UK Amazon Kindle Forum discussion

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I'm sure our lovely Simon will sort it when he has time.

In about 2 weeks then...

The month of June is being ransomed by FIFA. It has demanded $10m for June to be released for general use by the public. They need the money to bribe US investigators, but I think they've left it a little late...

It has been taken over by exams here. The entire country is sitting in halls scribbling furiously!

Gingerlily - Elephant Philosopher wrote: "It has been taken over by exams here. The entire country is sitting in halls scribbling furiously!"

And here! 3 of 4 grandchildren suffering at the moment. 'Revision' is dirty word of the month.

Heard from simon. He's in the midst of a big project but will sort things when he can.

Patti (baconater) wrote: "Heard from simon. He's in the midst of a big project but will sort things when he can."

Looks like Pete is right, Fifa is at the bottom of it

So, I took the May books off and I didn't put any June books up on purpose. We hardly get any conversation on the books and all they really seem to do is give us a couple of pretty pictures on the front page.

I really like the monthly books but if there is no interest then I was considering changing things around a bit.

What do you think?

Sounds good to me. What's your plan?

Okay but they are still on the thread, even though their pictures aren't.

I often found the monthly books looked interesting, but I was already reading something else at the time.

David wrote: "I often found the monthly books looked interesting, but I was already reading something else at the time."

I think that's part of the issue. We're all busy readers and we're all reading something else. Always. Whenever you ask

Rather than putting books up and saying 'have you read' how about putting up books we all have read and seeing if that produces discussions :-)

Jim wrote: "Rather than putting books up and saying 'have you read' how about putting up books we all have read and seeing if that produces discussions :-) "

Good idea.

Great idea.

So, which books have we all read?

That's information that you can either ask for , but don't some people have it on the goodreads pages? Is there a way to harvest that?

No idea. Maybe Simon knows.

It all comes down to cost for me and time. When I look at what a group's monthly reads are, I check whether I can get them on unlimited so I won't be spending any more than I have to. We could have an 'Unlimited' book or a 'Free' book of the month. How about nominating someone in the group to choose a book? Whether people have read it or not - I would much rather see something on the front page.

We've tried various things over the years we've been a group, Topaz. Freebies, paid, voting, individuals choosing, group authors, Amazon top free, Amazon top paid...

We've never seemed to crack it to the point where we get good discussion happening.

I agree that we need something on the front page.

Shame they stopped group authors before I stared writing! Story of my life. ;)

Nothing stopping us from going back to them, Kath. I truly have no idea how Simon has been coming up with the monthly reads lately. I've left that to him and been concentrating on the day to day stuff. The day to day stuff is easier, I think.

He's been a bit random lately, hasn't he?

He's been totally swamped with work and other stuff, poor guy. When we got together at Christmas he hoped it would get better but wasn't to be. I'm reticent to say more. I'm sure he'll catch us all up with what's been going when he feels he can.
I will say that he could do with lots of hugs from all of us.

Have a (((((HUGE HUG))))) Simon!
Seriously though, we do so appreciate all the work that goes into running this terrific group. Hope you manage to find some time to relax soon. Thinking of you!

Philip (sarah) wrote: "Have a (((((HUGE HUG))))) Simon!
Seriously though, we do so appreciate all the work that goes into running this terrific group. Hope you manage to find some time to relax soon. Thinking of you!"

Just to second that to both Simon and Patti

Hear hear.

Aw shucks. :D

Hello.

I may be silent but it doesn't mean I'm not here. 2015 has turned out a bit of a mess for me in many ways. Basically nothing has gone the way I planned it :)

Anyway, We could try putting up books that many people will have read but I have no idea how we find that out.

Over recent months I have occasionally featured books by group authors, best sellers and classics. I have occasionally featured books from recently departed authors and on subjects that are in the news. Other times I have put a pin in my screen and selected books randomly. In truth it is impossible to select the perfect book, and I tend to agree that now ebooks are part of our daily life and almost all new releases come out in Kindle format, Kindle users have a wealth of reading choice.

When we started this group, people were thirsty for free books, new releases and recommendations. I don't believe that is the case any more so we need to find some other way of adding value with our selections.

I'm not over keen on handing the selections back to group authors in any organised way as it tended to just encourage a wave of private messages asking (demanding occasionally) to be featured along with complaints and accusations (Patti and I have spared the group the less attractive communications we get on the private message system).

I am however always open to suggestions and don't mind trying out old approaches including competitions leading to the winner selecting the book.

As always I welcome suggestions.

Jim wrote: "Philip (sarah) wrote: "Have a (((((HUGE HUG))))) Simon!
Just to second that to both Simon and Patti"

Thirded.

Sounds like you're having a tottering time, Simon. Hope thing soon get better for you. x