Post-mortem of first reading

[ex-lbilover.livejournal.com]

Now that we're done with reading Chapter 1, I thought it would be a good idea to ask if anyone had any suggestions for ways to improve how we handled the process. It seemed like things went pretty smoothly, but if there is anything you think we could do to make the readings run more smoothly, please comment and let us know!

There are two items I wanted to bring up specifically.

The first is for anyone watching the community who would like to participate but has a Basic account. The brilliant telstar109 set up a plus account to use specifically for Reading LOTR Aloud. This way she can use voice post, but doesn't have to look at annoying ads on a daily basis :) So please consider this option if you wish to be a reader.

The second is in regard to the non-U.S. phone numbers. As I think you are aware, they cut people off after about 60 seconds (usually a little less). I gather that sometimes they don't work at all. I contacted LJ support and they were very vague when I asked if they could give an estimated time for the problem to be fixed. Currently, therefore, your options seem to be three: 1. read your section in multiple parts (as ringsreader did); 2. use the U.S. phone number (there is a charge, but I don't know yet what it is); or 3. download and install the LJ Gizmo chatting software and use that to voice post. I did a trial run of it last night, and it was very easy to install and use. It only took me a few minutes to set up and do a voice post, and in fact I'm going to use that in future rather than my telephone. The link to the installation page is:
http://www.livejournal.com/chat/download/

belleferret posted a nice explanation of how to use Gizmo in her LJ here. Thank you, Belle!

I will be updating the community guidelines shortly with all this information and making a master post that will be linked from the User Info page.

And beginning with Chapter 2, we thought it would be neat to hold a discussion after each reading- just something informal and non-scholarly for those who are interested. So stay tuned for that!

Comments

[baranduin.livejournal.com]

I thought it went great! Very organized. I love that you've set up the community to gather all the posts in order. Can't wait for the next chapter! That's in my top 5 favorite chapters of the whole thing.

[ex-lbilover.livejournal.com]

Yay! I'm glad you were happy with how it went, Baranduin. I'm very psyched for the next chapter. It's one of my favorites, too. Thanks!

[dreamflower]

Way cool! I loved the way the reading went!

And I love the idea of a discussion afterwards!

[ex-lbilover.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the feedback. We thought it went well, but we wanted to be sure there was nothing we missed or could have done better.

Well, it was reading in Aliena's LJ about the definition of 'trapessing' and seeing how several of us commented on it, that gave me the idea. I know there were moments in the chapter that really stood out more for me when I heard them read aloud.

[addie71.livejournal.com]

I thought everything went well, you did a wonderful job setting up the community so everyone could listen to the whole chapter in order. *hugs* I like the idea of a discussion at the end of the chapter.

[ex-lbilover.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Addie! I appreciate the feedback very much. We'll see how the discussion goes after the next chapter. *hugs*

[telstar-gold.livejournal.com]

I like the idea of a discussion afterwards!
(Sez she, who hasn't even had time to listen to the actual posts yet...)

Thanks for being such a great organiser, btw! I feel this project is in safe hands with you. :)

[ex-lbilover.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you like the idea! Anyway, with the next reading not until September, you've got tons of time to catch up!

Aw, and thanks! I'm thrilled beyond words that so many people are joining in the fun!