The Future of SRC

[scherzo♫]

It's August and Cynthia is still not available nor responding to email (GR messages). This whole discussion will be moot, if/when Cynthia returns.

Sandy and I are willing to do what's necessary to continue the Seasonal Reading Challenge. We would need Moderator privileges to set up the FALL CHALLENGE. The best option in the circumstances is to create a new group.

Please share your thoughts about creating a new (essentially duplicate) group and the DRAFT changes to THE RULES.

NOTE: SEE POST 45 -- GUIDANCE FROM GR STAFF

13 AUG ETA: GR Staff added pjreads as a co-moderator which enabled her to add Sandy, DLM Rose and Kristi (Passion for the Page) as additional co-moderators.
Ideas from this thread were used to revise THE RULES -- this revision will be posted on 26 AUG with Posting Requirements and Guidelines for Task Creators to apply to the Fall 2010 Challenge.

The working drafts of these documents will continue to be updated in this thread until they are officially posted on the 26th.


*************
Moving Draft Posting Requirements here to use post 3 for Draft Guidelines for Task Creators.
*************

DRAFT POSTING REQUIRMENTS (if a new group is necessary)

Requirements for Completed Tasks Posts

1. Include your Readerboard name at the TOP of your post.
(Not required if your Readerboard name is the same as the name that appears in the shaded area about your posts.)

2. Include Task # and a short (1-5 word) Task Description.

3. Include a link to the book OR both title and author (in bold).
Put book information on a separate line with a blank line after it.
Note: If NO link / title & author, then NO points, NO Big Book tickets, NO Goodreads Author tickets.

4. Include a few words to clarify how your book(s) fit the task if it is not obvious.

5. Include only newly completed tasks - do not include previously completed tasks or partially completed tasks.
(If you want to include this extra information, list the newly completed tasks separately at the TOP of your post, and indicate clearly that they are the new ones.)

6. If you want to claim a Goodreads Author or a Big Books ticket, you must say so in your post and include a link to the Goodreads author.

***************************************

Requirements for Reposts

• All posts are validated by the Moderators.
Any questions or problems with a Completed Task will be posted in the "No Points for This Task" thread and need to be addressed.
No points will be awarded until the issues are resolved and none of the data for the problem task will be recorded by the moderators.

7. Reposts must include Readerboard name at the top, Task #, Task Title (or short Description), AND a link to the book (or both title and author).

8. Reposts must include all task requirements including previously posted requirements as well as the missing requirements.

9. Reposts must include only the task(s) that had problems.
Do NOT include all the other tasks from your original post.

10. Include Task # and book link / Title & Author (in bold) in reposts to claim Goodreads Author or Big Book tickets omitted in original posts.
Provide author’s full name for Goodreads Author claims.

***************************************

Preferences for Completed Tasks Posts

A. Include your current cumulative total = all your points (typed – Tickers change).

B. Make your post Black & White, not Gray.
White = blank lines after book links / title & author

C. It's fine to include more than one newly completed task in a post.
If you do include more than one task , put them in numerical sequence, rather than jumping around.
Put a blank line between tasks.

D. Before posting, please re-read the task requirements and then re-read your post to make sure you've done everything the task requires - this seems to be a particular problem with the tasks that require some sort of write-up.
Put a blank line between the book link (OR title & author) line and any other information for the task.

E. Possible template:
Readerboard Name

Task # - Short Task Title / Description
Book link or title & author (in bold)
** Goodreads Author & author link
** ### pgs claiming Big Book ticket

Total to Date = ### points

[scherzo♫]

DRAFT CHANGES TO THE RULES (if a new group is necessary)

THE RULES (rev.2)

1. Everyone is welcome and can join in at anytime during a currently running challenge.

2. A new 4-part theme is chosen by the group each year to name the challenges.

3. Challenge dates are:
• Challenge I = December 1st to February 28th
• Challenge II = March 1st to May 31st
• Challenge III = June 1st to August 31st
• Challenge IV = September 1st to November 30th
Note: Challenges start and end at MIDNIGHT EST on their respective start/end dates.

4. In order for points to be counted, tasks must be reported correctly (books & authors linked, for example) in the Completed Tasks thread by Midnight EST on the final day of the challenge.

5. All books read during the dates of the currently-running challenge can be used for that challenge, even if starting the challenge late.
For example, should you join the challenge after any start date (January 1st, for instance), you can include all books read in the period of that current challenge (in this case, from December 1st) into that challenge, providing they fit a task.

6. Books longer than 299 pages that were started before the beginning of a challenge can be used to fulfill a task if more than half the book is read during the challenge.
For example, if you were to read 149 pages (or less) of a 300 page book before the start of a challenge, this book would count if it met a task requirement. However, if you had read 150 pages (or more) of a 300 page book before the start of a challenge, this book would not count.

7. Tasks can be completed in any order

8. Each task can be completed only once for points.

9. Each book can be counted only once per challenge.

10. Any form of a book (hard copy, audio or e- book) is acceptable unless otherwise stated in a specific task.

11. Re-reads are acceptable unless otherwise stated in a specific task.

12. The following minimum page requirements apply to all* tasks (unless otherwise stated in a specific task):
At least 100 pages per book requirement
OR at least 500 children’s picture book pages per book requirement.
*Note: One or two books between 80 -100 pages (400-500 children’s picture book pages) may be used for the 5 point tasks.

13. Small adjustments can be made but try to stick as close to the task as it's written as possible. If you aren't sure if a book will fit the task ask your question in the appropriate Task Help thread.

14. It's fine to change your mind about which books you plan to use for which task at any point...just explain in your post if you have already claimed points for a task and are moving that book to another task.

15. See POSTING REQUIREMENTS for what to include in your posts.

THE REWARDS: CREATE A TASK

16. Everyone who plays gets the pleasure of finding books to fit the tasks, discovering new genres / authors and clearing books off that TBR shelf. In addition, during each challenge some players will earn a chance to create a task for the next challenge.

17. To be eligible to create a task, the player’s profile must be set up to accept messages.

18. Players may pass their task to another player.

19. The players who get to create 25 or 30 point tasks are NOT eligible for the 20 point tasks or the Midpoint 50 point task (one task per person per challenge).

21. THE 50 POINT MIDPOINT TASK – The player with the highest score on the Midpoint Readerboard will get to create the 50 point task.

22. THE 30/35 POINT TASKS – Players who complete the challenge before the scheduled date for posting the new 5/10/15 point tasks get the opportunity to create a 30/35 point task for the next challenge. If more than 10 players finish this early, the last 10 will create 30 point tasks and the earliest players will create 35 point tasks.
NOTE: If no one completes a challenge there will not be any 30/35 point tasks in the next challenge.

23. THE 25 POINT TASKS – Other players who complete the challenge get the opportunity to create a 25 point task for the next challenge.
NOTE: If no one completes the challenge then the 3 top point earners get to create a 25 point task for the next challenge.

24. THE 20 POINT TASKS – Specific conditions:
20.1 MOST IMPROVED PLAYER – The player who has improved the most based on the difference in Readerboard points between the current challenge and the previous challenge.

20.2 ROOKIE AT THE TOP – The first-time player with the highest Readerboard score.

20.3 BEST REVIEW CONTEST – Each player may submit one review for a book read to fulfill a current challenge task. Reviews can be posted up until 2 weeks prior to the end of the challenge. A poll will be created and the person whose review earns the most votes will get to design a task.

20.4 AUTHOR! AUTHOR! – Players may earn a ticket for each book read by a Goodreads Author. Players must specifically mention in the post that the book was written by a Goodreads author. Multiple books by the same author are okay.
A random ticket will be drawn to determine who creates this task.

20.5 BIGGER IS BETTER – Players may earn a ticket for each Big Book read: One ticket for reading a book of 500 pages or more; two tickets for reading a book of 750 pages or more; three tickets for reading a book of 1000 pages or more. Players must specifically mention in the post which Big Book ticket they are claiming.
A random ticket will be drawn to determine who creates this task.

20.6 SEASONED READER – Each player who has never created a task for any challenge earns one ticket for each challenge they have participated in. For example, if this is your first challenge you would be awarded one ticket. If this is your third challenge, you would get 3 tickets.
A random ticket will be drawn to determine who creates this task.
Players selected for this task will not be eligible to be selected for this task again.

20.7 SHORTER IS SWEETER – The names of players who earn more than half the possible points in a challenge will be entered in a random drawing.
Players selected for this task will not be eligible to be selected for this task again.

20.8 IT’S MY BIRTHDAY – The names of players whose birthdays fall between the start and end dates of the upcoming challenge will be entered in a random drawing.
To be eligible for this task, participants must post their Readerboard name (no dates, please) in the correct folder.
Players selected for this task will not be eligible to be selected for this task again.

20.9 LUCKY ME – One player on the current Readerboard will be chosen at random to create a task in the upcoming challenge.
Players selected for this task will not be eligible to be selected this task again.

20.10 GROUP READS – The players with the 2nd, 3rd and 4th highest scores on the Midpoint Readerboard will choose the Group Reads categories.
The top 30 players on the Midpoint Readerboard will nominate a book that fits one of the three categories. Players tied with the person in 30th place will be included.
A poll will be created for each category.
Players will not be allowed to choose categories or books two challenges in a row.
Players who nominated the winning books will not be eligible to participate in selecting categories or books again.

25. THE 5, 10 & 15 POINT TASKS – Moderators select tasks from ideas submitted by participants or their own ideas.

20. See GUIDELINES FOR TASK CREATORS to learn more.

[scherzo♫]

GUIDELINES for TASK CREATORS

Submit your task within 5 days after notification

1. Non-book activities may be included as optional activities.

2. Proofread your task carefully within 3 days after posting and let us know if anything needs to be corrected.

3. Monitor the TASK HELP thread for your task.
Delegate the responsibility to respond to questions to someone if you will not be available every day for the first week of the challenge or more than 5 days later in the challenge.

One of the moderators will respond to questions that go unanswered for 2 days in the first week of the challenge OR for more than 5 days later in the challenge.
Moderator decisions cannot be overruled or modified by the Task Creator (or designee).

4. Do not create requirements or restrictions in the Task Help thread that are not included in the TASK DESCRIPTION.

5. Only the TASK DESCRIPTION will be used to determine requirements.
TASK HELP thread comments will be interpreted as preferences.

6. One required book (or set minimum between 200 – 400 pages) for 20 Point Tasks.

7. Two required books (or set minimum between 400 – 800 pages) for 25 / 30 / 35 Point Tasks.

8. Three required books (or set minimum between 800 – 1200 pages) for 50 Point Task.

[scherzo♫]

SUMMARY OF DRAFT CHANGES TO THE RULES

13 AUG ETA: This is not up-to-date since the last update to this was made on 4 AUG and several more changes/tweaks to THE RULES have been made since then.

3. Limited to one book.

6. Clarified minimum page requirements.

7. Will add link to POSTING REQUIREMENTS

8. minor change to reference TASK HELP threads

11. Added "one task per person per challenge" limit

20.1 Changed from "percentage of tasks completed" to "Readerboard points between two consecutive challenges"

20.2 Changed from "percentage of tasks completed" to "highest Readerboard score"

20.4 Changed from "ALWAYS THE BRIDESMAID ..." to "SEASONED READER" and
added "Players who have created a task in any challenge are not eligible."
eliminated confusing "nevers" and
changed "completed" to "participated in" and
included Rookies

20.5 Changed from JUST JOINED IN to "MORE THAN HALFWAY"
Hope this helps the people who want a smaller number of tasks in the challenges.

50.1 Limited to people who do not already have a task in the challenge

Added "NOTE: ..." about profile settings for messages

Moved Draft Posting Requirements to post 1 and used post 3 for Draft Guidelines for Task Creators

Added NOTE: SEE POST 45 -- GUIDANCE FROM GR STAFF

Added to Draft Posting Guidelines:
"9. All posts are validated by the Moderators. Any questions or problems with a Completed Task will be posted in the "No points for this task" thread and need to be addressed. No points will be awarded until the issues are resolved."

[Jayme(theghostreader)]

Thank you PJ and Sandy for continuing the SRC. I woukld be saddened to see it go.

[Megan]

Yes, thank you for being willing to put in the time to keep the challenge. I've had so much fun participating in it! Also, I like the changes you've made, and I will gladly migrate should the need arise.

[Aleksandra]

Im also so appreciate. Its my first challenge and cant live without it now. I`d be so disappointed if it finish.

[Catamorandi]

I just joined, so I am happy that it will keep going. Thank you both very much.

[Wendy UK]

Wendy UK


This is my first challenge and I would be sorry to see it go when I've just got into it! I'm really enjoying it - it's helped me to choose what to read and encouraged me to read some things I wouldn't otherwise have read. I also enjoy seeing what other people are reading, and their comments about the books.

So thanks pj and Sandy for working to keep it going.

I do hope that Cynthia doesn't feel that 'her' group is being hijacked, but I guess she'd rather see it continue without her than collapse due to her absence - and at least it will be there for her to come back to when she's ready.

[Foxy Grandma]

PJ and Sandy, we all admire what you are doing. None of us actually have any idea the work that goes into this. While I really hope Cynthia comes back, I am glad that you guys have taken the initiative to keep this group going forward in her absence.

The changes you have made are very well thought out and needed for clarification of problems we have had this time. I am sure Cynthia will be pleased when she comes back.

Also know that there are many of us who are more than happy to help where we can.

[Petra]

Thanks, PJ and Sandy for all the work you've been doing and the work you're (possibly) taking on in future.
I think the changes made to the Rules are fair and reasonable.

[Lauren]

This is my first challenge too, and I would gladly follow it! Although I am almost certain I won't finish, I love expanding my reading tastes and have read some awesome books I would not have picked up otherwise. I like the changes of the rules and think the fall challenge will be amazing!

[TMBookluvr]

While I haven't been too active in this challenge (needed a bit of a break) I have been trying to fit in some random books into the challenges and would be sad to see that this would be the last challenge. Keep up the good work and I will follow the group if it ends up changing.

Thanks!

[Nicki]

I'm happy to move to a new group if necessary but also hope Cynthia is OK and comes back. I really, really appreciate you both for helping now and possibly taking it on in the future. I can't imagine the time it takes. Love the changes and clarifications.

[Nancy]

Great changes and clarifications. Looking forward to future SRCs!!

[Juniper]

Hi PJ and Sandy. Thank you for stepping up the way you have this summer and for your forward-thinking concerning SRC. If a new group is created, I will follow and continue to participate. I really love the challenges. At the same time, I hope Cynthia is okay and whatever personal issues she may be facing at the moment lessen very, very soon!!

The rules are terrific; crystal clear!

Jennifer D. (Canada)

[Kristina Simon]

I also want to say thanks to PJ and Sandy for all you've already done and the additional work you're willing to take on. The tweaks in the rules seem very well thought out and clear and I'm very happy the challenge will continue. This is only my first challenge, but if either of you ever need any help with it just let me know.

[Kristina]

I've taken part in a couple of previous challenges but this one I have followed on my own at home and not posted my points - that having been said i would love this group to continue and if it has to be a new place then I'll go there to join in.

I also think the rule changes are great and have solved some of the "issues" i had with the challenge that led to me following it on my own at home as a personal challenge

Does anyone know what is up with Cynthia?

Kristina

[PDXReader]

Hi there - I haven't participated in the challenges yet, as I've been up to my neck in the Around the World challenge. I'd hoped to start participating in September, so I do hope this challenge will live on. Thanks for all you do, PJ & Sandy!!

[Ashley FL]

PJ and Sandy, thank you so much for all of your hardwork this season!! I am so grateful that you were able to step in like this.

I read through the rules and the changes and think it is all wonderfully well-thought out. Looks great to me!

Thank you again!

[Lyn (Readinghearts)]

I was worried about this, and am glad to see that you all are ready to step up and keep it going. Even though I never get very far in the challenges, I love figuring out which books I plan to read and seeing what others are doing.

I like the changes you have proposed. Great work all.

Also - you may not have to make a duplicate group. We had the same thing happen with a mod in another group I am in ( about a year ago she just dropped off the map and wasn't answering e-mails or messages). Two of the ladies in the group (With the other group members backing) sent a message to the GR staff and they were able to get added on as Mods. FYI - the original mod came back for a while, but then left again.

[Jayme(theghostreader)]

We love you PJ and Sandy <3 <3 <3

[scherzo♫]

Kristina wrote: "
...Does anyone know what is up with Cynthia?"

Sandy and I don't. She hasn't responded to our email (GR messages). She did post at one time that she'd been sick and was working two jobs.

[scherzo♫]

Lyn M wrote: "I was worried about this, and am glad to see that you all are ready to step up and keep it going. Even though I never get very far in the challenges, I love figuring out which books I plan to read...
Also - you may not have to make a duplicate group. We had the same thing happen with a mod in another group I am in ( about a year ago she just dropped off the map and wasn't answering e-mails or messages). Two of the ladies in the group (With the other group members backing) sent a message to the GR staff and they were able to get added on as Mods. FYI - the original mod came back for a while, but then left again."

We thought about that, but wanted to make changes that we weren't sure Cynthia would agree with.

It would be SO much easier!

[Cindy AL]

I also think the rules are well thought out, and clarify some issues. I hope Cynthia can come back, but I am concerned about her situation.

I do want to add this concern. Early on this challenge, before Cynthia left, there were some problems on the task thread. A task was posted by Cynthia with an explanation/description, and then the task author would come back on the thread and veto books in a way that made it seem that s/he was reinterpreting or contracting the parameters of the task. Answering questions by saying "what I originally intended...", then vetoing a book that really seemed to fit the task as posted in the task liet. My point is that I've written some tasks before and it is a lot harder than it looks, you think it is clear, but it isn't. I would recommend that as moderators you ask a task writer to provide at least 5 sample books for the more subjective tasks, and that you as moderators might even want to send some books beck to the task author to see if they fit and to see if the task is easily interpreted as written.

Just a suggestion, thanks for the hard work.

[Foxy Grandma]

pjreads wrote: "Kristina wrote: "
...Does anyone know what is up with Cynthia?"

Sandy and I don't. She hasn't responded to our email (GR messages). She did post at one time that she'd been sick and was worki..."

But surprisingly she has been on GR updating books, just not being involved in any discussions. That worries me even more.

[scherzo♫]

Cindy wrote: "I also think the rules are well thought out, and clarify some issues. I hope Cynthia can come back, but I am concerned about her situation.

I do want to add this concern. Early on this challenge..."

Thanks. You remindeded me that I wanted to include a set of GUIDELINES FOR TASK CREATORS.

One of the first things that will be included is that only the TASK DESCRIPTION will be used to determine requirements. TASK HELP thread comments will be interpreted as preferences.

[Lyn (Readinghearts)]

Beth - I noticed that, too and am wondering if this didn't just get to be too much for her. I'm sure it is a HUGE undertaking to co-ordinate, as pjreads and Sandy are probably finding out!

[Christine US]

I 100% agree with Cindy. Sometimes what seems like a simple task from the beginning becomes ridiculously confusing. Either b/c their entire challenge wasn't posted as they intended, or they weren't clear in their instructions -- sometimes people are better envisioning things in their heads than they are describing them to others. I found myself frustrated that I felt like I had to check every "Help Thread" post over and over, just to make sure my chosen book hadn't somehow become wrong by some new information revealed that no one knew about or understood at the beginning.

[scherzo♫]

Edited 20.4 in THE RULES and THE SUMMARY OF CHANGES.
Edits in strikeout and italics.

[Dee]

I just want to chime in that I really hope we don't have to let the SRC's go... I'm a very slow reader and never expect to finish a challenge before my kids are teens, but I love trying! Thank you for keeping this going, and best of luck to Cynthia in whatever she is dealing with!!

[scherzo♫]

Beth wrote: "pjreads wrote: "Kristina wrote: "
...Does anyone know what is up with Cynthia?"

Sandy and I don't. She hasn't responded to our email (GR messages). She did post at one time that she'd been si..."

worries us, too

[Foxy Grandma]

I am sure Cynthia has good reasons for the absence, and I hope she is at least reading our post to see how much we care for her and miss her. I hope she will at least come back soon, if only just to participate.

[Ashley FL]

Reading these comments has me thinking: would it make sense, PJ and Sandy, if you had one (or two or whatever) *other* people who were the task assemblers? They would read the proposed tasks, work on the examples, etc. Maybe do the 5/10/15 point tasks also?

It has always seemed to me to be a double whammy on the mod that right at the end (when there is a lot of Readerboard action), the new tasks have to be done as well. And I totally support the idea of vetting the tasks, but it's even MORE work!

I'm not sure if this is the right spot, but is there any way to have the cut-off for some or all of the 20 pt tasks be a few days before the end of the Challenge? So the Task List for the next Challenge is complete more quickly? Not for the Fall 2010 Challenge (time, I am sure, is at a premium right now), but for future Challenges? Anyway, just an idea :)

[Erin (NY)]

Thank you so much for keeping this group going. I would be happy to move to a new group to make it easier on you guys!

Ashley wrote: "I'm not sure if this is the right spot, but is there any way to have the cut-off for some or all of the 20 pt tasks be a few days before the end of the Challenge? So the Task List for the next Challenge is complete more quickly? Not for the Fall 2010 Challenge (time, I am sure, is at a premium right now), but for future Challenges? Anyway, just an idea :) "
I agree with Ashlee. That would be awesome. It frustrates me seeing so many gaps in the tasks list after the challenge has already started.

The other idea I wanted to throw out there... Why have only 1 big book allowed for 500+, 750+ and 1000+? I like big books but I found that I still stay away from longer ones once those slots fill up. Anyways, just a thought.

Thank you so much!

[Christine US]

If you cut the 20-point tasks off early, you're cutting people off at the toes (it's below the knees, but still not a whole). Why not just end the challenge on the 25th of the month then, rather than going until the 31st? It's the same effect. By not allowing those few extra days for someone to finish a book, the opportunity to get that last ticket is gone. You need to give people the whole time to finish, otherwise, every task should just have a random creator.
What there needs to be is monitoring on the OTHER end -- people need to have their task created within 2-3 days, not within 2 weeks. That would solve the frustration of waiting issue.

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

Frankly, I think there is too much audience participation. I would prefer fewer rewards and fewer tasks. We rarely have trouble with the moderator designed tasks. It's the 20-30 point tasks that cause the problems.

[Lyn (Readinghearts)]

pjreads wrote: "Lyn M wrote: "I was worried about this, and am glad to see that you all are ready to step up and keep it going. Even though I never get very far in the challenges, I love figuring out which books ..."

Whatever you both decide, I will follow. Thanks for stepping up!

[Erin (NY)]

Christine, I was talking more about tasks such as best review contest, birthday, seasoned reader, etc. These don't depend on you finishing the last book(s) if the cutoff is earlier.

[scherzo♫]

Added NOTE to THE RULES about profile settings for messages.

Moved Draft Posting Requirements to post 1 and used post 3 for Draft Guidelines for Task Creators

[Jenna]

Thank you to PJ and Sandy for keeping the SRC going in Cynthia's absence. I do hope she comes back, but in the event that she doesn't I will absolutely join the new SRC Group. I have been participating for a few challenges now and would hate to see it go. I think the changes you have made are fair and clear as well.

Thanks again to both of you for all of your hard work. I can't even imagine how challenging it is!

[Cassandra]

Thank both of you so much for everything you're doing!

I'm just wondering if you're counting graphic novels in with the childrens' picture books. I'm asking because a lot of people consider them the same and a lot of people don't.

[scherzo♫]

Rhea wrote: "Thank both of you so much for everything you're doing!

I'm just wondering if you're counting graphic novels in with the childrens' picture books. I'm asking because a lot of people consider them t..."

I have not read many graphic novels, but the ones I've seen have a significant number of pictures and words per page.

Most children's picture books have one large picture and a sentence or two (less than about 50 words) on the page.

[Leora]

After taking the summer off from SRC I am really looking forward to the Fall challenge! Thanks you guys for stepping up to what I am certain is a time consuming job!

Has anyone heard from Cynthia? I hope she is ok!

[Sandy, Moderator Emeritus]

Rhea wrote: "Thank both of you so much for everything you're doing!

I'm just wondering if you're counting graphic novels in with the childrens' picture books. I'm asking because a lot of people consider them t..."

I don't generally read graphic novels, but the once or twice I have, I found that they weren't much faster or easier to read than a "regular" book, at least for me - I found it took me a while to be dealing with both the pictures and the word balloons.

A picture book, on the other hand, can be read in about no time at all, if you're just an adult reading it to yourself. Of course, if you're reading it to a child, it's a different situation, particularly if you have to read it 10 times before you finally say "ENOUGH!"

I'd say that graphic novels fall into the "regular" category, not the "children's picture book" category.

[scherzo♫]

Lyn M wrote: "I was worried about this, ...

...Also - you may not have to make a duplicate group. We had the same thing happen with a mod in another group I am in ( about a year ago she just dropped off the map and wasn't answering e-mails or messages). Two of the ladies in the group (With the other group members backing) sent a message to the GR staff and they were able to get added on as Mods. FYI - the original mod came back for a while, but then left again. "

GR staff said they cannot add moderators since they do not consider Cynthia inactive.

GR staff also said: "If the group has different, original language as its description, name, etc., then it's fine to create a new group. The only thing against Goodreads policy is to copy language from one group to another. "

I guess that means THE RULES would need to be completely rewritten.

[Lyn (Readinghearts)]

That may be the difference. I think that the mod in the other group was not updating or anything, so they probably considered her as inactive. BUMMER!

[Felina]

It may have already been asked but it is possible for you guys to contact Goodreads and have them make you mods of this group?

[scherzo♫]

Felina wrote: "It may have already been asked but it is possible for you guys to contact Goodreads and have them make you mods of this group?"

see post 45

[Bluemoon]

If we move forward with this I have a few suggestions. I have seen that people don't like wading through all the help tasks to find answers. I can sympathize with this as I don't like to do it either. Maybe before asking questions we should allow the person who created the task to have the first one or two posts so that they can have a space to post approved/disapproved books or comments that would make the tasks easier to follow. When the moderator is confused by a readers post on the completion thread they should default to the creator of the task for final verification. If said creator does not answer within a predetermined time frame then the moderators can use their judgement. I know it is a huge undertaking and I thank PJReads and Sandy for doing all this work. The only other thing I would suggest is that the moderators have specific tasks for the whole challenge or the day or however you want to do it so that work is not being duplicated. I saw a few times where both have asked the same question. These are only my opinions and you can take from them what you wish.

In closing I do wish Cynthia the best and hope that she is happy whatever she decides to do. I wish her only the best.