illustration by ibtrav
Feeling oppressed, inhibited, and wearied by seemingly endless discussions about the merits of social media, I recently googled the term “anti-social media” to see what I might find. (Admittedly, it was an odd item to query. While I feel certain that there are others suffering from a similar ennui, it may seem somewhat contrary for these naysayers to write about–or share–it online.)
My search turned up a book blog on the Guardian website, titled “The joy of anti-social media.” To writer Molly Flatt, the book (as a medium) represents a “fragile refuge” from the madding crowd. Though many online communities exist for the social book-lover (Flatt mentions LibraryThing and GoodReads as examples), the act of reading itself tends to be a private matter. On a personal level, I agree with her philosophy. But then, for me, there is no part of my book consumption process that involves anything remotely social: my choice of what to read is entirely self-directed, I don’t ask for recommendations, I don’t belong to any clubs, and I left my literary discussion tutorials back in university.
That being said, I think there is a slight flaw in Flatt’s reasoning. It’s true that books can be consumed privately, and one does not need to share one’s opinions or enjoyment of them, but aren’t they rooted in an oral tradition? In early days, before literacy was common, books were read aloud by scribes in public squares. And most of us learn to appreciate books as children, when we are read to by our parents, librarians, and teachers. Maybe books have always been a social medium, and recent online developments are merely continuing this tradition.
Taking the social and interactive concept to ambitious levels is the website BookGlutton, which aims to serve simultaneously as “a book group, a computer, and a book.” BookGlutton is not merely a social platform where users may discuss or recommend books. Registration, which is free, allows users a host of options:
- they may read any of the 1,625 (public domain) books available on the website
- they may upload e-books (for private or limited group use) from other online sources, such as Feedbooks
- they may upload their own writing for peer evaluation
- they may build a social network of fellow gluttons (as with Twitter, users may follow or be followed)
- they may write private/public comments on text as they read (and view/respond to the comments of others)
- they may engage in discussions with group members whilst reading
It’s a fascinating concept, if slightly complicated to the neophyte (i.e. anyone inexperienced with e-readers and/or social media platforms). I think the ability to make and save comments on text (in the margins of each page) is a useful feature for anyone who enjoys studying literature (though in reviewing comments made by other gluttons, it appears many use the tool for anecdotal asides). What I find strange and somewhat awkward, though, is the live chat function. I think it would be difficult to fully engage with the text whilst having a conversation (even if that conversation is pertaining to the book one is reading).
The website’s greatest potential may lie in its use for writers. That they may upload their own work and invite others to provide comments/criticism could be tremendously useful–particularly for those in the process of developing an authorial voice. Of course, how valuable the process is depends largely on the editorial prowess of their chosen collaborator(s). In most cases, one’s credentials are an unknown quantity, so trust would play a significant factor. And for those uploading unpublished work, there is the added risk that the person with whom you share your writing may, in turn, steal it.
BookGlutton does not list its registration numbers, though they do boast that membership has grown “exponentially” over the past year (the site launched in January 2008). My impression is that it is still a relatively small community and, as attractive as the interface is, it’s difficult to predict if it will catch on with readers. Books available through the site are in the public domain and, thus, of a certain vintage. This may limit BookGlutton’s overall appeal.
Even though my preference is for books in their more anti-social form, I do find it heartening to see others thus engaged. That people are willing to participate in this way–reading together, exchanging ideas–means that there is life yet for the book.
How do you like your books: on your bedside table, just for you, or as part of a larger, social experience? Do you belong to any online book clubs?
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Filed under: Commentary, Review Tagged: | Books, Community, publishing, Social Media, Technology
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BookGlutton: how social are your reading habits?
illustration by ibtrav
Feeling oppressed, inhibited, and wearied by seemingly endless discussions about the merits of social media, I recently googled the term “anti-social media” to see what I might find. (Admittedly, it was an odd item to query. While I feel certain that there are others suffering from a similar ennui, it may seem somewhat contrary for these naysayers to write about–or share–it online.)
My search turned up a book blog on the Guardian website, titled “The joy of anti-social media.” To writer Molly Flatt, the book (as a medium) represents a “fragile refuge” from the madding crowd. Though many online communities exist for the social book-lover (Flatt mentions LibraryThing and GoodReads as examples), the act of reading itself tends to be a private matter. On a personal level, I agree with her philosophy. But then, for me, there is no part of my book consumption process that involves anything remotely social: my choice of what to read is entirely self-directed, I don’t ask for recommendations, I don’t belong to any clubs, and I left my literary discussion tutorials back in university.
That being said, I think there is a slight flaw in Flatt’s reasoning. It’s true that books can be consumed privately, and one does not need to share one’s opinions or enjoyment of them, but aren’t they rooted in an oral tradition? In early days, before literacy was common, books were read aloud by scribes in public squares. And most of us learn to appreciate books as children, when we are read to by our parents, librarians, and teachers. Maybe books have always been a social medium, and recent online developments are merely continuing this tradition.
Taking the social and interactive concept to ambitious levels is the website BookGlutton, which aims to serve simultaneously as “a book group, a computer, and a book.” BookGlutton is not merely a social platform where users may discuss or recommend books. Registration, which is free, allows users a host of options:
It’s a fascinating concept, if slightly complicated to the neophyte (i.e. anyone inexperienced with e-readers and/or social media platforms). I think the ability to make and save comments on text (in the margins of each page) is a useful feature for anyone who enjoys studying literature (though in reviewing comments made by other gluttons, it appears many use the tool for anecdotal asides). What I find strange and somewhat awkward, though, is the live chat function. I think it would be difficult to fully engage with the text whilst having a conversation (even if that conversation is pertaining to the book one is reading).
The website’s greatest potential may lie in its use for writers. That they may upload their own work and invite others to provide comments/criticism could be tremendously useful–particularly for those in the process of developing an authorial voice. Of course, how valuable the process is depends largely on the editorial prowess of their chosen collaborator(s). In most cases, one’s credentials are an unknown quantity, so trust would play a significant factor. And for those uploading unpublished work, there is the added risk that the person with whom you share your writing may, in turn, steal it.
BookGlutton does not list its registration numbers, though they do boast that membership has grown “exponentially” over the past year (the site launched in January 2008). My impression is that it is still a relatively small community and, as attractive as the interface is, it’s difficult to predict if it will catch on with readers. Books available through the site are in the public domain and, thus, of a certain vintage. This may limit BookGlutton’s overall appeal.
Even though my preference is for books in their more anti-social form, I do find it heartening to see others thus engaged. That people are willing to participate in this way–reading together, exchanging ideas–means that there is life yet for the book.
How do you like your books: on your bedside table, just for you, or as part of a larger, social experience? Do you belong to any online book clubs?
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Filed under: Commentary, Review Tagged: | Books, Community, publishing, Social Media, Technology