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(Especially those of you who are authors!)
“Hear Ye! Hear Ye!”
We, the Alpha of the Omega, the Meow of the Lonesome Tom-Feline, the Swashes of many a Buckle, the Wing Tip of the Wing Span, the Moderators of the Forum have finally come to a unifying understanding, a call of clarions. We have taken off our hats (hat off!), rolled up our sleeves (sleeve off!) taken off our shoes (shoe off!) and removed our jerkins (jerkin… uh… we weren’t wearin’ no jerkins!). Yes, we have finished the cranial rectal inversions, pulled our heads out of our collective… okay… we reverted …and formulated a plan of action, a strategy! We have formulated the “Word"! (yes, in the nautical vernacular which had once served as the language of my former vocation, or as my Uncle John would say, the “poop” floats up from the bottom, the “word” comes down from the top)
Stand by for the WORD!
Announcement! Announcement! Ann-ounce-ment
We, the Moderators, wish to announce that we’d like to honor those members who have crossed the threshold from toiling want-to-be into the world of Author, and help celebrate those books that they have brought into being. So, for the month of September, in addition to our regular events, we would like to endorse, sanction and help facilitate a Group Read focusing on books and stories created by our esteemed members! (That was the WORD…ord…ord (imagine a haunting echo here).
So, these are the guidelines for the first ever, and first of many (we hope) Featured Author Group Reads, featuring books and stories from our very own accomplished and esteemed group members.
The Law of the Land! … well, they're really more guidelines, anyway. PM a moderator or post on the Suggestions thread if you have a recommendation or thought that might improve the Featured Author Home Grown Group Reads. (or FAHGGR “Fogger” for the Acronymically underscored and unduly Scottish).
In order to give everyone a chance to participate, who wishes too, we intend to break this up into phases.
Phase I- The Pre-Event Notification and Announcement (do you say “phase” if you open with “phase”?)
Consider this post/PM the start of the pre.. the PENA(P?)
This phase will last from today through this Wednesday, 22 August 2012.
The Pre-Event Notification Announcement Phase is where we let everyone know when we are getting ready to host a group read for our own authors. The intent is to give everyone who is an author time to make sure we (the group, moderators and I) have the names of all group member/authors who wish to participate, and the title(s) of their books, plus time to either verify that there is a “Goodreads” entry for their story, or to make one, and, if the work is not available, give the author time to figure out how to make it available for the group read if they wish to participate. Your book needs to meet all requirements for a Goodreads listing to be eligible for participation.
The “Master Author List” (MAL for you acronymical monsters) is currently in the author’s section, post 2 on the “Author list” (http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/7...). We will open a new sub-group of topics for the purpose of Featured Author Group Reads and I will move this list (or re-create it) there and I will create a thread to list links for books available/eligible for nomination, the “Book-List” (BL for the acronymically challenged). Generally this will include most books without anyone having to lift a finger, but for those authors who have books in various stages of development, marketing and availability this will give them a chance to make the book available. No Rush Ladies and Gentleman, as long as there is a desire for the Featured Author Reads, we will continue to have them, if you are not the first, be the the author of the Next Big Read. This is an investigation, a never ending search to feed our dreams with stories and adventures from the minds of others. This time period is established so that we can include the most selections and give everyone’s story the best chance to be selected for a group read.
Phase II – The Nomination Phase (or T-NOP for the acronymically willing).
This should start Thursday.
It will work like any other nomination phase for a group read with the following exception. All nominations will be from the Book List (BL noted above). Any group member may nominate any book on our list. Authors may nominate their own books (if they're on the list). Any Goodreads member may do a drive-by joining and nomination (as long as they stay in the group and participate in the group read). Of course anyone may observe and read on their own without joining if they wish to benefit from comments on the thread and read a thrilling Book! (I liked to call it Ghost Participation - G.P., or Participation Light, if your only a member for G.P. then, as expected, participation is one way, from us to you but hey, your welcome to it.)
Phase II should last a week, but it will be longer if we (the moderators) feel we need more books, or shorter if we (the moderators ) think we have enough or too many.
Phase III – The Advertising Phase. (“TAP” for the Acronymically Rigid)
This is where authors and fans may speak out about their book. The moderator(s) will create a thread for “Advertising the Group Read”. This is the thread where you (authors or fans) can post links to the book and tell people how to get it if you published through an off the beaten path indi-pub agency. This is where anyone can come by and “talk up” your book. All posts will have to meet Goodreads and Group rules and guidelines for posting.
No SNIPING! Any comments, posts or links that are not positive and encouraging about a nominated book will be deleted without discussion during this phase. Once we start reading and have a nominee, you will be able to comment on the read the thread provided. As it stands, If you can't wait, you will be able to comment on the read in a book review. You will be able to comment on the books on any other thread in Goodreads. You will get your say in these places if you did not like it. But not on this thread.
This thread is for the authors and his/her fans, who are members, to tell us why we should vote for this book, what it’s about, what makes it worth reading.
No comments are required during this phase. Unless an author or the nominator withdraws the nomination, comments or not, all nominated books will go for a vote.
We believe the best comments will come from people who read the book. The second best comments (a close second) will come from the author themselves. If you like a book, speak up for it!
Do not announce “Free copies here!” (we don’t want that to sway the vote. Some authors can provide, some can’t).
If a book is misrepresented, comment about it in the “read it” section or in the book review.
Phase IV – The Vote! (TV for the acronymically ironic)
Though this may already have taken a direction that will have a different outcome and conclusion than other group reads, this will be the same as it is for any group read. The nominations will be collected, the poll created and launched and everyone votes. If the vote is close the moderators will consider a run-off of top vote-getters. Members (and authors) may suggest a run-off but, because of the interests in process involved, moderators will collectively decide if a runoff is worth it as an independent body.
Phase V – Read it and stick it series! (or the RISI “Reeses” Phase for the Acronymically Starved)
Everyone read the book and post comments.
There’s a sub-phase here too, the Pre Indicative Exercise Comments Emulation. Or, (wait for it...) the “Reese’s Pieces” phase. There are no real specific guidelines to go through here that are not common to most Goodreads discussion threads. This is where the author or his agent can announce free copies and where to get them. It’s a good place for the author to ask questions about how readers felt about this or that portion of the book and a good place for readers, who have either read the book before the group read, or had curiosity aroused about a particular aspect of the book mentioned in the buildup (Phases I-IV), to ask questions/make comments as well. It starts as soon as the poll closes and we have a book to read. It doesn’t end, but the expectation here is that most of this kind of thing get addressed early.
From here, everyone read, post your comments, and enjoy the books! Moderators will probably post some general questions of their own as a suggested guide for commenting here, but there is no rule to it, other than those already established. Moderators will keep order. The expectation is polite but rigorously honest feedback about the book.
Please remember that the authors of these books are not names in the sky spelled in stars. They are part of our community, your neighbors in the Goodreads universe and potential, if not already actual friends and comrades in the reading adventure. Disrespectful comments (as determined by moderators) will be removed (as always), appropriately delivered negative comments will stay. Please keep your reactions/comments to the book, the authors style, or plot devices etc. There’s no room for personal attacks between anyone, author, reviewer, reader or commenter. An honest, politely delivered negative comment is not an attack, it's a strength building exercise. Moderators have the final say in disputes. (nothing new here…these are not the droids we are looking for... move along… )...(these are not the droids we're looking for… move along you guys).
Them’s the rules.
Any time an author, or a nominator wishes, up to the closing of the poll, they may withdraw their book from consideration.
We have international members. Some books are readily available everywhere, some cost more in the U.K. and Canada than in the U.S. If it becomes known that a book is not universally available, to an extent that hampers our group read, moderators may, as a last resort, make the hard decision to pull a nomination, but only if it’s absolutely necessary. If needed, a run-off of the next two highest vote-getters will be held as quickly as possible and the process will continue.
No Acronyms were harmed in the creating of this announcement.
Mod
Hold the PRESSES!
Eileen has graciously volunteered to be the Feature Moderator for our September Feature Member-Author Read. Say "Hello, Eileen."
Of course all Moderators have a role in the management of things like this. Eileen will be the "pointy end of the spear" and the other moderators, Jason, Lady D and myself will be ready to support.
As you can see, I'm in the "Left Seat" Hey, what happened to our pilot? Somebody has to explain the Aeronautical stuff when I say stuff like that. (Left Seat is usually where the co-pilot sits, right-seat is the pilot. Eileen Right-Seat this time, I'm the Left-seat.
When we used to do practice ELVAs (Emergency Low Visibility Approaches) with the Helos on ships, we, Operations Specialists, Often got to be the air controler so there would be a lot of people able to talk them in. It's pretty cool.
Of course I was a "Helo Transit Controler" which is the designation you get when they send you to school to get certified to do these things but they don't want to pay the big bucks for a ASTAC (Anti-Submarine Air Controler) which has "Pro-Pay" (incentive pay).
but I digress...
Thank you Eileen!
Hello! I'm so honored to be the "fresh meat" of our new September Feature Member-Author Read along with my co-pilot, Hugh.
I look forward to reading and getting to know more about our very own Action Adventure authors.
Happy Reading!
Mod
Thanks for putting this program together, Hugh!
Mod
Just a quick announement. The only promotions that belong in this section is for authors participating in the Featured Member-Author Group Read.
Those promotions go on this thread:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...
The "Author's Section" is for Group Members to discuss authors and their writing so the same goes for that section.
If you are just promoting your book, and not participating in the Featured Author Group Read, then, please post your promotion in the Promote - Area here
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/group_...
Posts in the Authors section or in the Featured Member Author Group Reads section will be moved or deleted. (Unless you are a participating author and promoting your work on the appropriate thread prior to the group vote).
Mod
We are going to start the Poling phase for the Feature Member Author Group Read on Thursday evening (Tomorrow).
The Nomination Process will stop at 0800 Eastern Standard Time-USA. (that's Greenwich Time Plus 5 (I think) for thos participants who live outside of the United States)
All that will mean is that any names added to the author list, and any books added to the book list after 0800 on Thursday will not be eligible for this vote. (You/your book will be eligible for the next one though.)
Since we are letting all books on the book list to be eligible for the initial vote, we will have a lot of entries this time, so we need as many people who can find the time to vote to help us decide this.
This is the first Featured Member-Author Group Read. We intend to keep going with more after this. There will be lots of chances
The Current Book List (post 2 on this thread):
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/9...
The Current Honor Roll (Post 2 on this thread):
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/9...
Here's where information on these books may be posted by a fan, the author or an interested reader as long as they are a member.
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...
Thank you all for your support.
message 8:
by
Danielle The Book Huntress , Literary Adrenaline Junkie
(last edited Aug 31, 2012 09:41PM)
(new)
Mod
If you want to vote again and you are an active member who participates on this group, you can feel free to vote again. Moderators will monitor the voting process again and will clear existing votes if the unscrupulous activity continues to transpire.
Mod
We just don't want to start another one until we've had enough discussion time about the current one. We like doing the general group reads "bang bang bang" to keep things going. We've just decided that the Member Author Reads would not be as much fun if they overlaped.
So everyone on the Honor Role and with books on the "Member Author Book List" stay with us. We have only just begun!
Thank you.
Mod
"..It's time to make the strange...ch-ch-changes...Time may change me...but I can't change time..."
Okay, I know you are all wondering …”Hugh, hey… dude come on, we’re about five Member-Author’s Behinds away from a complete Honor-Role and maybe ten books short of a complete Member-Author Collection…and come to think of it, didn’t you say last month that we would have another one of them shnazzy Featured Member-Author Group Read shendigs?”
Well if you’re wondering that, or something remotely similar, you are right. I did make big promises that have not been fulfilled. It’s time for many lashes with a wet noodle and I deserve everyone. I apologize for dropping my end of things. It’s time to get back into the groove!
Okay, first things first. We, your friendly neighborhood Moderators…hm.. Moderators… that kind of reminds me of those old Italian spaghetti westerns. “Moderators RIDE!” I like it… It makes me feel like Clint Eastwood…before he started talking to empty furniture… (maybe I’m not the only one who needs to rethink some of those decisions?)
But I digress…. Where was I? …Ah yes, here it is…. We, your friendly neighborhood Moderators, as you may have noticed, have decided to try and find ways to become more helpful for everyone Readers, Authors and moderators alike. So, one of the reasons, other than the need for a cranial-rectal detachment surgery for that “I,Curmudgeon” guy (who knew that old grumpy guys could be so limber?), one of the reasons is that we want to try to find a better vehicle here that can better meet everyone’s needs.
What needs (it seems like a no-brainer on the surface, but, it’s actually one of those things that should be defined):
Authors- Authors need a vehicle to promote their books, especially Indie-Authors. That being the top need of writers does not exclude the fact that some authors like, and want to, answer questions about their writing, their stories and such, and many (probably most) authors like to read. Along with promoting books, Authors need to get their books reviewed. We all know that a positive comment from a reviewer who used their money to buy a book and are willing to recommend it to others is more effective advertising than ten pop up ads on Google. Authors also tend like, and in the current indie-pub revolution- need, to be able to talk to other authors about anything from “where do I find an editor” to “How the hell did you get your book about a Redneck chiropractor mentioned on Leno last night?”
We also understand that Authors have different tools than the standard “promotional-spam the thread drive by posting” and a quick post on a thread set aside for “Promotions” (Which is sometimes perceived as the reader-auto-ignore thread). The age of e-books and indie-authors includes things like Blogs, interviews, websites, home-made trailers and probably some things I haven’t thought of yet. All of those things need a place to be on display where other people (readers) can see them, read them and an atmosphere that helps develop rapport between reader and author with room to allow positive word of mouth to spread. We also know that not all writers, especially those who actually have been picked up by a professional publishing firm and a lot of Indie Authors, do not have enough of whatever it takes to produce free books on command. Who does?
Readers – Readers want to participate in discussions where everyone is considered equal; where the books that they are discussing are the center of attention, not those posting. They also want their threads to be as “pure,” free of commercial driven motives, as possible. They have no problem being the voice for a book they enjoyed, but they surely don’t want to be a pawn or tool in somebody’s marketing strategy. In Goodreads, books are the treasure and authors are the stars. Authors often feel like everybody else, but, in an environment that celebrates writing like Goodreads, Authors are the celebrities and the readers their adoring fan, weather either group likes it or not. Readers often enjoy, like, and even seek out threads where they can converse directly with authors about the books they’ve written. Readers also have a strong desire that the thread in which they discuss books be free from posts reflecting a more personal profit driven agenda (i.e., less about the book, more about self-promotion) in all of the forms that these issues come in. For a reader on a reader-book discussion thread, self-promotion is basically dishonest… it’s dishonest because the post was motivated by a need to self-promote, not a desire to discuss the book or subject at hand. (Honesty + Motive = Trust) Trust needs more than honesty to develop. Surely you can see how much the components of this equation may vary. As my old advisor from Counselor School used to say, “the only problem with the devil is that he always tells the truth.”
Reviewers- these are specialized readers (at least in this capacity) that include the professional and polished, as well as the youthful armature. Reviewers have the above needs (same as readers) but they also have a desire to have their reviews shared and read. I don’t care if they are professionals or review for purely personal non-monetary motives, the bottom line is: why write a review and post it on line if nobody is going to read it? (You think getting your book read is hard? There’s nowhere, no way and no ethically, morally and socially acceptable way to promote a review that’s not part of a semi-to fully corporate machine. Reviews written by the semi-competent, if grumpy, amateur with no sense of grammatical correctness are a matter of faith in human curiosity and hope for good will from those around us. Faith in your fellow man is thin soup when you have a need.
Moderators – Yes, moderators have needs too… Mod-erator are People!... (okay… note to self, the “Soylent Green comparative analogy line” didn’t work as well as I thought). We need a framework of guidelines that are easily understandable by all members of the group, easy to follow for group members, clear enough to enforce without causing confusion, hate and discontent, and are in keeping with the Goodreads “TOS” (Terms of Service). We also need the tools to facilitate good discussions on our threads. And above all, Moderators need to be able to not only be impartial, but to also maintain the appearance of impartiality. We shall make no laws preferring one series of books over another.
As part of our Goodreads community, even if we can only speak for our own little corner of the cyberspace three dimensional polyhedron, we want to be a catalyst that facilitates connecting readers with good books, the good host who connects authors and readers to each other and at least one or two important cogs in the process that promotes all aspects of our favorite pastime…reading. And above all we want to talk about our favorite books with other real, flesh and blood people who read.
In that light we are trying, revising and looking at several things. The first was out Featured Member Author Group Read, aimed at promoting books written by members only, followed or accompanied by a subsection of threads for the Member Authors of our group, the “Reader < -- >Writer Interface” section of threads for our group aimed at getting a better handshake between readers and reader threads that promote discussion on anything readers want to talk about where books are concerned. All of these are important goals to us, but let’s get one thing out in the open, “our primary mission, purpose and vision is to have a place where everyone can discuss the books that the Read.” This includes any authors who also read, but, technically this means that the priority threads and purpose is to support readers and facilitate discussions that readers want to have about the books that they enjoy, hate or feel so indifferent about that they need to tell somebody.
We do not believe that a mission to support readers makes our group exclusive or “readers only.” Quite the contrary, we believe that a good handshake between readers and writers, a place and process that promotes new books and new writers are essential to having the best environment for our community. That means, if we find the best vehicle for the most people, we can go to this “promised land” with a seat for everyone on the magic carpet that gets us there. (Imagine Stepen Wolf playing in the background here, … right between the sound machine…)
We would like to encourage authors and readers alike to participate on the “Reader-Writer Interface Threads.” Post links to your blog there, post links to your websites, ask other authors questions and leave answers to questions asked of you here. This is a good place to post about a new book release or thank the readers that lead to your success. Reader/reviewers can post reviews here, one more place where they can be read. When we get around to hosting a Q & A with a writer, we’ll likely use this group of threads to do that. It’s possible that the “Giveaway” and “Promotion” threads will shift to this subsection of boards.
The Member-Author section will likely become the place for you Member-Authors to talk about things important to how to market your books, create websites offers of editing service etc. Surely readers are allowed (all our threads are opened to all members) but this is a good place for Indie Authors to share what works, and find out what doesn’t work in the world of marketing books.
You win, Hugh with the Creepy Snowman picture! This has gotta be the longest post anywhere, ever. You should change your name to Hugh Longpost.
And thanks for your good energy and efforts to make this a fun place to hang out.
Mod
Mod
Mod
This has gotta be the longest post anywhere, ever. You should change your name to Hugh Longpost.
And thanks for your good energy and efforts to ma..."
Hey, my kids and I worked hard on that guy... and I didn't tell my wife that she sacraficed her broom to make his Mohawk.
He's cool, he has a Mohawk... If we could have made his arms stay on he'd have been staring defiantly at the sun with one hand raised, and a finger, going "Melt THIS!"
but, he was only up because it snowed this weekend.
I'm a Curmudgeon, it's my prerogative to be long winded if I want to be... it's part of my signature style.
Mod
Your welcome Lady D. Thank you for all of your support.
We have a two way tie for February's Author's Book of the Month read poll. I made a runoff poll. It will be up three days only, until February 7th, so don't miss your chance to vote!:http://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/78...
Mod
Mod
This time though we will break up the book list into four equal groups as they appear on the list. (Next vote we may disperse them differently so they are not always competing against the same books).
We'll hold four groups then the top two vote getters from group A with the top two from group B in a run off, and the top two from group "C" and group "D" in a runnoff and finish up with a run off between the top two vote getters.
The rules as established (other than the vote) still stand. Authors that have been members for more than a month may have their books in the polling (I have a couple I need to add to the list and honor roll).
It's the length of time the author has been a group member, not the length of time that the book has been out.
The current BOM will stay until we have a clear winner.
Thanks to everyone participating in the discussion for Psalter!
It's a fun read.
Any questions ask here, or PM one of the moderators!
Mod
First round vote top vote getters move up.
Member Authors must have been with us for one month.
(Side note- we are reviewing our "who's book is eligible" requirments, though that policy may not be in effect until next vote. We're looking at not only having one month of membership but also limiting the list to "active" members. We'll sort it out and keep you posted. Right now, it's just a one month requirment.)
Mod
Mod
Bear with me, It'll be up and we'll be voting soon. (I just hope it's not for a new moderator.)
Mod
I, Curmudgeon wrote: "...Bear with me, It'll be up and we'll be voting soon. (I just hope it's not for a new moderator.) "If anyone is dumb enough to want the job & all the work, give it to them with your blessings.
;-)
Seriously, lots of work, great job!
Mod
We should have the polls up and open for first round voting in two days.
I apologize to the authors for not getting this done.
Please remember, you must have been a member for one month before your book is eligible for the Book of the Month vote.
We will do first round of 4 polls. The top two vote getters from each poll will go to a runoff that vote will determine the winner.
Mod
Thanks to Eileen we have a set of polls up for the Member Author Book of the Month. Just so everyone understands, this is the lay out of the BOM polls etc.
There are six polls. Member Authors should vote for one book in each of the six polls. The top two vote-getters and any ties for second, will make it to a runoff.
All member authors will vote in the runoff and the top vote getter becomes the MABOM (or MaBOOM! If you like the Acme Jukebox library version.)
Make sure you vote in all six polls if you are a member author. Then, when the runoff’s posted, vote in that as well.
You can’t vote on your own book (we’ll check) and you have to have been with Action/Adventure Aficionados for at least a month before your book is eligible for a vote.
Member Authors only vote. (The master list for that is the “honor Roll” in the Author’s section.
Any Questions contact a moderator. Thank you for your participation!
I, Curmudgeon wrote: "Okay, a quick update. Thanks to Eileen we have a set of polls up for the Member Author Book of the Month. Just so everyone understands, this is the lay out of the BOM polls
Pardon my ignorance, but where do I vote?
Steve, follow this link to vote. Please vote for 1 book in polls numbered 11-16.http://www.goodreads.com/poll/list/53...
It may be churlish to ask, but is it possible to include links to the books listed in the polls so we can check them out more easily?
Mod
It is possible but would take awhile to add a separate list of all those book links. Right now if you click on "show results" at the bottom of each poll, you can then click on the book titles in the poll to view the book info. Hope that made sense.
Update: Just realized they did add the links...Just click on the "comments" link at the bottom of each poll and you will see the list of books for that poll :)
The Runoff Poll is up. You can vote for the Member-Author book until Friday, April 5th. Poll# 12http://www.goodreads.com/poll/list/53...
Mod
Time to hold the May vote for the next MA- Book of the month.
17 Degrees North by Larry Seeley is still the current MA-BOM and will stay up as such until the end of May. Please generate some support for this book. I have my copy down loaded to kindle and it will be my next read. Particpation by anyone (authors especially) is what will make this successful (as it seemed to me the last MA-BOM) was or sturggle.
I will be starting this book as soon as I'm done with my current read.
now, new business
We are adding a change to the rules for this.
Any Author who is on our Honor Roll for longer than one month, may have their book in the vote.
I'm going to create a thread for you to give us a link to book, blog, etc. to confirm availability of your novel and where it can be purchased or or downloaded.
Only those who post on this list (coming in minutes) will make the poll. How many polls and run offs we have will be dependent on how many entrants we have.
If you have any questions, please contact one of the moderators.
Action/Adventure Aficionados
Books mentioned in this topic
17 Degrees North (other topics)The Psalter (other topics)
The Psalter (other topics)
This thread is for general announcements. If you have an announcement about a specific Feature Member-Author group read, then there will be a specific thread created for each read.
If you have questions about which thread, this one or the other one, send a PM to one of the Moderators and we'll help get your announcement in the most effective place.