a really tight ship. Between the two of us, we try to strike a happy medium!! (In other words I try to reign him in!!! The threat of prison works occasionally!!). I've been and looked on other groups and they seem far worse to me in terms of layout and the way it's run. Far more complicated, so I'm surprised at times of the struggles voiced here, I have seen much, much worse, which is why I never stay anywhere else for long.
On a final note, as regards Book Promotions, please don't use the group to self promote then come and complain that the group is not run to your taste, a bit of a cheek I think. Giving constructive criticism for bettering the collective is welcome - but this group is not run for the benefit of any one individual. And I have said this many times before.
Your inclusion is more than welcome, you all know that, but we mods do know that you all have lives too. It's good to see you here when you are!
A Good Thriller
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Authors mentioned in this topic
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