Monthly Group Listens - May 2016

[Jonetta]

Participation in our group listens continues to be pretty low. Those voting for the titles don't seem to be joining in on the discussion for whatever reasons (life happens). However, our designated discussion leaders have worked hard to create conversation topics and I'd hate to have others to continue doing this if this structure isn't suitable for you. Stuff happens and it's understandable.

Would it be more productive to open a topic each month for individuals to seek out buddies for common listening for the next month? That might be more useful but I'd love your feedback. Possibly, if you know what you plan to listen to in the next month, you could post your plan and Buddy Reads could be created more organically?

Your thoughts? I'd hate to abandon this as it's so much more fun, at least for me, to share my thoughts on a book with others who are reading the same title. All ideas are welcome!

[Lauren]

Perhaps we could try the buddy read idea for one month and see how it goes.

This is what I plan to listen to in May if anyone would like to join me:

[Dee]

for those of us who plan our reading ahead of time - would it help to vote on these group listens more than a month in advance (i.e. for July, we would pick in May) - to allow for time to get the book, fit in listening plan etc? (I know there have been a few times i've wanted to listen but library hasn't had and no audible credits to use)

[Lara]

I try to vote for books I already own. If another one is chosen I have a hard time getting to it. I like the idea of theme and buddy reads.

[Sassafrass]

I am game either way. I vote for books I haven't listened to already. And I haven't nominated any. It's hard for me to plan my reads for a specific. Date so I like having the entire month to read a particular book.

[JaneA]

Lauren wrote: "Perhaps we could try the buddy read idea for one month and see how it goes.

This is what I plan to listen to in May if anyone would like to join me:

[bookcove..."

I'd re-listen to Sweet Dreams!

[JaneA]

Jonetta wrote: "Participation in our group listens continues to be pretty low. Those voting for the titles don't seem to be joining in on the discussion for whatever reasons (life happens). However, our designated..."

For the most part I haven't really been drawn to any of the selections that have been made, or I've already listened and didn't feel like a re-listen. The buddy read idea might work better for me, personally.

For example, I know one book in my queue is The Mésalliance

[Dee]

would putting a nominate a book you havn't listened to caveat in help at all? i feel that people nominate books they've already listened to and then don't particiate for that very reason?

[JaneA]

Dee wrote: "would putting a nominate a book you havn't listened to caveat in help at all? i feel that people nominate books they've already listened to and then don't particiate for that very reason?"

Yes, perhaps. You could experiment with that.

I also agree with your comment about library books and availability when needed. A bigger lead time would help with that.

[Jonetta]

Thanks, everyone for the excellent feedback!

Why don't we modify our approach as follows:

1. Open a topic each month where members may post their audio reading plans and informally create buddy reads. We'll open buddy read threads for any needed.

2. Beginning this month (May 1), nominate audio titles for group listening two months later (July). Members should only nominate titles they've not already read listened to previously.

3. Remind members during the voting process to consider voting only for titles where they plan to participate.

Are there any other ideas I haven't captured?

[Samantha]

I like all of the ideas.

[Jonetta]

Thanks, Samantha.

I'll go ahead and set up both topics. Lauren, you'll need to repost your entry in the new topic.