Cozy Mysteries discussion

ஐ Briansgirl (Book Sale Queen)ஐ wrote: "On it ladies. Thank you"

No, thank you. You're rules are crystal clear and it's starting to jack me that people are just not bothering to read them...

Can we get clarification on one point? Is it permissible for authors to recommend their own books in threads outside the Author and self-promotion threads? Some of these threads are asking for recommendations, so I can see it's a fine line.

I personally find it extremely distasteful and immediately put those authors on my own 'do not read' list, but I also understand that it doesn't bother everybody. I wanted to ask for clarification before I made any 'official' complaint.

Thanks!

Message 547 (introduce yourself)! And one just called "Santa Claus Killer". Guess they can't be bothered to read the rules....or they don't pertain to them!

Got rid of Santa Claus killer already.

Jennifer, it is a fine line. The way I look at it is how the author does it. If it comes off as pushy and offensive, then I get rid of it. If they are an author that posts here often and it's done nicely, then I don't see a problem with it. The ones that come off badly are usually the ones that never post here except to promote their own stuff.

ஐ Briansgirl (Book Sale Queen)ஐ wrote: "Got rid of Santa Claus killer already.

Jennifer, it is a fine line. The way I look at it is how the author does it. If it comes off as pushy and offensive, then I get rid of it. If they are an aut..."

Ok, thanks for that. I'll hold off unless it comes across as blatant and unsolicited. :)

Hi ladies. This is actually a question I've had, and I am starting to get worried that I'm unintentionally violating the rules. If someone asks for a recommendation and I am up front that the work I am recommending is my own and it fits with what they're asking for, is it permitted? I believe I've done that once or twice.

Does anybody else think it's strange all the fans, who has joined to goodreads on this month (or the last) and enjoy so much "The French De Ception"?

Marisa wrote: "Does anybody else think it's strange all the fans, who has joined to goodreads on this month (or the last) and enjoy so much "The French De Ception"?"

I think it is very strange! In fact the author has a perfect 5.0 rating including her own review on GR. I feel like I am being spammed!

Tracy wrote: "Hi ladies. This is actually a question I've had, and I am starting to get worried that I'm unintentionally violating the rules. If someone asks for a recommendation and I am up front that the wor..."

As Briansgirl says above, and I agree, it's a fine line. You participate in a lot of the discussions more than you talk about your book, and that makes a big difference. If someone asks for recommendations, I can understand the desire to mention your own work if it fits within the criteria of the rec. request.

I'll be perfectly frank, and I speak only for myself, I personally dislike authors mentioning their own books unless they are specifically asked about them. There are authors here who participate, but manage to just work in a mention of their published work, or their work in progress in 7 out of 10 posts and they're the ones that go on o my 'do not read' lists. I'm overly sensitive to active marketing of any kind, and doing stuff like that is spammy (to me). :|

I really enjoy when authors are invited into the threads for the monthly reads and they answer questions and discuss their books, and if I know an author's work and they open a thread in the appropriate author or self promotion areas, I totally check out what they have to say. Otherwise, the rest all feels pushy.

BUT, there are quite a few here in the group that not only don't seem to mind it, but appreciate it. So the authors that might lose me because I don't like having their book pushed on me will more than likely gain others, and Briansgirl is in the unenviable position of having to decide where that fine line is. :)

Marisa wrote: "Does anybody else think it's strange all the fans, who has joined to goodreads on this month (or the last) and enjoy so much "The French De Ception"?"

I saw someone post on here about that and it just screamed "Sock Puppet" to me. Idiots. Sounds like some flagging needs to be done.

Thank you, I thought I was being a bit paranoid.

Marisa wrote: "Thank you, I thought I was being a bit paranoid."

Nope, not at all - I just flagged the post I saw after checking out the book: 4 reviewers all joined this month and only reviewed the one book and each giving it a gushing review and 5 stars? I don't think so.

Another book/author for the "will never ever read" list.

I'll flag the entry in my challenges thread.

❂ Jennifer (reviews on BookLikes) wrote: "Tracy wrote: "Hi ladies. This is actually a question I've had, and I am starting to get worried that I'm unintentionally violating the rules. If someone asks for a recommendation and I am up fron..."

Thank you. This is helpful. Appreciate it!

Marisa wrote: "Does anybody else think it's strange all the fans, who has joined to goodreads on this month (or the last) and enjoy so much "The French De Ception"?"

Noticed that, too. Already put this book on my DO NOT READ EVER list!! Nothing but spam!

Tracy wrote: "❂ Jennifer (reviews on BookLikes) wrote: "Tracy wrote: "Hi ladies. This is actually a question I've had, and I am starting to get worried that I'm unintentionally violating the rules. If someone ..."

Tracy, you do participate in a lot of discussion, so that you and Beth and Victoria and a few other authors don't irritate. However, there are authors who seem to be a member of this group ONLY to promote their books. When their friends join to promote that one author, it becomes self-defeating because now many of us will NOT read those books. I personally will avoid any book that I feel is being rammed down my throat and that includes The French De Ception.

Tracy wrote: "Hi ladies. This is actually a question I've had, and I am starting to get worried that I'm unintentionally violating the rules. If someone asks for a recommendation and I am up front that the wor..."

I'd appreciate clarification on this, too. I don't think (outside of the introductions & self-promotion discussions) I've ever promoted just my own, but I have included it a few times when offering a list of theme books (cozies, dogs, location, that sort of thing).

Oh, wait, I take that back...I'm guilty! I added my own title in one of the alphabet discussions about the 4th or 5th time I suggested titles. Time out in the penalty box for me....and apologies.

~Susan

☯Emily is tired of waiting for GR announcement, so now has Booklikes account. wrote: "Tracy wrote: "❂ Jennifer (reviews on BookLikes) wrote: "Tracy wrote: "Hi ladies. This is actually a question I've had, and I am starting to get worried that I'm unintentionally violating the rules..."

Thank you. ;-) Feeling less panicked now. ;-)

Susan wrote: "Tracy wrote: "Hi ladies. This is actually a question I've had, and I am starting to get worried that I'm unintentionally violating the rules. If someone asks for a recommendation and I am up fron..."

Did you use the book without commenting it was your book? If so, no harm done. I usually play those games and don't remember you doing that. I think subtlety is important when mentioning your books on other threads other than the self-promotion thread. I have enjoyed some of the authors asking for help from the readers. In a way it is promoting their books, but I don't mind. Others might object, but they don't have to read/participate in those threads.

☯Emily is tired of waiting for GR announcement, so now has Booklikes account. wrote: "Did you use the book without commenting it was your book? If so, no harm done. I usually play those games and don't remember you doing that...."

Whew...I'm in the clear, then. I'd run out of books I'd read that began with the letter D, or I wouldn't have posted it there at all.

The alphabet game reminds me of the license plate game we used to play in the car as kids. Fun memory.

But back to the rules...we appear to have a group member overdue for a nap in the Cozy Suggestions discussion (see #26), or maybe that's his usual attitude. Don't see that often here in the Cozy group, though (thankfully).

~Susan

p.s. Thanks for helping to keep us all straight!

☯Emily is tired of waiting for GR announcement, so now has Booklikes account. wrote: "I have enjoyed some of the authors asking for help from the readers. In a way it is promoting their books, but I don't mind. Others might object, but they don't have to read/participate in those threads. "

I like participating in those too - it doesn't feel like active marketing, it feels like author research. If I end up reading a book tied to a thread like that, bonus! :)

What drives me personally crazy are the posts that are "I'm reading "X" and I love it - also I'm using it as research for my book "Y" to be released on this date, and published by Pushing Publishing Co. and here's a description!" That's following the letter of the law, not the spirit.

❂ Jennifer (reviews on BookLikes) wrote: "☯Emily is tired of waiting for GR announcement, so now has Booklikes account. wrote: "I have enjoyed some of the authors asking for help from the readers. In a way it is promoting their books, but ..."

I love participating in author research! There's a great conversation going on right now that was begun by a UK author asking about Boston. That conversation has wandered all over the place, to the point we're currently talking about flip flops and thongs. Great fun!

I posted one for research a little while ago. I'm searching for mysteries with 3rd person multiple POV and having a difficult time finding many. I do write in that style so yes, it is research for me, but it's also a way to learn about different writers whose works I may not be familiar with. I've added quite a few authors to my Kindle since joining Goodreads.

Charles has been warned, publicly in the thread and via PM that his behavior was unacceptable. I also closed the thread.

Susan wrote: "But back to the rules...we appear to have a group member overdue for a nap in the Cozy Suggestions discussion (see #26), or maybe that's his usual attitude. Don't see that often here in the Cozy group, though (thankfully)."

Already taken care of, once I knew what he'd done.

And thanks to everyone who posts here to let me know when someone does violate our rules. We have so many threads, I can't keep up with them all but we want to keep the cozy, comfortable and friendly atmosphere in the group. I too don't mind authors joining us, but I don't want to feel they are just pushing their books. Authors are readers (and people) too.

Glad you're enjoying the Authors area Susan. It seemed we were slowly starting to have enough author oriented threads, seeking help not pushing specific books and it seemed we were due for a folder to keep them all sorted. I know at times it must be helpful to ask readers questions or get help from other authors.

Thanks, Briansgirl. There are a lot of really nice people here, both readers and writers, and I enjoy coming here to get honest, unbiased information on books I'm either thinking about or already have. Hope you all have a very happy Thanksgiving!

ஐ Briansgirl (Book Sale Queen)ஐ wrote: "Susan wrote: "But back to the rules...we appear to have a group member overdue for a nap in the Cozy Suggestions discussion (see #26), or maybe that's his usual attitude. Don't see that often here ..."

Thanks! The cozy atmosphere is important to me, too! After all, we're a group about cozies! ;-)

ஐ Briansgirl (Book Sale Queen)ஐ wrote: "Glad you're enjoying the Authors area Susan. It seemed we were slowly starting to have enough author oriented threads, seeking help not pushing specific books and it seemed we were due for a folder..."

Indeed, it is helpful to have a place to ask for advice. I haven't used it yet, but it's SO NICE to know it's there. I have benefited and learned from other threads--specifically the ones about sex and swearing in cozies.

To be sure I don't miss anything, I created a new thread in the admin folder just for y'all to post about anything that I need to see or take care of.

You're welcome Tracy. Authors can be valuable members of our group as well as regular readers. And authors are readers too. We have enough cozy authors in our group it was time to give them a place for friendly discussions, author oriented, for research, ask questions, etc. I don't expect to have any problems with authors spamming there as most who use the threads are active members, not the sock puppet spammers that are creating our problems lately.

ஐ Briansgirl (Book Sale Queen)ஐ wrote: "Authors can be valuable members of our group as well as regular readers. And authors are readers too. We have enough cozy authors in our group it was time to give them a place..."

I very much appreciate this space so people can share their ideas and opinions with authors. For those who might be geographically isolated, or just not able to get out to meet a local group, the Authors area is a wonderful opportunity to participate in the world of books.

Glad it's being used and is helpful.

Updated this section of the group rules:

Self Promotions & Giveaways: This is where you can post about any book giveaways, self promotions, etc. (See above about posting rules) Posts that just advertise books for sale with their prices, even if not posted by the author, will be moved here as they read and feel like advertisements.

Based on some recent activity, the group rules have been modified as follows:

WARNINGS AND REPERCUSSIONS
Abuses to the above guidelines will result in an immediate warning. Continued abuses will result in a second, and final, warning. Persistent abuse after the two warnings will result in a ban from Cozy Mysteries. EDITED: If anyone is rude or abusive to any of the group moderators openly in the group, there will be no warnings and you will be immediately banned. If you cannot respect what the (unpaid) moderators do to keep this group running, then you do not deserve to be here.

I refuse to allow a few folks to ruin the group for the majority. And there is no point in making the moderators life more difficult dealing with problems. Please show respect.

Group Owner

Good day people! I want to know if you open a group discussion for each book you read as a group? And where to find it.

Hi Femarie,

We do not actually do a book-of-the-month the way some groups do, but a featured author. This allows people to read any book by that author they want, as some people may have read the author before, while some may not have heard of that author at all. The books shown on the home page are the first books in different series by that author. The monthly discussions are located under FEATURED AUTHORS.

I just wanted to say hello! My name is Tara...thank you for letting me join the group! I agree and promise to abide by the guidelines set forth. I would like to start being more active on Goodreads, and I LOVE cozy mysteries, so I am very much looking forward to meeting here and chatting with you all! :-)

Welcome, Tara. I think you will really enjoy this group. Lots of great discussions and suggestions.

Welcome Tara, I'm somewhat new myself and looking forward to exploring the group and the books that are suggested. I joined the June mini-challenge which is 5 books each with it's own theme. I picked my five, now we'll see if I actually get them all read in addition to one by the featured author.

Thank you for the heads up on Cozy Reads group rules.

Thanks, this seems like a nice and organized group!