New Message Board Section on Books

[Diane Merkel]

Hello, all --

Billy Markland wrote to me and made the excellent suggestion of starting a board section just for the discussion of books, and I've read other posts where people have said they enjoy discussing books here. How would you like me to set it up -- by author, specific book, subject matter, something else?

One well-known and highly respected author has tentatively agreed to answer questions about his books on the boards, but I haven't worked out the details with him. I would like to extend the invitation to other authors as well. Any suggestions on how author boards might work so that the authors are not overwhelmed and/or topics get confused are welcome. I am thinking of asking him to check "his" board for a one week period and answer your questions. Does that seem reasonable? I would, of course, give you advance notice so you have time to think of great questions for him.

Diane

[Tricia]

Diane--and Billy--

I think this is a wonderful idea. Would this be a seperate forum, not unlike the "Re-enactors' Forum?" Then perhaps a by title/author breakdown? The only problem I see (and it's not really a problem, per se) is that some forum threads can get convoluted from their original subject--therefore, I think the burden should be on posters to keep to the point, so the various authors are not wasting valuable time digging through albeit, pertinent, though not necessarily "on-target" remarks. The time period might also keep us on subject!

Just my thoughts--
LMC

[markland]

Hey, I didn't do anything but look out for my own self-preservation...I was wearing my fingers to the bone trying to find books on the various threads which members have recommended, and, to be honest, it was getting to be a pain. Now, in one easy spot, I will be able find enough references and recommendations to spend myself into bankruptcy even earlier than I had planned! Amazon, Borders, and B&N stock will go up tomorrow.

Best of wishes,

Billy

[George Armstrong Custer]

A good idea, Diane! Such a section could prove a very worthwhile tool both for specialist researchers and those whose general interest in the subject requires guidance. Not only that. It would be instructive to have opposing views of the relative merits or faults of each title posted - this could help decide whether one really needs a specific title or not! As well as readers reviews of course, enquirers could request reviews and opinions of books they are thinking of purchasing.

As to the format, here's a suggestion: The respected The Great War forum has a long-running 'Book Reviews' section. A link to this is posted below: perhaps interested members here could check it out and give us their thoughts on its pros and cons? Personally, I think it's set up quite well - and the injunction on its title page that the subject line of each post should consist of the book title and author under review makes for readily accessible searches.

The Great War Forum Book Reviews is at:

1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showforum=22

Hope this is of some help.

Ciao,
GAC

[elisabeth]

Diane,

As the new Books section is proving such a success, I wonder if it's worthwhile to pass on an experience I had yesterday -- a horribly convincing spoof e-mail purporting to come from Amazon.com. (Needless to say, it tries to extract from you all your personal details, credit card details, etc.) The spoofer has done a brilliant job of copying Amazon's sign-in page, couching the whole thing in persuasive officialese language, the lot.

I imagine similar e-mails go out all the time. But just in case this is new ... be warned, everyone!

[Diane Merkel]

Thanks for the warning, Elisabeth. We can never be too careful. I'm not sure about Amazon, but others (E-Bay, PayPal) all say that their legitimate notices will address you by your full name, not just "Dear E-Bay Member."

Don't you wish the thieves would put as much energy into a positive venture?