anyone want to give advice about online group forums?

[Heather]

Hi folks! I'm a volunteer book group moderator who's relatively new to this online group thing. I love the BOTN group, though I haven't posted too many comments. I'm thinking of creating a goodreads group to provide a forum for my people to discuss our books online and I'm wondering if anyone has any advice?

What do you like about online forums - the structure, etc? Are there any pitfalls to try to avoid?

Finally, something I've been wondering for a while -- how do you post a book link and have the picture of the book jacket appear?

Thanks!

Heather

[Ann]

Hi Heather,
I guess the biggest piece of advice I can offer: an online community needs to be nurtured, especially at first. That means making sure that there is a steady stream of content to keep people coming back and also the right type of content to get them to participate. It's hard work -- but pays off when the community is developed enough that members start contributing original content without prodding. So be prepared -- it's very definitely NOT a "build it and they will come.

As for the book jacket -- above the post box here on goodreads, you will see a link that says "add book/author". Click that link and you will see how to do it.

[Heather]

Thanks Ann! Our group breaks for the summer, so I've got a little time to think and experiment before our meetings start again.