What is the purpose of Goodreads “to read shelf”? > Likes and Comments

I have books on more than 58,000 “to read shelves”. I have only sold a dozen books in the last 6 months. Do “to read shelves” actually represent intent or only bragging rights? “My dad is bigger than your dad”. “So what I have more books on my to read shelf than you do”.
Maybe somebody can explain the point to me. On the “to read shelf” never to come off. What is the point?

I think most people use it as "Oh, I saw this, it looks interesting, so I'll add it to a shelf that pretty much means 'if I run out of things to read'..."
So, it's pretty much useless. Especially considering that GR won't alert you if the book is discounted or something, as would be with wishlist on Steam, for example.

Personally, I kept adding books like any other person, but then the number it was triggering my OCD, so I nuked it. Now, I only use it for series I plan to return to (for example, when they're complete) or authors I plan to return to (typically, another series, also waiting for it to be complete).

Thanks Tomas

That is the most insightful response I have had so far.

Bob

What Tomas said :)

But did you run a Goodreads giveaway by any chance? I believe anyone entering a giveaway automatically gets the book added to their "To read" shelf, which might account for the large number.

I think once upon a time that shelf used to signal a stronger intent (this is a reminder that I actually do want to read this book), but since GR changed their giveaway model (it used to be just for a handful of print copies, not free ebooks being doled out in large numbers) with so many people blindly entering every giveaway under the sun (ooh! Free stuff!) it has become largely meaningless.

No - not goodreads giveaway but giveaway through a PR company - BeBookSharp - to be fair always deliver the promised ratings and reviews - but I have never figured out why the "to read shelf" only increases and never decreases.

Appreciate the input

There's simply no reason at all to remove books from that shelf. It doesn't have a limited capacity.

Understood Tomas - But I kind of thought books would be on the shelf until they are read. But I guess none of my to reads get to read.

I expect most "To read" books will never get read. They're on the shelf until the reader decides to remove them, which may never happen, because that involves work on the part of the reader and (as Tomas points out) there's really no reason for them to do so.

Remember - the shelves are there for the benefit and use of the reader, to organize their books however they see fit. They are not there for the author's benefit.

Thanks Ian