Beyond 2014 - Group Features and Growth

[S.E., Gray Mouser (Emeritus)]

All, this group has grown consistently thanks to Periklis pooling a bunch of us together a few years ago. It seems appropriate to (1) survey the group's current needs/desires ... and... (2) see if there are volunteers who want to organize/run any new features. For instance,a 3rd or 4th moderator role may emerge, if it makes sense.

Depending on how this discussion evolves in this thread, we may follow up with a poll to prioritize next steps. For now, please share your thoughts on what you'd like out of this group (and ideas on how to make that happen).

[Charles]

Well, other folks may have different feelings and I'll be happy to listen, but I've liked the unobtrusive nature of the group as it is. We've had some good discussions and the moderating has been excellent. I think a lot of that owes to the fact that although some of us are writers, we're not primarily here to push our work but to talk about things we read. I've heard that some authors have gotten rough treatment on Goodreads. I can't even imagine.

[S.E., Gray Mouser (Emeritus)]

Charles wrote: "Well, other folks may have different feelings and I'll be happy to listen, but I've liked the unobtrusive nature of the group as it is. We've had some good discussions and the moderating has been e..."

Thanks Charles for chiming in. It is tough knowing whether or not the frequency of interactions is okay without asking. Perhaps we don't have to do anything different. That' be cool.

[Periklis, Fafhrd (Emeritus)]

It's been a pleasure creating the group but more so, to watch it grow as it does, mostly through Seth's commitment and members' participation. Due to my ever growing responsibilities, I haven't been able to participate as much as it's needed or would like, to the group. I'd agree with Seth towards any changes that would ensure the group's continuing growth and prosperity.

[Michael]

Hey, I love that feedback is being sought...but I think the group is doing well (from my perspective). So all I want to say is "Keep up the good work. Oh, and congratulations on the growth.

[Phil]

Yes, I'd go along with the 'if it ain't broke don't fix it' line. Not that things shouldn't evolve... It's been very useful to me in a number of ways as is - just wish I had more time (and an internet connection!) to be more active.

[Greg]

I'm only a partial participator due to time constraints but I think the board is doing well and the mods are doing a good job in running it. The conversations have been good, if sometimes intermittent, and there have been no flame wars yet! :P (From the nature of the members' posts so far, I doubt we'll ever see a flame war here.)

[S.E., Gray Mouser (Emeritus)]

All, thanks for the great feedback. We'll keep the status quo for sure, and we will keep the opportunities open for new features/ideas. If any of you ever want something different, just propose/ask.

BTW, re: Greg's comments... I don't know what a 'flame war' is, but it sounds bad enough to be self-evident. Unless it involves dragons. That may be good.

[Greg]

S.E. wrote: "BTW, re: Greg's comments... I don't know what a 'flame war' is, but it sounds bad enough to be self-evident. Unless it involves dragons. That may be good. "

LOL It could also involve mages blasting each other with fireball spells! :P

[A flame war is when 2 or more individuals engange in an extended exchange of insults in a thread, which becomes derailed in the process. Very tedious for everyone else to witness.]

[A.L.]

Seems fine as it is to me

[Daniel]

Have been following on the fringe for a while - like others who have limited time and dutiful responsibilities. I am a self published author and could see the benefits of getting feedback either on developing work or completed work. Not pushing the books but in getting valuable feedback from those that read the genre - that being sword and fantasy. Or is that too similar to requesting reviews?

[S.E., Gray Mouser (Emeritus)]

Daniel wrote: "Have been following on the fringe for a while - like others who have limited time and dutiful responsibilities. I am a self published author and could see the benefits of getting feedback either on..."

Hi Daniel. Requesting reviews is a key part of Goodreads. For completed/published works, we have a Promotion section which may work well...fell welcome to place a broad request to the group there.

For incomplete works, it seems that a writer's club of sorts is necessary. This group has not done that historically, but there are many authors here who might be interested. For that, I suggest starting a new thread/general topic...then see where the discussion leads.

[Daniel]

Thanks for the response. I only asked here because of the nature of the group- that being SF readers. I will seek out the Promotion section and pursuit it from there. Thanks again - Dan

[Ashe]

The group seems pretty solid to me. Due to genre specifics, it can be slow. That happened with the Weird West group and then I started posting so much I got made a mod. The difference there being I know more about WW than S&S. So I get to learn more here. That's nice.

Not really sure what could be added. If I think of something, I'll post it though.

[S.E., Gray Mouser (Emeritus)]

Ashe wrote: "The group seems pretty solid to me. Due to genre specifics, it can be slow. That happened with the Weird West group and then I started posting so much I got made a mod. The difference there bein..."

Glad to have you here Ashe.

[Ashe]

I've met a lot of cool folks on this site in the short time I've been on it. Glad I found y'all too. Greg gave me some great feedback towards my book and the Orcs conversation has been great. I'm planning on joining in on a group read in January if we have one too. I like this place.

[Bruce]

I say 'stay the course'. Things are just fine here.

[S.E., Gray Mouser (Emeritus)]

Another year transpires, and this group continues to move forward in its unobtrusive, leisurely way. Woo-hoo. We've a nice crowd here.

Expect the same pace and moderating style for 2016.

Of course, if there is someone who would like to share group-moderating by listening & engaging members (while keeping the civil tone, lack-of-flame wars, balanced promotional postings, etc.), that is possible. Please message Periklis and myself if so.

[Greg]

AlamoJack wrote: "Thanks, S.E. and Periklis, for keeping our group engaged and focused on S&S. I've been a member since Summer 2015 and have enjoyed the conversation and discovering new books to read. I also like th..."

Hear, hear!

[Ashe]

I may not post tons but I do enjoy lookin at what's going on.

[Periklis, Fafhrd (Emeritus)]

Wishing everyone a happy new year, I'd like to thank Seth for embracing and enriching this group and all members for keeping it alive.
I will try to be more involved this year but I'll definitely follow you in your reading ventures, regardless of my participation in the discussion threads.