MobileRead Discussion of Definition of Category Nominations for July 2013

[JSWolf]

Seems we have an issue with two of the June 2013 categories. They were not defined and thus, they left themselves open for books not actually intended for them (but they do fit the category). All categories should be defined (except Classics as that's not possible to do) if there's even the slightest doubt as to what's allowable and what's not. That way we won't have any arguments/discussions on what's allowed and what's not because someone forgot to define it when it was being nominated.

[Elfwreck]

I disagree. Yes, failing to define the category means that books not intended by the nominator might be eligible. No, this is not a problem. If a couple of back-and-forth posts don't clear up the matter and reach a simple consensus, then we have... categories with disagreements about what belongs in them.

And anyone can nominate a book they believe fits the category, and if it gets two supporting votes, it'll be voted on. That means three people have to agree it fits the category. To be *selected,* many people would have to agree that it not only fits the category, but is something they'd like to read and discuss.

I don't think mandatory definitions in advance are required to keep out-of-genre books away from the monthly selection process.

(It is possible to define Classics, in several different ways. So far, the MR community has mostly declined to do so, preferring to allow multiple sometimes-conflicting definitions to inspire the nominations. This happens in SF and Fantasy too.)

[HomeInMyShoes]

I nominate zombie/vampire/undead. Needs to be a non-rehash of a previous story, like Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. You know what I'm talking about. I've got a friend who only reads zombie books so I'm looking for you people to find me the best examples if this wins.

I did read I am Legend and liked it a lot.

[JSWolf]

This is not an actual nomination thread. It's a thread to discuss defining what we mean when we nominate a category (if there's a chance of taking it the wrong way).

[Synamon]

As Elfwreck said, the nomination and voting process takes care of this non-issue.
It's a bookclub, not the design for the space shuttle. No need for this level of nitpicking.

[John F]

Originally Posted by Elfwreck

I disagree. Yes, failing to define the category means that books not intended by the nominator might be eligible. No, this is not a problem. If a couple of back-and-forth posts don't clear up the matter and reach a simple consensus, then we have... categories with disagreements about what belongs in them.

And anyone can nominate a book they believe fits the category, and if it gets two supporting votes, it'll be voted on. That means three people have to agree it fits the category. To be *selected,* many people would have to agree that it not only fits the category, but is something they'd like to read and discuss.

I don't think mandatory definitions in advance are required to keep out-of-genre books away from the monthly selection process.

(It is possible to define Classics, in several different ways. So far, the MR community has mostly declined to do so, preferring to allow multiple sometimes-conflicting definitions to inspire the nominations. This happens in SF and Fantasy too.)

I'll third this. When's the vote?