Setting Field

[rivka, Librarian Moderator]

I would leave the setting blank.

[rivka, Librarian Moderator]

That seems reasonable.

[rivka, Librarian Moderator]

Good question.

[Debbie]

I would take the setting field gently by the hand, lead it out the back and put it out of its misery.

[jenjn79]

SF SQRL wrote: "I would take the setting field gently by the hand, lead it out the back and put it out of its misery."

I really like the setting field; I just wish it wasn't so restrictive.

[Debbie]

I think it's flawed in conception, tbh.

[rivka, Librarian Moderator]

Squirrel, I'm with you.

[Lisa]

I'm with Squirrel and Rivka. I did like it ok when it was free form and we could type in the setting(s) we wanted but I never used it much.

[jenjn79]

I add setting to every book I read, but I do agree it needs to be improved. Saying a book takes place in the United States doesn't really tell a person anything.

It would be a helpful field for some readers if it could be improved. I know people who like to read historical westerns, others who like ones set in the South. And whatnot. So having that kind of information available, and "searchable" would be nice. Because as it is, it's not very useful.

[Phil]

It's particularly unhelpful for Science Fiction and Fantasy novels. It doesn't have an entry for "Middle Earth" or "The Liaden Universe" or "Mars", just to grab the first few off the top of my head.

[A.M.]

I hardly ever use the Setting field for all the reasons listed above!

Only if a book is clearly in one setting, and that setting is particularly relevant to the reader, do I insert it.

Perhaps the setting field should be coded the same way the author field is, so multiple settings can be included, as well as imaginary places?

I'm guessing this discussion should also be shifted over to the Feedback Group.

[rivka, Librarian Moderator]

There's already a topic there about it, as I recall.

[Debbie]

I think there are several!