Goodreads Authors/Readers discussion

.....and forgive me if such a thing exists already, but just in case it doesn't, here goes.

When I lived in Cromer in Norfolk, England, there was a really good thing going on in the library. There were shelves dotted around which were labelled, for example, "If you like Frederick Forsyth, you'll like Joe Bloggs", with a few of Joe Bloggs' books displayed. It was a really good way of getting people to try new lesser known authors.

Wouldn't it be great if we had something like that on here? It would benefit authors and readers alike.

I realise that it is open to abuse; it's an open door for anyone who thinks they're the next GRR Martin to start posting links to their books. So, to overcome this, the rule could be that authors can't suggest themselves. I thought of this just now when I was talking to someone on Twitter about Kate Atkinson, and was just about to recommend Deborah Moggach to her, when this idea came to me. I think it would need a separate group, though. I suppose I could start it myself but I am not sure I have the time to administrate such a thing (it would need to be regularly checked to make sure that people AREN'T not getting the message, and just posting "My mates all tell me my books are as good as John Grisham's, here they all are, and here are all my Facebook/Twitter links, too").

What do people think? What do the administrators of THIS group think?

Terry Tyler (who is just like...... joke...)

Terry, look at the top of the page, and click on Recommendations.

But those are recommendations by GR staff. I think Terry means to do it more in the way of self-promotion (if you like GRRM, check out my indie epic fantasy_____).

Ruth, I know you can recommend things to people individually, I do it. I know you can ask for them. I meant as an actual place on here that people can go on to. For instance, i've read all Kate Atkinson's books. I want another author that's like her. This place I'm envisaging would be sort of like a chart. it would show, for instance, Kate Atkinson, and then have added all the people who are 'like' her. And also not just by GR staff, but suggestions from other readers. GR staff can't have read ALL the authors on here, surely?

Masha - NOT for self-promotion. That was my point - please read it properly!

..... also, I meant something instant. So that you could look on it straight away and see what you're looking for.

I think I see what you mean - it's like on Amazon.com when they say "customers also bought ..." and list related books/products that people buying your book also bought. Goodreads does offer recommendations based on books you've already read, but I think what you're saying is that you want that expanded.

Thank you, yes! A bit like that. But more sort of PERSONAL in a way, because they'd be recommended by individual readers. For instance, the woman I spoke to who had just discovered Kate Atkinson might not be recommended Deborah Moggach by the Goodreads computer, because it hasn't been listed in exactly the same genre. But I've read most of both of theirs, so I think that if you like one you will probably like the other.

Great idea Terry. This would actually be very beneficial for many people. I for one, totally support this!

Thank you! I've been thinking a chart with three columns.. "If you like" "....you'll like" - and maybe the 3rd one "suggested by" , but maybe not. Oh, it probably won't happen, it was just something I threw up into the air!

Ah, I get it now. Good idea, and definitely needs its own group with more than one moderator. I can see it getting huge. I can also see people getting into arguments over whether or not two particular authors are similar or not, and those could get pretty heated.

Yes, I take your point, Masha! I haven't really thought it through, it was just one of those "HEY!" moments. I still think it's got possibilities, though there would have to be feedback; I can imagine someone saying, hey, you told me Terry Tyler's books are like Stephen King's and they couldn't be more different (I agree, they couldn't). So yes, I take your point :)

Terry wrote: ".....and forgive me if such a thing exists already, but just in case it doesn't, here goes.

When I lived in Cromer in Norfolk, England, there was a really good thing going on in the library. Ther..." Sounds like another win-win situation to me. I can't think of anyone who would lose on this deal. I'm going to go to my local library and try to sell them on the idea. Try it for your local library and, who knows, it just might catch on!!

Ruth wrote: "Terry, look at the top of the page, and click on Recommendations."

This.

There's already a website called (I think) Booklamp. Kind of like Pandora for books. I tried it once but it didn't have matches for anything I entered; they are supposedly very new and have a very small database for now.

Why not simply append to reviews of books other books you think people might like as well? Or have a shelf of books you think people who like X will also like?

Terry wrote: ".....and forgive me if such a thing exists already, but just in case it doesn't, here goes.

When I lived in Cromer in Norfolk, England, there was a really good thing going on in the library. Ther..."

There is something a little like this - have you looked at book promo? I think if more people participate this will work but see if this is the type of thing which appeals to you.

http://bookpromo.weebly.com/