Revolutionizing BOOK CLUB!!!

*Avoids eye-contact. Backs slowly out of the room... *

Sorry. I am not that person, nor do I currently know of anyone who would fit the requirements. Good luck, Dennis.

I don' think hte person needs to know html.
I wrote scripts so they can update the site without touching a line of HTML.

If some of our more web-savy guys want to suggest a better look and feel, i can code it up so that the admin still doesn't have to touch html.

The current month's page is piss-poor, yes.
But look at the calendar and click through to the other months. They're not so bad, and they were all updated through a form I wrote, without touching the underlying HTML.

And I'm willing to work with whoever gets this job to make more scripts and continue to make the site as customizable as possible without anyone having to get their hands dirty with HTML.

my selfcenteredness taunts me into pming you Dennis wanting to take ahold by both horns. Im looking through old diskettes of a little reviewzine I used to write for this independant book shop back in double ought im reading ; im laughing Im reading and Im just about to send this epic work and my trailerpark literary resume
...........BUT........
i dont get along with others too well...especially when it comes to what i like to read...patioman though now there is a nomination...the kid is quick...dont know how much time he's got but the motherfucker is a devourer of books like myself.

I NOMINATE HD THOREAU (the cult member, not the guy who lived on walden pond). my nomination is based on his recent command performance in choosing the november selection.

patioman needs to work on his writing (not improve, mind you, but just getting something OUT THERE. something of substance, too. the "good morning, minnesota" site doesn't count, as an article on the birthplace of SPAM isn't what i had in mind) BUT i'd second the nomination of the pat-ster.

awwwww maybe i will go ahead and submit something to McSweeney jsut for you moe....of course I would have an all expense paid trip to make out with origami...ahh my days in the orient...if there is anything Im gonna burn in hell for....i bet your legs go all the way up baby, my favorite thing next to the cheekbones...

good lord, are you drunk? what does making out with lips have to do with managing the book club?

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by BitOfAFinger [/i]
[B]I don' think hte person needs to know html.
I wrote scripts so they can update the site without touching a line of HTML.

If some of our more web-savy guys want to suggest a better look and feel, i can code it up so that the admin still doesn't have to touch html.

The current month's page is piss-poor, yes.
But look at the calendar and click through to the other months. They're not so bad, and they were all updated through a form I wrote, without touching the underlying HTML.

And I'm willing to work with whoever gets this job to make more scripts and continue to make the site as customizable as possible without anyone having to get their hands dirty with HTML. [/B][/QUOTE]

You ROCK!!

I nominate Vigorous Puppy. He's passionate about knowledge and books, both fiction and non fiction. He's extremely motivated and has a great knack for motivating others. His posts are always courteous, thoughtful and generally insightful. I just feel that he could lead some great discussions, introduce some great authors and keep people coming back for more books and spirited discussions.

PUPPY for Book Club Admin 2003!!!

I nominate Vigorous Puppy as well. For all the reasons Mirah just stated.
Tryp and HD would also be good choices.

[b]Hey guys,

Somone already emailed me about this position, in reply to my newsletter. So here's what you're up against:[/b]

Hi Dennis,

I think I might be your guy, assuming you don't have a problem with a full-time writer (i.e. no full-time job besides writing/research) with a lot of spare time who eats up literature and used to manage a book exchange (aka second-hand book store).

I don't know if it helps or anything but I've worked in Australian IT for five and a half years and I've run a general E/N website (running PHP Nuke on a friend's box, the precursor to that being my basic raw HTML coding of a site updated through pine sessions--hey, I'm not fluent in linux but I know my way around it).

What can I say about myself, other than I'm a spelling/grammar nazi, have a dark sense of humor that comes through in my writing, and coincidentally happen to be the guy who emailed you suggesting Paypal as a means of payment when you guys first printed up the orange t-shirts.

Shameless self-promoting trivia ahoy, mateys!

So, you know, get back to me and let me know what you think.

Excelsior!

rob.hackney
Australian at large.

[b]Thoughts?[/b]

No offense to people like Vig Puppy and HD who might be perfect for this job, but I think that bringing someone who has not set up a "presence" in the forum would be better. That way, there is no room for any preconceived notions of the Book Club mod from his/her previous posts. It also allow room for a fresh start for a bright future (excuse the cliches).

And Rob isn't an outsider outsider as he has been around with The Cult for awhile.

Thoughts about this?

"Outsider" vs. Forum member?

Rita

I think exactly the opposite of Rita on this one. VigPu has been here a minute or three, he knows what we're like. He's not going to say "You guys are a bunch of immature assholes and fuck you, I'm leaving!" and disappear after a month. I also dont like the whole "grammar nazi" remark. My grammar is so terrible. I can almost feel him taking a red pen to what I write already...

I also like the idea of the new book club Admin being someone that posts and already has a presence on the site. I rather promote someone from within that already knows and interacts with other members.

No offense to Rob, but he didn't seem overly enthusiastic. He didn't even mention why he is interested.

Bitofinger has already said he'd be happy to help with the tech aspects so lets drop that as a qualification. Yes? No?

I say go with someone that is passionate about books and has a vision regarding book club and all it can be.

Although Kareem said that knowing HTML is not a must, Dennis thinks that it is still an essential asset. See, speaking from my experience, I can totally relate to this. I am the head admin for the Writer's Workshop. I hear suggestions everyday, but since Mic designed the WW by himself, I have to rely on him to realize the changes that should be made asap. It if frustrating to play the waiting game all the time. It is simply better to know the scripts yourself so you do not have to depend on others.

Yes to be passionate about books is a must. Perhaps that initial email from Rob is just to get his foot in the door. Let's not dismiss him outright yet.

See I guess this illustrates your point as we don't know Rob. So we make assumptions and are cold to him. But, on the other hand. superficially it might seem to be better to bring in someone already familiar with The Cult and its people. But on a closer inspection, it might not. I don't know. Sometimes people are not that accepting of your faults or what not and it is easier to dismiss their stance and say something like "well, you did it in the past" blah blah.

I think a clean slate is best. We are attempting to revoluntionize the Book Club. So why not start with a clean slate?

And Lazlo, I'm sure Rob was kidding.

Please don't think that I am playing favouritism, I just think it is to quick to make any specific judgement as to who Rob is and who we should pick.

Again, at the end of the day, it is the person who is passionate about books and have a clear, distinct vision for the Book Club that will get the job done and get people back to--what Chuck's been trying to do for ages-- read.

Rita

"I fear the unknown"

At any rate, I'm stickin' to my guns on this one. I"d like to see one of our guys take it over... However, I'm being rash. I keep yelling names and none of them have yelled back. Maybe our resident readers don't want the job? I dunno... I guess if no one wants it, give it to him. If one of the Culters wants it, I say give him/her a chance first.

Sure Lazlo, of course you are entitled to your opinion as I am to mine. But still, as mentioned, I don't know if such favourtism is warranted. I sincerely believe that it is better to not be a victim of any preconceived notions and to hire some one who doesn't post as much, but have been observing from afar.

That's just my opinion. Believe me, I really have thought this over as to whether or not to nominate someone that we know, or to hire someone from the "outside"

Rita, at the danger of repeating her self...once again

This cat said he's a writer... does he have anything out? Has he been published?

Again, let's not attack our candidates? This ain't your regular election tainted with potential harassments and accusations. That is just what came into mind upon finishing reading your post. I'm sorry if assumptions have been made, but this was an educated guess.

Rita

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by origamiLips [/i]
Although Kareem said that knowing HTML is not a must, Dennis thinks that it is still an essential asset. See, speaking from my experience, I can totally relate to this. I am the head admin for the Writer's Workshop. I hear suggestions everyday, but since Mic designed the WW by himself, I have to rely on him to realize the changes that should be made asap. It if frustrating to play the waiting game all the time. It is simply better to know the scripts yourself so you do not have to depend on others.
[/QUOTE]

I know and sympathize with the frustrations you've had trying to implement changes and update the WW but what bitofinger said was:

[i]"I wrote scripts so they can update the site without touching a line of HTML."

"...And I'm willing to work with whoever gets this job to make more scripts and continue to make the site as customizable as possible without anyone having to get their hands dirty with HTML."[/i]

so I just want to know if that is still an important consideration for the position. It sounds like it might be negotiable.

[QUOTE]
Yes to be passionate about books is a must. Perhaps that initial email from Rob is just to get his foot in the door. Let's not dismiss him outright yet.

See I guess this illustrates your point as we don't know Rob. So we make assumptions and are cold to him. But, on the other hand. superficially it might seem to be better to bring in someone already familiar with The Cult and its people. But on a closer inspection, it might not. I don't know. Sometimes people are not that accepting of your faults or what not and it is easier to dismiss their stance and say something like "well, you did it in the past" blah blah.
[/QUOTE]

I wasn't dismissing Rob outright and I certainly hope I didn't come off that way to him if he's reading this. I was merely stating that I didn't think he seemed overly enthusiastic. From his email, I have no sense of why he would be great for the position and why he was even interested.

I'm definately open to other people besides Puppy (who hasn't even expressed an interest as far as I know) but its going to a vote so I do think that I need more information about the people I'll be voting for. I already have a sense of most of the people nominated so far because I read their posts.

And again, I like the idea of promoting someone from within. The clean slate/outsider idea doesn't appeal to me. I'm a family/community orientated type of person I guess...

Mirka

I am very aware of what Kareem said and his continuous efforts to make sure that The Book Club runs smoothly. I only said what I said is because having some sort of technical skill is, to me, not a requirement but an asset. It makes both of their jobs easier if they both know the same language. That is just my two cents, and please don't dismiss this as my failure at understanding what Kareem said. I can read fine, at least I hope.

In terms of your second part, I said enough of my opinion. So I am sure that you do not want me to reiterate again. Therefore, I will stop here.

Rita, who is hurt that Mirka doesn't think she too is a community-oriented person

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by origamiLips [/i]
[B]Again, let's not attack our candidates? This ain't your regular election tainted with potential harassments and accusations. That is just what came into mind upon finishing reading your post. I'm sorry if assumptions have been made, but this was an educated guess.

Rita [/B][/QUOTE]

I wasnt insulting him. If he had a book, I'd try to get ahold of it. Wow, does everybody here believe me to be that evil a person?

Lazlo

I am sorry that you feel this way and was understood. But that's what it came across to me as. I am sorry once again.

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by origamiLips [/i]
[B]Mirka

I am very aware of what Kareem said and his continuous efforts to make sure that The Book Club runs smoothly. I only said what I said is because having some sort of technical skill is, to me, not a requirement but an asset. It makes both of their jobs easier if they both know the same language. That is just my two cents, and please don't dismiss this as my failure at understanding what Kareem said. I can read fine, at least I hope.
[/QUOTE]

Your previous post said that Dennis still considered tech skill an "essential asset" and why you agreed. I was responding to that when I quoted bitofinger because I wanted to know if that is still, in fact, an important consideration for the position or if it is negotiable.

Thats all. Not implying anything about your reading skills.

i'd like to thank Lazlo for being so kind as to suggest me, in spite of our rough beginning. anyway, as tempting as it would be mate, not for me, only know a little HTML, and having a full-time job, a wife and a 18month old daughter strictly limits my time. i'm lucky enough to make good on my side job most of the time. so, thanks again Laz. cheers.

GO H.D.Thoreau! I'll nominate him as well.

hire the australian, on the principle that he is an australian. it will be like 'affirmative action'.

What about setting up a Book Club team?

One person Could maintain the Html and all the website things.

The like a panel of people could suggest books and sort it out and things.

That way it's just not one person. So nothing could be held against one person.

This way the mountian that is Book Club won't seem so daunting against one person.

Anyways, I know Vigorous Puppy should be involved. The guy knows his books and is very active in the Writers Workshop, and is very very well read. And plus he is a nice guy.

Hi thegermanover

See we do have a "team" for the Book Club. The new Book Club guy only acts as a moderator to inspire discussions and to facilliate these discussions to make sure there are no eye-stabbings or leg gropping.

Thank you Rob for clearing up your intentions and introducting yourself.

Rita, more thoughts to come later...waaaaaaay too early to think

I kinda dig the idea of HD Thoreau running the show (as well as Walden Pond). He seems to have the gusto, and I'd be interested in sharing ideas with another guy from the 19th c. (my name comes from a Hawthorne short story).

I personally would love the club, as I'm highly literate, a natural grammarian and an English teacher, but:

a) between my wife and 125 or so students, I have little time to do other than read, eat, love my wife and grade papers, and

I'm horrible when it comes to computers ( I f'n hate them! Rocking chairs! Now there's technology!)

So I second or third or three hundredth the nomination for HD to run the show! Bravo!

Sincerely,
Owen Warland

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by thegermanoven [/i]
[B]
[SIZE=3]That way it's just not one person. So nothing could be held against one person.

This way the mountian that is Book Club won't seem so daunting against one person.[/SIZE]
[/B][/QUOTE]

Cheer up Zaki. This reminds me, I haven't talk to you in like the longest time. Remember those #chuck days?

Yeah Zaki, the Book Club has kicked ass so far.

I was only suggesting something that has actually already been put into place. My apologizes. Like I said...

Book Club = A++

I wonder if there could even be a possible tie in with the book club and the writers workshop...

Like I imagine Chuck is going to suggest some books to read in his column about writing. So it could be plausible to have one thing that basically A Writers Workshop and A Book Club all in one carefully crafted (and easier to maintain) entity.

I suggest these things because I really want both to be a success, and I can imagine combining the two would stream line things.

And plus, most aspiring authors have books basically coming out of ever orfice.

I don't know. I just like to throw ideas out, anything I can do to help the Book Club and Workshop that doesn't require me losing a limb or shooting a gun.

Great suggestion, we can defintely work that in. As in, if a source is mentioned in the Workshop, the Book Club can read up on it and discuss. Who says that it has to be fiction? We will see if it will work, and if it does, we will defintely work it out.

Hey everybody:

I want to thank Mirka for nominating me and for supporting her
reasoning so ardently and so well. I also want to thank Lazlo and
GermanOven for seconding the nomination. I hope I'm not
missing anybody here. I've thanked all of these individuals
privately, but I've been waiting to formulate this public response.

As much as I appreciate being put forward by other Culties for
[i]anything[/i], and certainly for a position of esteem and
responsibility, I must decline to run in this particular race. I have
a different rabbit to hunt that I will talk more about later.

But for this post, or hat or job rather, I would like to put my
support behind Rob Hackney. Not because he is a relative
"outsider." And, no Wes, not because he's an Austrailian. But
because of his qualifications and his eagerness, so well-expressed
earlier in this thread.

I do want to participate in some Bookclub goings on; suggest
some reading from time to time and contribute my level best
to the booktalk.

Special Thanks to theGermanOven and to any and everyone
else who is marching forward to elevate the purpose and the
level of public discourse here at the Cult.

I'm voting for HD then.....

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by vigorous puppy [/i]
I have
a different rabbit to hunt that I will talk more about later.[/QUOTE]

Hmmmm... Vedy Intedesting...

Hey guys,

Let's see some more posting on this thread. H.D., I got your rather passionate PM and I thank you for it.

Right now, the runnings seem to be:

H.D.
Rob Hackney
Barry Engelhart

Barry is one of our Writers Workshop Admins whom I speak to on MSN a lot. He also writes for McSweeneys and is thoroughly well-read.

I'm not sure we're gonna stick with a poll idea in the end, as I feel this shouldn't be a popularity contest. I agree with some of you, an outsider is the way to go. Especially if that outsider can lead a discussion and has the skills, experience and passion for the job.

I also feel like an outsider can be more objective in his thoughts and won't get as easily weighed down by the politics of our forum.

Just my thoughts. So right now, I'm leaning towards Rob too. I haven't met an Australian yet that I didn't like.

i don't really know what dennis & co. had in mind for the book club, i.e. format and programming, but i'd love to see it take on a more defined shape. i'd love for our new book club forum leader to introduce discussion beyond plot, like character development, language, and other literary devices. in the past, discussions have been limited to "i loved this book...what did you guys think?" and while i'm confident the forum leader will leave room for "i loved/hated this book", i think we need someone who has spent significant time critically analyzing the book and can direct conversation to the aforementioned elements. being well-read and able to write doesn't mean you can facilitate an online discussion, you know?

dennis, you're so right when you say you don't want this to turn into a popularity contest, but i'm wondering if perhaps we could hold an audition of sorts? each candidate for forum leader could present a book club choice, and based on that presentation you could better make an informed decision. i know this could probably take some time, but it doesn't look like you're in a hurry to fill this position. maybe give the three guys 4-7 days to prepare and present the palahniuk novel of their choice?

i really have high hopes for the revolutionized book club, if you couldn't tell, and am really excited to see this exceptional idea grow into its potential.

good idea moe.

Honestly, I want to change my vote....
I vote that I dont care.... Whatever is fine at this point....
I never really participated in the book club becuase in it hasnt been around in awhile? Did we ever discuss Battle Royale? How long has it been since we had a new book to read? One person posts something in the Book Club area once every three days? Whoever wants to do it gets my vote.

Laz

you know who has an interesting idea for book club? tasteslikechicken!! i think he'd be a great book club forum leader, by the way, and should e-mail dennis his ideas...

TastesLikeChicken..... IM me or something and we'll talk. I'm open to any new ideas people may have. Let's get this thing moving!

[b]Hey guys,

Here's another great email submission I got. This one could be the best. So seriously read over his email to me and let's start narrowing this down. I really want to get this thing going again soon:[/b]

I've been thinking about this, and think it might be worth throwing my
hat into the ring. Truth be told, I am WAY behind on my reading, as for
a while as I was working on my novel I convinced myself I couldn't read
and write simultaneously. I'm over that now and reading quite a bit.
Not everything I read is Palahaniukian, but then again, everything
Chuck reads isn't either. I always have a book going anymore, usually
jumping from fiction to non-fiction.

I think my interview with Chuck
([url]http://www.jeffwalsh.com/blog/2003/02/chuck_palahniuk.html[/url]) is more
than sufficient proof that I have some insight into all of that element
of what you need.

As for the cult message boards, I read them, but I don't live them.
Honestly, I don't have the time. But, the way I see it, Book club is
structured enough that it would work into my schedule. My only issue
with the way it was run in the past was that the book was seemingly
announced at the same time that people were to begin discussing it. I
would probably want to take more of the Oprah approach, whereby there
would be a leapfrogging.

For example, I think we should announce a book with a 2 week window
before it is discussed (not graceful to get started, but once things
are going, it becomes less of an issue). So, while we are in the middle
of discussing Jennifer Government, a notice goes up on the 15th of that
month that the following month's book will be (insert blank), and that
way, people have a chance to start reading that book, while we are
still talking about Max Barry. But no forum posts would exist on the
new book at that time. I did this on my site, Oasis, a while back and
it seemed to work well.

Otherwise, it becomes the normal Internet problem that you see on book
and movie sites everywhere, with all the subjects with SPOILER ALERTS
(like every Matrix Revolutions post that first weekend) and people
complaining they read something they shouldn't have because they
weren't finished with the book yet. Basically, on the beginning of the
month, all bets are off. Didn't read it? Too fucking bad, we'll be
talking about the character's horrible death starting on the first of
the month, even if it happens on the last page of the book and is a
total heart-wrenching surprise.

I would also like to have some sort of structure so that the
conversation can be sustained throughout the month, rather than 50
topics bursting at once that can't last and just overwhelm. Probably
start with general impressions of the book, obviously. But then find
other layers to discuss. I also think it would be amazing to tie this
into the writer's workshop, once that gets started, so if Chuck
name-checks a book as a good example of something, it might end up as a
book club pick while that lesson is online and then we can run with
that, finding whatever lesson exists in that book. Another thing I did
on Oasis was to try and get a lot of authors to show up on the last
week of the month and have a specific forum thread for them to interact
with users. That way, we can raise issues throughout the month, and go
right to the source to close it off before jumping into another book.

Now, I'm not crazy. I realize that structure and the Internet do not go
together, and that people will discuss what issues they want when they
want to discuss them, but I do think there is a benefit to trying to
impose some form of structure. For example, if there is a given week
each month where we discuss writing style, devices they used,
structure, and such like that, then people who are writers that aren't
interested in rambling about their thoughts on a book (like I tend not
to) might still show up when they specifically know there will be some
sort of a push along something from a different perspective that
interests them.

Ultimately, a lot of this would be trial and error, though. Find what
works best for the cult. The group isn't too shy about calling you on
shit.

The HTML stuff is no problem. I've been running my site online since
1995. I also work at a web software company and have more HTML editors
on my desktop than I care to admit.

I am working on my own novel, but I think it is imperative that I
continue to read so that I grow as an artist. Running book club would
just be taking that to another level, but nothing that I feel would be
overwhelming. It is just adding one more step onto what I'm already
doing. If I thought it would impede my own writing, i would never ever
take this on (and is also why i initially didn't consider it)

Although, if things go well, in 2005, I will use this bully pulpit to
toss my own book into the ring and have the cult just wail on me for a
solid month and see how much is left of me at the end. I'm not worried,
though. I can take it.

Peace,

Jeff

Hmmm. I vote no on this one...I would like to see this site continue to stand objectively, my opinion of this is that it might shift the balance of things, this of course could be misdiagnosed but diagnosed still as some redneck homophobia...and I dont really think the book club should be an attempt at any kind of self promotion no matter how far away Jeffs novel is...I said it befire and I will say it again the interview that he held with chuck was one of the most inspriing things ive read on writing but if theres to be a vote... sadly to say my BUY AMERICAN attitude is looking to other shores

[QUOTE]

For example, I think we should announce a book with a 2 week window
before it is discussed (not graceful to get started, but once things
are going, it becomes less of an issue). So, while we are in the middle
of discussing Jennifer Government, a notice goes up on the 15th of that
month that the following month's book will be (insert blank), and that
way, people have a chance to start reading that book, while we are
still talking about Max Barry. But no forum posts would exist on the
new book at that time. I did this on my site, Oasis, a while back and
it seemed to work well.

Otherwise, it becomes the normal Internet problem that you see on book
and movie sites everywhere, with all the subjects with SPOILER ALERTS
(like every Matrix Revolutions post that first weekend) and people
complaining they read something they shouldn't have because they
weren't finished with the book yet. Basically, on the beginning of the
month, all bets are off. Didn't read it? Too fucking bad, we'll be
talking about the character's horrible death starting on the first of
the month, even if it happens on the last page of the book and is a
total heart-wrenching surprise.

I would also like to have some sort of structure so that the
conversation can be sustained throughout the month, rather than 50
topics bursting at once that can't last and just overwhelm. Probably
start with general impressions of the book, obviously. But then find
other layers to discuss. I also think it would be amazing to tie this
into the writer's workshop, once that gets started, so if Chuck
name-checks a book as a good example of something, it might end up as a
book club pick while that lesson is online and then we can run with
that, finding whatever lesson exists in that book. Another thing I did
on Oasis was to try and get a lot of authors to show up on the last
week of the month and have a specific forum thread for them to interact
with users. That way, we can raise issues throughout the month, and go
right to the source to close it off before jumping into another book.

Now, I'm not crazy. I realize that structure and the Internet do not go
together, and that people will discuss what issues they want when they
want to discuss them, but I do think there is a benefit to trying to
impose some form of structure. For example, if there is a given week
each month where we discuss writing style, devices they used,
structure, and such like that, then people who are writers that aren't
interested in rambling about their thoughts on a book (like I tend not
to) might still show up when they specifically know there will be some
sort of a push along something from a different perspective that
interests them.
[/Quote]

I'm very impressed with this guy. He has great ideas and a great attitude. Lets put him to work!

I agree, Mirka. Most of the candidates I've seen that have put themselves forward on this gig are writers working on books. I'm sure many of them would benefit in their own wriitng from leading discussions on important works. After all, one of the best ways to improve your writing it to read as much as possible. So I don't think we should use that detail against Jeff.

I'd say he's the best guy for the job yet. Comments anyone?

My vote would be for HD, he is tried and true. He has the ideas and the passion. He is part of the community.

I like HD. He seems like a well read sort of guy. I would love to do it but I know how to turn a computer on and that's about it so I couldn't keep up with the running of the site. Plus I think I'm one of those flakes that Dennis was talking about. As for the new candidate I think he'd use the book club to advertise the novel he keeps mentioning, is this bad or acceptable? Otherwise it looks like he's put a lot of thought into how he'd run the thing.

Yeah, right now...... I need to hear more of a case from you, H.D. I got your PM but I need a little more. I don't want to vote a person in strictly for popularity and passion. I want to hear HOW they're gonna revolutionize the Book Club. And so far Jeff Walsh and TastesLikeChicken (who emailed me his case).... have made the best cases for that. My one qualm with the Aussie is the timezone difference is so drastic. Ash, from our staff, is also in Australia and it's tough catching each other online when work needs to be done.

Hmm... seems to be some concern about the fact that I'm working on a novel and would use book club to promote it, etc.

I did mention it in the initial e-mail in case it was an issue, but personally I don't think it is. Will I mention it? Absolutely. I can't avoid it. I am reading everything I read to become a better writer. And I do hope to finish the draft of this book in early 2004.

I do have a blog which oftentimes goes into way too much detail about all of that, though. I don't need another outlet for it. But, I will be upfront, there is no way I can separate reading books (and by extension, a book club), and the fact that I'm writing a book. It's not even an option for me. What I learn as a writer from a book always trumps what the book was about for me. There aren't two separate experiences where I enjoy a book as a reader and then dissect it as a writer.

Oftentimes, I wish I could turn that off and just get lost in a book here and there, but it doesn't seem to work that way.

I tend to read the forum here and there, but not post (abundantly evident by the low number that will appear to the left). So, I do, for better or worse, have that outsider status angle, whereas others are active, vibrant members of the community already.

But, I think the important thing is that there is already a vibrant community here. I imagine that whomever runs the book club isn't going to run it without a lot of interaction from the community members. We're not (unless I'm mistaken) appointing a king or a political office here, just someone to try and add a layer of order to chaos.

I initially sent Dennis that e-mail so that whether I ended up running it or not, some of those ideas might get adopted. That was the sole intent behind it. So, if I run it, fine. If someone else runs it, take the best of everyone's ideas and run with them.

Jeff