Encouraging this kind of talkative community in other groups

[Virginia]

...or, if I get asked what I'm reading at the moment one more time I might just scream!

It might be odd to be talking about getting activity going in other groups but I think it's important for us as authors to think about this. We've probably all been told not to write for other writers and we can't just socialise with them either.

Our readers aren't here, they're out there in the 'chicken fanciers' groups and the 'mums who love paranormal crime' groups and the 'lgbt fantasy' groups, and if those groups don't encourage debate and interest the readers won't be paying attention when we try to talk about our books (or in general).

My question is, how do you go about stirring the pot in a friendly and encouraging way in a group where people may only have one thing in common, and even then they might live in completely independant corners.

(The 'getting off topic' post made me think about this. We have such a great community.

[K.P.]

I socialise with other writers all the time but as for trying to see what they're reading, it's like pulling teeth. Some hate being asked (I don't mind myself), but I can see where it gets difficult, as we all write different things. I tend to read a lot of stuff, and don't mind reading other writer's books for support. (I need a break from writing).

I don't know how one would go about breaking the ice about book discussions. I'm pretty talkative when it comes to books and writing (as I love it) and will gab on about it. I guess it's all about trying to find that yardstick and see where everyone's collective comfort zone is?

[Lily]

Phew, simple yet tough question.

I belong to a couple of other groups where everyone is nice and there isn't much bickering. But truth be told, I don't hang out in other groups nearly as much as I do in this one. Even if I wasn't anointed as a mod, I would still hang out here just as much.

From my experience in other groups that didn't implode and continued doing well enough, there really was only one thing in common. One genre. One subgenre. Just one little thing, and that was it. As a result, there was no need to "stay on topic" because the whole group was only one topic anyway.

So, my only answer is, find that one thing in common. Or, find another group like Fringe. It might exist somewhere. In an alternative universe, perhaps...

[K.P.]

^^ in another dimension perhaps, transcending spacetime and whatnots?

[[deleted user]]

Virginia wrote: "...or, if I get asked what I'm reading at the moment one more time I might just scream!

It might be odd to be talking about getting activity going in other groups but I think it's important for us..."

I don't understand the reluctance here. Is not the sole purpose of GR to share information on what you're reading and/or writing?

[Lily]

I was thinking something along the lines of a doppleganger. That might be wishful thinking.

Annnyway, going back on topic, Fringe is unique in one way, where we allow nd encourage such a variety with basic respect. Looking at groups like Round Table, you'll see a very different story, where everyone runs wild and emotions run high.

[Courtney]

A lot of the groups I'm in are also specialised so it probably creates a better sense of solidarity and like-minded chatting. Common ground gives you a lot of things to talk about.

[Justin]

Sometimes I try starting discussions and this kind of talk in groups I'm a part of that have become dull and inactive. However sometimes it either takes a while to pick up or it never does...which is sad cause some groups have a lot of fun discussions.

for ex, I'm a member of Creative Reviews on here which was at one time one of the most active and fun groups, now? Dead..you can hear the crickets when you click in.

[Lily]

I feel it's deeper than that. I can relate to Virgina's frustration of being asked a million times, what are you reading?

The truth is, I'm reading my own book as I write it. But if I say that, I come across as shameless plugging and full of shit, even though it's the truth.

It can be hard at times to separate the reader from the writer. And that's where I feel conflicts arise in any group full of writers. Simply forgetting we're all readers too.

I've found groups that I like will acknowledge we're all the same. We're all readers enjoying a good story, whether it's something we've written, or written by some one else.

Groups that I didn't like would often dismiss my opinions as a reader, because of this foolish misconception just because I'm a writer, I can't possibly be a reader too.

Well, of course I am, just like any reader. If I wasn't, I wouldn't be able to read my own writing. And who wants to read something even the author doesn't want to read? Kinda silly, in my opinion.

[Jason]

It is the truth! That's one reason I love writing - I get to read amazing stories for the first time...and watch them get better!

I also don't appreciate the idea that writers aren't readers. True, I look at books differently now...but I still enjoy a good story. It's not like I can't appreciate the same things I did before, I just see the more technical aspects, if I look. Does knowing how special effects are done ruin movies for people? It doesn't for me.

[Courtney]

Absolutely. Writers need to divorce themselves from that mentality when discussing books. It gets obnoxious when someone says "that's why in my book..." and turns the example into a promotion can wear thin when you're discussing something like "great ways authors introduced characters" or something.

[Courtney]

It just pulls me out of a group discussion when it becomes authors bragging about the cleverness of them compared to best-sellers others were discussing. Definitely turn off the writing switch in reading groups.

[Lily]

Unless you're tired, chatting late at night, have only one brain, and can't think of any other example than your own writing.

Okay, I admit it, I slipped once. Once!

[K.P.]

Courtney wrote: "It just pulls me out of a group discussion when it becomes authors bragging about the cleverness of them compared to best-sellers others were discussing. Definitely turn off the writing switch in ..."

I hadn't come across other writers like that in some other groups I've been on. I also don't like talking about myself very much, so shameless plugging isn't my forte. That is interesting though... and hilarious that someone thinks of themselves akin to a best seller. It makes me want to poke them and say 'yea, best seller, right? how many you've sold this month?' lolz

[Courtney]

No, I get it happens but some authors really do get insecure/snobby and need to make asides like "this is why I never write love triangles" and go on to explain how the thing people are griping about is not in their cool. It's like some authors read the hot books and feel like the could reinvent the wheel to include pyrotechnics, bells and whistles that are BETTER than whatever their work inspired.

But that could be it's own discussion. My point is just I hate writers buzz killing a group discussion when it's focused on reader opinions and that might take some of the fun out of groups if it happens too often.

[Lily]

Well, there is that, though you can find it in any group. The snobs versus the rest of us. I think we've done a job at avoiding that kind of great divide in this group. And come to think of it, groups I've liked, don't have that great divide either.

I think with snobbery in general, if that becomes the ruling class of the group, not much anyone do. But when that isn't the case, that's when a talkative community can be encouraged, I find.

[Courtney]

I refuse to join groups where only mods can post topics. It seems silly that people need approval for general chat topics. I understand if they don't want members creating topics in every board but it discourages interaction to seek permission or depend on some else's ability to come up with topics.

[Lily]

Yeah, I don't get that myself. Imagine if we had to approve every single little topic? There's not enough hours in the day!

I guess the only real answer to the original question is, it depends on the group.

[Virginia]

I'm trying to join in more with people who would eventually be my target readers (and just make friends) at the moment, but I keep running into groups where it seems like loads of people join up wanting to talk but don't know what to talk about or feel too timid to start topics that don't directly relate to the name of the group. I think that's where all these 'What book are you reading?' topics come from.

It's like walking into a room of people who you know must be really interesting and finding them talking about the weather and shuffling their shoes.

[Lily]

Heh, interesting analogy.

I guess I can't really relate to that one. I hang out in groups with people who love thrillers, horror, old school rock n roll, fetish, pin up art, a good ol' harley. And these people aren't shy. If I ever enounter a group that's not talking, and I do the same in person, I just talk. Those willing, join the conversation. If no one's willing, I move on. I don't see the point in wasting my time.

Having said that, I have often sensed this strange reluctance to talk about books in general. Like, everyone just has to be a literary snob, and no one wants to look stupid in front of the so-called snobs, if they exist.

I'm afraid you'll get that kind of thing in any group environment. Online forums, even GR, aren't exceptions. In my experience, the groups that do encourage conversation to digest and analyze info, are rare. And that's just the way it is. You can be inviting and encourage people in other groups. If you don't get any bites, then move on and try another group.

[Courtney]

You could always invite people here, Virginia. Not a shameless plug but it's a place to chat that makes it easy and accessible to have discussions so long as it's indie or little known books.

[Stuart]

I find being part of several (very active) groups is the best way to mingle. I started my own group the other day and I now linger in there to discuss some horror/thriller related things, but sometimes I like to explore and chat in other forums. Wherever the topics take me really...

Even forums where the topic is random, something I wouldn't normally read or discuss, I find interesting. You meet some really chat-worthy people on here (present company included) so I think it takes a little exploring before you find the regulars.

Once you get that, you're sorted.