Thinking Inside the Box

[#1]

Wow Michelle, I feel like I just graduated with a undergrad in romance literology, I know it's not  word.

The main reason I enjoy these discussion groups, blogs or any e-community is just that, it is a community of like minded individuals who can talk about what's on their mind from the newest read in a series being released to the next big awaited book to hit the shelves to lamenting about one of our beloved authors who's no longer with us. It's kind of like the old Kafe Klutch our moms had way back when only now I could be klutching with my friend from Spain or India or wherever in the world we all happen to be.

I think user-generated commentary is no different then good old fashioned hitting the books research it all depends on the source.

[#2]

By the way I love Eloisa's Duchess series and am just about to start another one.

[#3]

I love the fact that I can pop in to chat at any hour in my skivvies and when I'm sick as a dog (like now - bronchitis and sinus infection), yet no one has to see me looking horrible and I can enter a conversation whenever I feel up to it. It's a way to chat with friends who love the same thing I do. I think the Inet is a WONDERFUL creation that connects me with people I normally would never had had the pleasure of meeting.

As for research use generated by other users, I think it depends. When I research something, a book I'm thinking about buying or a topic I need information on, I don't use just one source. I visit as many links as possible to find what I'm looking for, and then if possible I'll look off-line. But then I'm a bit cynical about things, so I want more than one opinion. *grin*

[#4]

Monica, I'm so sorry you're under the weather. Hope you feel better soon and don't forget drink your liquids and eat chicken soup.

;-)

Deb

[#5]

dhaupt, this is the Internet: word creation abounds and is encouraged.  'Literology" might not make Urban Dictionary, but maybe we can create Suburban Dictionary, and place it there...    Funny you use the term Kafe Klutch (I grew up part 'PA Dutch' saying kaffee klatch), because I've always said the same thing about many online communities. We don't have time -- or are separated by distance, as y ou say -- to develop 'real life' friendships and connections, so the Internet has been a blessing for many women.  The beauty of UGC from these meetings is that there are so many gems of real wisdom buried in them. I'll happily brag that I'm just smart enough to take advantage of them often and feel sorry for anyone who's not at least as brilliant as I am in that respect.

[#6]

It is a lovely aspect of working online, Monica, the writing as if one is sophisticated, all the while wearing clothes one's slept in a number of days. TMI?   I wonder whether anything you've read in UGC ever has spurred a story idea, or helped clarify one you'd had?  Or perhaps helped you think differently about something you were working on.  The idea of an academic looking to UGC to start research is based in the fact that there are folks who've read romance longer than some of us have been alive, and they've got a lot to share; their knowledge saves us time, and teaches us stuff we'd be lucky if we tripped over elsewhere. 

Of course, we'd never actually research using UGC. Gosh, everyone knows that's what wikipedia's for.

[#7]

Monica, hope you're feeling better soon!  I soooo love chatting with others who know what I'm talking about regarding romance novels.  Even though I have friends who like to read, they don't read as much romance as I do.  I never tire of it and sometimes I feel friends can't understand that.   Coming here and saying what's on my mine about a certain book or getting in on a discussion makes me feel included in the romance reading community.  Sort of all warm and fuzzy inside.     I lke dishing with someone who knows what I'm talking about and whose interested in what I have to say.  It has given me a whole new outlook and appreciation for my reading and the Internet. 

I find I look forward to reading everyones commentaries from getting new info on books to just the plain old enjoyment of it all!!!  Like Monica, I research a lot, but hey I think it's worth it.  You never know what you might find.  So, here's to you guys (Cheers).  Your knowledge is invaluable!!!  

[#8]

Aw, Monica - I hope you are feeling better. I know chicken soup is a cliche, but it does seem to work. (And, no, I can't figure out how to put the accent on the "e" in cliche, which is bugging me on this day-after-Punctuation Day.)