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[Catlady]

Isn't it time to start thinking about new themes?

[issybird]

Originally Posted by Catlady

Isn't it time to start thinking about new themes?

Indeed! I was thinking I'd put up a post once the poll closed; you beat me to it.

Here are my thoughts which people are free to ignore:

I thought the method used last time served well; people can kick around possibilities and each member gets to propose one theme and they'll comprise the slate. I'd like to avoid a poll on themes. I did think I might work up a list of those eligible, just to keep numbers in check. It wouldn't take much to qualify.

Here's a link to the thread from last time: Themes

But, that's only my own take on it. What would everyone like to do?

[Catlady]

Originally Posted by issybird

Indeed! I was thinking I'd put up a post once the poll closed; you beat me to it.

Here are my thoughts which people are free to ignore:

I thought the method used last time served well; people can kick around possibilities and each member gets to propose one theme and they'll comprise the slate. I'd like to avoid a poll on themes. I did think I might work up a list of those eligible, just to keep numbers in check. It wouldn't take much to qualify.

Here's a link to the thread from last time: Themes

But, that's only my own take on it. What would everyone like to do?

Sounds good to me.

I may have my theme suggestion already!

[Bookpossum]

A couple of random thoughts:

1. Do we want to simplify the themes, or to stick with the theme being in two parts, as at present? It’s easier to come up with a simple one or two word theme, but the other phrase can sometimes trigger a thought/link that we might not have come up with otherwise.

2. I don’t see any harm in a theme we have had in the past reappearing, perhaps with a slightly different slant from the previous one.

3. I think that only the regulars should be contributing themes. We don’t want random people blowing in with their ideas, and then disappearing again.

4. I liked our system last time - one theme each, and no voting them in or out.

[Dazrin]

Originally Posted by Bookpossum

1. Do we want to simplify the themes, or to stick with the theme being in two parts, as at present? It’s easier to come up with a simple one or two word theme, but the other phrase can sometimes trigger a thought/link that we might not have come up with otherwise.

I like the two-part themes for exactly the reason you said and would prefer to keep them, but it doesn't matter that much to me.

Originally Posted by Bookpossum

2. I don’t see any harm in a theme we have had in the past reappearing, perhaps with a slightly different slant from the previous one.

Agreed, but I would like it to have at least a tweak to the theme rather than a direct copy. For example, if the theme idea is "books made into movies" (The Book Came First, books adapted to screen) then maybe it could be updated to "Big (Screen) Books, great books that led to movies" or something. Same general idea but it gives people a built-in chance to take it a different direction.

Originally Posted by Bookpossum

3. I think that only the regulars should be contributing themes. We don’t want random people blowing in with their ideas, and then disappearing again.
4. I liked our system last time - one theme each, and no voting them in or out.

I think anyone should be able to contribute ideas but only regulars should have a slot in the list. And the bar for "regular" needs to be pretty low.

issybird: Do you want us to use a new thread? The old one? Here?

[issybird]

Originally Posted by Dazrin

I like the two-part themes for exactly the reason you said and would prefer to keep them, but it doesn't matter that much to me.

Agreed, but I would like it to have at least a tweak to the theme rather than a direct copy. For example, if the theme idea is "books made into movies" (The Book Came First, books adapted to screen) then maybe it could be updated to "Big (Screen) Books, great books that led to movies" or something. Same general idea but it gives people a built-in chance to take it a different direction.

I think anyone should be able to contribute ideas but only regulars should have a slot in the list. And the bar for "regular" needs to be pretty low.

issybird: Do you want us to use a new thread? The old one? Here?

We're on the same page.

Suppose I start a new dedicated thread once the poll closes, with the ground rules. That would give everyone a chance to weigh in here, first.

I thought I'd send a collective PM to those eligible? But as Dazrin said, anyone can contribute ideas.

[Dazrin]

My biggest problem will be choosing just one theme to put forward. I've been keeping a running list of ideas since last time. I can probably whittle it down to 2 or 3 but I will need to make a couple hard decisions after that. I'm sure there will be some overlap so that may make the decision for me.

[Catlady]

Originally Posted by Dazrin

My biggest problem will be choosing just one theme to put forward. I've been keeping a running list of ideas since last time. I can probably whittle it down to 2 or 3 but I will need to make a couple hard decisions after that. I'm sure there will be some overlap so that may make the decision for me.

I hope you'll mention all the ideas you're considering.

[Victoria]

Originally Posted by Dazrin

My biggest problem will be choosing just one theme to put forward. I've been keeping a running list of ideas since last time. I can probably whittle it down to 2 or 3 but I will need to make a couple hard decisions after that. I'm sure there will be some overlap so that may make the decision for me.

Lucky you - I’ve read all the earlier discussion threads and still can’t think of a good theme. It must take the same kind of mind that it does to do crossword puzzles - lateral thinking.

Last night I came up with “It takes two to tango”, but I couldn’t think a second part, or any books to go with it.

[Bookpossum]

Something like Partners perhaps?

I usually think of the single word first, and then try for a phrase to go with it, but either way is equally valid I think.

[Victoria]

Originally Posted by Bookpossum

Something like Partners perhaps?

I usually think of the single word first, and then try for a phrase to go with it, but either way is equally valid I think.

Yes, that works - thanks!

——————
Giving it some more thought - I wonder if Partners is mostly positive? I was thinking it might be fun to have dynamic connections, but they could swing both ways.

[Bookworm_Girl]

I’m hopelessly not creative like that too. I just think of the general intent and then let the more creative minds come up with the second part.

[Bookpossum]

Originally Posted by Victoria

Yes, that works - thanks!

——————
Giving it some more thought - I wonder if Partners is mostly positive? I was thinking it might be fun to have dynamic connections, but they could swing both ways.

They might be partners in crime!

Originally Posted by Bookworm_Girl

I’m hopelessly not creative like that too. I just think of the general intent and then let the more creative minds come up with the second part.

Yes, me too. It's something that Dazrin is brilliant at, thank goodness!

[Dazrin]

Originally Posted by Victoria

Last night I came up with “It takes two to tango”, but I couldn’t think a second part, or any books to go with it.

I like it!

It sounds like your intent was more for in-book partnerships or romances but gmw mentioned a "co-written" theme earlier that could pair well with that as the title. Having them both together would open up lots of different variations.

I'm looking forward to the thread opening and seeing everyone else's ideas. I will share the ideas I have seen or thought of but it helps me to see other ideas and let things percolate a bit too. I would be surprised if I end up with a theme exactly as I have thought of it now.

[Victoria]

Originally Posted by Bookworm_Girl

I’m hopelessly not creative like that too. I just think of the general intent and then let the more creative minds come up with the second part.

That sounds like an excellent plan

Originally Posted by Bookpossum

They might be partners in crime!

Yes, that’s true - good point!

Originally Posted by Dazrin

I like it!

It sounds like your intent was more for in-book partnerships or romances but gmw mentioned a "co-written" theme earlier that could pair well with that as the title. Having them both together would open up lots of different variations.

I'm looking forward to the thread opening and seeing everyone else's ideas. I will share the ideas I have seen or thought of but it helps me to see other ideas and let things percolate a bit too. I would be surprised if I end up with a theme exactly as I have thought of it now.

It was fun reading the two earlier threads and seeing all the ideas punted around. It’s a great way to generate the themes. Everyone shares in the process, rather than being wedded to any particular result.