Reading Room XIV?

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

I thought we'd have a rest through January, but here it is February and time to see whether we'd like to carry on with the Reading Room.

For anyone who's not seen it before, the Reading Room is a weekly (Thursdays so far) discussion of Pros stories, one chosen per week and usually on a particular theme that runs for a month or so. Once a theme is chosen, we ask for a) suggestions of stories that fit the theme; b) volunteers to choose a story that they will introduce, and to lead the discussion of that story. Introductions aren't in any particular format - some people like to write long, analytical posts, others are simply "I really liked this story, what do you think?" Both work! As it's a discussion we always hope people will respond to each other as well as just the post, too - that's half the fun, and also what the Reading Room depends on: people wanting to be here, chatting about Pros fic!

So...
[Poll #1895083]

Comments

[golden-bastet.livejournal.com]

I'm terrible at participating in these, but I'd still like to see them continue.

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Well, we're going to keep going - trouble is, it can only go if people participate!

[moonlightmead.livejournal.com]

I did so appallingly in the last round of Reading Rooms that I am not sure I have any right to an opinion! - but fingers crossed, this time I shall do better.

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Oh shush, everyone has the right to an opinion! (I was amused to see that a no-don't-continue vote came from someone who I don't think has ever participated in Reading Room, but I've included it in the result anyway... *g*)

That said - my fingers are definitely crossed!

[murphybabe]

I never know what to suggest about themes. Could we perhaps look at a series of stories over one month? E.g. the first week is the 'starter' and then the next couple look at follow-ons from that, either by the original author or by other writers? It interests me when someone writes a follow-on - did they pick up the characterisation in the original, or can you tell that they have put in their own style/characterisation/preferences? Just an idea, not well thought-out *g*

I love the Reading Room, although there are some times when I miss commenting because the week rolls around so quickly :(

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Hee - I love that you never know what to suggest about themes, and then suggest a brilliant one! I like that... *g*

And yeay loving Reading Room - I miss commenting myself, far too often, but as long as there are enough people that we can all miss occasionally and everyone else will carry on around us then it should be good...

[murphybabe]

heh heh - actually, the more I think about it, the more I like that idea! Needs a bit of developing, mind, but hmmm... I'll work on it.

[anna060957.livejournal.com]

I do like the Reading Room because for me it's the ideal answer to the village book club! I have no idea for a theme, though - I leave that to those much better qualified and knowledgeable! I'll happily volunteer to rec something.

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Ah, now - who exactly are all these better qualified and knowledgeable people that you'e talking about? People who read Pros stories... such as yourself? Just think of things you like to read about, something that they all have in common, and there's a theme to suggest - if everyone leaves it to everyone "more qualified" and all, then we won't have anything suggested, ever! You know, that was actually suggested as a reason why there aren't more women "experts" on the radio when talking head boffins are called for - it's not that they're not out there, doing the jobs well, apparently it's that when they're asked to do it, they all demur and say "oh, I'm sure there's someone far more expert than me..." - and so we end up with only men "being experts". I dunno - women! We need to just get on with it!