Member Survey - Please Read

[Jess]

Kelley Anne and I have been discussing the group and things that could be improved upon or left alone. We created a survey to see how members feel about different features within the group. We have also provided space for members to comment or ask questions about topics not touched upon by the survey. Members might have an idea that they would like to see implemented in the group that Kelley Anne or myself have not even thought about.

This is all to improve the group and keep it running at its best. We welcome people's opinions, but please keep in mind that the final decision to change or implement anything will come down to the moderators.

We would appreciate it if people would take a short time to fill out this survey that we have created. Just copy and paste the questions into a new thread and then answer the questions, if you would prefer to PM your answers to either Kelley Anne or myself, feel free to do so.

If you will be sending your answers to either myself or Kelley Anne, please just put a little note in the message box that these are answers to the Member Survey. Thanks :)

MEMBER SURVEY

Question 1:
How do you feel the Book of the Month and Mini Read features are running right now? Do you like it or would you suggest something to improve upon it?

Question 2:
Would the BOM work better if it were challenge based? Instead of having one book everyone reads at the same time, doing a theme every month and people choosing their own books to read, then discussing that in the thread.

Or would it be better to have a challenge separate from the other features?

Question 2A:
Another BOM related question. Would it be better if in the BOM threads there were discussion questions. If someone is having trouble thinking of what to say, they could follow questions that have been previously posted?

Question 3:
In terms of the Author of the Month feature, do you like how it is currently set up? Or is there something you would like to see done differently?

Question 4:
Are there other features that you would like to see the group have? Or do you think there are there too many features right now?

Question 5:
Since this group is about the authors of the genre, should there be more author related discussion?

Question 6:
It has been noted that sometimes people vote on polls and then do not participate in the featured activity. Would it be beneficial to have a statement asking people to only vote if they feel they will be able to participate in the activity?

Question 7:
Anything you would like to suggest or to comment on that hasn't been mentioned already?

Kelley Anne and I would like to thank you for taking out the time to fill this survey out. It is very much appreciated

[Sarah]

May take me awhile to answer them all, but I'll try.

MEMBER SURVEY

Question 1:
How do you feel the Book of the Month and Mini Read features are running right now? Do you like it or would you suggest something to improve upon it? I think I prefer having only one group read in a group. I am an active member in lots of different groups. The BOM + alternate read seems to be a popular format for groups, but I rarely find group members who read both selections. Maybe one read would help focus discussions?

Question 2:
Would the BOM work better if it were challenge based? Instead of having one book everyone reads at the same time, doing a theme every month and people choosing their own books to read, then discussing that in the thread. Or would it be better to have a challenge separate from the other features?
I hadn't thought of that before, but it could be fun. Lots of different choices leading to lots of different reading ideas and reviews. Plus it would give everyone a chance to work on TBR piles. Only drawback I see would be if no one else had read a selection you had.

Question 2A:
Another BOM related question. Would it be better if in the BOM threads there were discussion questions. If someone is having trouble thinking of what to say, they could follow questions that have been previously posted? It could work as a kind of ice breaker. Sometimes it's hard to put what you feel about a book into words, so questions could help focus that.

Question 3:
In terms of the Author of the Month feature, do you like how it is currently set up? Or is there something you would like to see done differently? I think this feature would be better served with discussion questions, more so than the reads features. Sometimes the conversations here stagnate after the initial "I likes" and "I don't likes".

Question 4:
Are there other features that you would like to see the group have? Or do you think there are there too many features right now? I'll have to think about it.

Question 5:
Since this group is about the authors of the genre, should there be more author related discussion? Definitely. Leads back to the thought on introducing discussion questions.

Question 6:
It has been noted that sometimes people vote on polls and then do not participate in the featured activity. Would it be beneficial to have a statement asking people to only vote if they feel they will be able to participate in the activity? Polling is tricky. Sometimes I see a book or two I'm really interested in reading with the group, but not so much any of the others. I may vote for that one, but if another one wins, I may skip it.

Question 7:
Anything you would like to suggest or to comment on that hasn't been mentioned already? I'll have to think more about it.

[Jess]

Thanks for answering Sarah, it's really appreciated :)

[Shannon]

MEMBER SURVEY

Question 1:
How do you feel the Book of the Month and Mini Read features are running right now? Do you like it or would you suggest something to improve upon it?

I haven't really taken advantage of the BOM and MR features in this group, so I can't really give an opinion either way.

Question 2:
Would the BOM work better if it were challenge based? Instead of having one book everyone reads at the same time, doing a theme every month and people choosing their own books to read, then discussing that in the thread.

I like challenge themes myself, so I would vote yes on this.


Or would it be better to have a challenge separate from the other features?

This would also work if a lot of people enjoy BOM.


Question 2A:
Another BOM related question. Would it be better if in the BOM threads there were discussion questions. If someone is having trouble thinking of what to say, they could follow questions that have been previously posted?

This sounds like a good idea to me as well.

Question 3:
In terms of the Author of the Month feature, do you like how it is currently set up? Or is there something you would like to see done differently?

I do like how the AOM is set up, and wouldn't change anything.

Question 4:
Are there other features that you would like to see the group have? Or do you think there are there too many features right now?

I think there are enough features as is, but I'm open to new things.

Question 5:
Since this group is about the authors of the genre, should there be more author related discussion?

Yes, I think there should be.

Question 6:
It has been noted that sometimes people vote on polls and then do not participate in the featured activity. Would it be beneficial to have a statement asking people to only vote if they feel they will be able to participate in the activity?

Yes, there should be a statement if you want participants and not just opinions on polls.

Question 7:
Anything you would like to suggest or to comment on that hasn't been mentioned already?

I can't think of anything at the moment, but will think about it and get back to you guys.

[Starling]

MEMBER SURVEY

Question 1:
How do you feel the Book of the Month and Mini Read features are running right now? Do you like it or would you suggest something to improve upon it?

I'm fine with how they are presently running.

Question 2:
Would the BOM work better if it were challenge based? Instead of having one book everyone reads at the same time, doing a theme every month and people choosing their own books to read, then discussing that in the thread.

Or would it be better to have a challenge separate from the other features?

I think the challenge would be an interesting extra.

Question 2A:
Another BOM related question. Would it be better if in the BOM threads there were discussion questions. If someone is having trouble thinking of what to say, they could follow questions that have been previously posted?

I like the question idea. I also would prefer if all the BOM threads specifically allowed spoilers. I've found that if the conversation can't start until everyone is finished reading the book, that no discussion takes place at all.

Question 3:
In terms of the Author of the Month feature, do you like how it is currently set up? Or is there something you would like to see done differently?

I've got no preferences here.

Question 4:
Are there other features that you would like to see the group have? Or do you think there are there too many features right now?

No preverence/

Question 5:
Since this group is about the authors of the genre, should there be more author related discussion?

I'd like that.

Question 6:
It has been noted that sometimes people vote on polls and then do not participate in the featured activity. Would it be beneficial to have a statement asking people to only vote if they feel they will be able to participate in the activity?

I frequently vote, but some of the time I don't participate. If the book the group chooses is not one I'm interested in I won't participate. But I'd prefer to be allowed to vote so that there is a chance that the book that is chosen might be one I'd like to read.

Question 7:
Anything you would like to suggest or to comment on that hasn't been mentioned already?

No suggestions at this time.

[Jess]

Thanks for your opinions Starling and Shannon :)

[[deleted user]]

Question 1:
How do you feel the Book of the Month and Mini Read features are running right now? Do you like it or would you suggest something to improve upon it?
I think they are fine the way the are.


Question 2:
Would the BOM work better if it were challenge based? Instead of having one book everyone reads at the same time, doing a theme every month and people choosing their own books to read, then discussing that in the thread.
Or would it be better to have a challenge separate from the other features?

I think it would be cool to have a challenge in addition to the BOM. I like the way challenges are done in the Romance Readers Challenge Group and Paranormal Romance Group, where there are like 10 categories each month. Since this is an author based group, there could be author-based categories.


Question 2A:
Another BOM related question. Would it be better if in the BOM threads there were discussion questions. If someone is having trouble thinking of what to say, they could follow questions that have been previously posted?

Question 3:
In terms of the Author of the Month feature, do you like how it is currently set up? Or is there something you would like to see done differently?
Fine the way it is.

Question 4:
Are there other features that you would like to see the group have? Or do you think there are there too many features right now?
Definitely a monthly challenge.

Question 5:
Since this group is about the authors of the genre, should there be more author related discussion?
I think it's fine.

Question 6:
It has been noted that sometimes people vote on polls and then do not participate in the featured activity. Would it be beneficial to have a statement asking people to only vote if they feel they will be able to participate in the activity?
I always vote, but generally if the book I want to read doesn't win, I don't participate. I'm not sure if there's a way to get around that.

Question 7:
Anything you would like to suggest or to comment on that hasn't been mentioned already?
Nope. I think you guys do a great job!

[Ellen]

MEMBER SURVEY

Question 1:
How do you feel the Book of the Month and Mini Read features are running right now? Do you like it or would you suggest something to improve upon it?

I have only been able to participant when I have gotten to the book, and from that I like how everything is.

Question 2:
Would the BOM work better if it were challenge based? Instead of having one book everyone reads at the same time, doing a theme every month and people choosing their own books to read, then discussing that in the thread.

Or would it be better to have a challenge separate from the other features?

I like both ideas (which I understand isn't very helpful) but I think that instead of having the MINIR we could replace that with the challenge maybe? (I'm not very creative when I usually want to be, so maybe something will come later when I am not thinking about it, Lol)

Question 2A:
Another BOM related question. Would it be better if in the BOM threads there were discussion questions. If someone is having trouble thinking of what to say, they could follow questions that have been previously posted?
I like it.

Question 3:
In terms of the Author of the Month feature, do you like how it is currently set up? Or is there something you would like to see done differently?
I like how AOM is currently running.

Question 4:
Are there other features that you would like to see the group have? Or do you think there are there too many features right now?
Hmm.. I think at the moment there are enough features. But I wouldn't mind having the second question as a feature.

Question 5:
Since this group is about the authors of the genre, should there be more author related discussion?
I'm fine with it at the moment.

Question 6:
It has been noted that sometimes people vote on polls and then do not participate in the featured activity. Would it be beneficial to have a statement asking people to only vote if they feel they will be able to participate in the activity?
I know I vote but sometimes I can't always get to the book! So I think maybe they should say wether or not they will be able to or not?? I don't really think there is much you can do about this problem.

Question 7:
Anything you would like to suggest or to comment on that hasn't been mentioned already?
Nah, I like the group as it is!

[Jess]

Thank you Jan and Ellen :)

[Kasia]

Question 1:
I'm always confused as to MRs, especially with the polls for them: "should we continue with series X, and drop Y, continue with Y and drop X, drop both, continue with both, read half X and second half of Y...". I think I'd rather have 2 BOMs than a BOM and an MR.

Question 2:
I like BOM as it is, mixing BOM with a challenge in practice would mean ditching the BOM and having a challege instead. And I like the BOMs.

Question 2A:
I think questions couldn't hurt.

Question 3:
Author of the Month? I have no problems with it.

Question 4:
Are there other features? Nothing I can think of right now.

Question 6:
Would it be beneficial to have a statement asking people to only vote if they feel they will be able to participate in the activity?

Not sure on that one, you'll always get more votes that participants. Agh, donno. Sorry Kelly, Jess, I wish I knew a solution to this problem :\

[Amber]

Question 1:
I like the monthly book and the voting. However, I would prefer to see the monthly book not be in a series or to be the beginning of one and then continued as the mini read.

The mini-read is frustrating and sometimes confusing on the voting of continuing or starting another series when the series is not done.
Mini read can be a continuation of the BOM (if it is a book in a series) or a series from the featured author. Plus another series not related to the Author of month or BOM. Maybe a short series and a long series.

Question 2:
I like the current BOM format. I am not for a challenge or theme. I think it is fine the way it is.

Question 2a:
I would be for the questions but also would like a folder to just rant. Sometimes a question may lead to another discussion but you would not want it to bog down the question section either. Or post the questions and then in another thread let them be answered and the discussion go the way it will go.

Question 3:
I like the set-up. Refer to question about mini-reads in having a mini-read be a series from the current author.

Question 4:
I like the current features. No need for cluttering.

Question 5:
I like the current set-up. I think Author of the month plus the urban fantasy and paranormal threads cover this.

Question 6:
I say give it a shot and see how it goes. I know sometimes I have voted on a poll and then had things that kept me from reading the book and posting. I also tend to get behind or too far ahead. I've either already read it or haven't gotten to the book yet with a million in between. Sometimes having a mini read, BOM, and AOM are too much but I wouldn't change them as they give options.

Question 7:
Just wanted to say, I think you guys are doing an awesome job with the group. Thanks for giving us a chance to help decide the course of the group. One of the reasons I like this group is I don't feel the pressure of challenges. I can read and discuss to my hearts content and not feel a bit of pressure. Thanks again.

[Jess]

Thanks Kasia and Amber!!

Both myself and Kelley Anne have been looking over the responses and are trying to figure out our next course of action

[♥Tricia♥]

MEMBER SURVEY

Question 1:
How do you feel the Book of the Month and Mini Read features are running right now? Do you like it or would you suggest something to improve upon it?
I read slower now a days and only have time to participate in my group, but from the looks of it you guys do a great job putting these monthly reads together. I have no complaints as far as how they are done.

Question 2:
Would the BOM work better if it were challenge based? Instead of having one book everyone reads at the same time, doing a theme every month and people choosing their own books to read, then discussing that in the thread.


Or would it be better to have a challenge separate from the other features?
Probably, this can be very iffy depending on what challenges you add. In my group I have 2 challenges per month for those who read alot faster then others and need something more to fill their time hehe.

Question 2A:
Another BOM related question. Would it be better if in the BOM threads there were discussion questions. If someone is having trouble thinking of what to say, they could follow questions that have been previously posted?
This is a good idea, though the questions would need to be generic otherwise one of the mods would have to preread the book each month. And from experience as a mod I dont read every monthly read my group has.. luck of the vote and all.

Question 3:
In terms of the Author of the Month feature, do you like how it is currently set up? Or is there something you would like to see done differently?
I thought this was a very unique feature but I havent found myself interested in it as much as I thought I would. Am not sure if its because I am busy or what.

Question 4:
Are there other features that you would like to see the group have? Or do you think there are there too many features right now?
I can't think of any off the top of my head, the group has a lot going on though so I dont think anything additional is needed.

Question 5:
Since this group is about the authors of the genre, should there be more author related discussion?
Perhaps, though the author of the month fits the groups theme quite nicely. Maybe you can have author challenges each month. It doesnt have to be limited to your author of the month either, I am sure there are some challenges that can be thought up to better suit the groups name.

Question 6:
It has been noted that sometimes people vote on polls and then do not participate in the featured activity. Would it be beneficial to have a statement asking people to only vote if they feel they will be able to participate in the activity?
It wouldn't hurt. Though I find it rude that people vote at all if they know they wont participate. Stop it people! lol :P
If you were to explain how that effects the users who DO wish to read the books and participate maybe it would help them realize what they are doing and possibly prevent them from doing it again.

Question 7:
Anything you would like to suggest or to comment on that hasn't been mentioned already?
Back to question 5 - Author challenges each month would fit the group nicely. I will try and think of some and PM one of the mods.

[Jess]

Thanks Tricia!

[♥Tricia♥]

Np :) You guys rock btw, I dont think the mods get enough credit for such a wonderful group.

[Sandra, Need more time to Read!!]

Sorry not to comment on all your great questions, but I haven't yet read any BOM (only been a member a couple of months and haven't yet had the right book at the right time). However, Q6 - I do vote every time and on every poll that gets posted. I haven't yet had any of my books win the BOM, but that doesn't mean I'm not interested.

Apart from that I think you both do an excellent job and should be very proud of such a well run, interesting group.

[Jess]

Thanks Sandra :)

[Kelley Anne]

Thanks to everyone that's responded to the survey. Jess and I really appreciate the feedback! Sorry that I haven't responded before now or even been active on the other discussions. My work schedule for a couple of weeks is way too frantic for me to be online much. So thanks Jess for keeping everying running!

[Kelley Anne]

FOLLOW-UP QUESTION

People seem to like the idea of having questions about the monthly reads. If we decided to do that, how would you want them formatted? One thread with all of the questions? Or seperate questions in seperate threads? And would you want them all posted at the start of the month and they can go throughout the whole time, or posted staggered throughout the month?

[Starling]

All at once with a SPOILER thread so people can work through them as they are reading the book. And it should be OK for the early readers to actually comment on context as they are reading. Spoilers should be taken for granted in the SPOILER thread.

[Kasia]

Yeah, put up questions in the 1st post in the spoiler thread, that should do it.

[Sarah]

Starling wrote: "All at once with a SPOILER thread so people can work through them as they are reading the book. And it should be OK for the early readers to actually comment on context as they are reading. Spoiler..."

I like this idea.

[Maryann]

I think choosing BOM with similar themes would be interesting, I recently read A Handmaidens Tale and Hunger Games and The Uglies all with government control as theme