J.D. Robb discussion

I don’t have access to that group’s discussions so can’t see the message.

Jonetta wrote: "I don’t have access to that group’s discussions so can’t see the message."

Sorry. It is from Rivka and it says:

"Thank you for your feedback on this issue. Group moderators now have the ability to broadcast messages to members of a group, regardless of their privacy settings."

Thank you, Phrynne! This doesn’t show up anywhere I can find it in the “help” section.

I guess we will have to wait and see if it is true. I hope so anyway:)

Oh, if Rivka said it was so, it’s done. She’s never wrong.

I mistakenly left a book title off our current poll for July's BOM. I have since added it to the poll. You have the option to change your vote if the addition of this title changes your choice. My apologies for the oversight.

Sandra wrote: "I mistakenly left a book title off our current poll for July's BOM. I have since added it to the poll. You have the option to change your vote if the addition of this title changes your choice. My ..."

No problem :)

Goodreads is removing multiple features. Here’s a summary of the announcement and a link to the details.

“ As part of our dedication to improving Goodreads, we are phasing out a number of features in order to focus on the ones our members use most, and continue to improve the overall Goodreads experience. As of July 5, 2022, Goodreads will no longer support the ability to create new content for the book reviews recommendations/recommenders section, favorite authors list, creative writing, the condition and details about owned books, friend stories, trivia, quizzes, and adding photos to books. These features will no longer be available on the site on Sept. 1, 2022.”

https://help.goodreads.com/s/article/...

Be prepared for Goodreads problems on July 6. Every time they make a change my notifications stop.

I can’t believe all they’re doing.

Yeah. Before long we won't recognize Goodreads.

This site has been good to me. I feel it will fold in the not so distant future. Oh well, I will save my reviews. But I wonder how to stay in touch with my friends in a natural way. I think Discord beckons for future ex-GRers.

Goodreads has become a measuring stick as a norm for publishers and their authors. The likelihood it will go away is not even an option. It will transition to be more of an extension of Amazon, as they are significantly limiting user controls.

Jonetta wrote: "Goodreads has become a measuring stick as a norm for publishers and their authors. The likelihood it will go away is not even an option. It will transition to be more of an extension of Amazon, as ..."

I hope you are right. But I was a happy camper at IMDB until Amazon happened and cut off the forum. So I am prepared for the worst.

Sharon wrote: "Be prepared for Goodreads problems on July 6. Every time they make a change my notifications stop."

That what I just said in the other group Jonetta posted this notification.!!

I'm expecting the whole of July to bring problems.

Jonetta wrote: "I can’t believe all their doing."

I don't mind them taking away things we don't use but they never leave it at that. They add or tweek or fix what doesn't need any of that.

These are massive changes and I’m with you Sharon & Michelle…prepare for issues. Notifications are always the first to go.

Luffy wrote: "I hope you are right. But I was a happy camper at IMDB until Amazon happened and cut off the forum. So I am prepared for the worst...."

They’ve got over 30 million users (so they say) with more and more direct connections to Amazon who has bought up and destroyed the competition. I started with Shelfari, which I loved, and they ultimately merged it here.

Rather than go away, it just won’t feel like true “community,” at least like what we’ve enjoyed.

I just don't understand this need to update or whatever they call it when the site doesn't need it.

What does need work and fixing is the app. Why do they not work on making that better.

Michelle wrote: "I just don't understand this need to update or whatever they call it when the site doesn't need it.

What does need work and fixing is the app. Why do they not work on making that better."

There was a big uproar with YouTube changing the like/dislike buttons. This coming change will cut as deep.

It's becoming more and more about selling books and less and less about reading books.

Lauren wrote: "It's becoming more and more about selling books and less and less about reading books."

So true but this is a review site and not about selling books per se. You would think they would do a survey to ask if those changes are needed before doing it. Or at least do their homework by seeing if it help in other site. As Luffy said YouTube which is much bigger that goodreads had problems etc.

You are so right Lauren. It is a shame.

Michelle wrote: "You would think they would do a survey to ask if those changes are needed before doing it..."

You would!
However, GR gave up on user input years ago when they shut down the Goodreads Feedback group. They aren't interested in what the users want. They only want to make the parent company (Amazon) happy by selling. Elements that please actual readers (groups, reviews, recommendations, fun activities) are not a priority for them.

Jonetta wrote: "Goodreads has become a measuring stick as a norm for publishers and their authors. The likelihood it will go away is not even an option. It will transition to be more of an extension of Amazon, as ..."

I hate to see Amazon taking over everything. Audible is harder to deal with since Amazon took them over. Still good book choices, but not as easy to deal with.

Lauren wrote: "However, GR gave up on user input years ago when they shut down the Goodreads Feedback group. They aren't interested in what the users want...."

And it’s been a disaster ever since. The help section is a muddled mess. I miss Otis.

Judy wrote: "Jonetta wrote: "Goodreads has become a measuring stick as a norm for publishers and their authors. The likelihood it will go away is not even an option. It will transition to be more of an extensio..."

B & N started an audio offering. Their subscription isn't that great yet. I did send them a letter (email) with suggestions, and they replied. I hope they refine their program to give audible a run for their money.

Jonetta wrote: "Lauren wrote: "However, GR gave up on user input years ago when they shut down the Goodreads Feedback group. They aren't interested in what the users want...."

And it’s been a disaster ever since...."

You can say that again!

Jonetta wrote: "Goodreads has become a measuring stick as a norm for publishers and their authors. The likelihood it will go away is not even an option. It will transition to be more of an extension of Amazon, as ..."

My first reaction to this announcement was that Amazon is exerting their control of Goodreads. I agree that Goodreads isn't going to disappear, but I bet what is looks like and how it operates in the future will be dictated by Amazon.

I really, really don't care for Amazon. Suppose it's because it's not that big here. I mean KU only became available here couple of months ago.

Jonetta wrote: "And it’s been a disaster ever since. The help section is a muddled mess. I miss Otis."

I don't even bother with the help section unless it's to reset my All shelf, which is always getting the incorrect # of books.

Anita wrote: "I agree that Goodreads isn't going to disappear, but I bet what is looks like and how it operates in the future will be dictated by Amazon"

Agreed.

I am keeping my LibraryThing account up to date out of concern that the groups on GR will vanish one day.

Might I suggest a subscription through Libro.fm for audio purposes? I love them and am considering shutting down my Audible subscription and replacing it with them. They have a tie-in with brick and mortar bookstores. Here’s the link:

https://libro.fm/

Jonetta wrote: "Might I suggest a subscription through Libro.fm for audio purposes? I love them and am considering shutting down my Audible subscription and replacing it with them. They have a tie-in with brick an..."

Unfortunately, it does not work outside the US/Canada.

Lauren wrote: "I don't even bother with the help section unless it's to reset my All shelf, which is always ..."

I only go there to see if a problem I’m experiencing is in the announcement section. It’s very confusing.

Lauren wrote: "Unfortunately, it does not work outside the US/Canada...."

Oh, no!

Jonetta wrote: "Lauren wrote: "However, GR gave up on user input years ago when they shut down the Goodreads Feedback group. They aren't interested in what the users want...."

And it’s been a disaster ever since...."

I think he'd be horrified to see what's happening to his company.

Here’s a link to a Goodreads announcement about notifications. It really isn’t very clear.

https://help.goodreads.com/s/announce...