The Official Thread: Please tell us what you think...

[Daniel Bowen]

Thanks Debra.  We're on the same page.  The industry does have quite a lot to gain from a quality recommendation engine.

Certainly check back with us when the Readers' Project launches.  I'd imagine that we'd send out an email to our registered users when the day comes.

Keep in touch,
Dan

[Chris Mordo]

It should be easier to use.

I have no idea how to find out where to use the program. Where do I go? Is it a download?

[Daniel Bowen]

Chris,

Currently, we have a beta demonstration available: http://beta.booklamp.org/reader/

The page is meant to be a few clicks away so that interested users understand that it's a demonstration.

Hope that helps.

db

[J Antal]

I happened on your project because I was looking for new books I'd enjoy.  I actually typed "how to find books you'll love" into my search bar, because as much as I love reading there's a great deal of literature out there that I don't give one wit about.  I absolutely love the Netflix recommendation feature based on how you rate movies and I'm shocked that someone hasn't done something similar with books that's actually worked, so I'm relieved you guys are taking the initiative!

I believe once the content has been expanded to serve multiple tastes, the popularity will grow with staggering speed!  Today's world could easily be described as one of immediate gratitification, which isn't a compliment towards the human race but it is the truth.  So, it makes sense to create a device that will aid the popularity of the written word, arguably our most important achievement as a race.

I'm excited to see where this project goes and can't wait for a larger scope of material to peruse!

[ellen craig]

I'm very interested in having access to a site like this.  I found booklamp by googling Pandora for books.  I use Pandora daily.  I love to read, but sometimes have trouble finding things I like.  I'd like to find more books in the vein of "A Moveable Feast" and "My Life in France" - which is why I googled Pandora for books in the first place. 
Good luck with everything.

[Daniel Bowen]

Ellen,

Pandora is great!  We actually run Pandora in the office quite a bit.  We actually didn't come up with "Pandora for Books," but it appears to have stuck for now.

If we find ourselves tumbling around those memoirs, I'll remember to see if I can't get back to you with some possibilities.  Thanks for the interest though.  Very appreciated.

Keep in touch,
Dan

[Allison Ubriaco]

I kind of imagined this site as a virtual step into a library and a conversation with a librarian who cares about what you like to read.  I'm hoping that I not only get to find more and new books in the genres that I love but to get recommendations on books that I never would have read without a bit of a push.

[Daniel Bowen]

Allison,

We're developing all sorts of tools for readers.  I can't remember if it's in the video or not, but somewhere on this site there's a conversation about recommending books that are outside of your preferences, so as not to "pigeonhole" yourself.  The possibilities are endless with the data that we collect.  We do our best to listen to the forums here about what users are looking for, and want to implement just that.  Once a full-fledged public site is up, we'll probably get a lot more feedback.

Thanks for the suggestion,
Dan

[Sophia Samuel]

this is a great idea. can't wait to see what i discover

[Daniel Bowen]

Neither can I, Sophia... neither can I.

Keep in touch,
Dan

[Natassia Smith]

I had the idea that there should be a website that recommended books based on interests and other books you have read and liked. I thought...well maybe someone has already started such a site so I searched for it on google. So yes, the project does interest me however I am very disappointed with the lack of actual books you have to choose from. I know this is something you are working on. I would appreciate it if you sent out an email when the process is complete. I think this site could be a huge success if you did it the right way:

1. Allow general title and author search (like pandora) and recommend based on favorites
2. Allow a starring or rating system for books and a thumbs up and down option to personalize the site
3. Perhaps it would be a good idea to collaborate with Pandora to see how they did it. I would imagine you could incorporate an almost identical process and perhaps even sell the idea to pandora. They could then branch out into movies and books creating a universal source for people to get recommendations.
4. This sight must be free to use with an option of a premium upgraded membership
5. A preview of the first few pages of a book should be an option
6. Get together with publishers on this...this sight is a great way for them to get the word out about their books and increase sales (you can make money off these people)
7. Allow people to search by genre
***8. Hire people like me to make this all a reality because if you don't then nobody will ever remember you!

[Daniel Bowen]

Natassia,

Thanks for the encouragement; we think it's a great idea also... well, we wouldn't be doing it, right?

There's actually quite a bit different between how we measure books and how Pandora measures music, and things are coming along great on our side - I presume the same for Pandora due to their popularity.  I like your recommendations, and we're going to do what we can to make the interface and product as valuable as we can.

I'm 99% sure we will announce the service (by email) to all of our registered users as a thank you for signing up.  When that will be, we don't know yet.  But, I do know that, I think, readers will be awe-struck with what we will produce.

As for a job, I think we're pretty booked right now.  But, you didn't say what you do.

Either way, keep us in mind.  You will not be disappointed.

Keep in touch,
Dan

PS in the meantime, there are some other sites that might suit your needs: LibraryThing.com, GoodReads.com, Shelfari.com