Shelfarians discussion

So.. Dare I say it? There are some things I am liking about Goodreads, once I have started figuring a few things out. For one, I find it so much more interactive, and that there is a real community that I can connect with. I never used the groups in the right way on Shelfari, and didn't really make connections. Now I am starting to. I notice that I use Goodreads these days, the way other people use FaceBook. I personally don't have a FaceBook page, was afraid I would get sucked in. But I make sure to browse through once daily, and to see what's hot and what's not in my literary world. But also, I am curious about the conversations. I also see what doesn't draw me. I find I am learning how to tailor.

But here's what I have figured out about the transition. Many of my reviews seem lost. But when I add a few stars where they are missing, all of a sudden the missing review shows up. I also discovered just this week…. When I use Goodreads on my phone, it actually moves more smoothly, than when I am using it on my computer. I can go back and forth much easily without constantly losing my place.

I also like the concept of the giveaways, and the public TBR list. I have entered about 15 of them. I would love to get a surprise book in the mail. Does anyone ever truly "win?" I assume so. I am not all that computer savvy, but have begun to figure things out. Still, I don't know where my reviews went, but I am trusting that even thought they pop up from years ago, that maybe some of them are actually "returning." I have figured out which review are missing from the Compare Books function, which I actually think is a treat.

Anyway, have been wanting to offer all of that. The unfortunate problem, is that my TBR has now overgrown to an unmanageable and slightly overwhelming place. But that too is part of the adjustment. I like the challenges and games on PBT, and the personal question of the day on paging All Bookworms. I am trying out some other groups here and there. Historical Fictionistas, Jewish Book Carnival, and Jewish Historical Fiction. Got rid of one that was totally wasting my time. Reading for Pleasure? Can't stand the book counts, and page counts, but hey that's just me. I do like to see what people are reading and thinking,

About to re-enter a book I've read once already… I wonder what will happen?

Curious about other's thoughts…. Best, Amy

I just don't feel like keeping up with more than one site, so most likely I'll just keep learning how to use goodreads. there is a lot to learn. the transition went so so. as a result, there are books on my shelf marked read that I have never even heard of, let alone read. small issues I suppose. I fix things as I come across them and try not to worry about what is missing. I too have noticed differences when using GR on my tablet and laptop. I cannot show the link o a book from my Android tablet, but I move around pretty good.

Glad you are starting to adjust Amy and Dosha. Like most new sites, it takes time to get used to things and I'm still learning new tools even though I've been on the site for 5 years or so.

The group interactions are one of my favorite things about the site. It is just a matter of finding the ones that appeal to you and your reading tastes.

@Amy - Regarding the Giveaways, I personally haven't won any, but I know that others have. It all depends on how many people enter. Sometimes it is a handful and then your chances are greater but other times its hundreds and then it is unlikely.

Amy - Yes, I have won several of the Goodreads giveaways. But it's been a couple of years since I entered.

Dosha - I use only a desk-top so I'm not sure about differences using a phone or Android tablet. But you might find some help by going to this group:
Goodreads Feedback

Unlike the Shelfari Discussion & Questions group THIS one is actually staffed by about 10 GR staffers (including the founder, Otis), and there are MANY members who check in and respond to most questions and pleas for help.

Also ... you can also email the support team directly ...

support (at) goodreads (dot) com

When I first joined, I won a few books. I haven't entered them in a long time as someone pointed out the algorithm heavily weights towards new members.

Jonetta wrote: "When I first joined, I won a few books. I haven't entered them in a long time as someone pointed out the algorithm heavily weights towards new members."

When I saw the giveaways tab (or whatever you call it), I was excited. I entered for a few months, never won anything and no longer enter. I noticed that by entering to get a giveaway, the books I'm trying to win magically show up on my shelf as TBR. If I don't win the book, I don't intend to read the book; so as far as I'm concerned the book get there prematurely. I decided I didn't need anymore inaccuracies with my shelves etc. and stopped entering - since I don't win anyway.....

Thanks to Lauren, BC, Jonetta and others, I understand gr much more than I would by learning on my own. I hope it doesn't turn out to be a mistake linking my twitter (which NEVER gets used) to my gr reviews. As soon as I finish something, I'm looking forward to the twitter folks responses - it should be interesting because they are a totally different group of folk.

Dosha (Bluestocking7) wrote: "I noticed that by entering to get a giveaway, the books I'm trying to win magically show up on my shelf as TBR...."

It's been a long time since I entered, but I believe there's a box that you have to UNclick (it defaults to "add to my tbr"). Or at least that's what I remember. It's been way over a year since I entered for a book.

Book Concierge wrote: "Dosha (Bluestocking7) wrote: "I noticed that by entering to get a giveaway, the books I'm trying to win magically show up on my shelf as TBR...."

It's been a long time since I entered, but I belie..."

Ah Ha! I'll look into that. Thanks.

You're right, BC, it does default to "add to TBR" and you have to de-select it if you don't want it added. And, some giveaways require the books be added.

Dosha (Bluestocking7) wrote: "Book Concierge wrote: "Dosha (Bluestocking7) wrote: "I noticed that by entering to get a giveaway, the books I'm trying to win magically show up on my shelf as TBR...."

It's been a long time since..."

Okay ... I just went to the giveaways and entered for one ...

After you put your name in you have two statements that you have to click or UNclick
the first requires you to click that you've read and agree to the terms.
the second states "also add this book to my tbr" (or something like that) ... it is ALREADY checked ... so you have to UNcheck it (unless you really DO want it on your tbr)


ALSO ... from the main page of giveaways ... on the RIGHT side is a section where you can browse by tag. So if you only want YA or you only want historical fiction, you can click on that tag/shelf and you'll ONLY get the giveaways that fit that criteria. Saves lots of time going through dozens (hundred?) of titles you have no interest in.

Have fun! (And good luck)

I noticed just the opposite. There are books on my TBR and then the giveaway alert comes soon a callin'. So new problem - my missing 36 reviews that I thought would pop up if I re-rated them. Sort of the fluke that got my Golem and the Jinni back hasn't worked for other reviews. Can't figure out why I lost Marriage of Opposites, a five star review, because that one, I believe I entered on Goodreads itself? It was right around the change. Or maybe it didn't go… Time to call Goodreads and see if there is something I can do to recover it?