Malaysian Reads discussion

Hi everyone!

Since we’re all about bringing new life to this group, I thought I start a suggestion thread for anybody to add input of how we can help to make Malaysia Reads a better place for members to share their passion and interact with each other.

So if you got anything on your mind, don't be shy and share with us!

First of all I’d like to say the group is looking so much better already. I love the new name and the more general description to attract all kinds of readers. And the sectioned forum looks great.


Now, for my suggestions:

New Section



I’m thinking maybe we could add another section: Networking and Promo

That section would be a place for readers, bloggers and authors to get to know each other and help get exposure and promote books.

For readers/bloggers, they could use it to find/get to know others who read/blog about the kinds of books they do. (Maybe have one thread for bloggers so they can post the link and list the genres they covered, and another thread for readers to post the genres they read.)

For authors, they could use it as a platform to promote their works. They could also use it to announce new release/tours/giveaways/ask for reviews/offer ARCs (I’m not sure how many Malaysian authors are in this group, and I have to shamefully admit I never read a local author’s work before, but I am open to discover new books that appeal to me and this is one way for authors to get new readers.)

I think it would also be nice to have a thread for new releases (local and international) – though this one could also be under Book Recommendation. Not sure which one more relevant.

Raising Awareness



When the Mods think everything is nicely set up, I think it would be a good idea to send PM to the members to inform them of the new and improved group so we can get them to drop by and check it out. I don’t know what is the default notification for this group, but it would also be beneficial to inform them to check their notification setting while at it so they won’t miss any new posts.


So those are my recommendations for now. I know it’s a little too detailed (sorry I’m a reviewer, so I like details and graphics lol!) but I want everyone to see the possibilities. Feel free to discuss/add to it.

Thank you.

I really like your ideas, warhawke!

warhawke wrote: "I think it would also be nice to have a thread for new releases (local and international) – though this one could also be under Book Recommendation. Not sure which one more relevant. "

What if we create a "Bookish News" section? I think this part can cover a lot of stuffs, from new release books to discussion on upcoming movie adaptations and whatnots.

I wonder if it's necessary to keep the "Favourite Author" section or is it better to absorb it into "Reading Recommendation"?

Shy wrote: "What if we create a "Bookish News" section?"

I like that! I hope we have members with scoops that can update us on book related events.

Shy wrote: "I wonder if it's necessary to keep the "Favourite Author" section or is it better to absorb it into "Reading Recommendation"? "

I thought so too. Favorite Author section is too specific and when something too specific, it limits activities.

Would anyone be interested to participate in an online book club? We pick a book each month, read for 2-3 weeks and come back after that to discuss about the book. Each month we will rotate the discussion leader.

I know all of us have our own reading lists for the year, but having a common book for all of us is great for discussion :) anyone?

Hi Jason,
Thanks for the suggestion. We provided the the folder Networking, Promo & Buddy Reads: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/group... for something like this.

Can you elaborate more on the items below so it's easier for others to have some idea of how it's going to be.

1. Type of book (fiction/non-fiction)
2. Possible genres
3. Possible level (YA/NA/A)

For other members interested in doing this feel free to voice your preferred selection.

Thanks!

Sounds good to me, Jason... But it has to be books that easily accessible (means not that expensive and easy to find digitally or in other forms)

Suggestions:

1. Frequent polls :D
2. Character contest
(choose a character and whoever can point out a lot of that character pros & cons - with evidence wins)
3. Quote games - just thought it'd be fun to have games based on this but I don't really know how to design it.
4. Haiku/short poems Contest - based on books/character/genre

I'm sorry. I love games. Maybe you could make the prize to be a simple image saying "user won GAME hosted by Malaysian Reads" so that they could put it up on their blog or just happy there's a mark :)