Decoding The Gurus
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DTG Book Club?
🕑 Added 2021-07-27 06:18:40 +0000 UTCBusy day for notifications (apologies!),
Chris here again. I’m currently commuting to get my second vaccine jab and just had an idea I thought I’d run past everyone.
I am currently reading Evan Thompson’s ‘Why I’m Not a Buddhist’ (which is a great book) on the train and was thinking it would be nice to discuss it with someone whose read it. That lead me to the thought that maybe some of *you* might be interested in creating some kind of periodic DTG topic relevant book club.
I don’t know if I can rope Matt in (he enjoys fiction more than me!) and I haven’t thought through the specifics yet but seems like it could be an interesting side project. I suspect the audience for the podcast might include a disproportionate amount of people who would enjoy reading obscure/highly specific books. But I also know reading a book is much more of a pain than listening to a podcast!
In any case, I’m just spitballing at the minute but I’m thinking we could make a thread for comments somewhere and then organise some group chat (like once every 2 months) and maybe release the discussion on the bonus feed?
Not sure yet but thought it worth scoping out if anyone has any interest first. It might well be a terrible commuting induced idea so don’t be afraid to say so! I promise not to ridicule you on the next podcast regardless of the feedback.
-Chris
Comments
Paul Bowman
Having listened to the episode, I would defo be interested in Evan Thompson's book.
Grammaticus Gore
This could be short and fun: On the reception and detection of pseudo-profound bullshit (http://journal.sjdm.org/15/15923a/jdm15923a.html)
Emma
I think its a great idea! I love reading and having people to discuss books with!
Joel H. Dinolt
I like the idea and second the preference for availability on audio
Suzan Lemont
I could be tempted, although I'm already over-stretched with too many projects and I have a tendency to get my interest tweaked and then on an impulse enthusiastically say "YES!" and then fade away for various reasons. I actually don't really do audio books but since I've been listening to podcasts for the past year or so, and I have a dog that needs walking I think this could work for me.
Erin H
I’m interested! Love a good book chat
Yuki
Interested if free reading material is available. - from a poor girl
John Graham
Great idea. Suggestion: Feet of Clay by Anthony Storr https://www.amazon.com/Feet-Clay-Study-Anthony-Storr-ebook/dp/B00FAI4A08
Couch
I think this is a good idea. A definite high-point would be reviewing a DtG fan-fiction. The mind boggles at the plot opportunities
Nina Davies
I would be delighted by such a development.
MaxPlan
I am interested, I need to get my fix on anti-anti-establishment from somewhere.
Sean Doody
I would definitely participate in a reading group so long as the books are interesting. As others have pointed out, selections that are also available as audiobooks could boost engagement. Never been part of an online reading group before, so I’m not sure about the logistics. But I love the podcast and would be happy to try.
DavidtheG
I would do it too.
Kevin O'Rourke
I’d definitely be up for it, think it would introduce me to some interesting new recommendations. I actually would do the guru’s books just for curiosity but fair enough if people don’t want to, I’m happy to read some good ones instead!
Leslie
Also interested.
Recalcitrant Goat
Definitely interested!
Christopher Kavanagh
Agreed!
Grammaticus Gore
The only books I wouldn't do are the guru’s books. I don't feel it's worth the effort.
Nick Wiebe
I'm definitely interested, depending on the book
Mihai Nițu
I'd be in!
Alex A
Let's do it!
Christopher Kavanagh
This is very helpful feedback!
Agnieszka Z
Happy about your second jab! I’d be game—much more likely if the book you choose is available on audio. I read with my eyes a lot for a living, and try to limit pleasure reading to my ears these days.
Max
I'm always down for book discussion. Currently in a club on Discord and we're reading Iain McGilchrist's The Master and his Emissary. Good book but if i've learned one thing about internet book clubs it's how hard it is to bring people together (and keep them around). Scheduling meetings for a worldwide membership is challenging, and people drop off. So i'll be curious to see if this can work, I mean this patreon is more than just a random chat lobby so we have that going for us. I'll definitely participate.
Nick Brouwer
You're making me feel like a stalker when every one of these posts goes up right as I get on my phone. I would enjoy a book club and would definitely participate assuming the book choices weren't totally boring to me. The only note I have is I notice when online communities do book club type things and make polls to select the books to read, there's an issue where a large portion of the community will vote for one thing, but only a small portion will actually follow through with the reading. And the book chosen isn't necessarily what the majority of the people who follow through would have wanted. Essentially the nonreading voters might pick some dreadfully boring Sam Harris book because "oh, Sam Harris, I know him" and the readers might prefer a less well known book/author in the poll. But I guess if you were to release it as a video later the Harris book convo might get more listens later than something else. IDK, guess it's where your priorities are in terms of community engagement and management. But I think it would be for the bestif you/Matt picked the book, or maybe a poll of just 2-3 options that are fairly similar in popularity.
luckycat
Depends. I don’t know your teaching loads, university service, data gathering schedules, or pub requirements.
Grammaticus Gore
I'm in for sure. I have Evsn’s book and Bob’s ‘why Buddhism is true’ gathering dust on the shelf.
