Our Shared Shelf discussion

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message 1: by Katelyn, Our Shared Shelf Moderator (last edited Jan 08, 2016 03:26PM) (new)

Katelyn (katelynrh) | 836 comments Mod
First I'd like to just say that I am overwhelmed and thrilled about the creation of this global community, and I am so looking forward to its growth!

I wanted to put forth some thoughts about how book discussions might be organized and then find out what everyone else thinks about how we can accomplish open, thoughtful, and diverse discussion. I am sure that Emma has plans for how to organize this group, so I of course mean no disrespect in making suggestions, but because this community is already so collaborative, I thought it would be worthwhile to think about this ahead of time in preparation for the last week of January when we discuss Gloria Steinem's My Life on the Road.

Already this group has grown astronomically and discussion topics are accumulating hundreds of replies (which is absolutely wonderful). As a result, I worry that when we begin to discuss the books, it will make it almost impossible to have a coherent discussion, and we won't all be able to contribute in ways that feel satisfying or fulfilling. I've never had moderation ability in a group on Goodreads, but based on my experience moderating other forums, I imagine that there are ways to create folders and sort topics? Perhaps someone else can offer some insight on that.

I have a couple of basic ideas. Perhaps:

1. A topic where people who have previously read the book can post ideas of "Things to consider while reading" at the beginning of the month, to guide new readers through the work.

2. Organization of discussion through topics based on chapters, questions, themes, etc. These could be chosen by Emma (and moderators) based on suggestions from the rest of us (that can be submitted in another topic).

I think this might make discussion more manageable and will hopefully allow all of our voices to be heard. I fear that without some organization, threads will pile on top of one another, and people will post thoughts without responding to others. I believe I am not alone in my desire for us to participate in dialogues that foster new ideas and understandings of the material at hand!

Does anyone have any ideas to add?

Thanks again, Emma, for your work with the UN and beyond and for creating a space for us to work together to promote feminism as an important and urgent cause!


message 2: by Camilla (new)

Camilla (repressedpauper) | 64 comments Love all your ideas. I've never been in a group that did #1 but that's fantastic. And folders would definitely make wading through all the content already in the group much more manageable. I feel like I can't keep up!


message 3: by Valencia (new)

Valencia w | 2 comments I recommend shirly by Charlotte Bronte & Villete. Also North & South & By Jane Austin Emma


message 4: by Lara Amber (new)

Lara Amber (laraamber) | 3 comments I'd like a section on books for younger readers. My assumption is that most group members are adults, but there may be some people who won't find all material accessible because of their age (or members could be looking for titles for their kids). So having a place for recommendations of books for the teen/preteen set would be nice.


message 5: by Katelyn, Our Shared Shelf Moderator (new)

Katelyn (katelynrh) | 836 comments Mod
Leanne wrote: "I feel like I can't keep up!"

Exactly why I wanted to write this post!


Lara Amber wrote: "I'd like a section on books for younger readers. My assumption is that most group members are adults, but there may be some people who won't find all material accessible because of their age (or me..."

I think you should go ahead and start your own topic with that in mind! I think it's a great idea.


Mihaela Cristina Iacob | 33 comments Valencia, your ideas are really really great! You can write them in "Book Suggestions" thread, because there are all the ideas! https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Have a good day!


Mihaela Cristina Iacob | 33 comments Katelyn, your ideas are awesome! I am sure Emma will appreciate all the ideas for making this group a better place, an organized one! In this thread are all the ideas for "cleaning the mess" in the threads:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

You can take a look at all the ideas, and maybe add yours here! Hope I don't offense you, but this thread must be in another thread, in the one I just mentioned. Take care!

Mihaela


message 8: by Katelyn, Our Shared Shelf Moderator (new)

Katelyn (katelynrh) | 836 comments Mod
Thanks, Mihaela! I did know about the other thread, but I meant this less to be about generally cleaning the threads (although I did mention that) and more about how to actually organize the end-of-the-month book discussion, specifically, in a way that makes it possible for people to conduct constructive dialogues and have their thoughts heard rather than getting lost in a sea of posts. Organization is definitely a part of that, but I think the way that we conceive our discussion topics on the monthly books is a different issue. And, I think, of utmost importance, since it is the main reason that we are all here!


message 9: by Savannah, Our Shared Shelf Moderator (new)

Savannah (dssharris) | 321 comments Mod
Archived because the issue has been addressed.


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