Who would like to be discussion leader for "The House of the Spirits"?

[kcdaisley]

What does being a discussion leader entail? What're the expectations? Does the DL posit statements from his/her own insight, or is there some authority that has to be referred to? Questions, questions.

[Robert Tulip]

A discussion leader is just meant to engage with the discussion and move it along at a steady pace. If readers wish to cite authorities that is great. But personal opinions are fine too. There is abundant material about the House of the Spirits on the internet, so if people want to read reviews and commentaries that can only add to the discussion. Christopher Hitchens' introduction is a good one, as already discussed at http://www.booktalk.org/post97882.html#p97882

[Chris OConnor]

http://www.booktalk.org/book-discussion-leader.php

[giselle]

Robert: Thanks for being discussion leader, again. I think it takes some commitment to be an effective discussion leader, commitment to track the discussion and post regularly and keep at it over the discussion period. Personally, I like thought provoking questions that bring out different viewpoints and help you get under the skin of the book. This is something that both the discussion leader and other participants can provide. I look forward to joining the discussion near the end of the month. Allende mixes magic and passion and politics so well.

[Commutinggirl]

First time posting (well after my introduction post ) I am looking forward to join the discussions on this book which I read years back and will re-read just to make sure I can follow
The quote in my signature is actually one I had put in my diary when I was about 16 years old after first discovering this novel...
I am still learning how this forum actually works but hope to be up-to-date soon!

[lucy2]

This is my first post on BookTalk, and this will be my first online book discussion. I am really looking forward to it. Robert, you seem like a wonderful discussion leader, and I am excited to see the new perspectives everyone brings to the table.

[Aqueda_Veronica]

We do not want to do anything more to scare people away from suggesting books and participating in book discussions.

I'm sorry, I was under the impression that being the discussion leader was an honor and a distinction within the group, not something that would deter people from posting suggestions at all?
I do understand your point of view Chris, I realize that being the leader requires some specific qualities. But come on, if you love a book so much that you recommend it to the whole group, why not create the discussion as well?

[giselle]

I agree with Chris on this point but I think his perspective on the matter is slightly different. I think he is considering the wider perspective of how Booktalk succeeds/fails as a book discussion site/community. Of the thousands of members of Booktalk, only a small fraction really participate and then some for only a few posts. I believe this is the basis of another current thread on book selection. So, I think Chris is cautious about loading obligations on those who might suggest a book for discussion since it is important to Booktalk to get good suggestions and a variety of suggestions to keep it interesting and to encourage broader involvement in discussions. From my own point of view, I have suggested a couple of books, neither of which were selected, but I recall thinking that I may volunteer to be discussion leader if my suggestion were picked. I don't think that is an unreasonable proposition if a person is comfortable with it, but I don't think it should be an obligation. Anyway, that is my interpretation of his comment ... I'm sure Chris will tell me if I'm completely wrong (which I might be)!

[Robert Tulip]

I was under the impression that being the discussion leader was an honor and a distinction within the group, not something that would deter people from posting suggestions at all?
I do understand your point of view Chris, I realize that being the leader requires some specific qualities. But come on, if you love a book so much that you recommend it to the whole group, why not create the discussion as well?

Hi Veronica
I do regard it as an honor to lead discussions, and would be happy to lead the discussion on The House of the Spirits. It is simply that I am also leading the current discussion on Arguably in the non fiction forum as well, and am eager to encourage others to participate more.

[Chris OConnor]

But come on, if you love a book so much that you recommend it to the whole group, why not create the discussion as well?

A decade of experience is behind my opinion that obligating anyone to do anything on a book discussion site is a surefire way to drive down the numbers of people willing to do anything other than lurk in the shadows. Giselle hits the nail on the head. I'm looking at this from a larger perspective where every decision I make has the potential to help or hinder the development and success of the community.

I would bet that the majority of people on this planet have no real desire to be in any sort of leadership role. Fear of being judged stands in the way as does simple shyness and fear of failure. Am I bright enough to lead this book discussion? Do I write well enough or will everyone be secretly laughing at my attempt to stimulate discussion? What if I say something stupid?

Many people look at being a book discussion leader as similar to public speaking. Public speaking is considered the most wide-spread fear people have. As a discussion leader my name is up in lights (on the forum description) and my profile has a "Book Discussion Leader" badge so everyone will be staring at me!

BookTalk.org is supposed to be fun and not like a school assignment or where you get nervous wondering if the teacher is going to call on you. There are a lot of brilliant and good people that have a lot to offer a book discussion but they have absolutely no interest in being thrust into the limelight.