General Questions / FAQ

[Marcos]

I wouldn't worry about that at this point, Nell. Even if that happened, there'd be actions we could take. But let's concentrate on being back on track!

Like I've been saying, I'm very confident. :-) Even more now that a contact with GR staff has been made.

[Marcos]

Well, dear catch uppers, I'll suggest a way out of our group's present situation.

It is based in my way of managing things: I like to give all time to think, I also thought, as you know, we had to be very careful at the beginning and give Kasey, our founder and mod, the time she might need.

We have actually become a very interesting group, and not only a reading group, but in some ways, a nice community. Many people have reported making friends here, and how important the group became to them.

We have different members, as in all groups. Some are more discussion enthusiasts, some like the challenges, some just vote, but do that regularly. Ee even have a large group who are actually almost never seen here. :-)

We have the group of members from the beginning, all of which are part of the effort that made this group what it became. It now draws attention, we welcome lots of new members all the time, it is being featured in the media. Those valued members, along with Kasey, made the group grow.

And we have more recent people. All are good members, we all share a common interest.

So, let's gather, all members, and, together, find a solution.

My next post is a process I created and submit to you on how to do that.

[Susan]

Marcos wrote: "Good news!

One member of GR staff, Emily, Community Manager, has read one of the messages I sent.

She said they've checked the Support mailbox and have now received my earlier e-mail messages.

..."

Very happy that we are now on Support's radar!

[Susan]

Marcos wrote: "Well, dear catch uppers, I'll suggest a way out of our group's present situation.

It is based in my way of managing things: I like to give all time to think, I also thought, as you know, we had to..."
Can't wait to hear more, Marcos- thank you & Joanna for providing thoughtful leadership to us while Kasey deals with real life issues, as we all must at times.

[Marcos]

Here is what I suggest.

I tried to organize a process as straightforward, transparent and democratic as possible.

But of course, the suggestion is now open for discussion and contributions. The discussion can go on until we get a response from GR staff.

Then we'll set dates to the schedule I outlined.

------------------------------------------------

Suggested process to choose a new moderator for the EHRTBM group


1. The group must have a moderator, of course.

There must be one main moderator, who can select other moderators to help running the group. It is usually the creator of the group.

2. After we have one provisional moderator set by Goodreads staff, this one will organize the process of choosing a new permanent moderator for the group.

3. The process will be as follows

3.1. A discussion thread will be opened for members who would like to be the moderator to introduce themselves, in a similar way to a candidacy.

3.1.1. Requirements to run for moderator

These are set to make sure the future moderator understands well the way the group works, the discussions that have taken place at least recently and is used to interact with the more active members.

A. To be a member for at least six months

B. To be a regular member, having participated regularly in nomination/seconding for BOTM, voting and challenges in at least six months in the last twelve months.

3.2. The first discussion will be open for one week.

3.3. Then a second, separate discussion thread will be opened for members to present opinions, make comments or any other considerations, or ask candidates questions they think fit.

3.4. This second discussion will be open for one week.

3.5. A poll will be created with the names of all candidates that fulfill the requirements.

3.6. All members will be able to vote for one week.

3.7. One vote by member, for one name only.

3.8. There will be a second run with only the two most voted candidates.

3.9. A second poll will be opened for the second run, for one week. All members can vote.

3.10. The winner will be the new group moderator. The provisional moderator will pass the office to the person chosen by the group.

[Zainab]

For a weird reason, I got really excited after reading your suggested process. It feels nice to be part of an election :p

I have two comments:
1. Who will be the provisional moderator? I am assuming it will be you since you are in contact with the GR members?

2. The process for selection will take some time, so I am hoping the provisional moderator will also help us with voting and selection of September read (and updating the group bookshelf)

[Marcos]

Update:

I've just received a reply from Shaun, Goodreads Expert, who also said my messages have been received. "We hope to have this looked at very soon! ", he added.

[Marcos]

Zainab wrote:

"1. Who will be the provisional moderator? I am assuming it will be you since you are in contact with the GR members?"

Well, that will be the GR staff's decision. It is reasonable to assume that they will think likewise. But they might decide otherwise. If they ask me to, I'll do as proposed or as the group decides.

2. The process for selection will take some time, so I am hoping the provisional moderator will also help us with voting and selection of September read (and updating the group bookshelf)

Yes, the provisional moderator will run the group in the usual way while we choose. I actually had said that - see message 301 at the top of this page. :-)

The mod will have to perform all the usual tasks, and sharing them with at least one person will be the wiser path.

[Joanna Loves Reading]

Marcos wrote: "Update:

I've just received a reply from Shaun, Goodreads Expert, who also said my messages have been received. "We hope to have this looked at very soon! ", he added."

That is encouraging! Thanks for the update.

[Joanna Loves Reading]

Marcos wrote: "Here is what I suggest.

I tried to organize a process as straightforward, transparent and democratic as possible.

But of course, the suggestion is now open for discussion and contributions. The ..."

I like the process you have describe. A couple of comments:

3.1 A -- I think other members should be allowed to nominate someone else also, with reasons why. You can nominate yourself or accept or decline a nomination by someones else. I like this but am somewhat concerned of heated/offensive discussions -- I think it should be OK, though.

3.1.1 A -- suggest making this 9 months, since the group has not been functioning as "normal" for about 3 months.

3.1.1 B -- clarification please: do you mean active in each aspect for at least 6 months of the twelve? Or just active in at least one of the aspects for 6 months of the twelve? And do we discount July?

[Susan]

Yay, while I was reading over these posts the little "Mod" sign popped up on Marcos' and Joanna's icons! (Happy dance!) Thank you both! Thank you Support for making it happen!

[Susan]

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "Marcos wrote: "Here is what I suggest.

I tried to organize a process as straightforward, transparent and democratic as possible.

But of course, the suggestion is now open for discussion and cont..."

Thanks for this very clear and fair process, Marcos, I really like the organization of it!

You raise a good point, Joanna, that 9 months' membership might be a better time frame. I guess it HAS been 3 months that Kasey has been out. 6 months might not be long enough to really understand how well run everything typically was before....

I also agree that in order to avoid having to micro-measure the participation over 12 months in 3 different areas (who wants to do that??? and also to avoid hurt feelings etc etc), it may be helpful to look for participation of any kind across 6 months out of 12. That would be a minimum after all, and allowing more people to participate initially will help whoever becomes the head mod to be aware of who's interested in doing what, etc.

Would also be nice to have the option to nominate someone else or yourself, that sounds like a typical process. Great thoughts, you guys.

[Marcos]

Update:

I was out for lunch and when I was back I had this message waiting, which I share with you:

Hi Marcos,

Thank you for your messages, though we sincerely apologize for our very delayed response. We should have responded much sooner, and we're very sorry that we didn't do so.

After taking a look at the situation and hearing from some group members, we have gone ahead and added you as a moderator for your group. It may be helpful to read over our Group Moderator Guidelines for guidance. It might also help to note that moderators have the ability to add or remove other moderators (with the exception of the group's creator, who may choose to leave a group but cannot be removed by another member). It looks like your group has engaged in careful discussion about how best to administer the group in the future, and while we've taken this step to help your group move forward, it's also up to you and the other members to continue to decide whether your moderator status should be permanent or temporary.

Again, we apologize for our delayed response. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions and we'll be very happy to help.

Sincerely,
The Goodreads Team

[Jessica]

Congrats Joanna & Marcos on the provisional mod titles!

Are we going to make sure we have more than 1 mod from now on? I think this would be key. Just making sure as I did not see that specifically mentioned anywhere (unless I am blind).

[Marcos]

And as Susan has just noticed, it seems that they've decided to make me and Joanna moderators!

[Hectaizani]

Having multiple moderators is always a good idea especially in a large group. Most of the groups I’m in have from 2-8. It allows for some breathing room, the ability to take a vacation without worrying about your group and they can share the responsibility of participating in group reads.

[Marcos]

Joanna, I'll answer your questions later. I'll be busy at work for some hours.

But as you all can see, we now have a wide path open for deciding how to go on. I'm happy with this outcome. Our group's continuity is assured! :-)

See you later, friends!

[Marcos]

I'll comment everyone's questions and suggestions later. :-)

Keep comments coming!

[Joanna Loves Reading]

Marcos wrote: "Joanna, I'll answer your questions later. I'll be busy at work for some hours.

But as you all can see, we now have a wide path open for deciding how to go on. I'm happy with this outcome. Our grou..."

Sounds good to me! I sent you a PM with a couple "first action" items, fyi. Not a great time of the day for me to get in-depth either so it sounds like it'll work out well. I think you are about 2 hours ahead of me time wise. I am in the Central Time Zone, fyi.

[NancyJ]

I just got the email from Support. Congratulations! I'm very happy for you both. Now we can get back to normal! Let me know if you need tips on anything, such as updating the pictures (they're controlled by the bookshelf), or sending out group announcements.

Yeah!

[Susan]

Hectaizani wrote: "Having multiple moderators is always a good idea especially in a large group. Most of the groups I’m in have from 2-8. It allows for some breathing room, the ability to take a vacation without worr..."

Yes, with 8000 members, 3 mods should probably be a minimum even if only 10% are active. 4 or 5 would probably be even better.

[NancyJ]

Many of this groups members are moderators in other groups, and I believe several contacted support on your behalf. We want to help. You don't need to reinvent the wheel. There are great examples of good process throughout goodreads.

For instance, Hecta's suggestion for multiple moderators is excellent, with some clear division of labor. You need backup to avoid burning out. E.g. One or two people to run the group reads, and others to run the challenges, games, welcoming people, etc. It's nice if there is a way to give someone responsibility for something (e.g. running an activity) before promoting them to moderator.

You don't need to make major changes right away or complicated rules. I think the membership would appreciate a pause in the drama, so it might be useful to just maintain a regular schedule of group reads before making any long-term decisions. Members won't mind a little trial and error as you feel your way through the process. (But if you're disagreeing on things, please keep it offline!)

In the past, a lot of people spun their wheels making suggestions that were endlessly discussed without any decisions. You know this better than anyone. As moderators, there are a lot of decisions you can be expected to make on your own, as long as you're responsive to concerns.

Case in point, Joanna made a quick decision when setting up the September nomination in order to respond to a comment on the august vote regarding accessibility. When someone gave her feedback, she was flexible on a rule. I think that was sensible. Next time will be even better. You won't make 100% of the people happy all the time, and that's OK. We know you're volunteering your time for this.

Most important suggestion: I'm in one group where the moderators alternate running the Group reads. They have two different approaches, but the timing is the same, so it's seamless. It's really a wonderful way to give each person the flexibility to be creative and responsive, while minimizing unnecessary coordination or conflict. This is a great way to divide the labor and avoid wasting your time and ours.

Good luck!

[Tr1sha]

This is excellent news! Huge thanks to Marcos for your thoughtful proposals which seem very fair. Congratulations to our new mods. I agree with Nancy that we probably need time for the group to settle into its routine again - a “pause in the drama” will be welcome after the recent uncertainty!

[Nell]

Congrats to Marcos and Joanna. Relieved to see the group returning to norm.

I prefer Marcos' original proposal that candidates be a member for at least 6 months (rather than expanding it to 9). It doesn't take long to see how the group has functioned.

[Renee]

This is wonderful. I am pleased to see you two as moderators.

[Joanna Loves Reading]

Thanks all for the welcome! I echo the “pause” sentiment. I am relieved to be able to get to work on getting things back on track. Also, thank you for the leniency & forgiveness on my blunders thus far. I am sure there are more to come, but now that the pressure has eased some, I hope to avoid most.

I have updated our currently reading selections, moved topics to archives that needed moved and deleted the spam topics in general folder. Please let me know if you see something that needs attention.

I think the next step is to send a message to members on the currently read and nominations thread to let everyone know we’re back up and going. Please let me know if you have any concerns about any of this. Thanks again!

[Joanna Loves Reading]

NancyJ wrote: "I just got the email from Support. Congratulations! I'm very happy for you both. Now we can get back to normal! Let me know if you need tips on anything, such as updating the pictures (they're cont..."

Thanks for the bookshelf info! It helped!

[Luvtoread (Trying to catch up)]

I have noticed that a couple of reviews of mine have disappeared. Anyone else have this happen?

[Joanna Loves Reading]

Luvtoread wrote: "I have noticed that a couple of reviews of mine have disappeared. Anyone else have this happen?"

I don’t think so. How did you find out? Just random chance?

[Joanna Loves Reading]

Hi all,

Could use some advice on a member message blast. Here’s what I think it should cover:

A. Let them know we're back up and running
B. Point them to the September nomination threads
C. Let them know our August Reads

I had something about being in a mod transitional period, but I think to save that for when our process is more ironed out.

Q1: Is there anything I should add?
Q2: would it be better before nominations end or once voting is up?
Q3: would you be willing to proofread the blast before it’s sent?

Q4: Also, feedback is appreciated on moderator duties, but would it help to have a designated moderator thread so this one can go back to FAQ type questions?

[Jessica]

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "Hi all,

Could use some advice on a member message blast. Here’s what I think it should cover:

A. Let them know we're back up and running
B. Point them to the September nomination threads
C. Let t..."

Hey Joanna, my personal opinion:

Q1: Is there anything I should add?
- I don't think so, or at least cannot think of anything at the moment. I agree that maybe to wait on the mod transitional until it's more ironed out, unless you want to say something to the effect that we are adding a moderator thread for any feedback/inquiries?

Q2: would it be better before nominations end or once voting is up?
- I think it would be beneficial to mention before the nominations end, so that any member that might have missed will know they can nominate so they don't feel inadvertently left out. Then after the nominations are over, have a new post about voting.

Q3: would you be willing to proofread the blast before it’s sent?
- Sure thing!

Q4: Also, feedback is appreciated on moderator duties, but would it help to have a designated moderator thread so this one can go back to FAQ type questions?
- I agree, this chat has gotten a little clogged up. As I mentioned earlier, maybe you could even mention that there is a thread opened up for anyone to give feedback?

[Hectaizani]

Before nominations end let everyone who wants to participate in the voting process.

Happy to proofread

I think another thread for moderator stuff would be beneficial since this thread is supposed to be for general questions new people looking for a little bit of help on finding stuff may be confused.

I’d love it if you’d mention my Frankenstein buddy read. :-). You don’t have to if you don’t think it’s appropriate.

Im on my phone typing this so please excuse any typos

[Joanna Loves Reading]

Hectaizani wrote: "Before nominations end let everyone who wants to participate in the voting process.

Happy to proofread

I think another thread for moderator stuff would be beneficial since this thread is suppose..."

Jessica wrote: "Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "Hi all,

Could use some advice on a member message blast. Here’s what I think it should cover:

A. Let them know we're back up and running
B. Point them to the Septembe..."

Thanks for the feedback!

Jessica- I couldn’t message you but thank you for the offer to proofread!

[Jessica]

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "Jessica- I couldn’t message you but thank you for the offer to proofread!

Oops sorry about that! I just read what you ended up posting and I thought it was absolutely perfect!

[Joanna Loves Reading]

Ok, I have created a thread for mod discussions: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

[RJ - Slayer of Trolls]

Marcos wrote: "And as Susan has just noticed, it seems that they've decided to make me and Joanna moderators!"

I haven't been able to visit the group for about a week and look at what I've missed!

Congratulations to our new Mods Joanna and Marcos! I'm glad to hear the group will continue to operate and it's nice to see nominations and a monthly read again.

Also I want to say that I hope Kasey is OK and comes back someday.

[Debbie]

Hey everyone, where can I see our September books? It used to show our coming up books on the group homepage too didn’t it, not just currently reading books. Thanks

[Marcos]

Randy wrote: "Congratulations to our new Mods Joanna and Marcos! I'm glad to hear the group will continue to operate and it's nice to see nominations and a monthly read again. "

Thanks, Randy! :-)

[Marcos]

Debbie wrote: "Hey everyone, where can I see our September books? It used to show our coming up books on the group homepage too didn’t it, not just currently reading books. Thanks"

Hi, Debbie!

The September books ARE there on the group home page, beside the current reads, under "Upcoming" - in the column to the right, with a light grey background, showing the date of Sep 1, 2018.

You can see two of the books, to see the third, click on "More upcoming books...".

Or just click here:

https://www.goodreads.com/group/books...

I mean, that's in the desktop browser site! :-) Not the app.

[Debbie]

Thank you Marcos

[Bianca Cucurella]

I'm not really sure where to put this questuon, but has anyone read 'Radiance of Tomorrow' by Ishmael Beah?

[Joanna]

If I want to invite a friend to join the group, is there an easy way to send an invite link?

[Kerri]

Hi Joanna! There is but you have to be in the website version either on the computer or your phone, not the app. If you scroll down the main page you will come to the “members” section, and to the right is a link that says “Invite”. Click that and it will bring up the option to send an invite to your friends :)

[Joanna Loves Reading]

Joanna wrote: "If I want to invite a friend to join the group, is there an easy way to send an invite link?"

Hi Joanna,

I don’t know that it works in the app, but if you look at the top right hand side of the pages, there are several links, including bookshelf, members and polls. “Invite People” is one of those links, and you can do it through there. Alternatively, you can send a message to the person and include a link to the page. Let me know if you have issues with it. Thanks!

[Joanna]

Thanks!!!!

[JustJennifer]

Have we set up our 2019 challenges yet? We only have a few weeks to go. :-)

[Debbie]

How can I add a new bookshelf?

[Joanna Loves Reading]

@Just Jennifer— Marcos has been working on a challenge plan for next year. I will check and get back to you on timing.

@Debbie — are you trying to add on on an app or from a web browser?

[Cheryl]

We still don't have the new BotM threads...?

[Joanna Loves Reading]

Cheryl wrote: "We still don't have the new BotM threads...?"

Thanks for the reminder and sorry for the delay! Marcos has helped on BOTM this and last month, and starting the threads slipped off my radar. I posted from my phone so if there’s something I need to fix, I will get to it this evening, but at least they’re up now.