Zombies! discussion

On behalf of Elizabeth and myself, thank you for your support of us becoming moderators for this group.

In our first act, we'd like to get some feedback from everyone on what you'd like to see from this group so we can plan how best to support you.

From looking at the leading discussion, it appears organizing the various discussion threads is one of the core tasks for us. If you have any suggestions on how you'd like to see them organized (games, self-promotion, zombi-romance, zom-bro-mance, zom-edy, survival skills, etc) feel free to provide them. Once we look through the 414 threads, I'm sure some natural categories will arise.

Beyond, clean-up, let us know of anything else, such as desire for monthly group reads, etc. Feel free to post or send us your ideas.

Thanks.

Folders for zombie titles written for different readers.
Zombie for the whole family
zombies with erotica
For me personally I would like to see a zombie LGBT friendly thread so I can list (and possibly discuss) titles which include a LGBT character . (Go diversity!)
And that kind of thing

Everyone, as you may have noticed, I've started doing a little organizing of the many discussion threads by creating a few folders. I did this in part just to see how the process works but started with what seemed like some natural classifications. We are still open to any suggestions you might have so feel free to let us know. Over the next few days/weeks, you should see the discussions threads get more streamlined with new folders. Hope it helps.

As we organize the folders, I'll try and organize the self-promotion into categories as well based on some of your suggestions.

Related to self-promotion -- on one group where I post my lists of free Kindle books for the day, the moderator doesn't allow self-promotion on the topic and removes any messages that authors post themselves.

As long as the book is free, I'd rather see them mixed in with the free zombie book topic. As long as they don't go overboard with the promotion. Just a simple mention that the book is free, and maybe slightly more for a "flavor" of the book. More a notification than a promotion, I guess.

Thanks Randy. I took that under consideration and tried to look at the intent/content of the discussion and moved a few of the threads back around to fit with self promotion, free books, and giveaways.

It was also nice seeing some people comment on some of the lost threads that had been dropped way down the list. Made it feel like the reorganizing was actually accomplishing something.

One reason that I began the push on the moderator situation was because of bloggers and other website owners using the group to pull members away from the group discussions and move the conversation to their blog/website.
The group's health and well being has to come first.
If every group discussion there's a promotional spin on someone's blog or book or website then I feel spammed!
Creating a sign thread for members blogs, websites would help. That way if I want to see which group member is a blogger or whatever I can "choose" to look at that thread/folder and read their self promotions.

Also how about a total off the topic folder/thread. In that thread members can talk about anything that might come up in another thread which is not related to the first thread or zombies in general..... like when we started venting about our mother's and kids... someone could say hey guys that sounds like a fun topic but could you move it to. X thread? I'll start the thread for you.....
Also
how about a News Alert thread for discussion of Goodreads and group related topics ONLY!
I'm a moderator of two other private groups and every so often Goodreads sends out notices that the site has changed rules or whatever. I found it's best to keep that information separated and serious.

Maybe just a general chat thread.

Your wish is our command.

I'd like to see a social media thread. A believe a great deal of the authors and members here participate on other social media and it would be interesting to check out their links.
I'm not sure about anyone else, but I'm too easily distracted to go to individual pages and search them out.

Never take my suggestions too seriously unless I write you a direct email I'm just tossing out ideas OK. Feel free to delete my comments on this thread once you've seen them. I am thankful and respectful of your efforts and all the time you both are spending on the group.
You both are doing a great job!

April wrote: "I'd like to see a social media thread. A believe a great deal of the authors and members here participate on other social media and it would be interesting to check out their links.
I'm not sure a..."

We've placed some of those under "Other Media"

Jim wrote: "April wrote: "I'd like to see a social media thread. A believe a great deal of the authors and members here participate on other social media and it would be interesting to check out their links.
..."

Yes! We're still sorting, but there are some zombie blogs, podcasts, "radio plays" etc that are getting added in there.

Tammy K. wrote: "Never take my suggestions too seriously unless I write you a direct email I'm just tossing out ideas OK. Feel free to delete my comments on this thread once you've seen them. I am thankful and resp..."

Pfffft. Silly. Keep the suggestions coming!

Tammy K wrote:

Which brings to mind at some point a read for review (R4R) thread-program might need to get started. Of all the groups that I belong to the group shut up and read are the most organized with their R4R they call theirs read it and reap or something like that. If you're ever wanting to start a R4R you might want to visit their group and "borrow" their format.

Feel free to move or delete this comment I'm just tossing it out here because it popped into my mind as I read the last comment.

Elizabeth wrote: "Jim wrote: "April wrote: "I'd like to see a social media thread. A believe a great deal of the authors and members here participate on other social media and it would be interesting to check out th..."

Sweet. I opened a topic for FB/Twitter/YouTube/Pinterest links

Archiving is a great idea, but we're also not a super active group at this point. If we archived everything over two months, we'd only have about five threads per folder, and we'd get a lot of people starting up a new thread for a repeat topic. Which isn't in itself a bad thing, but probably until activity increases we'll stick to our (slow) move of everything into folders.

Elizabeth wrote: "Archiving is a great idea, but we're also not a super active group at this point. If we archived everything over two months, we'd only have about five threads per folder, and we'd get a lot of peo..."

LOL that is a very good point.. but as we get more group activities and send out the newsletter it might pull the older members back.. also we can do a membership drive once you all are ready for the flood gates to be lifted.

Ooooo! Flood gates! We'll have to be SuperMods! ;)

Elizabeth wrote: "Ooooo! Flood gates! We'll have to be SuperMods! ;)"

I believe in you both :)

Elizabeth wrote: "Ooooo! Flood gates! We'll have to be SuperMods! ;)"

I seen today that the group now has 2002 members! Woo hoo!

We're getting awesomer every day! Or - more and more people have learned that the zombiepocalypse is inevitable.

Elizabeth wrote: "We're getting awesomer every day! Or - more and more people have learned that the zombiepocalypse is inevitable."

You know it!
Where did I place my Better Homes And Garden zombie cookbook and household décor?! If we are having company I want to make sure we are Prepped.

Elizabeth what is a sombie? Your email told us to prepare and I want to be ready!..

That's, um, a sleeper zombie. Which is what happens when I sleep poorly for several days in a row. Whoops... :)

Elizabeth wrote: "That's, um, a sleeper zombie. Which is what happens when I sleep poorly for several days in a row. Whoops... :)"

Oh well I was thinking it might be samba dancing zombies, good thing I didn't order backup pair of fancy high heels.
I shouldn't tease you so or I'll be put on scavenger duty in the first wave.

Hi E and Jim,
Will you start a Buddy-Read folder in our Zombies group?
As you may have noticed, I challenged David to get 40 different members to post on the thread: New and Active Member Chat, before noon Pacific Time Zone.
Much to my surprise, he did it! A deal is a deal & it's my duty to pay up.
I'd like to start up a Buddy-Read a thread inside the Buddy Folder, asking others to join the Buddy Read.
Next, I'll make a thread for the actual Buddy-Read thread discussion.
Please allow me to start those (2) threads so that I can adjust the title as they start and end (open and close).
I'd like to run the Buddy-Read over the weekend; Friday, Saturday, Sunday and have any slower readers end their post by Monday.
That way we do not get in the way of the group's book of the month (BOTM) reads.

A buddy read folder has been created.

Jim wrote: "A buddy read folder has been created."

Sorry Jim, I am not seeing it. Will you post me a link to it?
Thanks
Tammy

Tammy K. wrote: "Jim wrote: "A buddy read folder has been created."

Sorry Jim, I am not seeing it. Will you post me a link to it?
Thanks
Tammy"

sorry, without a thread in it, the folder wasn't showing up. there is one now.

Thanks now don't hate me for asking this please but would you be so kind as to move my buddy thread into it?

Tammy K. wrote: "Thanks now don't hate me for asking this please but would you be so kind as to move my buddy thread into it?"

It has been moved to the buddy reads and I deleted the duplicate. Enjoy your Voyage,

HI E and Jim
I typed up a starter thread for the Buddy Read Folder that I am offering for you guys to as a guide line for buddy reads. I think it will help define what the folder/activity is all about.
Feel free to use it or make one of your own.

What is a Buddy Read?
A Buddy Read involves two or more readers who agree to read a book in prearranged sections and post their thoughts/ feelings about that section.
How is a Buddy Read different from a book of the month (BOTM)?
The main differences between a Buddy Read vs a BOTM are usually the of participate numbers, the organization of the discussion, and the allotted reading time.
BOTM are group shared experience that can take weeks even a whole month to complete. With BOTM’s the entire zombie group nominates , votes upon, reads, and commenting on the BOTM discussion leaders discussion points in a collective (horde like) manor. :)
Where as Buddy reads can be as little as two group members (but preferably more) randomly selecting a title, reading it and posting away. Usually, Buddy Reads concluded in a matter of a couple days vs a couple weeks time.
There are usually no discussion points offered up by the Buddy Read participates. However, buddies do tend to ask each other for their thoughts regarding points that they found interesting.
In short a Buddy Reads tend to be smaller, quicker and more free flowing then a BOTM.
Where can I find Buddies for a Buddy Read?
Any group member can start up a Buddy Read simply by adding a comment on this thread, stating that you are looking for a Buddy Read Partners and the title that you want to read.
Hint: Be patient, just like you many of your zombies group members have a very large "to read" list. Given enough time, it is quite possible for someone to stumble across your offer and take you up on it.
Additional Note: If you should find a buddy (or two) start a separate thread for that Buddy Read, but please allow a day or two before you start your buddy read, so that other group members can join in.
Who can participate in a Buddy Read?
Any group member can participate in a buddy read, but once a buddy read has began, please check with the active buddies before joining late into the read. Also if you have read the title already, Please check with the Buddy Read participates to see when they would like you to add your thoughts (this is to avoid spoilers).
In conclusion:
*Buddy Reads are a quick and simple way to share a reading experience with your fellow group members.
*They tend to take place at a rapid pace.
*They can be a good way to motivate you to clear up your "To Read".
*Buddy Reads are also great way to get to know your fellow zombies group members.

Looks good. I'll transfer it to a locked topic as soon as I get to a laptop. Thanks!

Thanks Elizabeth, I think it will help get the Buddy Reads going.
I had not thought about a locked topic thread, that is a good idea of course. But, you will need to start a thread for members to post that they're looking for Read Buddies for a certain title.
Might I suggest calling that thread: Read With Me -Buddy Reads Requests.
The first entry would say something like:
If you are looking for a causal, shared reading experience with some of your Zombies! group members, you have found the place to do it.
Just list the book(s) that you would like to read wait for a bite.
After finding a buddy that wants to read the same book, create your own discussion thread, and have at it.
Happy Reading!
Please be sure to read the Buddy Read Guideline Thread.

Hi Jim,

Would it be possible to add the book the book of the month first thread?
To do this you (the created of the thread) would need to edit the subject line. Where it ask..... " this topic is about" type in the books name. It might ask you to search for the title if it does not find it right away, if so do the search and click on the correct title.
Why this is important?
If the book is linked to the thread, then the books BOTM thread will show on the books groodread page (linked back to our group) well as the authors goodreads page.
That's free promotion for our group on both authors page and books page. Helping to promote our group, the book, and the author.
The more we can link our group with the books we are reading the more likely we will connect with potential new group members ( including new authors).

Done! Thanks for the suggestion, Tammy!

Awesome thanks, click on the book and look at the very bottom of its page :-)
You'll find the group thread.
It's not showing on the authors page so I might have gotten that part wrong, but it is still great group promotion.
Thank Elizabeth

In the free Kindle books discussion topic, a request was made to borrow a Kindle book.

I think this would make a great new discussion topic, where people could ask if anyone could loan a particular Kindle book.

The Amazon email for the borrowers account should be exchanged by private message, but at least the discussion topic could link the two people.

Done!

Hey Mods Elizabeth and Jim,

If you'd like to create a Folder for Monthly Book Challenges, I'll set up another one for January and keep it moving forward. We had 3 participants (including myself) for December, and many more lurkers in the dark, I'm sure.

Hope you had a zombie-filled Christmas!

Will do!

I would love to see a new post each week with the title "free zombie books for kindle". There are over 2000 posts in the thread right now. It would be much easier to see if you have read threads if they are split up into weekly posts. Does that make sense? Not sure. Haha

Gina wrote: "It would be much easier to see if you have read threads if they are split up into weekly posts."

That wouldn't work, since many of the posted books are only free for a single day.

Its been six months, my the changes which have taken place.
From a group built up off the countless hours and efforts of a very small handful of individuals into what?
I'm disappointed in the lack of group input.
That small handful of hard working, committed members (yes I am one of them) deserve their input.

Members will only be as involved as much as they wish to be. We have lots of lurkers who read but don't post. It seems to ebb and flow.

I'd love to learn and be a moderator with you guys. I love zombies and right now I am leader of the discussion on BOTM but I can't create folders or anything for the different sections of the book so that no one gives anything away. I also would suggest a zombie series folder, and zombie author folder ;)
I love this group
I add to freebies on Horror Aficionados. And I would love to do that here since most of the books I find are about zombies, which I like to read the most anyways. I have a zombie bookshelf as well.

Your timing is pretty good as it seems that Jim may have dropped out as a moderator. Elizabeth, would you like some extra help? Sounds like Meghan is ready and willing to help :)

Sara wrote: "Your timing is pretty good as it seems that Jim may have dropped out as a moderator. Elizabeth, would you like some extra help? Sounds like Meghan is ready and willing to help :)"

Thank u Sara for backing me up:)