Audiobooks discussion

I have an idea that I’d like your opinion on. I’ve been thinking about something like this for a while as a way to find people who have similar interests or just a way to meet new people based upon their profile other than books (e.g., other groups quotes, etc.,). It involves some work on my part, so please be honest if you don’t like this idea or would object in any way.

You know how there is a rotating list of “Featured Groups” on the Groups home page? Well, I was thinking of posting a Featured Member on the Audiobooks group. Every week or so (time permitting), I will choose a random number between 1 and however many members we have, and based upon the date joining our group, showcase that member in a manner that I’ll post below. I will select that member provided they have been active on Goodreads in the last 6 months. If not, I’ll choose then next one that meets that criteria.

I don’t write code, so it might not be pretty. Instead, I hope it generates interest not only about their books, but also about other interests you may have in common, maybe they live in a place near you or an area you once lived?

Again, be honest. Is this something of interest or does it get too personal? If your profile is not private, I assume these are the types of things that you’d be open to. So what do you think?

Introducing Audiobook group member Grumpus (click to view full profile)



Location:   Naperville, IL

Goodreads member since: June 2007

************************************************************************

Audiobook group member since: August 2007 - or 7 years 10 months
Number of months taken to join Audiobook group: 2 (I created it)

************************************************************************
Currently reading:

     
The Presidents and UFOs: A Secret History from FDR to Obama

Shelved as audiobook? YES

Last update:    May 25, 2015

************************************************************************

Interests:

Example of a favorite author: Ron Chernow

Example of a favorite book:

     
Over the Edge of the World: Magellan's Terrifying Circumnavigation of the Globe

Also a member of: Time Travel

Example of a favorite quote:

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” H. Jackson Brown Jr.

I like the idea, if you are willing to facilitate, Grumpus.

Kristie wrote: "I like the idea, if you are willing to facilitate, Grumpus."

I did this in another group that I moderate and it worked well.

It doesn't appeal to me, but that is only my opinion.
I thought you would be an older person with a name like Grumpus. Glad to know you from your picture.

I think this is a great idea, but personally, I would prefer to stay more private.

I'm cool with it. Based on what you shared, Grumpus, it doesn't look like it's really an invasion of privacy--I mean, not the info that matters. You didn't post your social security or credit card numbers, after all! :-)

However, I don't have any of my books out as audiobooks yet, so not sure you'll want me to participate in any way.

It's a fine idea, but I too prefer to remain more... under the radar. Besides, I don't keep my profile updated so it wouldn't be all that informative.

I nominate Jeanie for the first "random" featured member.

I kid, Jeanie. I kid.

Seriously though, it seems like an interesting idea. Just notify me ahead of time if I'm the featured member so I can ensure my profile picture is a picture of something other than myself. I don't want to be the cause of anyone's lust.

J. wrote: "I nominate Jeanie for the first "random" featured member.

I kid, Jeanie. I kid.

Seriously though, it seems like an interesting idea. Just notify me ahead of time if I'm the featured member so I c..."

ROFL! I'm a little concerned that you began that last paragraph with "Seriously". But I confess great gratitude that you are "seriously" willing to protect us all from that deadly sin. ;P

We all have to do our part, Jeanie.

I don't have any books out yet much less audiobooks. However, I don't see anything wrong with the idea as long as it does not contain any information that we as users have not already divulged ourselves (such as in our posts in the forum or in our Goodreads profiles). I changed my profile picture to show my 17 year old daughter holding my 17 month old grandson (she is his mommy and I am so proud of what she has accomplished despite being a single teenage mom who was going to high school full time and working two jobs to help support her son).

My feeling is that I would enjoy reading about other members but wouldn't want to be 'featured' myself.

I already spend too much time on GoodReads as it is -- making new connections would just make that situation worse! *grin*

Not something that would interest me and I definitely would not want to be featured in such a way.

I find I can already use GR like that when I want to - look at someone's profile, compare books, see their ratings and if it seems like we have some things in common send a friend request.

I don't want to make my profile private, but I definitely wouldn't want to draw any attention to it either....esp from pushy authors and others who have no or only one book in their entire profile and send you multiple 'friend' requests.

I feel much the same as Leslie.

I think it's a lot of work for an individual, and there are other ways of fostering a community such as buddy reads, group reads, and similar activities that get a group of people interacting more than just the books that they are reading. Right now, this group is primarily promotion and less participation.

Julie wrote: "I think it was a good idea in a way, although I am with the others. I wouldnt want to be the Featured Person either .
I would really LOVE to have a thread called Looking for Friends or something--..."

I don't prefer a spotlight either, but I like Julie's idea of increasing friends on GR on a more personal level. I have been able to get to know people through their reviews, comments, recommendations and likes. Friendly banter is fun.

I agree with what most people said, I wouldn't want to be the "featured" person, but I think the idea of buddy reads or "buddy listens" more precisely is a great idea and "group listens". I participate in buddy reads and group reads in other groups and get a lot out of it.

Julie wrote: "I would really LOVE to have a thread called Looking for Friends or something--..."

I like that idea as well, Julie.

Well, I've turned off all of the personal information on my profile because I live smack-dab in the middle of one of the red states that's been bandying about the idea of requiring suspicious individuals to drop trou and provide 7 forms of identification before they're allowed to use the public restrooms. I could be married here on Sunday and fired from my job on Monday. That attitude doesn't play very well with the part of my life that exists here. One need only look at my book shelves to see what I mean. I'm too open about who I am (because y'know, the Internet provides some anonymity, so moronic me, I've chosen to be myself).

If you could guarantee that the hatred I see around me wouldn't spill over, I'd totally be up for whatever. Mostly, I'm not. Sorry. And it isn't that this isn't a good idea, Grumpus. I think it's very cool that you think we should use a social networking tool to greater effect. I appreciate that you'd be willing to spend your personal time to facilitate that. I suspect that you're a really great guy. I wish I could come down in favor of participating in this. As it is, I think I sound paranoid. The unfortunate truth is that I have reason.

Julie wrote: "I think most of us are in here because we love books and reading , so we have that in common . We can stick strictly to that type of conversation and not talk about any other area of our lives if that is all we are comfortable with. We can just be Book Friends . "

That's what I've decided to do over the whole of social media - everything is just book related. I don't have any 'friends' who aren't linked with books in some way - authors, bloggers, readers etc. And I've met very few of my 'friends' in real life.

if the featured person could give a quick scan and approval of the books or info included prior to the "publishing", then I think it is a great idea!