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This, That or the Other > Challenges: As Many As Possible, a Few Here & There or Not Your Thing?

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message 1: by Steph, Serious series addict (new)

Steph (angel4492) | 32697 comments As the 2011 challenges start popping up, I began to wonder how our members choose which challenges to join and how many/often they join.

So, please share! I'm curious and this info may be helpful to us when creating challenges for the group in future.

Do you....
(1) Join as many challenges as possible in the groups you belong?

(2) Join a few challenges here and there - maybe a few monthlies, quarterlies and several yearlies?

(3) Avoid challenges all together


Which do you prefer, if you do join them ...
(A) Cover-related (colors, items, etc)

(B) Title-related (specific words, #s, etc)

(C) Miscellaneous categories (random themes, mixture of A & B, etc)



message 2: by Desperado (new)

Desperado (lethallovely) | 1360 comments I'm 2C. I jumped head first into the challenges when I joined GR & I haven't looked back. I like challenges with alot of wiggle room so I can fit my TBR books into them. Quarterlies & Yearlies are also pretty nice. I don't feel so much pressure when I have 30+ days to complete them.

I must say, joining GR has made browsing obsolete for me. I used to browse all the time but now I have so many TBR books, I can't see myself buying a book that isn't on that shelf. I'd have to write the title down & read friends reviews & ratings on GR before I'd think about buying a random book. Unless it was free. Free absolves me of guilt.


message 3: by [deleted user] (last edited Dec 06, 2010 02:05AM) (new)

I would have to say i'm a 1C, but with all the great challenges that I have found in this group I don't think I'll have much time to do any other challenges for my other groups unless I find them to hard to resist :0)

I like yearly and quarterlies the best because there's no pressure to finish with in a set amount of day like monthly challenges do, unless the required amount of books for monthlies is low like 2 or 3 books that's not so bad I've seen some monthly challenges that require 10+ books, sometimes that doable for me sometimes not depending on my mood I guess :0)


message 4: by Wan (last edited Dec 06, 2010 08:14AM) (new)

Wan (wanwaddell) | 612 comments I'm also a 2C.

@Steph - I don't know if it is too much work for you Steph. But if you could please send the event invitiation for all the events that would be great. I really don't want to open the folder just for my tracking, clogging up the folder listing for everyone else. I wish there a parking lot for us on our profile for this purpose. (that we'd have the direct links to the challenges.)


message 5: by Literary Ames (new)

Literary Ames (amyorames) | 1854 comments When I joined GR I was a 3. Now I'm a 2C. I prefer the quarterly and yearly challenges too. Less pressure.


message 6: by AH (new)

AH | 2271 comments I'm a 2C. (I feel like we are discussing cup sizes- LOL). I prefer 3 month or longer challenges and so far next year I think I signed up for 5 or 6 challenges. I've decided that I am a post as I go kind of girl because new and shiny things distract me.

Love to have 1 book fit in a lot of challenges. I used to think it was cheating, but I hear the record is one book/12 challenges. There's a goal.


message 7: by Lisa M (new)

Lisa M | 43 comments Before GR I never did any reading challenges, but I'm here and loving it. I'm a 2C as well. I like quarterly challenges. I signed up for my first yearly challenge. That should be fun too.


message 8: by Steph, Serious series addict (new)

Steph (angel4492) | 32697 comments Wan wrote: "I'm also a 2C.

@Steph - I don't know if it is too much work for you Steph. But if you could please send the event invitiation for all the events that would be great. I really don't want to open..."


Wan, I don't mind creating an event for the challenges, but I'm not sure that's what you're looking for exactly. Those events will only be up until the date the event begins.

There are several options that might make getting to the challenges you signed up for easier.

(1) You could save this link ( List of all Group Challenges ) which will take you to an index of sorts of all the challenges here @ SOS. Links are included, so you can quickly get to the challenge page of your choice.

(2) You are welcome to create a member list ( Member List Folder ) where you can post anything you'd like, including direct links to your challenge posts.

Hint: If you right click on the date and time shown on the right of your post (anywhere in GR) you will see an option to "copy link location". If you copy and paste that link location into your post (say, in your member list) when you click on it it'll take you directly to your post. That'll save you time from hunting down your post(s) within threads.

I hope one of those options helps give you what you're looking for. If not, please let me know. I'm happy to help. :)


message 9: by Steph, Serious series addict (new)

Steph (angel4492) | 32697 comments ?? Now I'm not sure, Inga. LOL! If that'll work best for Wan, or anyone else, I'm happy to create an event for the yearly challenges. Just lemme know. :)


message 10: by Steph, Serious series addict (last edited Dec 07, 2010 01:25AM) (new)

Steph (angel4492) | 32697 comments Inga wrote: "I have a feeling that when providing event date you need to provide the end date and then it will be up for the whole period ..."


I checked. The events only allow for a start date. No end date. I'm creating one for each of our new yearly challenges, just in case. So, guess we'll know soon. :)

ETA: I see there's an option (checkbox) that states "list this event in the public listing (until the event date)". Since, by default, it's checked, that's probably why our other events have "disappeared" after the start date.

Since ya'll would like to see the event link for the duration of the event, I'm unchecking that box in hopes that it'll stay up until I remove it. :)


[Events can be viewed here ]


message 11: by Wan (last edited Dec 07, 2010 06:42AM) (new)

Wan (wanwaddell) | 612 comments Steph wrote: "Wan wrote: "I'm also a 2C.

@Steph - I don't know if it is too much work for you Steph. But if you could please send the event invitiation for all the events that would be great. I really don't wa..."


Thanks. I didn't know that the event will go away on the start date. I think I will just make my bookshelves. But the "list of all group challenges" really help. Thanks again.

Oh but if Inga is right that would be sweet.


message 12: by Wan (new)

Wan (wanwaddell) | 612 comments THANK YOU!!!!


message 13: by Steph, Serious series addict (new)

Steph (angel4492) | 32697 comments :)


message 14: by Laura Lulu (new)

Laura Lulu (lauralulu) | 1603 comments Ummmm...for 2010, I was a 1ABC. But for 2011 I think I'm going to be a 2ABC. I don't need to do every challenge out there, do I? By year end, I've gotten myself a bit frazzled with the books I need to read to complete challenges, but I really didn't want to read them anymore. So I learned from my challenge addiction this year.

I'll still do a ton, but I'll try to say "no" on occasion. I swear. Cross my heart. Hey, don't look at me like that...


message 15: by Irene (new)

Irene Hollimon | 31 comments I'm new to challenges but I kind of like them. I've gotten into to long-term challenges because I like to record it and see what a year's worth of effort looks like.


message 16: by Steph, Serious series addict (new)

Steph (angel4492) | 32697 comments Laura Lulu wrote: "Ummmm...for 2010, I was a 1ABC. But for 2011 I think I'm going to be a 2ABC. I don't need to do every challenge out there, do I? By year end, I've gotten myself a bit frazzled with the books I need..."

I'm gonna remember you said that, Missy! Nah, I agree. I actually slowed down quite a bit once I started SOS. More time messing with the group than reading. Thankfully I knew my limits and didn't over-commit. I'm going to try to keep up the same in 2011 - a 2ABC. :D

Irene wrote: "I'm new to challenges but I kind of like them. I've gotten into to long-term challenges because I like to record it and see what a year's worth of effort looks like."

Yay! Welcome to our challenge addiction, Irene. We will be having a TON here @ SOS and there are gazillions around GR, as well. Enjoy!


message 17: by Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required (new)

Sandra | 25907 comments This year I've definitely been a 1ABC but like Laura Lulu it's becoming a frazzling experience.

Definitely moving to a 2ABC for 2011.

If I don't, you can get the whip out Steph ..... running away


message 18: by Steph, Serious series addict (new)

Steph (angel4492) | 32697 comments LOL!! I'll keep that in mind when I spot all the challenges you're joinin' in 2011.


message 19: by Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required (new)

Sandra | 25907 comments Oh, do I confess now that I've upped my Back to the Future Challenge list from 30 books to 66?


message 20: by Steph, Serious series addict (new)

Steph (angel4492) | 32697 comments LMAO!! And it begins ... and so soon. ....where'd I put that whip? Nah, I'm always cheering (and gently persuading) more, more, more, so I'll just smile and look the other way. :)


message 21: by Steph, Serious series addict (last edited Dec 14, 2010 12:30AM) (new)

Steph (angel4492) | 32697 comments :D Thanks, Inga! We do too! We're all addicted and have no shame. We wear our addiction(s) proudly.


message 22: by Vivian (new)

Vivian (_vivian) | 1934 comments I think I was a 3 when I joined this lovely group...but it's been a downward spiral toward 1-ville, especially with the influx of 2011 challenges! I'm trying to stay a balanced 2 though or I'll go nutsos :)

Ditto what Inga says, you guys are the best!


message 23: by Steph, Serious series addict (last edited Dec 14, 2010 02:17AM) (new)

Steph (angel4492) | 32697 comments LOL! As much as we'd love to have every member join every challenge, don't feel like you must. I know I have a tendancy to gently push, just push me back if you really can't.

We want everyone to have fun, not feel like a stressball. :)

More, more, more ... Don't stop, git it, git it! >:) hehe


message 24: by Vivian (new)

Vivian (_vivian) | 1934 comments ROFL! The song's going to be in my head all night now.


message 25: by Steph, Serious series addict (new)

Steph (angel4492) | 32697 comments Oops! LOL! >:)


message 26: by Laura Lulu (new)

Laura Lulu (lauralulu) | 1603 comments Sandra wrote: "Oh, do I confess now that I've upped my Back to the Future Challenge list from 30 books to 66?"

At least you tried to cut back. I started with 66. Balls to the wall, I say. ;)


message 27: by Mary X (new)

Mary X (marymaryalwayscontrary) | 2484 comments I'm a 2C. I avoid challenges where I have to give a list at the beginning and stick to it for the whole challenge. I also avoid challenges that are only for a specific genre or where I don't have books in my TBR for already. I won't go out and buy a book just to do a challenge. Well I do sometimes but only if it adds to other books I own already and am using for a challenge. Like a series books I'm missing or if I happen to see a book I would want anyway that fits a challenge. I also never read books I have no interest in because I need it for a challenge. I hate challenges that are super restrictive in what you can read.

I'm new to the color/title/fit a category challenges. Before goodreads, I mostly only did challenges on PBS where we competed for credits. Those usually had a pts based system where different books were worth different pts based on the theme (PBS WL books, series order, etc...,)


message 28: by Vivian (new)

Vivian (_vivian) | 1934 comments Laura Lulu wrote: "Sandra wrote: "Oh, do I confess now that I've upped my Back to the Future Challenge list from 30 books to 66?"

At least you tried to cut back. I started with 66. Balls to the wall, I say. ;)"


Me too, if you're gonna do a challenge, go all in! But we'll see if it comes to bite me in the butt later...


message 29: by Steph, Serious series addict (new)

Steph (angel4492) | 32697 comments LOL, Laura. I so missed your humor 'roun here. Glad you survived the holidays. :)

Mary, I'm with you re: buying a book to fit a challenge and/or reading a book just to fit a challenge, NOW. Actually, I've never bought a book just for a challenge, so that hasn't changed. BUT, I have (still have 3 TBR actually) that I (will) read only because they fit into an insane challenge I joined back in 2009. I can't find anything else to fit and I can't not finish the challenge.

That being said, I've learned my lesson and haven't done that for any new challenges. Thankfully they are library reads (so no cost) and maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised and love them. Yeah, and I'm blinded by the rainbow shootin' outta my *bleep* too! LOL!

As for the "no changes" challenges, you've heard my speeches already, so I won't bore ya again with it. I'll just say that, to me, once in a while (a looooong while) one of those is like a needed, but dreaded dose of sickly tasting medication. It isn't something I'd wanna do every day, but it helps in the end (the help in this case being removing those stubborn books from my TBR mountain). :)


message 30: by Laura Lulu (last edited Dec 28, 2010 09:46PM) (new)

Laura Lulu (lauralulu) | 1603 comments Yea! You missed me. :) And I know exactly which challenge you're talking about. I'm jealous you only have 3 more--I think I still have 10. Ugh. We should compare stubborn years. If we weren't so damn old it wouldn't be a problem. Although I think I'm good on the 70's, it's the 80's that are giving me problems.


message 31: by Steph, Serious series addict (new)

Steph (angel4492) | 32697 comments Of course I did! LOL! Yeah, ya do! I checked and have 4 actually. 89, 92, 95 & 96. You're welcome to take a peek at my list. LOL! I've changed books for that list SOOOOO many times, I've lost count. Partytime when it's finally finished. I'm actually glad time's running out, too much time is what caused me to fret over the bloody books so much any way.


message 32: by Laura Lulu (new)

Laura Lulu (lauralulu) | 1603 comments I still have til mid-June to drag out the torture. I have 8 left--1975, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1986, 1989, 1994 & 1998. Three decades of fun.

This might just be a perfect opportunity for me to rec you a fun, good, short little YA fantasy series. :)


message 33: by Steph, Serious series addict (new)

Steph (angel4492) | 32697 comments LMAO! Dog + bone meet Laura. For my '70s, I read a lot of Stephen King with his never ending ability to ramble on and on and on and on and on and on about needlessness. But, I did enjoy them in the end. Just prefer his movies to books, I think. Less time for "that which I don't give a shit" bits. ('scuze my potty mouth)


message 34: by Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required (new)

Sandra | 25907 comments So glad I didn't sign up for that one. Plus I'd have to read sssoooooo many more books than you both. Not fair!!


message 35: by Steph, Serious series addict (new)

Steph (angel4492) | 32697 comments LOL! I gotta say I was pretty snarky when I saw all those short 20-something's lists. Love the idea of it, just had to squish in books "just because" and that I don't care for (any longer).


message 36: by Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required (new)

Sandra | 25907 comments Yeah, I'm so over that. Not doing that again, oh, unless I have to!!! LOL.


message 37: by Steph, Serious series addict (new)

Steph (angel4492) | 32697 comments LOL! Well, yeah, of course, sometimes ya just have to. :)


message 38: by Mary X (last edited Dec 29, 2010 06:47PM) (new)

Mary X (marymaryalwayscontrary) | 2484 comments I will get books from the library to use for challenges. But I never force myself to read something I'm not interested in just to complete a challenge.

I know the listing ahead of time thing is probably an odd-ball quirk of mine. But as soon as I "have" to read a book because I've listed it-it becomes the last book in the world that I want to read. It's one of the reasons I stopped playing so many games on PBS.


message 39: by Steph, Serious series addict (new)

Steph (angel4492) | 32697 comments I definitely get it. No one wants reading to feel like homework. :)


message 40: by Wan (new)

Wan (wanwaddell) | 612 comments Exactly, oh...I --so-- hate that I have to read the book I don't want to read. Like in Literature classes.

One thing though, my TBR list is so big. I pretty much have all the books (I want to read) to fit the challenges.


message 41: by Mary X (new)

Mary X (marymaryalwayscontrary) | 2484 comments yeah me too. My TBR is around 950 now. I usually don't have trouble coming up with something. Once in awhile I do but most of the time I have at least 1 book for whatever categories I'm trying to fill.


message 42: by Kristen (new)

Kristen  (k10bentley) | 422 comments I'm still new to the challenges. With my personality, I'll probably be a 1c, but eventually will have to move to a 2c. I love the variety!! I'll join as many as I can...especially if I can overlap.


message 43: by Steph, Serious series addict (new)

Steph (angel4492) | 32697 comments I think most groups, if not all, allow cross-challenging books. I know we do. Some might specify you cannot in there rules. Otherwise, go for it. :)


Awesomevegan (AKA JenReads) (awesomevegan) | 468 comments I am the first to admit... I join way too many challenges!


message 45: by Mary X (new)

Mary X (marymaryalwayscontrary) | 2484 comments I join too many as well and I don't always complete them. I only join ones that I can cross-contaminate. Part of the fun is grabbing a TBR book and seeing how many challenges I can use it for.


message 46: by Steph, Serious series addict (new)

Steph (angel4492) | 32697 comments LOL "cross contaminate" :)


message 47: by AH (new)

AH | 2271 comments Steph wrote: "LOL "cross contaminate" :)"

I giggled when I saw that too.


Awesomevegan (AKA JenReads) (awesomevegan) | 468 comments Mary wrote: "I join too many as well and I don't always complete them. I only join ones that I can cross-contaminate. Part of the fun is grabbing a TBR book and seeing how many challenges I can use it for."
LOL cross contaminate! Love that!


message 49: by Wan (new)

Wan (wanwaddell) | 612 comments Mary wrote: "I join too many as well and I don't always complete them. I only join ones that I can cross-contaminate. Part of the fun is grabbing a TBR book and seeing how many challenges I can use it for."

Same here. Heehee.


message 50: by Judithe, Soap Operas never end.... (new)

Judithe | 6566 comments I'm a 2ABC...though I find it hard to resist challenges, especially here!

I blew my book budget out of the water due to this addiction...but balanced it by cutting out expensive imported food...better for my waistline, too! I am trying to join only challenges that I can fit books I have/will soon have/really want to read off TBR into. That last category has zoomed thanks to y'all, though!


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