New Moderator and Discussion of Group Guidelines

[Paul]

Sorry . I was just replying .

[Paul]

And now can we move on as a group.

[Allan]

Really sorry to see you go, Fiona. Your posts, particularly in the monthly and quarterly read threads, have always been so insightful. You will be missed.

Hopefully we will see you both back soon, and in the meantime, I look forward to when you both make it to Belfast, hopefully in the not too distant future! :)

[Seraphina]

Ya losing some really great people

[John]

Yikes on bikes!!!

I feel terrible. I genuinely thought no one would bat an eyelid at my departure - apart from the fact that I left in such a huff. I usually manage to refrain from acting like a 12-year-old, and felt very sheepish very quickly. (But thanks for the well wishes!). I revisited the thread after one of the mods got in touch to ask about my reasons for leaving etc and mentioned other people were leaving etc. So I felt obliged to rejoin briefly to apologise for my little outburst and maybe share my thoughts in a more civilized manner.

So cards on the table:
I'm really not anti-american. No really - but (Jeez how do I say that without sounding like "I'm not a racist but..."). It's in the context see; I was initially looking for a group where Irish people discussed books. That simple. I mean... geographically-based online groups are 'a thing' it's not that unusual... geographically based groups tend to have distinct personalities that reflect their locale.

Goodreads Ireland is that. But it's also the flip of that... a global group where people can chat all day about all things Irish: Irish books, Irish Movies, places to visit and all that stuff. *Nothing wrong with any of that* just not what I'm after.

But screw me. You guys have a great group of people here, with some awesome book knowledege, srsly dudes!

Christ - now I just sound patronizing. Can you still see my shovel or has this hole I'm digging completely swallowed me up yet? I really should have just left quietly as I had planned.

Aside from all that guff, I had plenty of other non-group-related reasons to leave.... I have a serious problem with online procrastination lately. And I'm trying cut back on a few things. One day at a time Sweet Jesus.

I don't want to dissect my last few interactions. But Fiona I am real sorry to have upset you so much that it's now escalated in your desire to leave. I upset enough Fionas in my life as it is (my wife!)

Sorry *sheepish regretful face*

[Allan]

Respect, John, for your post. I'm another regular who will miss your thoughts on the monthly reads in particular, and it's a shame to lose a member who has, in many respects, a similar reading taste to mine. Hope to see you back in future-happy reading in the meantime!

Thanks for the Audible US heads up last year btw-my bank account has suffered terribly as a result of the $$ I've been spending on their vast catalogue, but my audiobook consumption has gone through the roof! :)

[Susan]

I am sorry to hear about John leaving. He always had a perspective I liked and enjoyed. I thought the original comment was quite funny. I also wish Kate will stick it out.

The group's dynamic haws changed in the last year. It seems to have taken a turn that I was not expecting and I got frustrated too but stuck it out. Every group changes as the membership evolves. We have gotten some new members that have been a great addition but somehow we have gotten a little nasty to each other. I hope things settle down and we get back to books.

[Allan]

Well said, Susan! I'm glad that you've stuck things out, and I hope for the same eventual outcome as you do, which I think will come...

[Seraphina]

I think everyone just needs to stop chewing other people up for having an opinion they don't agree with. If you don't agree with it, it's not necessary to leave 10 comments explaining why the other person is wrong. Just bite your Tongue as my mother says :)

[Trelawn]

Hopefully Emma, I just noticed Jamie Lynn is missing from my friends list too.

[Tara]

Cphe, not sure if you mean that if you voted you must read the winner, regardless of whether you voted for that book? I've voted quite a few times and of course, I've read the book if I voted for it but some of the winners are just not my cup of tea and so not keen to "waste my time". I'd probably not vote if it meant I had to read the winner.

[Paul]

Sounds fair enough Emma but hard to gauge. To be fair to the group our reads are generally well participated and an unwanted book hasn't been an issue.

[Paul]

I have added instructions on how to back up your bookshelves to the tech help thread. Any feedback will be much appreciated as I'm a tech head so I want to be sure its clear enough to all.

[Paul]

@Emma. I agree. My other Goodreads book group do two monthly reads , One scifi one fantasy. There are five mods and they rotate taking charge of the vote.
Only the first eight nominations for each category are allowed and you can only nominate for one category in a month.
On voting it is expected if you vote for a book you will take part if it wins. Anyone can start the spoiler thread when they are ready ( I do find this can be a bit slow as a lot of members are unwilling to take the lead).
In don't find the method any better or worse than here to be honest just the likely hood of the books being to my tastes is higher.
I don't think we could limit nominations here either as it would play unfairly to timezones and the likes

[Susan]

Oh Fiona, I wish you wouldn't leave us. It took so long to coax you into revealing your name. (LMM).

I can't stand it. First Declan and now John and Fiona. I am losing my family. :{

[I-like-to-read]

@ Susan, and everyone else who has commented on my previous post, I will stay in the group but will take a back seat for a while to see how the group progresses.

Good luck to the new mods, you have very big boots to fill.

Kate :-)

[Paul]

Thanks for sticking around Kate :-)

[Paul]

Absolutely agree. We want as many members involved in the selection process. The other group is all European so there are definite busy times and quiet times unlike here.

[Susan]

Kate, you made my day. :)

[Isabella]

Susan wrote: "Oh Fiona, I wish you wouldn't leave us. It took so long to coax you into revealing your name. (LMM).

I can't stand it. First Declan and now John and Fiona. I am losing my family. :{"

I'm more a follower than a contributor, but I feel the same, Susan.