Why do you use an online book club/forum?

[rams719]

I'm writing a report on how everyday people find ways to incorporate literature in their lives. I've spent the last couple of days exploring the site, seeing how things work and what type of content is discussed. Now I want to reach out and ask for your input on why you participate in this type of online meeting. What kinds of things do you take away from the discussions? Is this the only way you discuss or spread literature with others?

[R. LeBeaux]

I'm writing a report on how everyday people find ways to incorporate literature in their lives. I've spent the last couple of days exploring the site, seeing how things work and what type of content is discussed. Now I want to reach out and ask for your input on why you participate in this type of online meeting. What kinds of things do you take away from the discussions? Is this the only way you discuss or spread literature with others?

Of course, the best way to "incorporate literature" in your life is simply to read, but I do understand your question. Up until now, I haven't really examined in detail why I like this kind of literary interaction, but I do. I think Chris (our benefactor) might have said it best in a recent post:

"An online book discussion group is so much easier and more efficient than a real-life group. Before I created BookTalk.org I tried to start a local group and it was a fruitless endeavor. My ads in the local paper attracted weirdos that I would never invite into my house. And even if you meet at a public place there is really no way to keep undesirable people from joining. On an online forum you can just ignore the strange people and interact with those people you like."

Other ways I interact with people on a literary basis include a small (three-person) writers' group; a book discussion group at my UU church; and through e-mails with friends and colleagues. However, since I am growing old and am less able to think and speak intelligently on the spur of the moment, I like the idea of being able to compose my thoughts and post or respond at my leisure, which is only possible through electronic media (or by snail mail, which I still use occasionally).

As for what I take away from the discussions, there are numerous things, including, but not limited to:

- New perspectives on literature upon which I have already formed opinions (which sometimes leads to re-readings).

- Opinions that sometimes lead to (friendly) debates, which I enjoy, so long as they remain friendly.

- Ideas and suggestions about the writing/editing process.

- The discovery of new books and authors I may never have taken the time to investigate.

- The opportunity to share with others books I admire (thereby helping to promote the work of certain authors I wish to support).

- A satisfying feeling of having spent a few hours each week doing what I want to do, rather than what I have to do.

The only drawbacks I might cite are:

- The elimination of personal interaction that allows for viewing the facial expressions and hearing the vocal inflections of those who comment on various aspects of the book or subject under discussion.

- The fact that, even though I promised myself I would not spend an inordinate amount of time away from my work to participate in these discussions, I am finding that promise harder and harder to keep.

[takakoanami]

Simply because in this such kind of community you learn and explore more than reading alone and have no one to talk to. Here we can trade in opinion with co-members and also for practicalities sake; you can read books for free and knows what the latest .lol

[BookCritic101]

I enjoy hearing what other readers get out of books that I have read--a new way of looking at a character or a hidden theme I didn't notice. I also enjoy reading what other readers thought of books I haven't read yet, as it helps me pick books that I think I'll enjoy.

[Damifino]

I would love to one day be part of a face to face book club.

What I like about online clubs is that you can talk about the book while reading it. I like to divide up the book and chat away with out giving any spoilers. I will usually like a book better when reading with others. And you get out of your comfort zone.

The last book I read with a group was I Am The Messenger. I would of never figured out the end if it hadn't of been for some smart reader who introduced me to "Breaking the Fourth Wall."

[[bookworm]]

I guess that the simple answer is because I wanted to join a book club!

And putting my thoughts into words is a lot easier for me to do through a keyboard than verbally, just as it is also easier for me to get information and recommendations by reading them, more than by hearing them! Also, an online book community is much bigger than a local book club. This means there are more people who love the same thing I do (books!) and have more to share!

[Tonya1000]

I enjoy them and reading what other book lovers think of other books also.

[Chris OConnor]

I like online book discussion groups because I can participate in my undies and nobody looks at me funny.

[Ender]

I think an online book club/forum is a fantastic idea mainly because book clubs outside the Internet are extremely difficult to coordinate and maintain. You can express your thoughts and view those of others at your own convenience.

[Karen Fisher-Alaniz]

Because sometimes you just want to chat with someone with similar interests. Even if you're surrounded by readers in your life, everyone has different interests when it comes to books.