More than Just a Rating discussion

Library reading program, this was summer one, just ended and for the first time since they started the programs years ago I didn't write a single review. Not a one. I've always written reviews for even the short programs and this one started in May.

Oh, well, maybe next program.

Burnt out? Needed better incentives?

Cheryl wrote: "Burnt out? Needed better incentives?"

Probably a combination.

I'm tired of seeing fake and canned reviews, though that's not a problem at the library. It is a problem when it comes to writing reviews elsewhere.

My biggest incentive for doing reviews was to help earn points to get the library the books awarded for participation. Now that there are more people participating the points goal is usually reached early. It doesn't help that the categories seem to have become less varied.

Well, I know that I'd feel relief if I knew the library didn't need my participation points. Especially because, yeah, the categories and events have lately been of less interest to me. So, I guess I'm advising you, don't beat yourself up about it. :)

Cheryl wrote: "Well, I know that I'd feel relief if I knew the library didn't need my participation points. Especially because, yeah, the categories and events have lately been of less interest to me. So, I guess..."

Glad to hear you also find the categories and events less interesting. I know that sounds bad but it's a relief. I thought it was me.

I mean, we don't subscribe to the same libraries, but I bet they all have 'kits' if they buy into "Oceans of Possibilities" for example. Or at least their Journals would have 'what's trending' or 'what brings new patrons in' articles of tips.

I'm an old fogie, I guess. I just want to read, share a few reviews probably, watch the occasional movie, visit with a book club discussion maybe. My local library is having an Escape Room! What??

From what I've seen the list of suggested topics can be customized by each library. So while we both have "Oceans of Possibilities" our libraries could have customized very differently. I like to look at how other libraries defined suggested reading topics from Beanstack.

Maybe we're both old fogies. Read books, maybe review or talk about some sounds good to me. The occasional movie, music, or other activity? Yes, but the keyword is occassional.

I'm not sure what is going on now but Blue Zones lifestyle was the big thing. The program I attended was like the old joke about little boy's book description, "This book told me more about elephants than I ever wanted to know."

Heard something about library doing an escape room but don't know if it was here or maybe another branch.

I had to look up Blue Zones lifestyle. I pretty much do it now, as much as I can though I do have to feed hubby "real meals" more often than I want to!

"People in the Blue Zones eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans every single day. They don't snack on energy bars and processed foods, choosing instead to munch on nuts and seeds when they're hungry."

Cheryl wrote: "I had to look up Blue Zones lifestyle. I pretty much do it now, as much as I can though I do have to feed hubby "real meals" more often than I want to!

"People in the Blue Zones eat fruits, veget..."

If it were just food I think I would be okay with it but this is 24/7 lifestyle. How to socialize, community relations, life purpose, etc.

Ah. Interesting. Yeah, probably too much.

Plant slant food suits me but the whole Power 9 push not so much. Unfortunately Blue Zones Power 9 became focus when it came to adult programs and if you've ever attended anything like a MLM recruitment meeting you have a pretty good idea what the programs were like. Even book selection for major book discussion programs were looked at through the Blue Zones lens.
I know I wasn't the only older person who went, eh, not interested.
(1) move naturally (2) purpose (3) down shift
(4) 80% rule (5) plant slant (6) wine @ 5
(7) belong (8) loved ones first (9) right tribe

heh, yeah

@ Cheryl

Didn't realize until after our discussion that Metro Library System, where I have reciprocal card, didn't reach summer goal. Drat! Had I realized during the program I could have participated. Pioneer Library System reached goal so early it simply didn't occur to me to check how Metro was doing.

Oh no!

Recently became aware that some on Goodreads require Friends to "like" their reviews or be dropped from Friends. This makes "like" a popularity contest for reviewer instead of acknowledgement of helpful review and devalues both "likes" and reviews.

Is this common? I knew of groups where members are expected to "like" each other's reviews but the Friends thing is new to me.

I don't doubt that groups of mutual "like farmers" exist just as they do on other social media platforms. In this case one obvious intention would be to artificially inflate their reviewer ranking so they are more likely to succeed at getting free ARCs (advanced reading/review copies) from publishers. I suspect my friends list doesn't intersect with this type of user's much, if at all.

Beth wrote: "I don't doubt that groups of mutual "like farmers" exist just as they do on other social media platforms. In this case one obvious intention would be to artificially inflate their reviewer ranking ..."

Thanks.
I hadn't thought about the ARC angle. That makes sense. I was thinking more influencer thing.

Sounds fairly ridiculous to me, and not something ppl in my inner circle (so to speak) would be into. I don't seek out new friends very often, or get sought out too much, either, though, so I don't know if it's any sort of an issue in my larger community.

But thank you for the heads-up, good to be aware!

@Cheryl

Just thought I'd mention, since we talked about Beanstack last year, Pioneer Library System has reached their goal again this year but Metro was at just over 60% on July 10 with July 31 the end date. Guess I'll spend some more time logging hours and writing short reviews.

The reviews for these programs are short and the points add up quickly. There are often grants or something awarded to libraries that reach goal. Pioneer gets books to give away to children. I don't know what Metro would get but hope goal is reached this year.

Many libraries have these programs, some more than one each year. If you have a library card check to see if there's a program. The review writing can be good practice writing short reviews.

I've got some hours to bring in to Metro, thanks for doing your bit and reminding me to do mine!

Cheryl wrote: "I've got some hours to bring in to Metro, thanks for doing your bit and reminding me to do mine!"

Been meaning to post Metro goal reached! 102.15%

Oh yay! Thanks for letting us know!