Personal book list

[SFG75]

A lot of folks have talked about keeping a list of books that they read. I immensely enjoyed the "what are you reading?" threads as they provide a treasure trove of past books that I and others enjoyed. Since those threads are locked, that avenue is closed.

How about a personal book list that can be viewable in a person's profile? That way, a person could keep a detailed list of books read, as well as to see what books other members are reading? To me, this is a need as a lot of folks keep bringing this topic up in a number of ways. If a person doesn't want others seeing what they read, can set the setting to "private" rather than "public"

 

[pontalba]

What sort of time frame? Books read in the last year, 10 years? Lifetime (more or less)? Wouldn't that take up too much room (or whatever the term is)? Public or private, I don't care about. Or do you mean reading right now?

 

[theoptimist]

I think this is an excellent idea!

 

[Kookamoor]

Just wanted to qualify my answer. This is something we've discussed before, but I can't recall ever having a poll about it. I'd love Darren to have a think about this and let us know if it's feasible. However, the space/bandwidth and programming required may make it unrealistic, which I'd appreciate. I didn't really agree with any of the responses, but have voted 'yes', because it's something I'd like to see, although I appreciate reasons why it may not be possible.

In addition, it may alter the intent of the forum to *discuss* books, if it allows people to compile lists without discussion. Hence, we may have a wealth of new members who don't participate in the discussions, just maintain their lists. On the flipside, if that was to happen, it may mean more revenue for the site to finance the maintenance of the lists.

I have no idea why Amazon doesn't implement this to allow people to compile lists of books/CDs/DVDs you have/want to read/listen to/watch. It'd be a good business idea, and great for us!

 

[Sofia]

great idea

 

[SFG75]

Just an attempt to clarify a few things as best I can. What books would be listed? That would pretty much depend upon each person. Some would include everything they read, while others would include what they read in the past year. To me, when you're done reading a book, you add it so that you can go back and look or someone else can go and look as well.

In regards to the book discussion part, I believe that discussions will(or won't) go on no matter what. I don't believe people would view this is a substitute. Rather, they can look and then start a thread if they know that they aren't the only people on the board who have ever read that given work. I could post a thread on Elmer Gantry, but why do it when I have no idea who has ever read it, let along Sinclair Lewis? It would make more sense for me to see people's databases and say "Aha!, people have read this, it might trigger a response." Yes, people should post about books no matter what, but no one wants to start a thread that dies at it's creation. If there is a lack of book discussion, it's due to reticence. The personal listing would be more of a solution than a contributing factor in the problem of discussing books in my humble opinion.

As for the practicality of the list, I don't know how much it would be to add such a feature. If price is an issue, it could be an option that you pay for if you donate $10.00 to TBF, that, or the site can display more publicly how to support the site. I'm a member of a board that regularly raises over $500.00 a month through donations. If it was more widely known how to help support TBF, I for one, would definitely pitch in to help out. This has been discussed before in another thread, but if this site is looking to grow and expand, might as well reach for the sky.

 

[MonkeyCatcher]

As for the practicality of the list, I don't know how much it would be to add such a feature. If price is an issue, it could be an option that you pay for if you donate $10.00 to TBF, that, or the site can display more publicly how to support the site.

I liked the overall idea, but not this part. It's not fair to the people who have no way of making a donation (ie no credit card) or to those who just can't afford it. One of the reasons I love this site is that everything is free and everyone gets the same features, no matter what their economic status, level of activity or location is. Points systems or bonuses for donating money don't really appeal to me.

 

[SFG75]

I totally hear ya MC. In another thread, someone discovered that you could support by TBF by going through here to get to amazon. If that was done, I think most members would do that as they enjoy the site immensely.

 

[Dogmatix]

I totally hear ya MC. In another thread, someone discovered that you could support by TBF by going through here to get to amazon. If that was done, I think most members would do that as they enjoy the site immensely.

Is that so? Interesting. I don't always see an Amazon link, but I'll certainly use it when I see one.

 

[Darren]

A personal book list is a good idea. Bandwith and server space are not a problem, but it would require some custom programming to develop.

Our library software can keep track of books that each member have reviewed but it can't create public/private lists.

I'll have a think about how we could implement this.

 

[never_know]

i think it's a good ideea but what if the book list is too long???

 

[Dogmatix]

This is a fabulous idea. I would love be able to compile my list and see others' lists as well. It would really be great to be able to perform a search "Who's Read It?" for particular books.

 

[Kookamoor]

A personal book list is a good idea. Bandwith and server space are not a problem, but it would require some custom programming to develop.

Our library software can keep track of books that each member have reviewed but it can't create public/private lists.

I'll have a think about how we could implement this.

Fabbo! Thanks Darren! It's nice to know the cogs in your brain are turning regarding this. You know, if you could link the books that people have on their lists to Amazon directly, perhaps that could be an income generator for TBF (or BAR, as we may have to learn to call it!).