WANTED: One or two discussion leaders

[Chris OConnor]

WANTED: One or two discussion leadersThis is bound to be one of our largest book discussions to date, and we really could use one or two members to take the reins and lead the group in discussion. A discussion leader does not have to support or defend the authors thesis, or even respond to every member post or question. All they need to do is keep the discussion flowing by being an active participant. Are you up for the job? Chris Edited by: Chris OConnor  at: 3/26/05 1:14 am

[Chris OConnor]

Since we're doing one book every three months we still have plenty of time for someone to step up and claim the role of discussion leader. Any takers?Chris

[Interbane]

I'm in the middle of Guns, Germs and Steel right now Chris. I'll try to finish it up quick and buy Collapse through your link in the meantime. Maybe I'll get it with enough time to spare to have a good discussion.One thing I was thinking about... why not have three book chats running at the same time for a period of six months? That way you're not limited to a single book, and if they're related, there can be cross referencing in the discussions(maybe?) I'm sure I could participate in two out of three. For me, even three months is barely enough time to read through a book.The idea came to me when I saw that you had two book discussions up at the same time, though the reasoning behind that is different.

[Chris OConnor]

InterbaneWe've made so many changes over the years that I think we have finally arrived at a very nice system. Having several discussions going concurrently would probably thin out the discussions too much. We don't have enough members participating in any individual book discussion as it is, so spreading out the active members to several different books doesn't seem wise.Chris

[Mr. P]

I will do it Chris...but would LOVE help...since I start the new job tomorow.Mr. P. The one thing of which I am positive is that there is much of which to be negative - Mr. P.The pain in hell has two sides. The kind you can touch with your hand; the kind you can feel in your heart...Scorsese's "Mean Streets"I came to kick ass and chew Bubble Gum...and I am all out of Bubble Gum - They Live, Roddy PiperEdited by: Chris OConnor  at: 5/3/05 9:02 pm

[Chris OConnor]

I'll put you as the discussion leader and hopefully we'll get someone to join you. Chris

[wwdimmitt]

Chris:I am not clear what it means to be a "discussion leader". Perhaps you could provide some definition, especially as to any technical responsibilities, or policing duties.Provided it is what I think it is, I would be pleased to be considered a discussion leader in about a month or so, when the new has worn off, and supposing that I find a semi-permanent home here.I am greatly encouraged so far. Great site, with good discussions. Just not enough participation. MadArchitect and I will be so familiar with each other in a month or two that there won't be much new to say. Need more voices mixing it up. WW

[Chris OConnor]

wwdimmittThe definition of a discussion leader is in the very first post of this thread. And we'll be done with this book and starting a new book at the end of June. If you would like to be a discussion leader for the next reading period that would be great. Each book has a different discussion leader....it isn't a permanent position. And we have moderators to moderate the discussions in the event of problems. A discussion leader simply participates actively in the discussion and does their best to keep the conversation flowing. They can do it by creating new threads asking questions that they feel will stimulate the discussion, or by responding to existing posts on a regular basis.Chris

[wwdimmitt]

Roger, willco.Actually, it looks like I am already there, in any informal and practical sense.Good onya! WW

[Chris OConnor]

...but misterpessimistic gets to wear the official Book Discussion Leader space helmet. He made me promise. Chris