Showing posts with label Reference. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reference. Show all posts
Wednesday, 9 May 2012
Setting the Tone
In the year and a half I've been running these book clubs across Leeds, its been inspiring to meet so many wonderful people - from all around the country and of varying ages, genders, orientations - coming together to talk about books.
One of the defining features (and I've mentioned this here) is that everyone has always engaged with the three book clubs in a very positive and respectful way. Even where opinions differ wildly, we always keep the chatter friendly and open.
I'm aware that there has been a nasty interaction at one of our fellow social-clubs in Leeds. While I don't expect anything like that to happen with us; I think it's important to offer the following reassurance, hopefully without getting all sanctimonious.
Leeds Book Club is a safe environment.
Anyone who sets out to make another person uncomfortable or threatened will be asked to leave.
Right. That's that then. Back to the books!
Wednesday, 16 November 2011
It's Book Club Jim... Just Not As We Know It
I can't tell you the number of times I've heard the following:or'In a book club? I'd love to be in a book club, but I read too slowly'
'I've always wanted to but I can't commit to a book a month'
This made the elves at LeedsBookClub sad, as though there was nothing worse in the world than not being able to share your love of books with other like-minded souls.
(We appreciate that there are, in fact, worse things in the world that this. Well, *most* of us do...)
So the wheels started turning and an idea slowly started to take root.
What about a book club on a slightly longer scale?
Perhaps every three months?
And so #LBC3reads was born!!!
The idea is a book club with all the usual components held once every three months to allow for the ultra-busy & /or slower reader to join in! If people are interested, I'll organise the first meeting for mid-January 2012; we'll agree on a book and arrange the next meeting for the end of March!
Heck, if that's STILL too often for people; I'm totally happy to organise an LBC for once every six months!
Please let me know what you're thinking by either tweeting me @LeedsBookClub, commenting below or emailing me at leedsbookclub@gmail.com
Monday, 10 October 2011
Rating System
This is MUCH harder for me than it should be, primarily because there are actually two criteria that are equally important to us as a club:
1) whether it is well written, structured and articulated
2) whether the plot grips, transports and/or fascinates us.
I guess that the easy way would be to take both into consideration:
1-2 both the plot and writing are diabolical
3-4 one really sucks; the other is palatable
5-6 one is decent; the other is slightly better than that
7-8 one is great; the other just not quite
9-10 both the plot and writing are superlative
It seems to me pretty dry, lacking a certain pizazz or flare of imagination.
So, I'm appealing to y'all. If anyone has a better more book based system that they think would work for us, please Please PLEASE let me know!
Arcadia Book Club Choices!
Howdy howdy one and all!
While it's been great fun pulling choices out of a tankard; it's just a tad undemocratic - some members have had more than one pop out while others haven't had any of their picks chosen yet.
So, from next Sunday onwards, those who've never had a book picked will put their choices into the jug one final time.
Then from the November meeting onwards we'll work to some sort of rota. I'm hoping that this will take but if not, I'm open to any suggestions, so feel free to leave a comment below!!
Friday, 3 June 2011
Tumblr!
As of last night, t'club is now also to be found on Tumblr - a sort of mini-blog-maxi-twitter site place. Tis fun. Also very silly a great deal of the time!
Looking forward to seeing what's catching your eye/ear/various other senses there soon!
Sunday, 29 May 2011
(Apologies if you follow me on Twitter - I imgaine that you are already aware of the following!)
LeedsBookClub now has it's own Facebook page. If you prefer to glance over t'blog there, please feel free to swing by and give us a 'like'
LeedsBookClub now has it's own Facebook page. If you prefer to glance over t'blog there, please feel free to swing by and give us a 'like'
Saturday, 28 May 2011
E-Books, Free books and audiobooks. Oh My!
(Last week, a friend of mine confessed that she had no idea where to find a good selection for her eReader. I've done a little digging and these are my favourites)
So, you betrayed your principles, the printed page and all that is good in the world and acquired an eReader.*
You've tinkered with the settings, brightness and contrast.
You've oohed and aahed at the 'amazing' screensavers and marvelled at the glare free screen.
You've downloaded the free copy of Winnie the Pooh from the linked book store (where available).
Now it's time to build up some sort of collection.
There are a number of sites/marketplaces/stores where e-Books - in a variety of different formats - are fairly accessible, even to the most technically challenged reader. Possibly the best known are Amazon and Apple, but most book stores and their related web sites now have ebook sections.
For some incredibly inconvenient reason, there are dozens of different formats, so bear in mind that you need to research which will work for you.
How annoying.
I hate when these 'format wars' come into play. Sure, part of the battle is to find a suitable working format, but for the most part, I'm pretty sure this overwhelmingly impacts the consumer negatively. Like if you had a kindle and then got an iPad, you can't (couldn't?) swop your books over? Grrr.
From a quick search online, and after chatting with my mates, there are two primary complaints to be heard over and over again - eBooks cost too much, and the choice is limited.
With regards to the latter, I think that time will be the only solution. The longer eBooks are a viable option, the more books will be released in varying formats. And here in the UK, the emphasis is till very much on printed books. As the eBook market grows, more stores will offer a greater range.
However, the former is a little more tricky. See, me, I like books. I actually prefer reading a page over a screen. And I value having a *physical* copy on my shelves. So, I wouldn't want to pay full price for a virtual book - I just wouldn't feel like it's good value for money. I'm aware that's probably a little ridiculous - same author, same work etc. Besides, I'm always terrified everything will get wiped in some unimaginably horrible home IT catastrophe.
I expect that eBooks will follow the same path as music. Virtual albums originally cost the same as a CD version, and are now often considerably cheaper. Course it took years for that to start...
So it's good to know that there are some fantastic book shop alternatives, offering public domain books, audio books and more FOR FREE - my favourite price for any book! (Course this is just to get you started. A definitive list would take forever and a day!)
Your Local Libraries - That's right folks, chances are, your library is providing or preparing to provide ebooks and you never even knew it! Recently, there have been new deals worked out between libraries and publishing houses so if you haven't thought to check before - now might be the perfect time!
Project Gutenberg - I can't possibly promote this site enough. I think I tell every person I can about it!
Created in 1971 to digitise and archive cultural works, in order to encourage access to eBooks; there are now over 10 different affiliated sites (i.e. Project Gutenberg Australia). All the books submitted to PG are in the 'Public Domain' or out of copy write, so there are just tons of classics! I love the ideology and concepts that drive PG. Mostly, I love being able to access over 34 000 books (in multiple formats). So regardless of your eReader, you should be able to find something you can use!
LibriVox - Since 2005, this site provides a free online audio library, with a collection of over 4200 audio books as of the beginning of this year. Run by volunteers; any one with an interest can contribute by recording excerpts/chapters/books for the site. The site is predominantly orientated towards English language content, though slowly other languages are starting to become available.
In all honesty, the quality of the audio books varies - some are as polished as professional audio books, while others are ...not, with gaps, or mumbled parts.
There is an easy work around for that. Download an audio book, and if you think that you could read it better - do so!!
Google Books - Either the best or worst thing to happen to literature, depending on whom you ask. Google books provides full scans of books, in some cases regardless of whether the author approves. Have to admit, it's still pretty useful, if a bit murky.
Open Content Alliance - Created in part as a response to the Google Books, this site differs in that it digitises books AFTER receiving permission from the copyright holder. Member of the Open Book Alliance.**
And there are some sites that specialise on particular geographical regions.
Runivers - a not for profit website focused on providing library like access to Russian culture and history. (Slightly controversial this - the site has been criticised for using borrowed content. You've been warned. I imagine that if Russian history, literature and culture is your thing, you'll have been right put off by this addendum...)
Europeana - This is the hub for digitised culture throughout Europe - books, music, art - this site has a little bit of everything. Institutions across the continent have all contributed, and the idea is to bring together European Culture to be accessed by all.
Project Runeberg -Patterned after PG, this specialises in Nordic History.
Anyhoo, these are just a few of the dozens of sites out there, but free from dodgy malware (a worry whenever you look at downloading anything). Feel free to share your favourites in the comments!
*Not phrased thus through jealousy. Honest. My lack of eReader status has left me with no bitterness.
**Collection of book related sites, unified by opposition to the Google Book Settlement. They are working together to avoid a monopoly in the digital marketplace.
So, you betrayed your principles, the printed page and all that is good in the world and acquired an eReader.*You've tinkered with the settings, brightness and contrast.
You've oohed and aahed at the 'amazing' screensavers and marvelled at the glare free screen.
You've downloaded the free copy of Winnie the Pooh from the linked book store (where available).
Now it's time to build up some sort of collection.
So, I love buying books...
For some incredibly inconvenient reason, there are dozens of different formats, so bear in mind that you need to research which will work for you.
How annoying.
I hate when these 'format wars' come into play. Sure, part of the battle is to find a suitable working format, but for the most part, I'm pretty sure this overwhelmingly impacts the consumer negatively. Like if you had a kindle and then got an iPad, you can't (couldn't?) swop your books over? Grrr.
From a quick search online, and after chatting with my mates, there are two primary complaints to be heard over and over again - eBooks cost too much, and the choice is limited.
With regards to the latter, I think that time will be the only solution. The longer eBooks are a viable option, the more books will be released in varying formats. And here in the UK, the emphasis is till very much on printed books. As the eBook market grows, more stores will offer a greater range.
However, the former is a little more tricky. See, me, I like books. I actually prefer reading a page over a screen. And I value having a *physical* copy on my shelves. So, I wouldn't want to pay full price for a virtual book - I just wouldn't feel like it's good value for money. I'm aware that's probably a little ridiculous - same author, same work etc. Besides, I'm always terrified everything will get wiped in some unimaginably horrible home IT catastrophe.
I expect that eBooks will follow the same path as music. Virtual albums originally cost the same as a CD version, and are now often considerably cheaper. Course it took years for that to start...
...but I prefer when I get them for free
Your Local Libraries - That's right folks, chances are, your library is providing or preparing to provide ebooks and you never even knew it! Recently, there have been new deals worked out between libraries and publishing houses so if you haven't thought to check before - now might be the perfect time!
Project Gutenberg - I can't possibly promote this site enough. I think I tell every person I can about it!
Created in 1971 to digitise and archive cultural works, in order to encourage access to eBooks; there are now over 10 different affiliated sites (i.e. Project Gutenberg Australia). All the books submitted to PG are in the 'Public Domain' or out of copy write, so there are just tons of classics! I love the ideology and concepts that drive PG. Mostly, I love being able to access over 34 000 books (in multiple formats). So regardless of your eReader, you should be able to find something you can use!
LibriVox - Since 2005, this site provides a free online audio library, with a collection of over 4200 audio books as of the beginning of this year. Run by volunteers; any one with an interest can contribute by recording excerpts/chapters/books for the site. The site is predominantly orientated towards English language content, though slowly other languages are starting to become available.
In all honesty, the quality of the audio books varies - some are as polished as professional audio books, while others are ...not, with gaps, or mumbled parts.
There is an easy work around for that. Download an audio book, and if you think that you could read it better - do so!!
Google Books - Either the best or worst thing to happen to literature, depending on whom you ask. Google books provides full scans of books, in some cases regardless of whether the author approves. Have to admit, it's still pretty useful, if a bit murky.
Open Content Alliance - Created in part as a response to the Google Books, this site differs in that it digitises books AFTER receiving permission from the copyright holder. Member of the Open Book Alliance.**
And there are some sites that specialise on particular geographical regions.
Runivers - a not for profit website focused on providing library like access to Russian culture and history. (Slightly controversial this - the site has been criticised for using borrowed content. You've been warned. I imagine that if Russian history, literature and culture is your thing, you'll have been right put off by this addendum...)
Europeana - This is the hub for digitised culture throughout Europe - books, music, art - this site has a little bit of everything. Institutions across the continent have all contributed, and the idea is to bring together European Culture to be accessed by all.
Project Runeberg -Patterned after PG, this specialises in Nordic History.
Anyhoo, these are just a few of the dozens of sites out there, but free from dodgy malware (a worry whenever you look at downloading anything). Feel free to share your favourites in the comments!
*Not phrased thus through jealousy. Honest. My lack of eReader status has left me with no bitterness.
**Collection of book related sites, unified by opposition to the Google Book Settlement. They are working together to avoid a monopoly in the digital marketplace.
Thursday, 16 December 2010
Lost in a good book
So, I'm going to have a bit of a tinker with the reference section, and try to sort out the entries etc.
If, for some inexplicable reason, anyone DESPERATELY needs to know the rating system, drop me a tweet, or an email (LeedsBookClub@gmail.com), and I'll send you the info.
While I'm at it, I might as well have a look at some of those slightly not working parts of the blog too, huh? You're a slave driver!
Thursday, 17 June 2010
Viewing issues
So, it's been brought to my attention that if you view the blog in old IE, all the empty boxes get weird nonsense typed into them - like '<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]-->'.
Me either, though I get the sense that they don't like empty boxes.
And I have thought long and hard about setting aside some time to sit down and think long and hard about this, and try to find a fix.
But then again...
It's annoying, and its a geek fail on my behalf, but it isn't actually preventing any reading of the blog, and of course, no matter what tweeking I do, somebody will have a browser that hasn't passed the acid test, and will find something else has gone wonky in return.
So...what to do what to do, itz a dilemma...for the time being, I'm going to leave the blog as is, fill the empty boxes with something like 'TBA' and hope that sorts out that problem.
If it doesn't and you are a faithful reader, driven to the end of your tether, then email, or tweet me and I'll...do...something heroic.
Alternatively, try viewing the site via firefox - it's what I use to edit it.
TTFN
Me either, though I get the sense that they don't like empty boxes.
And I have thought long and hard about setting aside some time to sit down and think long and hard about this, and try to find a fix.
But then again...
It's annoying, and its a geek fail on my behalf, but it isn't actually preventing any reading of the blog, and of course, no matter what tweeking I do, somebody will have a browser that hasn't passed the acid test, and will find something else has gone wonky in return.
So...what to do what to do, itz a dilemma...for the time being, I'm going to leave the blog as is, fill the empty boxes with something like 'TBA' and hope that sorts out that problem.
If it doesn't and you are a faithful reader, driven to the end of your tether, then email, or tweet me and I'll...do...something heroic.
Alternatively, try viewing the site via firefox - it's what I use to edit it.
TTFN
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