Comfort Reads discussion
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What are you reading right now? (SEE NEW THREAD)
Gundula, I'm really early in the book and so far I'm not really engaged but I can see getting engaged. The writing is good, and I'm still meeting (so many) characters.Chrissie, I usually hate pictures in reviews, although I have many exceptions when I've thought they enhance the review, but I always use 100% words in reviews. If I want to post pictures to communicate I usually do that at facebook, a place that isn't dear to my heart in the way Goodreads is.
Chrissie wrote: "Lisa, all I can say is that I absolutely hate all the GIFS members have put in their "reviews" on the book page of The Casual Vacancy. These are not really reviews; they end up being like advertise..."At the first reading of your comment I wondered what you mend. I checked the book's page and it's a mess, and that's an understatement. This is hype and absolute nonsense. Couldn't moderators of GR doe anything about this. Some GIFs haven't anything to do with the book: most of them.
Gundula wrote: "Sylvia wrote: "I've found a wonderful book Bunte Steine: Ein Festgeschenk in a Dutch translation (not yet in GR; I have to include it). It's a book with short stories with a title of a stone: Grani..."Thank you, I'm checking the titles you mentioned, especially the slow reading one. Just curious.
Sylvia wrote: "Chrissie wrote: "Lisa, all I can say is that I absolutely hate all the GIFS members have put in their "reviews" on the book page of The Casual Vacancy. These are not really reviews; they end up bei..."Sylvia, I am glad you went and looked at the book page. Just unbelievable! If that is the future of GR I think we are going down the drain.I think people have to speak out about this. I think it should be made possible to block GIFs, then those who want them can use them while those who dislike them can remove them.
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I completed the audiobook North and South and the DTB First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers. here follow my respective reviews:
N&S - http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
FTKMF - http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
and now I have started the audiobook Empires of Sand. It is suppose to be a really good story and takes place in both France and Algeria. A book of historical fiction about a railroad being built in the desert, balloon rides and the Prussian attack in France during the 1870s. Also about the Tuareg people of the Saharan desert.
Lisa wrote: "Gundula, I'm really early in the book and so far I'm not really engaged but I can see getting engaged. The writing is good, and I'm still meeting (so many) characters.Chrissie, I usually hate pic..."
Have you looked at the book page? The pictures are annoyingly animated. They take huge space. These are not reviews.
Chrissie wrote: "Have you looked at the book page? The pictures are annoyingly animated. They take huge space. These are not reviews."Chrissie, I'm avoiding reading reviews until I've finished but I did squint and look at the book page. It looks horrible. I don't think Goodreads will do anything about it though. They're kind of hands off about that sort of thing. It doesn't hurt to ask in the Goodreads Feedback group though.
Chrissie wrote: "Lisa, all I can say is that I absolutely hate all the GIFS members have put in their "reviews" on the book page of The Casual Vacancy. These are not really reviews; they end up being like advertise..."I wish there a way for GR to block this, but I doubt staff ever would (I would actually not be surprised, if GR staff were to promote this, they are so "avant-garde" now, sigh).
Sylvia wrote: "Gundula wrote: "Sylvia wrote: "I've found a wonderful book Bunte Steine: Ein Festgeschenk in a Dutch translation (not yet in GR; I have to include it). It's a book with short stories with a title o..."A lot of people like Stifter's atmosphere, but you do have to be in the mood for him and if you want a fast paced novel (and if you despise philosophy), better to not bother.
Lisa wrote: "Chrissie wrote: "Have you looked at the book page? The pictures are annoyingly animated. They take huge space. These are not reviews."Chrissie, I'm avoiding reading reviews until I've finished bu..."
and Gundula,
Those are not reviews, but people exclaiming, through animated figures,about how happy they are in anticipation of the book! What is terribly alarming is all the "likes" awarded. I am worried..... I thought this was a site for readers, for people who delight in words. Well, I have voiced my opinion.
But if anyone knows how to block GIFs please,please, please tell me!
Chrissie wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Chrissie wrote: "Have you looked at the book page? The pictures are annoyingly animated. They take huge space. These are not reviews."Chrissie, I'm avoiding reading reviews until I'v..."
I just checked the book page and I think I now need an aspirin, sigh. By the way, thanks for starting that discussion (I just added my two cents worth).
Chrissie wrote: "Lisa, all I can say is that I absolutely hate all the GIFS members have put in their "reviews" on the book page of The Casual Vacancy. These are not really reviews; they end up being like advertise..."I'm awfully tempted to just block the worst offenders. I can't imagine how I'd ever be interested in the opinions of anyone who posts such irritating pap. (Yikes, I am getting crusty in my old age...)
Darkpool, that is what I did. You go to their profile and on the bottom left of the page you can block them. I am still saddened because GR was begun for those of us who love books. Books are words. Please don't destroy this for us. I think GR is making a huge mistake if our site becomes just like all other sites. Why can't we stand out and be a bit different?! We want a special place that acknowledges the importance of words.
What might be interesting in the next few days would be to watch the reactions of those clueless gif-users as they actually read the book. They're expecting the Jo Rowling they think they've known for years, and expecting Harry 2.0 - and from what I've seen of reviews, they're going to be getting an eyeful of sordid and grim sex and loathing and language and violence. The bright happy excited posts should start to go away pretty soon, I'd think.
Tracey wrote: "What might be interesting in the next few days would be to watch the reactions of those clueless gif-users as they actually read the book. They're expecting the Jo Rowling they think they've known ..."That's my impression as well. From reviews/articles on news websites, those who are expecting some type of Harry Potter for adults are going to get quite a rude awakening.
The New York Times review ended with an exchange between the reviewer and her son, who sounded pretty young; he wanted to read the book, and she said she didn't want him to, and he ignored her: "I'm going to read it". I hope she either puts the book on top of the fridge or prepares for intensive therapy for the next few years.
Tracey wrote: "What might be interesting in the next few days would be to watch the reactions of those clueless gif-users as they actually read the book. They're expecting the Jo Rowling they think they've known ..."That is what I have heard too. But I do think the use of GIFs here at GR should be discussed.
Chrissie wrote: "Tracey wrote: "What might be interesting in the next few days would be to watch the reactions of those clueless gif-users as they actually read the book. They're expecting the Jo Rowling they think..."I might try to start a thread in the feedback group this weekend (watch me get all kinds of snarky comments from kids who love their GIFS). Even if GR allows GIFS, there should be a way for those of us who cannot stand them to block them (especially in reviews).
Gundula wrote: "I might try to start a thread in the feedback group this weekend (watch me get all kinds of snarky comments from kids who love their GIFS)..."Don't forget your helmet and flak jacket.
There was a thread a little while ago, I think - ah: here it is, but it's not exactly what you're talking about, but more about the update feed.
Tracey wrote: "Gundula wrote: "I might try to start a thread in the feedback group this weekend (watch me get all kinds of snarky comments from kids who love their GIFS)..."Don't forget your helmet and flak jac..."
I might just start the thread an then see what happens.
Gundula, thank you! Please put a link here, for computer babies like me that have a hard time navigating and are not proficient in computer jargon. Gaeta, told me they were called GIFs.....Do we have to be like all other sites? Aren't we supposed to be a site focused on books and thus words?
My daughter, who loves GIFs on a site like tumblr, says:
"Of, course, you all hate GIFs. You're functioning adults."
I don't know how GR can block them. I think the best course, and someone already mentioned it, is to avoid any books with reviews full of GIFs. They probably aren't books you'll enjoy reading.
"Of, course, you all hate GIFs. You're functioning adults."
I don't know how GR can block them. I think the best course, and someone already mentioned it, is to avoid any books with reviews full of GIFs. They probably aren't books you'll enjoy reading.
The other thing to remember is that probably most of the GIF using squeeing fangirls are the generation that grew up reading Harry Potter so are therefore in their late teens and early twenties so very much of the FB generation, so it really is just a matter of the "generation gap" at work and not the end of civilization as we know it.Playing devils advocate here for minute as I'm not a fan of GIFs in reviews either, but isn't it great that the techno/electronic games generation can get so excited about the release of a book even if we don't like the mode they use to express their feelings? It's still a book. A book full of words that they have to sit down and read. I know that makes me feel just a tiny bit warm and fuzzy inside.
Jeanette, had to LOL at Lea's answer. I'm sure if I asked Darcy he would say pretty much the same thing!
And Tracey, as much as the page makes my head ache and eyes hurt I think I'll be watching it with interest over the next couple of weeks too. The reactions should be interesting to say the least.
I feel sorry for the squeeing fangurls/guys who will not be reading the book they expected to read. Lea has already described all the GIFs she anticipates for Round Two.
I like your sentiment, Jemidar, in that these are young people excited about reading. There are a lot of young people on this site, and unless GR kicks all of them off, en masse, GIFs are here to stay.
I like your sentiment, Jemidar, in that these are young people excited about reading. There are a lot of young people on this site, and unless GR kicks all of them off, en masse, GIFs are here to stay.
The main suggestion in that Feedback thread I linked above - which I think has been largely ignored by Goodreads PTB's - was that there be an option for users to block GIF's without blocking the people using them. I don't know if it's feasible for GR (or something they look at as at half stars: possible, but not gonna happen), but I think someone mentioned that there's a way to block 'em on Google Chrome.
Even blocking the user doesn't help all of the time, if you have friends who like or comment on those reviews.
There does seem to be a Chrome add-on to block pictures. You can't expect GR to get rid of GIFs when they use similar stuff in their own ads.
There does seem to be a Chrome add-on to block pictures. You can't expect GR to get rid of GIFs when they use similar stuff in their own ads.
Jeannette wrote: "Even blocking the user doesn't help all of the time, if you have friends who like or comment on those reviews.There does seem to be a Chrome add-on to block pictures. You can't expect GR to get ..."
That's my feeling as well, GR staff seems to really love all the new "bells and whistles" sigh.
So is a vote not possible? Is such a vote doomed to failure? Honestly, aren't we all readers here? Aren't the majority going to be against them? Is it really that the youth, who seem to like them, are in the majority here? And should we just give up? For me a vote to get rid of them or not seems logical, coupled with a way of blocking them for those who dislike them. Aren't those who decide here at GR interested in having a site that is the most popular for the largest number of people? By offering a means of blocking the GIFs everybody is pleased, if a vote should show that a majority does want them. Petra also found a place where they can be blocked at Firefox. I will test this. The link is in the thread that Tracey gave us before. Thanks, Tracey!
I have yet to see anything put to a vote on Goodreads. They decide what suits them best, based on their own business model. They listen to feedback, and input, so that's the best avenue for now. Well, that, and just not looking at the reviews, if the GIF blocker doesn't work.
Chrissie wrote: "So is a vote not possible? Is such a vote doomed to failure? Honestly, aren't we all readers here? Aren't the majority going to be against them? Is it really that the youth, who seem to like them, ..."It will be up to GR staff to perhaps make a poll, but I have a feeling that there will be quite a number of users (especially teenagers) who enjoy the GIFs. And I also think that GR staff likely will do what it considers acceptable (and they do seem to like the latest techno things, sigh). By the way, Chrissie, have you checked the book discussion you started lately? It has already descended into something of a shouting match, with one user accusing those of us who don't like GIFs of being undemocratic and against free speech, wow.
Gundula, yes I have checked the book discussion I started..... I was rather shocked. Do you know what truly annoyed me? It was that one of the members put GIFs in his message of the discussion. I consider this a flagrant slap in the face. That person knows it is upsetting to us and yet he/she must use it even there. I am glad the discussion is started because I think it is an issue that must be thought through. It is a place where people can see what GR will turn into if this gets out of hand and a place to voice their opinions - but I did assume members would remain polite! I guess I am naive. Jeanette, they must want people to like the site. That has to be the prime goal. Right? How can all be pleased? By making it possible to easily block them. I am just trying to think through this clearly.
And that's why I (usually) stay away from the Feedback group and discussions like that. It took, I think, about two hours for the discussion on the book page to begin to take on an argumentative tone, and disintegrated from there. There are, sadly, people who make it their mission to be ugly.
Chrissie wrote: "Gundula, yes I have checked the book discussion I started..... I was rather shocked. Do you know what truly annoyed me? It was that one of the members put GIFs in his message of the discussion. I c..."That's exactly why that "person" did that, to be annoying, to be nasty.
Gundula wrote: "Chrissie wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Chrissie wrote: "Have you looked at the book page? The pictures are annoyingly animated. They take huge space. These are not reviews."Chrissie, I'm avoiding reading ..."
All I can say is WOW was so not expecting that.
Gundula and Tracey, but why do people want to be so nasty? Why, why, why? I don't get it! Honestly, I am surprised. I thought we were a group of people who liked discussing books.OK, does the staff of GR want this site to deteriorate in this manner? Don't they care at all about quality? Will the fighting bring to their attention that this issue must be solved?
Oh gosh, now I am worrying about that we are off subject in this thread......because I do like to stick to the rules and not annoy others.
I have begun Empires of Sand and it is fun. already I can say that I love the description of the desert. I mean this is just so beautiful. You see the colors and feel of the place. And there is humor. You laugh at the camels' behavior and the kicks at religion. There is a bishop and Serena compares this really horrible bishop to a scorpion. The scorpion comes out better because the scorpion at least shows its poisonous tail. There is always something happening. OK, I have only listened to four chapters, but they are long. This is a long audiobook, about 30 hours! All for one credit at audible - :0) Cross your fingers for me that it will remain good. I am giving myself a present, I am only listening to this audiobook and not reading a DTB at the same time. Maybe it is a little implausible....but it is fun. You have to like the strong woman character, Serena, and hubby Moussa too! There is also info about Haussman's redesigning of Paris. It starts in Paris.
Chrissie wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Chrissie wrote: "Have you looked at the book page? The pictures are annoyingly animated. They take huge space. These are not reviews."Chrissie, I'm avoiding reading reviews until I'v..."
Would it help, if we click on the flag-option (ghosted next to a reply). A screen is opening where we can express our worries. What do you think.
There are three options: inappropriate (I wonder if we can use that in this case ), spam and other (with an explanation)
Sylvia, I don't know. You have an interesting idea. I think they are definitely inappropriate and maybe even spam, but that is just my opinion. They are not reviews! (Certainly some are extremely inappropriate!) If many people did this what would happen? Would it cause the GR staff to do something if they saw that many dislike GIFs?
Chrissie wrote: "Sylvia, I don't know. You have an interesting idea. I think they are definitely inappropriate and maybe even spam, but that is just my opinion. They are not reviews! (Certainly some are extremely i..." Maybe we should do it. One of the moderators is a very accurate person, maybe she can explain to us why we should accept this kind of reviewing, or maybe she will tell those funny persons to stop reviewing this way.
Tracey wrote: "And that's why I (usually) stay away from the Feedback group and discussions like that. It took, I think, about two hours for the discussion on the book page to begin to take on an argumentative to..."
I left the Feedback Group for that very reason a long time ago.
Goodreads staff is generally not interested in restricting content in reviews or discussion threads. At least, that has been my experience.
I left the Feedback Group for that very reason a long time ago.
Goodreads staff is generally not interested in restricting content in reviews or discussion threads. At least, that has been my experience.
Sylvia wrote: "Chrissie wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Chrissie wrote: "Have you looked at the book page? The pictures are annoyingly animated. They take huge space. These are not reviews."Chrissie, I'm avoiding reading ..."
If GR staff considers GIFs appropriate, they will do nothing, sigh.
Chrissie wrote: "Gundula and Tracey, but why do people want to be so nasty? Why, why, why? I don't get it! Honestly, I am surprised. I thought we were a group of people who liked discussing books...."I wish I knew! The one you're talking about went out of her way to go into a discussion started by someone she did not know - just to be rude. It baffles me.
Sylvia, the problem is that there is a difference between disliking a format (GIFs) and finding the content inappropriate. Certainly the ones that have sexual or vulgar import could be flagged.
I am disappointed that the tread "Images in Reviews" has simply been closed by GR staff!!!! How has the problem been solved? Jeez.
GR's problem is that it has to straddle the line and be all things to all people because by maximising the number of users it maximises the advertising income which keeps the site functioning and alive so understandably they are prepared to tolerate most behaviours unless they are illegal. And honestly, I don't think 'annoying' to a small section of the 4,000,000 odd users is going to top their 'to do' list as they've got bigger problems like ridding the site of the perverts to make it safer (particularly for young girls) and stopping the spammers (more annoying than GIFs) etc. To police an arbitrary and some would say unnecessary rule like no GIFs would probably take way more man hours and man power than they actually have available.That said, I don't like the GIFs either (as a migraine sufferer they have at times caused me vision problems) but I've worked out a system that means I'm mostly GIF free. I love my little corner on GR and am happy to stay in it if other people don't like the same things I do.
Chrissie wrote: "I am disappointed that the tread "Images in Reviews" has simply been closed by GR staff!!!! How has the problem been solved? Jeez."I was wondering about that as well. But honestly, part of the reason might be because the discussion had basically degenerated into somewhat of a hate-fest (and not just by the pro-GIFs crowd, there were some rather vulgar and vicious posts by those of us opposed to GIFs as well, so much so that I was honestly tempted not to bother with the thread anymore, same for the book discussion you started, both the pro GIFs and the anti GIFs crowd are now basically just trading insults and viciousness).
You might be right that GR has closed the comments because staff is likely rather pro-GIFs, but when/if a feedback thread becomes little more than a shouting match of rudeness with people throwing insults and actual hatred back and forth, GR staff often closes a thread. I do hope that staff will at least consider the option of allowing those of us opposed to animated images to be able to block them, but we'll see (and Jemidar is likely speaking the truth that those actively and acutely opposed to GIFs are not the majority of GR members, especially teenagers and young adults seem to find them great).
Jemidar and Gundula,I see what you are both saying.
Chrissie wrote: "Jemidar and Gundula,I see what you are both saying."Thankfully, I have realised that many of the books on my to-read list will likely not attract GIFs (at least I hope so, I do have dome YA literature shelved, yikes).
Gundula,I feel so stupid and naive.....and disappointed.
Chrissie wrote: "Gundula,I feel so stupid and naive.....and disappointed."I understand. Too bad that both sides have their share of hate mongers who ruin it for everyone (you had a legitimate question, but it created a firestorm, unfortunately, that often seems to occur in the feedback section, sigh).
I was actually tempted to create a new thread today (it's the weekend and GR staff will not be in until Monday). But then I thought, do I want to be creating a thread that will only degenerate again (and also, I don't want to get myself in trouble with TPTB, if I create a new thread because staff has, and perhaps for good reasons, closed a previous thread on a given topic, that might get me in hot water).
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Comfort Reads
Books mentioned in this topic
Forever (other topics)The Big Sky (other topics)
Anil's Ghost (other topics)
Burial Rites (other topics)
Goodbye Sarajevo: A True Story of Courage, Love and Survival (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Michael Ondaatje (other topics)Wendell Berry (other topics)
Robert K. Massie (other topics)
Edmund Morris (other topics)
Susan Fromberg Schaeffer (other topics)
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I started a discussion at the bottom of that book page.
Does somebody know how to block GIFs? Please explain if you do.