Among the tinier unfulfilled wishes I have is that I could be part of a book club.
I've never been asked; but I've been made an honorary member of a few of them.
This summer as last, however, I was asked to do an online book chat about my novel CAGE OF STARS, by Barnes and Noble. And it started out great. A large number of readers signed up, including those who had participated last year in my online discussion of THE BREAKDOWN LANE.
We began a vigorous discussion of a book that is, in some senses, controversial.
And then, some people started bantering -- chatting about the weather, their families, their personal lives -- and not in the "lounge" section, but in the sections set up to discuss pertinent questios about the plot and style of the group.
And I thought that was great. A little "getting to know you" talk greases the wheels and creates a sense of warmth and community.
But it got out of hand. People were punning; people were asking each other to write offline at other email addresses.
I felt ridiculous at the idea of asking people to "get back to the book." I felt as though it might seem self-important and self-seeking.
And so, one by one, the readers who hadn't finished the book and really wanted to talk about it dropped away, moving over to othere discussions.
One lambasted me before she left for joking with the jokers and told me she had higher expectations and hoped to actually learn something.
She had a point, though another reader defended me, but the total effect was to drive EVERYONE away -- banterers and all -- to other books and authors and make a poor impression of me as a host.
It leaves me sad.
Whilte it wasn't my fault, and while the people discussing their own lives are great people and avid readers, the sense was that a teacher has when the whole class starts throwing spitballs. They're not bad, and throwing spitballs is fun.
But there's a time and a place.
Finally, a group that was to have lasted for two more weeks ended after barely more than ten days.
Anyhow, one thing everyone talked about was how eager she or he was to get to the books being discussed in August -- so I'm glad the fiasco in my group didn't turn them off to other authors and discussions.
I just wish they hadn't left my cyber living room so soon.
It was fun.
Jackie
Comments (4)
What you've described is a good synopsis of the downfall of online message boards. The combination of human nature, and the anonominty of a cyber-discussion results in people 'saying' things online they would never dare say face-to-face. Most discussion groups have a 'joker', and an 'alpha' who responds to and dominates every comment. There's a 'can't we all be friends' type, an instigator, and a sarcasitc commentor. There are always a few who chat more on-their-own then with the group, but let everyone know by posting 'cye'. It's almost as if cyber-dicussions bring people back to middle-school behavior.
Anyway, sorry things did not go as planned, but it all sounds pretty typical for online groups.
Posted by Christine | July 24, 2006 1:45 PM
Posted on July 24, 2006 13:45
I only discovered your blog a week or two ago, but have enjoyed reading it and exploring your website. I'm a longtime fan and just read The Most Wanted last week. I loved it, especially living here in Texas...Arlington, in fact! :)
I wanted to do the B&N class, but it was already a week in and I didn't have the book yet, so figured it was too late. I'd love to try one in the future. Perhaps you could post an introductory message giving some background about what happened with the previous class, then politely remind people to stay on topic or move it to the lounge, and to not be offended if they are reminded. If you tell people ahead of time that it is to keep the class on track and not to put yourself on a pedestal, surely they will understand.
Please try again in the future! I'd love it if they'd do another Cage of Stars session.
I am considering attending the Walloon retreat and hope to meet you there if I get to go.
Posted by Julie | July 26, 2006 1:36 PM
Posted on July 26, 2006 13:36
Jackie,
I enjoyed the book club. I will agree that it did get a little out of hand. But, you really helped me to understand your book. :)
~Sarah
Posted by Sarah | August 1, 2006 4:39 PM
Posted on August 1, 2006 16:39
Hm, that's a pity. I don't know about B&N chats, but I know in fan-run chats, there is often a moderator, someone people submit their questions to, and who has to vet them before they appear on the screen for everyone to see. It's a bit strict, but keeps the sort of thing you experienced down.
Perhaps next time, see if you can get a moderator with abilities to kick troublemakers out of the chat? Or set clear rules at the start of the chat so people know what's up, and then enforce them yourself, sternly but politely.
Posted by Danni Gauger | August 30, 2006 8:55 AM
Posted on August 30, 2006 08:55