MobileRead February 09 book nominations

[HarryT]

Bob,

Can we have a "ruling" on this. Does "contemporary fiction" include SF, or not? Personally I don't think it should, but you're "the man"!

[Sparrow]

Originally Posted by HarryT

I would have thought, personally, that "contemporary fiction" was fiction both written and set in today's world. I don't think that SF fits, by that definition.

I think SF can be set in today's world (e.g. "The Time Traveller's Wife").

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by Sparrow

I think SF can be set in today's world (e.g. "The Time Traveller's Wife").

True, but that was a book aimed more at the "general readership" market than the SF market, wouldn't you say? That, to my mind, is what defines "contemporary fiction" - books that AREN'T sold to specialist "genre" readers.

[Sparrow]

Originally Posted by HarryT

True, but that was a book aimed more at the "general readership" market than the SF market, wouldn't you say? That, to my mind, is what defines "contemporary fiction" - books that AREN'T sold to specialist "genre" readers.

I think I can see the distinction you're making - but it's a difficult one to gauge precisely imho. 'Dr Who' is aimed at a general audience, but is also widely regarded as primarily SF.

Personally, as far as the MR Book Club goes, I'd prefer to err on the side of inclusion, rather than exclusion. It would be best, imho, to encourage as many nominations as possible, and then let people people debate their merits in the thread.

Anyhow, that's just my opinion - I'll happily accept whatever guidance PilotBob decides is most appropriate.

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by Sparrow

Anyhow, that's just my opinion - I'll happily accept whatever guidance PilotBob decides is most appropriate.

Absolutely. Me too.

[pilotbob]

Originally Posted by HarryT

Bob,

Can we have a "ruling" on this. Does "contemporary fiction" include SF, or not? Personally I don't think it should, but you're "the man"!

Let say no SF/Fantasy at this time. If we have trouble getting a decent amount of choices then we can revisit this.

BOb

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by HarryT

I would have thought, personally, that "contemporary fiction" was fiction both written and set in today's world. I don't think that SF fits, by that definition.

If SF does fit the definition, then presumably anything in Baen's "free library" is "up for grabs"?

None of the Baen's free library is available at MR. So that's out.

[=X=]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

I'll nominate Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom by Cory Doctorow.

I'll second that
=X=

[=X=]

My Nominations

Refuge by Richard Herley (http://www.feedbooks.com/book/3025)
Poker without Cards by Ben Mack (LRF, MOBI, IMP) Okay I read this book and I think it was great!

=X=

[pshrynk]

Originally Posted by =X=

My Nominations

Refuge by Richard Herley (http://www.feedbooks.com/book/3025)
Poker without Cards by Ben Mack (LRF, MOBI, IMP) Okay I read this book and I think it was great!

=X=

I'll second Poker Without Cards Haven't heard of the other.

[pilotbob]

Originally Posted by =X=

My Nominations

Refuge by Richard Herley (http://www.feedbooks.com/book/3025)
=X=

Is this free? I thought you had to pay for his books if you liked them?

BOb

[desertgrandma]

Originally Posted by =X=

I'll second that
=X=

I enthusiastically third "Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom"

Read it once, and its definitely re-readable.....I think there could be a lot of discussion on this one........

[=X=]

Originally Posted by pilotbob

Is this free? I thought you had to pay for his books if you liked them?

BOb

Right if you like them, he has for a very modest payment of $1.50 that's the price of cup of coffee or a soda. For me this is practically free, and for those who do not like his work it's free.

It would be a real shame if we here in MR couldn't support our local authors especially when their deal is so reasonable.

Also if we are getting hard line about only reading free books we are going to eliminate most if not all of the authors who support DRM free, Common license books.


Lastly , he is a local here on this board we can ask him if he would be okay if we don't mandate a purchase for this book if it wins nomination, but leave his store open for those who wish to donate say $1.50.

=X=

[pilotbob]

Originally Posted by =X=

Right if you like them, he has for a very modest payment of $1.50 that's the price of cup of coffee or a soda. For me this is practically free, and for those who do not like his work it's free.

I am just saying that I recall during the initial conversations some people were concerned the forcing the purchase of a book each month might not be the best way to go. So the schedule was drafted to ensure that some months we would get free books.

There is a month in the plan specifically for books by authors that contribute to the forums here at MR.

I have NO PROBLEM with the Hurley book being included. If people nominate and vote for it. As long as they know the caveat that they will be expected to pay for it after reading it if they liked it.

BOb

[=X=]

Originally Posted by pilotbob

I am just saying that I recall during the initial conversations some people were concerned the forcing the purchase of a book each month might not be the best way to go...

Yes you are correct I do recall that the thread. I suppose conveniently interpreted free as anything cheaper than $4 without DRM.

Anyhow you are correct and free is free. So I recall my nomination. In the mean time I'll contact Mr. Herley and see if he wishes donate his work this one time for MR.

=X=