The Evolution of Science Fiction discussion

We'd like to get more people to participate in group reads, so we'd really appreciate it if you'd answer the following questions to help us better understand some of the factors behind your decisions.

1) Does the format a book is available in play a significant role in your choice for a monthly read? (1-10 where yes is 1 & 10 is absolutely not)

2) Would you read the book in any other format than your first choice? (Y/N)

3) What are your preferences in book format: Paper, ebook, audio. (Rank them 1-3 where 1 is most preferred.)

4) Where do you get the book(s) for a monthly read? (Rate your preference where 1 is always check there first & only & 10 is never check there.)
- Amazon
- Barnes & Noble
- Used book seller (e.g., Abe Books)
- Free site (e.g., Gutenberg, Librivox, Archive.org)
- Library
- Other (Fill in a name & rank it. If it is a place you'd rather not name, that's fine. Just leave it as other.)

5) Will you buy a used book? (Y/N)

6) Comments or other considerations?

1) 3
2) Y
3) 1-audio, 2-paper, 3-ebook

4) 4- Amazon
6- Barnes & Noble
3 - Used book seller (e.g., Abe Books)
2 - Free site (e.g., Gutenberg, Librivox, Archive.org)
1 - Library
5 - Other - various, depends on the book

5) Y

6) Some dependency on my other reads. I usually only read 1 or 2 text (ebook or paper) at a time, so if that's the only format I can get the book in, I might not have time to read it. I have time for a lot more audio books than text.

JuniperGreen ~❄Winter is coming❄~ wrote: "I'm relatively new to the group and haven't participated in any group reads yet. Nevertheless, my answers...."

Thank you! Length of time in the group doesn't matter. We want as many as possible to participate. I'm sure I'm the odd man out with my audio books & suspect your preference for ebooks will be the norm.

1. 8
2.Yes
3. Paper/ebook (don't use audio books)
4. Library, used book stores, free sites
5. Definitely
6. I also borrow books from members of my family if they have the book we are reading.

1. 7
2. Yes
3. ebook/paper (don't use audio books)
4. Amazon, free sites, on-line book stores, library (although then I have to read the book in French).
5. Yes
6. Postage costs. If I have to order a book on-line, usually the postage to send it here means used books can cost more than new books. Saying that I should read more in French and it would be cheaper :-)

1. 8
2. Y
3. ebook, paper, audio
4. 1 Library, 2 Local used book seller, 3 online used, 4 free site 4 online new
5. Yes
6. I almost never buy new hardback books. Since I don't keep books after I read them, I can't usually justify the cost. It doesn't happen often, but occasionally I get lucky with a little free library having the book at the right time. In my town, there is one every two blocks!

1. 7
2. yes
3. ebook-paper-(no audios)
4. (6)amazon-(10)B&N-(3)used book seller-(1)free sites-(8)library-(2)local bookstores
5. yes
6. I'm a slow reader and I read several books at the same time, so I'm not very good following group reads in general.

1) 7
2) Yes
3) audio 1; Kindle 2; print (or non-kindle ebook) 3
4) library 1; free sites 2; Amazon; 3
5) Yes

1. 1
2. N
3. Paper = 1, e-book = 2. audio = 3
4. my bookshelf 1, used bookstores near me 2, library 3, B&N 4, various other online retailers 5
5. Yes
6. In general I only read along with group reads if I already own the book, although one time I got a book from my public library (it was short and I knew I could finish it in 2 weeks). This year I got into too many book reads that derailed plans I had to read other books, so starting in 2018 I'm going to limit myself to 1 or maybe 2 group read books per month, whichever ones I like the most from about half a dozen groups I'm in that have monthly reads/discussions. I hate to sound close-minded but if I wasn't planning to read a book and/or don't already have a copy I'm 99.9% likely not to jump in the group read for any reason.

1) No
2) Yes
3) 1. Paper and 1. E-book. No audio.
4) 1. My own paper book collection 2. My own E-book collection 3. Public Library 4. Free sites of all kind
5) Yes
6) I like to read all group reads of our group. For me the group read is a great way to choose books to read out of my collection. I started my collection of second hand books because I found that the public library in my home town doesn't have that many SF. Buying new books I find too expensive. I prefer translated books (Dutch) but I do read in English when there's no translation available.

Thanks, all. If you haven't responded to this poll yet, please do. This is good information for us all to know when nominating a book for a group read.

So far it looks as if a book is available in ebook or paper, especially from Amazon, it will have the best chance of being read. Not a surprise, although I am surprised that paper & ebooks are so close in preferences.

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To save folks from having to scroll so far, here are the questions again:

1) Does the format a book is available in play a significant role in your choice for a monthly read? (1-10 where yes is 1 & 10 is absolutely not)

2) Would you read the book in any other format than your first choice? (Y/N)

3) What are your preferences in book format: Paper, ebook, audio. (Rank them 1-3 where 1 is most preferred.)

4) Where do you get the book(s) for a monthly read? (Rate your preference where 1 is always check there first & only & 10 is never check there.)
- Amazon
- Barnes & Noble
- Used book seller (e.g., Abe Books)
- Free site (e.g., Gutenberg, Librivox, Archive.org)
- Library
- Other (Fill in a name & rank it. If it is a place you'd rather not name, that's fine. Just leave it as other.)

5) Will you buy a used book? (Y/N)

6) Comments or other considerations?

1) 4
2) Yes
3) Ebook 1, Paper 2, Audio 3
4) Amazon 1, B&N 10, Used Book Seller 3, Free Site 6, Library 3, Kobo 5, Already Own Book - er, sometimes
5) Yes
6) Whether a novel is readily available in ebook format is my foremost deciding factor because then I can take my current read with me anywhere.

1) 9

2) Y

3) Paper 2, ebook 1 audio 3

4) Where do you get the book(s) for a monthly read? (Rate your preference where 1 is always check there first & only & 10 is never check there.)
- Amazon:1
- Barnes & Noble: 4
- Used book seller (e.g., Abe Books):3
- Free site (e.g., Gutenberg, Librivox, Archive.org):10
- Library: 2


5) Y

6) Comments or other considerations? I suggest that this group be open to reading short story magazines. Issues of Asimov's and Analog can be bought, and there are online SF magazines, such as Clarkesworld:
http://clarkesworldmagazine.com

6. Another comment to add....

I'm less likely to read a book when I see it is book 1 of a series, or is 600+ pages, or both.

Of course I occasionally enjoy a long book and often want to read follow-ups. But the length does influence my likelihood to start something new.

Ed wrote: "6. Another comment to add....

I'm less likely to read a book when I see it is book 1 of a series, or is 600+ pages, or both.

Of course I occasionally enjoy a long book and often want to read foll..."

I'll second this. A long book is too much of a time commitment, especially to finish in one month. And first book in a series is also off-putting since I can't keep up with the series I've already started. A stand-alone book in a shared universe (something where reading the sequels isn't mandatory in order to get the "beginning middle and end" of the story) is less of a problem.

Ronald wrote: "... I suggest that this group be open to reading short story magazines. Issues of Asimov's and Analog can be bought, and there are online SF magazines..."

Absolutely! Short stories were the backbone of the evolution of SF during the Golden Age & beyond. They've always been my favorite, too. Jo & I will discuss this.

I noticed you put a 10 in for free sites which I take to mean you don't use them at all, yet you like short stories & even posted a link to ClarkesWorld, a free site. Does that mean you don't use sites like Gutenberg, Archive, or Librivox.org? Could you expand on this, please?

Ed wrote: "6. Another comment to add....
I'm less likely to read a book when I see it is book 1 of a series, or is 600+ pages, or both...."

I hadn't thought about that, but I agree with both, too. If the book ends on a cliff hanger, I won't read it, either. I detest series books that force me to keep reading the series.

Jim wrote: "I hadn't thought about that, but I agree with both, too. If the book ends on a cliff hanger, I won't read it, either. I detest series books that force me to keep reading the series. ..."
I agree this is not very practical within a month's read but for me it's not a problem. Very large series I don't like either, but in the last year I read the 2 sequels of Annihilation and the sequel of The Sparrow. I didn't feel obliged to read them, it was my choice and I liked both very much.

Jim wrote: "Ronald wrote: "... I suggest that this group be open to reading short story magazines. Issues of Asimov's and Analog can be bought, and there are online SF magazines..."

Absolutely! Short stories ..."


I don't use free sites such as Gutenberg, Archive, or Librivox.org.

I don't usually make it a point to read free online magazines. I might read a story online if someone thinks its interesting.

Since this group is about the Evolution of Science Fiction, if people want to consider reading short stories, I'd suggest pulling from The Science Fiction Hall Of Fame. All of the stories are available in a lot of other places and the book spans 1929-1964. They are all classics.

1) 1

2) No

3) 1- Paper

4) 1- Amazon
2- Used book seller
3- Local bookstore

5) Yes, preferably. Why buy new?

6) To me the question of time and planification is important. Maybe I'm asking for a lot, but knowing which book is next 2 or 3 months in advance might help.

Good idea, David.

Ronald, I don't make it a point to read online magazines, either. I never seem to remember or have enough time, so usually only do so when someone points me to a story. I recently read several flash fiction stories by Andy Weir, author of The Martian. They were pretty good & quick.

Has anyone considered reading short story collections?

Either period collections like Ellison's "Dangerous Visions" or single author collections like Sturgeon's "Caviar"?

Just a thought....

Gregg wrote: "Has anyone considered reading short story collections?..."

I have & enjoy them. Can't recall the last time any got nominated.

Well,,,

1) format: 3

2) Y

3) Paper, ebook, audio, 1, 2, 3 just like that.

4) Library
Free sites
*Very* rarely Abe etc.

5) used Y

6) Comments: I generally avoid books over 400 pp (unless anthologies or collections) and series (unless the first book can stand alone).

1) 1

2) N

3) Paper, audio, ebook.

4) Where do you get the book(s) for a monthly read? (Rate your preference where 1 is always check there first & only & 10 is never check there.)
1 - Amazon
10 - Barnes & Noble
1 - Used book seller (e.g., Abe Books)
10 - Free site (e.g., Gutenberg, Librivox, Archive.org)
10 - Library

5) Will you buy a used book? (Y/N) - Always

Jim wrote: "We'd like to get more people to participate in group reads, so we'd really appreciate it if you'd answer the following questions to help us better understand some of the factors behind your decisio..."

1) Does the format a book is available in play a significant role in your choice for a monthly read? (Threeish)

2) Would you read the book in any other format than your first choice? (Yes)

3) What are your preferences in book format: Paper, ebook, audio. (ebook 1, paper 2, audio 3)

4) Where do you get the book(s) for a monthly read? (Rate your preference where 1 is always check there first & only & 10 is never check there.)
- Amazon (1)
- Barnes & Noble (2)
- Used book seller (e.g., Abe Books) 10
- Free site (e.g., Gutenberg, Librivox, Archive.org) 3
- Library 5
- Other (Fill in a name & rank it. If it is a place you'd rather not name, that's fine. Just leave it as other.)

5) Will you buy a used book? (Yes)

6) Comments or other considerations?

1) 9
2) No, because often it is hard to procure in another format
3) ebook, audio. I stopped buying paper books a few years ago because I have to place to keep them
4) Libraries - I have a few friends in the US who let me use their library cards to get ebooks
Free sites
5) No, see #3

1) 9 (If I own it that's always good)

2) No

3) Paper 1, Audio 2, ebook isn't an option for me. I don't like reading on my computer or any device.

4)
(4)- Amazon
(2)- Barnes & Noble
(1)- Used book seller (e.g., Abe Books)
(3)- Free site (e.g., Gutenberg, Librivox, Archive.org)
(5)- Library
- Other (Fill in a name & rank it. If it is a place you'd rather not name, that's fine. Just leave it as other.)

5) Absolutely!

I only read print books and I usually buy books from Amazon or BN. I occasionally buy used books if they are in good condition.

My decision about participating in group reads is mostly determined by how busy I am at work. If it's a busy time in the semester, I won't have much reading time. If it's during the winter or summer break, I have a lot of time.

1. 1
2. Y
3. Paper, Audiobooks, no eBooks
4. Amazon 2
Barnes & Noble 10
Used book seller (e.g., Abe Books) 1
Free site (e.g., Gutenberg, Librivox, Archive.org) 3
Library 4
Other - various, depends on the book 5
5. Y
6. I'm a big fan of used paperbacks: easy to transport, usually cheap, often able to find copies of out of print books on Abebooks, Amazon or Thriftbooks.

Thanks, all. Good to know.

David, I'm confused. You say no ebooks, but you use Gutenberg. Do you print the stories out?

Jim,

I was referring to the Kindle and Nook eReaders. I do read the text of free books on Gutenberg directly off my PC.

Ah, thanks. I can do short stories on the PC, but I got my first ereader (a Sony) just to avoid reading long documentation like that. I have a Kindle DX which uses epaper, so it isn't back lit. Much easier on my old eyes. Calibre sees to it that I can read any format & save off all my books where Amazon can't play with them. It also rips the DRM off of them. I won't keep anything with DRM on it.

I was always afraid I'd leave the ereader on the bus or train or otherwise manage to lose it, which I've done countless times with paperbacks. Cheaper to get a replacement used paperback.

Group reads featuring a foreign author translated into English interest me not all, not when we have such a rich tradition in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia going that I already struggle to keep up with. Is there any other read for September 2018 I can participate in than the Tchaikovsky?

Dan wrote: "Group reads featuring a foreign author translated into English interest me not all, not when we have such a rich tradition in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia going that I already struggle to keep..."

"ADRIAN TCHAIKOVSKY was born in Lincolnshire and studied zoology and psychology at Reading, before practising law in Leeds."

Anyway, wrong folder.

Not wrong folder. Read the first 11 words of message 1 and see if you can imagine how what I wrote might apply to this folder.

Tchaikovsky is a native Brit? I'll be hornswaggled! How could I have made such an error? To have failed to identify him as such.

I have never before heard of this upstanding, Leeds-educated, barrister beefeater. Could it be because he writes fantasy exclusively? I realize many people have as much difficulty distinguishing science fiction and fantasy as they do discerning the difference between science and magic. But I can. Why is an evolution of science fiction group interested in reading a modern fantasy author? Did so many stumble into the wrong group by accident?

Again, is this the only group read this month? Usually we have a second book. I'm down for that book, whatever it is.

Dan wrote: "Not wrong folder. Read the first 11 words of message 1 and see if you can imagine how what I wrote might apply to this folder...."

No, not really the wrong folder, but I think another read would be better discussed in the Side-Reads topic here:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

1. Format doesn't matter, didn't know it was specified previously
2. Yes I'd read other formats
3. 3,1,2
4. I use Overdrive to access library books. I have a North Carolina Library Account, A US Navy Account, and a US Air Force Account. The Navy has the best SCi-Fi selections.
5. --
6. I do a lot of audio books now. The reason is I have a neurological disease that causes me a lot of hip pain if I sit or stand still for more than an hour at a time. It's kind of like the inverse of arthritis. Audio books work great because I can be up and moving around.

I'm not sure why, but I can see the poll for this month when I use the link sent in the mail, but when I'm on the group's page and clic on the link for the poll section, I do not see this month's poll and only see last month's poll.

It appears, for some reason, as the poll #92 at the last page. We already decided what books we will read in April?

That's weird. Oh, I think I found the problem. I forgot to check "Feature this poll on the group's home page". I think it shows up properly now if you click the 'polls' link. It should take you here:
https://www.goodreads.com/poll/list/1...

Is it showing up correctly for you now?

I apologize, folks. I don't make polls very often. Jo & now Cheryl usually do it. I'll get it right eventually - maybe.

It is there now. Thanks!

Oh, good. Hopefully I didn't screw anything else up. Thanks for the heads up.

1) Does the format a book is available in play a significant role in your choice for a monthly read?
1, absolutely. I read books, I don't read electronica, ebooks, kobo ect for recreation.
2) Would you read the book in any other format than your first choice?
N. well, maybe an audiobook, but very unlikely.
3) What are your preferences in book format:
1=Paper
2=audiobook.
There is no #3
4) Where do you get the book(s) for a monthly read?
1= Library.
2= Actual second hand book shops, sales book fairs.
3 = New book stores.
4 = Used book seller online.
8 = Free site; Gutenberg.
10 Amazon, Barnes & Noble,
5) Will you buy a used book? Y
6) Comments or other considerations. nope

I do mostly audio books as I have a neurological disease that causes me significant pain if I sit for as much as an hour. However there are a few authors that are good but don’t make good audiobooks. Scalza is one. He has lots of short rapid fire dialogue that is literally annoying when read out loud. Too much he sai she said.

Don't know if this is still relevant but wth
1) Does format matter - not at all
2) see 1
3) 1) ebook 2)audiobook 3)paper
4) Where do you get books
- Amazon UK
- Used book seller though probably still though Amazon UK
- Free site (e.g., Gutenberg, Librivox, Archive.org)
The others not available to me.
5) Will you buy a used book? Y

I'm not tabulating the results at this time, but it is still relevant. Thanks for doing it.