2021 Read-a-Thon #1: Introduction

[Emily, Conterminous Mod]

It's time for our first Read-a-Thon of 2021, and what a perfect time to have it! It's right around now that those New Years Resolutions start dying off, and we can all use a bit of rejuvenation during these dreary winter months (for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, anyway!)

How does this work?
If you’re new to read-a-thons, don't worry! They're very simple. You make a commitment to read as much as you can for a set period of time and then you do it. There will be games, challenges, and discussion associated with the event but, for the most part, it's about reading and camaraderie. This read-a-thon there will be both an individual and team challenge so get ready!

How much do I have to read?
There isn’t a set amount you are required to read to participate. Many people choose to set personal goals for themselves but the idea is just to read as much as you can for the week and see what you end up with at the end. It’s all in good fun!

When is this happening?
For our read-a-thon, we'll be committing to read as much as we can from Saturday, February 13 to Sunday, February 21.

As we have members in lots of different time zones, starting at the same time is a bit confusing, so for the read-a-thon you can read all day (in your own time zone) on the first and last days.

START:
Saturday, February 13. Starting whenever you get up.

END:
Sunday, February 21. Finishing whenever you go to bed.

How do I participate?
All you have to do to join up is to read! But read-a-thons are always much more fun if you participate in the games, join the discussion, and track your progress so we strongly encourage everyone to take part in that.

Where do I participate?
Keep an eye on this folder during the read-a-thon for updates, progress reports, and more! They'll start being posted closer to (and after) the event starts.

You can sign up now to join the team challenge.

As usual, we'll be posting new games every 24 hours throughout the event in this folder but you'll have the entire read-a-thon to join in if you missed anything. The discussions and games keep the event active and lively so, again, we strongly encourage participation. Come play along and have some fun!

[Kim]

Was there ever a wrap up from the last readathon?

[Emily, Conterminous Mod]

Kim wrote: "Was there ever a wrap up from the last readathon?"

Yes, you can find it in the archives!

[Kim]

Emily wrote: "Kim wrote: "Was there ever a wrap up from the last readathon?"

Yes, you can find it in the archives!"

Thanks, found the wrap up, but wasn't there also a team competition? I don't remember seeing those results, and our team was never sure how to apply our wildcards.

[Emily, Conterminous Mod]

We don't typically do a competition between the teams... it's more about your team doing the best they can do against themselves.

[Joyce]

People keep talking about reading a lot of short books during Readathon. Is that a goal? Should I be saving my shorter or less dense books for next week if I sign up?

[Emily, Conterminous Mod]

It’s totally up to you! Books completed will fill prompts, but pages read earn Wild Cards, so read whatever you feel like reading and you’ll be helping your team!

[Deborah]

Is this a team thing only or can you do it individually?

[Jackie, Solstitial Mod]

There is both a team and individual challenge, and you can also participate without doing either of the challenges. We have daily-ish check-ins, games, and discussions, and if you just want to track your reading for the week, keep an eye out for the Miles of Pages thread (coming soon). You can participate in as much or as little of the read-a-thon as you want.

[Ellie]

Thanks for posting the tasks early, I can now make sure I'm not reading a lengthy book that doesn't fit anything when the readathon starts!