Question: What's so different about an online book club?
What's the difference between an online book club and a traditional one? Why are online book clubs so popular? And, what do you need to consider if you want to start (or join) an online book club?
Answer: An online book club is the perfect solution for today's busy lifestyle. Online book clubs usually "meet" via email, a forum or chat. So, you can discuss the current book selection at a time that fits into your schedule. You can also book-club-it from the comfort of your laptop (anywhere), desktop, or internet cafe.
Some book clubs start out as traditional book clubs--where they met at a regular place and time--but then evolved into an online book club when it just became too difficult to mesh everyone's schedules.
Positive Points to Consider for Online Book Clubs:
- You can easily fit an online book club into your schedule.
- Online book club members may come from all over the world, so you may enjoy the diversity of such disparate points of view.
- It's easier to find other readers who enjoy the same books you do.
- You may be more open about your opinions (and questions) in your online discussions--via email or a forum post.
- If you don't like the book selections (or personalities) of one online book group, you can easily find other clubs that you will find more to your liking.
- You may feel like you're talking to strangers. (An online book club usually does not have the same dynamics of a traditional book group, but an online book club can become a group of friends.)
- It may be harder to find the motivation to finish the book--when you really could discuss the book anytime.
- You may find the strong (or differing) points of view offensive.
