Paid Opportunities Slower During Holiday Season?

[bookowlie]

Hahahah, yeah, I'm poor!

NO!! Actually, I picked a free book this time! The paid ones didn't appeal to me. I'm following the rules!

I still look through the free books to see what might interest me. I actually thought it's better to keep those available for the members who are still at a lower level....then they can gain points to move ahead. Anyway, a paid one appeared yesterday on my list that looked interesting. Obsessive reader that I am, I stayed up very late to read it, and even later to write the review! I am exhausted this morning

Is anyone like me where they feel they have to immediately write the review right after finishing the book?

[Skillian]

yessss yessshhhh leave the interesting free books.... *waves hand (using the force)* hehehe Take pity on us lower level peeps!

And haha! I've been doing the same when I get a book here. I have been devouring them. I wont sleep. lol Then I write the review right away... while it is still super fresh in my mind. And yes... I think that is best anyway... to finish quickly. Plus, I think they are given a notice as soon as someone has chosen their book, and then also when we have finished reading it... so I worry about keeping them waiting. I don't want to be rude. But also... I just really enjoy it. lol

[bookowlie]

yessss yessshhhh leave the interesting free books.... *waves hand (using the force)* hehehe Take pity on us lower level peeps!

And haha! I've been doing the same when I get a book here. I have been devouring them. I wont sleep. lol Then I write the review right away... while it is still super fresh in my mind. And yes... I think that is best anyway... to finish quickly. Plus, I think they are given a notice as soon as someone has chosen their book, and then also when we have finished reading it... so I worry about keeping them waiting. I don't want to be rude. But also... I just really enjoy it. lol

Skillian, I wish there were a less offensive way of describing "lower level" LOL Anyway, the funny thing is that I've noticed many of the free titles keep popping back on my list after someone has already posted an official review. I think Scott mentioned recently that some of the authors request multiple reviews for feedback, constructive criticism if it's their first book, etc. So....we are not all in competition for the same books Off to get another cup of coffee....as I mentioned, up too late last night reading and writing

[ALynnPowers]

I really want to write, Screw you guys! I do what I want!" but insist that you read it in a Cartman voice and know that I am 100% joking!!!

[bookowlie]

I really want to write, Screw you guys! I do what I want!" but insist that you read it in a Cartman voice and know that I am 100% joking!!!

I had to google "who is Cartman" to figure out it's a South Park character LOL

[Skillian]

bahahaha *runs away crying* jk It's all good. I've still gotten some enjoyable books... despite my inferiority. :p

[Scott]

One possibility is that a temporary lull in review requests occurred from the upgrade I did last month. Since I knew the upgrade would require the site to be offline for a day or two, I turned off any advertising I do beforehand and waited to turn it back on until I had things running reliably again. Perhaps the effects of reducing advertising would not be noticed to you folks until a month later.

Also, I have been working much harder lately on improving the quality standards of the reviews. This must be done with care since reviewers will not like to hear that their review has been rejected for not meeting the guidelines. It is also crucial that the scoring formula is providing accurate ratings to make sure newer reviewers can work their way up the levels but also that being top-level is exclusive enough that I can guarantee enough review opportunities to go around to those reviewers. These things are getting into place well and that should lead to more opportunities in the near future.

[ALynnPowers]

Thanks Scott! That clarifies a lot. Plus it's a simpler explanation than what we were proposing. Hee Hee.

[bookowlie]

Hi Scott,
Thanks for the behind-the-scenes info. I think you have such an interesting job.

[gali]

Thank you for the input Scott and well done!

As a side note, I think that the beauty of the reviews is their diversity. If all reviews are the same, it will make a boring reading.

[Scott]

As a side note, I think that the beauty of the reviews is their diversity. If all reviews are the same, it will make a boring reading.

Agreed. Perhaps, I should even make an addition to the guidelines along the lines of "Try to be creative and use your unique style to your advantage, reviews that are too formulaic will be boring."

[gali]

As a side note, I think that the beauty of the reviews is their diversity. If all reviews are the same, it will make a boring reading.

Agreed. Perhaps, I should even make an addition to the guidelines along the lines of "Try to be creative and use your unique style to your advantage, reviews that are too formulaic will be boring."

I think you should as long as it isn't a must.

[Skillian]

I still giggle every time I see a thread where Scott has posted. Those glasses. lol I am too easily amused. And thanks for sharing what is far more probable than the theories I was coming up with. haha. And thanks for your hard work! It has been a great experience for me at every step.


And back to the topic at hand. I accepted my first paid review! Which is exciting. I feel like I am part of some kind of elite squad. I was lucky enough that there was one available at the same time I was between books, and after I just promoted to a higher level due to rechecking my score. I love that it reminds me to have it rechecked every week.... because I don't think about it. haha. But yes... AND the book sounded (and so far is) good!

Also, woa! Talk about way more variety of free books! I am overwhelmed and want them all! OK.. not actually all of them... no offense. *nervous laugh* But still it is amazing to see like twenty or so... however many it was... instead of only two or three. It feels like... Christmas! hehehe. Having the pick of the litter... feels... good. I think I could get used to this. haha.

So maybe the lull has passed?? Anyone else seeing improvement?

[ALynnPowers]

That's awesome! I tend to get a new book immediately so I never really see all of the books available. Glad to see there are more coming along!!