New to Play Book Tag?

[annapi]

Welcome, Gerry and Sharon! This is a pretty easy group, so like Anita says, no worries, just have fun!

[Cheryl]

Thank you, LibraryCin, that's perfect for me.
And Anita, thank you for the kind supporting words.
I am enjoying this group.

[Robin]

LibraryCin wrote: "Sharon wrote: "Hi, I'm Sharon and I've just joined the group. Just wanna ask, am I expected to add a book to the group shelf everytime I post a review for the monthly tag? Or I just do them separat..."

I think I know how to add a shelf, but not how to decide when and what shelf to add it to, as I thought I read either with this group or my other group that it was said to watch adding to a shelf as the book may already on it.

[LibraryCin]

Robin wrote: "I think I know how to add a shelf, but not how to decide when and what shelf to add it to, as I thought I read either with this group or my other group that it was said to watch adding to a shelf as the book may already on it. ..."

Hi, Robin.

So, here's the step-by-step:

1. From the PBT home page, click on "bookshelf" on the right side of the page.

2. In the search box on the left (just under where it says "Play Book Tag"), type in the title of the book you want to add.

3. If the book is already on the shelf, it will be greyed out, BUT you can still click the Edit button. If the book is not on our shelf, click the "Add to Group" button. It will open a pop-up window.

4. There is a link in the pop-up to "choose shelves". Click that.

5. The tags/shelves are listed in two columns, in alphabetical order. Select Asia. (It is ok if there are other tags/shelves selected, as well. So, to answer your second question, it doesn't matter that another tag is selected for the book; go ahead and add Asia (or for future, whatever tag (or challenge: "PBT Decathlon" or :Listopia") you've read the book for))

6. Close the tag window (click "close").

7. Click the "save group book" button at the bottom of the pop-up window.

And voila! Your book is saved under that tag!

So... to add to #3, there are times when the book might be there, but it's not greyed out. Usually that means a different edition has been added. I often miss that myself (I hate keyword searching! I'm a real-life librarian - a cataloguer, actually, and a title browse (alphabetical browse list) is so much nicer when you know exactly what you're looking for!).

Sorry for that little sidetrack....

If it's not greyed out, you probably won't even realize there is another edition there, so if it's not greyed out, go ahead and add it.

Now, we really just want you to add something you've read for the current month's tag in the current month. That would be what you would add to the bookshelf. So, this month, anyone who has read a book for "strong women" could add that book to the group bookshelf, with the "strong women" shelf attached, as per the instructions above. Next month, if you read something for "family drama" during May, those are what we'd like to see added to the shelf.

I will also mention that our year-long games have tags/shelves on our bookshelf, as well. So, if you read something for the Decathlon or Listopia during this calendar year, feel free to also go ahead and add it. The tags/shelves on our group bookshelf are called "PBT Decathlon" and "Listopia", resepectively.

I hope that all makes sense!

[Sharon]

Thanks for the reply guys. ^^ Just one more question. Do I just post the review for monthly tag and join the challenges anytime I want, or do I have to report to the group first?

[Anita]

Sharon wrote: "Thanks for the reply guys. ^^ Just one more question. Do I just post the review for monthly tag and join the challenges anytime I want, or do I have to report to the group first?"

Hi Sharon,

I'm not totally sure I understand your question, but you can simply post the review for the monthly tag in the folder marked for that purpose whenever you wish! There's no need to let us know what you are going to read in advance.

[Sharon]

Ok, I got it. Thanks for your help, Anita. ^^

[Gerry]

Anita wrote: "Gerry wrote: "Hello group! I just joined Play Book Tag last week and am finally introducing myself. I'm a husband, father and writer (the order changes depending on circumstances and the time of da..."

Thanks Anita. I'm looking forward to taking part in the group. I used to work as a TV news writer, but now I'm in government communications (in Canada).

[Robin]

Hi there everyone, my name is Robin and I am excited to get started. how does this work exactly?

[JoLene]

Welcome Robin, it’s pretty simple — you just read books and write reviews (a few sentences). We have one tag or theme per month. For May, the theme is family drama. We chose the themes from the top shelves on GoodReads, so you can look at the family drama shelf for ideas. The link is in the “Announcing the May Tag” thread.

The frequently asked questions folder will explain in more detail. I’m on my iPad so it’s harder for me to place the links.

[Robin]

Thanks
JoLene wrote: "Welcome Robin, it’s pretty simple — you just read books and write reviews (a few sentences). We have one tag or theme per month. For May, the theme is family drama. We chose the themes from the top..."

[LibraryCin]

Gerry wrote: "Thanks Anita. I'm looking forward to taking part in the group. I used to work as a TV news writer, but now I'm in government communications (in Canada). ..."

So, are you in Ottawa, Gerry? I'm Canadian, as well, but in Western Canada, Calgary.

[Gerry]

LibraryCin wrote: "Gerry wrote: "Thanks Anita. I'm looking forward to taking part in the group. I used to work as a TV news writer, but now I'm in government communications (in Canada). ..."

So, are you in Ottawa, G..."

Yes, I'm in Ottawa. Please don't hold it against me. ;)

[Anita]

Gerry wrote: "Anita wrote: "Gerry wrote: "Hello group! I just joined Play Book Tag last week and am finally introducing myself. I'm a husband, father and writer (the order changes depending on circumstances and ..."

So interesting, Gerry! Glad you found us . . .

[Anita]

Muzhen-ReadTime wrote: "Anita wrote: "Welcome to Play Book Tag!

We are delighted you've decided to stop by and check us out.

Each month, we select a "tag" or theme, and we all read different books that fit the theme. We..."

Welcome Muzhen! You joined at a good time. We are just starting to read books with the theme of "family drama". So please pick a book you'd enjoy with that theme and jump right in!

[Anita]

Robin wrote: "Hi there everyone, my name is Robin and I am excited to get started. how does this work exactly?"

Hi Robin! Just wanted to welcome you. The easiest way to begin is to pick a book that fits the theme for May which is "family drama".

If you need some ideas, you can find a bunch (and share your own) at the link below:

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

[Ellen]

Welcome Robin and Muzhen. So glad that you have joined the group!

[annapi]

Welcome, Robin and Muzhen! Anita has pretty much explained most of what you need to know, so have fun!

[LibraryCin]

Gerry wrote: "Yes, I'm in Ottawa. Please don't hold it against me. ;)..."

LOL! No worries! (And I could probably say the same thing, being in Alberta... :-) )

[KateNZ]

Warmest welcome to all our new folks - fabulous to have you all here!

[Anita]

Jane wrote: "Hello! Howdy people! I'm new to your group and quite excited to join your theme for this month.
I've read the general stuff I need to know and pardon if this may sound a repetition, if ever I was ..."

Welcome, Jane!!!

So glad you found us.

In answer to your questions, you may absolutely read and review the same book that another member has already reviewed.

Please do start your own message thread for each review regardless of whether another member has read the identical book. We award points for participation, and it is important each review be started in a new thread in order for us to maintain accurate point counts.

I hope this info helps, and so look forward to seeing what you read for this month!

[Ellen]

Welcome, Jane! I love your enthusiasm.

[annapi]

Welcome, Jane! Glad you are having fun with us!

[Book Concierge]

So glad to have all these new members joining us in Play Book Tag!

[Amy N.]

Welcome Jane!

And Cheryl, I like the sound of that. It would have to be just the right one, though. Using the tag "library," for instance, would pretty much open up every book on this site haha.

[Diana]

Hi there! I'm new in this "group" thing. I am not new on Goodreads, but I just discovered that there exists groups. Can you explain me, please, how this thing works? Thank you!

[Amy]

The moderators who are warm and lovely will do the details. But for me I will just say welcome and jump right in. This is a really lovely group, with a lot of active and dynamic and really interesting people. We’d love to have you join. I’m sure the details will come later.

[Anita]

Diana wrote: "Hi there! I'm new in this "group" thing. I am not new on Goodreads, but I just discovered that there exists groups. Can you explain me, please, how this thing works? Thank you!"

Hi Diana! Welcome to Play Book Tag. On it's simplest level, we are a book group that works a little differently. Instead of everyone all reading the same book. We all read a book of our own choosing that fits a specific theme of the month.

For January, the theme is action-adventure. We are just finishing a month devoted to "geek reads". Every month, we vote on the theme from three choices (two selected at random and one nominated by a member).

If you participate in certain specific ways, you may earn participation points. These points may be used to enhance your vote for the theme. So if you have say 5 points, you can make your vote worth 5 instead of 1 if you wish.

That's the main gist!

Each year, we also hold two year long challenges. And throughout the year we have other smaller activities from time to time.

Welcome and please don't hesitate to reach out with any additional questions!

[AsimovsZeroth]

Diana wrote: "Hi there! I'm new in this "group" thing. I am not new on Goodreads, but I just discovered that there exists groups. Can you explain me, please, how this thing works? Thank you!"

Hey there Diana! Look forward to getting to know you. :) I highly recommend reading The FAQ forum that our lovely leaders have put together. I found it to be of great help when I first joined.

It has everything. How to use the shelves, the theme months that Anita explained, the how the points system and challenges work, how the extra challenges work and even how to navigate the forums. When it doubt, this is a friendly group, so don't be afraid to ask questions!

[KateNZ]

Welcome, Diana!

[Ellen]

Welcome to the group, Diana. Have fun!

[Joanne]

Welcome Diana! Looking to forward to seeing you around!

[Theresa]

Diana wrote: "Hi there! I'm new in this "group" thing. I am not new on Goodreads, but I just discovered that there exists groups. Can you explain me, please, how this thing works? Thank you!"

Welcome! I only discovered this group in August and still am learning! I started slowly by reading a book for the August theme (espionage) and posting a review. Wasn't long before I was snagged into one of Amy's Buddy Reads. Then NicoleR popped up with Fall Flurries that has allowed me to let loose and fully indulge my love of Christmas reads. Now I am tackling the year long challenges starting with 2019.

It has been like the opening of a rose - one petal at a time.

The reviews, conversations, and discussions have been lively and interesting. It is a terrific group!

All that to say you can ease in as I did or take the deep plunge and immerse yourself fully. One good timing aspect for you is that all of us are learning the parameters of the 2019 themes. Thus we are all new to those!

[Joanne]

It has been like the opening of a rose - one petal at a time.


I love this Theresa! I just joined this (Feb. I think)-and that is a great description of the experience!

[Theresa]

😊

So much nicer..and closer to reality...than peeling an onion!

[annapi]

Welcome, Diana! I think everyone has given you all the info you need, so just jump in and have fun!

[Ash]

Hi everyone! I am new to the group, and just want to say hello! I love the idea of this group, discussing books based on a tag- that is so fun. I am excited to join in for March and can't wait to discuss with you all.
~Ashley

[Anita]

Ashley wrote: "Hi everyone! I am new to the group, and just want to say hello! I love the idea of this group, discussing books based on a tag- that is so fun. I am excited to join in for March and can't wait to d..."

Welcome, Ashley!!! So glad you found us and can join us. Please don't hesitate to reach out to the administrators (or any of our very helpful members) with any questions you may have. I look forward to seeing what you pick up for March's theme of "debut".

[Joanne]

Welcome Ashley, lovely crowd here, sure you will enjoy!

[Ellen]

Welcome, Ashley! We are a great group and we have a lot of fun. Enjoy!!

[Amy]

Welcome Ashley-

[NancyJ]

Welcome! This is a fun group. I hope you love it as much as I do.

[annapi]

Welcome, Ashley! Looking forward to your reviews!

[Karin]

Hello, Ashley--welcome!

[Ash]

Thank you so much for the warm welcome! I am glad to be here and can't wait to start interacting with other book lovers.

[Meli]

Welcome Ashley!

I joined last year and there is so much more to get into than the tags (buddy reads, challenges, etc.)
But it took me a while to get settled in.

Can't wait to see what you're reading. :)

[Theresa]

Welcome! I only joined last August and eased my way in. Great group for sure!

[Jemima]

Hi guys. I’m new to this group. Looking forward to meeting you all.

[Ellen]

Welcome, Jemima! You will find this a friendly and fun group. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

[Joanne]

Welcome Jemima! Everyone here is super-can't wait to talk books with you!