I thought the "What are you reading" thread was a great idea at first - but then I noticed that I didn't really care, what other people were reading - I just wanted them to respond to what I was reading. Is it just me? Am I just too self-centered?

Have to admit Ziggy I had the same feeling after going through.You are not the only one,but we are probably BOTH self centered.

In a similar vein, ask yourself, why do we care what movies people are watching, or what DVDs they are buying?

All very fair points. When Blade resurrected the idea I think it was to encourage capsule reviews just for general information.

There is nothing to stop someone posting a more lengthy review as a separate thread in order to promote a discussion. Or a "why-I-like-author-x" thread. (Like the Gene Wolfe and Phil Dick ones to name but two).

I mean, I AM interested in what my friends are reading, or what they're favorite movies are - but it just seems like there are to many people here to call them friends - even if anyone here actually liked me - maybe if there were seperate threads - in detail of what people were reading - you know sort of discussion oriented, but there probably aren't enough people reading the same things - or that have read the same things. Seems like most people here read mostly SF. I like SF too but it usually isn't discussion worthy. 90% crap and all.

I like to read these type of threads in order to get ideas of what books might be intersting to me. I would say it's the same as asking a friend you share a few things in common what they are reading. Only that we're not friends.

I really don't care what others are reading. if they want to recommand something good, then a recommandation thread would be cool. but what are you reading thread sounds a bit like I don't care.

No, it's not just you.

Actually, I just wanted to be able to tell people that I was reading some erotica, Jane Austin and Dr. Laura books.

Seriously, the idea was just to serve the same purpose as the "what are you buying" and "what did you watch this weekend" threads in the DVDTalk forum. Ie: to share a bit of our lives with one another, but more pointedly, to potentially give others ideas on what to read next. Given how much longer it takes most of us to read a book, vs. watching a movie, it's not going to be as fast moving a thread (I still have another 200 pages or so of a Clash of Kings, which I'm enjoying immensely) but I think it can work just as well.

I care what others are reading. It's also nice to throw out what I'm reading to see if it sparks the interest of anyone else. Ultimately, like any other thread, if it interests you, click, read and maybe add to it. If not, just move on to the next thread. As they used to say in the Other forum, "it's all good" .

-David

I do and don't care. Primarily, I need to establish some trust first with the other reader. For example, I've learned to completely trust Jason "the reviewer" Bovberg when it comes to suspense/crime novels. He's yet to lead me down the wrong path. I hope I've pointed him in the direction of a good read or two also.

But it took awhile. Reading takes time, and as a first edition hardcover collector, it costs money, too. I won't pick up a book on the recommendation of a stranger as easily as I would a DVD or movie.

However, with all that in mind, I think these threads are worthy. Eventually, I'm sure I'll stumble onto another reader with similar interests who will be able to point out some authors that I would never have read without their help.

Hey, thanks buddy. Indeed, you have pointed me to some worthy reads. But we know each other and trust each other outside of this forum. It's rare that I heed a suggestion from a stranger whose name I don't even know. But like you said, there's the occasional case when I get a feel for a certain stranger's tastes and go check out a recommended book at Amazon.

But again--that's rare. If I post to a "What are you reading?" thread or a "Top 5 novels" thread, it's mostly to recognize authors/books that I believe deserve praise and try (in some small way) to get them a slightly larger audience.