Quote:
Originally Posted by issybird
I'm concerned that so far there's been a lot of wrangling about the usual issues; if we could take them as said for the time being, that would be great. So far, the focus has been essentially on deal breakers, but it doesn't address the even larger issue of what would pull people in? What would people like to see in a book club?
|
An interesting and constructive (and respectful) discussion about the books, “getting to know” the other members, so that book club is a “welcome home” feeling.
That is what would pull me in, and keep me hooked.
But HOW to create that? Difficult to say really... a good and stimulating choice of books, welcoming new members, while pleasing a majority. Not easy.
One risk is always that the “oldies” know each other well and talk with each other, and the new person’s posts are ignored - not out of malice, but accidentally. That is how forums mostly work, although MR is definitely more welcoming than many.
There will always be books that are more and less interesting to the individual. Maybe encourage members to read even the less tempting ones with some sort of challenge - members who read and discuss at least 80% of a years books... are eligible to... something...? Points, more votes in one vote per year, a lottery ticket for a MR-book club draw, or something...