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I had been thinking of doing this for some time; I am also an avid reader & hit the shocking position of finishing my book mid-way through our last break (shock-horror!)

I managed to find the English Bookshop in Lucca (but they seemed to charge a premium).

Now I have a stack of books in the UK & I can foresee bringing a number to Italy. They are not new (but then neither are ones from a public library!) but in good nick. I was thinking that I could share these if needed.

So, question............. if an English bookclub were to be set up, would anyone be interested? What price would seem reasonable....... it would need to cover postage (to you & returning it to the club)........ any ideas?

[QUOTE=tuscanhills]I had been thinking of doing this for some time; I am also an avid reader & hit the shocking position of finishing my book mid-way through our last break (shock-horror!)

I managed to find the English Bookshop in Lucca (but they seemed to charge a premium).

Now I have a stack of books in the UK & I can foresee bringing a number to Italy. They are not new (but then neither are ones from a public library!) but in good nick. I was thinking that I could share these if needed.

So, question............. if an English bookclub were to be set up, would anyone be interested? What price would seem reasonable....... it would need to cover postage (to you & returning it to the club)........ any ideas?[/QUOTE]

If enough people are interested I would be happy to set up an internet based book exchange club. Members would be able to register books that they had available and search the book list for any they would be interested in reading.
Any requests by a member for a book would automatically be emailed to the book owner who could then post it to the requestor.

Postage costs would need to be covered, this could be done either by arrangement between the requestor / sender, some kind of "membership account", any other suggestions would be welcome.

If anybody is interested in this please let me know. If there is sufficient interest I will set it up.

TB

This is what I had in mind too........... no readon why it couldn't include DVDs too as I know that these can be backed-up in the event of loss.

I would happily consider being candidate no. 1 for this........... I know that there is another example of this ([url]www.BookCrossing.com[/url]) but I nave not really found that it does it for me.

A virtual library (books, CD? & DVD?) is an excellent idea. I'm in!

[QUOTE=tuscanhills]This is what I had in mind too........... no readon why it couldn't include DVDs too as I know that these can be backed-up in the event of loss.

I would happily consider being candidate no. 1 for this........... I know that there is another example of this ([url]www.BookCrossing.com[/url]) but I nave not really found that it does it for me.

A virtual library (books, CD? & DVD?) is an excellent idea. I'm in![/QUOTE]

Excellent idea, we have an extensive library of CDs and DVDs and would be happy to include these.

I knew I would find something techie to do during my retirement :)

I've PM'd you.

If you want to get hold of me, try [email]David@TuscanHills.co.uk[/email]

A while back there was quite a long thread about a book exchange scheme which had been running for some time apparently successfully, try search, cant remember who started it one of the "couples" I think... :)

George it was this one ([url]http://www.italymag.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=896&highlight=bookcrossing[/url]) and included the link to Book Crossing I mentioned....... it's what got me onto the idea of a virtual club; well that & the BlockBuster rentals by post!

That was the one, sorry, hadn't registered the book crossing link... Njoy :)

Hi Yes it was us that started the link on English Books and trying to encourage forum members to join [url]www.bookcrossing.com[/url]
It does actually offer what you are looking for Tuscan Hills and Technically Blonde as somewhere to find and exchange books. We have linked up via this site with other avid readers of English and ½ûÂþÌìÌà books and have exchanged books, joined bookrings and even made friends with ½ûÂþÌìÌà bookcrossers who live in our region. We would be very happy to exchange books with both of you, or anyone else for that matter. It is just a bit of fun, but also a means to an end, more books! Any questions just pm us and do take a look at the site and my bookshelf if you are interested. [url]www.bookcrossing.com/mybookshelf/LindyLouMac[/url]

[QUOTE=DavidandLinda]Hi Yes it was us that started the link on English Books and trying to encourage forum members to join [url]www.bookcrossing.com[/url]
It does actually offer what you are looking for Tuscan Hills and Technically Blonde as somewhere to find and exchange books. We have linked up via this site with other avid readers of English and ½ûÂþÌìÌà books and have exchanged books, joined bookrings and even made friends with ½ûÂþÌìÌà bookcrossers who live in our region. We would be very happy to exchange books with both of you, or anyone else for that matter. It is just a bit of fun, but also a means to an end, more books! Any questions just pm us and do take a look at the site and my bookshelf if you are interested. [url]www.bookcrossing.com/mybookshelf/LindyLouMac[/url][/QUOTE]
Hi, will take a look. No point reinventing the wheel if it works!
Tuscan Hills, what didn't it do for you?

[QUOTE=DavidandLinda]Hi Yes it was us that started the link on English Books and trying to encourage forum members to join [url]www.bookcrossing.com[/url]
It does actually offer what you are looking for Tuscan Hills and Technically Blonde as somewhere to find and exchange books. We have linked up via this site with other avid readers of English and ½ûÂþÌìÌà books and have exchanged books, joined bookrings and even made friends with ½ûÂþÌìÌà bookcrossers who live in our region. We would be very happy to exchange books with both of you, or anyone else for that matter. It is just a bit of fun, but also a means to an end, more books! Any questions just pm us and do take a look at the site and my bookshelf if you are interested. [url]www.bookcrossing.com/mybookshelf/LindyLouMac[/url][/QUOTE]
okay had a look, it's strictly for books and as we would like to extend to include cds and dvds, there's a limitation there. Also books seem to get released with no return. I think we were thinking more of a library type option so books (and other items) are sent out to the requestor for a limited time period and then returned. This will ensure that we always have a large stock of books and other items.

I would be interested in such a scheme. I have a collection of dvds (mainly tv series and children's films) and books. I am always adding to them through Amazon and when I am in London. I have lent books and DVDs before and it has been difficult to get them back. I would consider, however, any proposals. Please email me at [email]sergechan@aol.com[/email].

[QUOTE=serge]I would be interested in such a scheme. I have a collection of dvds (mainly tv series and children's films) and books. I am always adding to them through Amazon and when I am in London. I have lent books and DVDs before and it has been difficult to get them back. I would consider, however, any proposals. Please email me at [email]sergechan@aol.com[/email].[/QUOTE]
I have set up a mailing list of interested parties and will email out a proposal in the next week or so.

[QUOTE=Technically Blonde]I have set up a mailing list of interested parties and will email out a proposal in the next week or so.[/QUOTE]
OK we are obviously interested, as always on the lookout for another source of books(ok and cds and dvds)so please add us to the mailing list. Will pm you our email address!
Do you think you will try bookcrossing? It really is a vast library and you can ask for your books to be returned to you. They do not just disappear! Also believe they do cover audiobooks, though not requested any ourselves.
Not meaning to harp on but it is fun if you give it a try, alongside your own idea of course!

[QUOTE=DavidandLinda]......Do you think you will try bookcrossing?.....[/QUOTE]

I had tried it and found it too much of a faff; finding a book, mailing folks (people having lent books out & not got them back, sorry guys, I still can't find my copy of "A Tuscan Childhood!")

If a service can guarantee a postage price, then I reckon it's a winner ;)

I would be interested in such a scheme and I know the small English community have a more informal body loan scheme going on. I understand that the black trade in English books is hot and fast around here

[QUOTE=Kirstin]I would be interested in such a scheme and I know the small English community have a more informal body loan scheme going on. I understand that the black trade in English books is hot and fast around here[/QUOTE]

..........heavens, doesn't one get a receipt?!?!
;)

[QUOTE=Kirstin]I would be interested in such a scheme and I know the small English community have a more informal body loan scheme going on. I understand that the black trade in English books is hot and fast around here[/QUOTE]

Woww, a "body loan scheme" NOW I'm interested :D :o :eek:

opps. I meant book

[QUOTE=Kirstin]opps. I meant book[/QUOTE]

Come on Kirstin, I've heard the rumours ;) ;) :eek:

[QUOTE=Kirstin]opps. I meant book[/QUOTE]

Thought you probably did!! What is this scheme and how does it work?
Also why 'black trade'
Thought that was about builders and VAT!!

OK, try this.... I had been giving this some thought about a virtual book club for quite some time & I'm hacked off to say, every turn I took brought me back to square 1!

I may have been starting too grand though as I had been thinking of a club similar to Blockbuster's on-line DVD rentals service..... we list books, you select them, pay for P&P & then they get sent out.

I'm still thinking on this, but until this has been sorted out (LOTS of thinking still to do!) I have an alternative.

What I have done is to set up a simple forum (a bit like this one ;)) that allows users to post up comments on favouite books, authors and to make recommendations; generally 'share the passion!'. The aim is that if you list your books up (or post ones that you are searching for!) then communication can start through the private message part of the forum.... it's then down to each individual member to agree postage/return arrangements.

Now remember, it's only just been started, so the cupboard is fairly bare(!) and all new members are welcome.

You will need to:
- join (it's free and simple!)
- post up books you have read & enjoys/hated etc....
- post up any books you are looking for
- spread the word!

As I mentioned above, it's not the final version of what I'm aiming at doing (give us a bit longer for that!), but until that comes along, this will act as a meeting point for book-nerds! If people want to swap books that that's done via the Personal Messages.

All contirbutions, memberships & comments are welcome
[url]http://www.VitaBookClub.com/forum[/url]

Good idea Kim and David. However it is a shame you can not utilise bookcrossing .com. which is already up and running very successfully and offers all the ideas you list. As you know we are already using it in Italy.
There is also another website proposing to launch soon with a similar scheme mybookyourbook.co.uk offering a paperback exchange.
Is your idea in conjunction with Technically Blonde or is this a separate idea.
However as always keen on getting involved with anything concerning books you can count us in! Good Luck with your ideas We will visit your linksoon.

Just visited your new site Kim and David. It is even hosted by the same company that operate bookcrossing. italy.coms forum. Is it very expensive to host a site such as this? I know bookcrossing is free and always will be. Although of course they do ask for contributions and sell things to pay costs. How do you intend that this site is financed as it grows, will we be asked for a subscription? If we sign up will we (as Active BC)be allowed to refer readers to our bookcrossing bookshelf or will we have to duplicate all the info?

[QUOTE=DavidandLinda]Just visited your new site Kim and David. It is even hosted by the same company that operate bookcrossing. italy.coms forum. Is it very expensive to host a site such as this? I know bookcrossing is free and always will be. Although of course they do ask for contributions and sell things to pay costs. How do you intend that this site is financed as it grows, will we be asked for a subscription? If we sign up will we (as Active BC)be allowed to refer readers to our bookcrossing bookshelf or will we have to duplicate all the info?[/QUOTE]

To host this is simple & not a killer of a cost to me £25pa.... the fancy forum thing comes free with this & I can customise it as I wish. It's all rather simple really ;)

So, BookCrossing is free, so is this version...... this is aimed at doing nothing more than serving to feed my addiction!

I'm happy for you to x-refer to BookCrossing.com if you fancy. I only want to make the means of communication easier (so this site can act as a clearing house, if you like) and to allow others to post searches, comments & recommendations.

[QUOTE=DavidandLinda].........Is your idea in conjunction with Technically Blonde or is this a separate idea......[/QUOTE]

Oh, and I forgot, TB & I have been in communication on this & she's keen to pursue it too. That idea would be a little more complex, allowing a database of books to be held, searched and 'taken out'.

The [url]www.VitaBookClub.com/forum[/url] concept is currently a "quick & dirty" answer to this that gets 'us' off the ground, but also keeps the momentum up whilst TB is doing some hard work to build an application that'll let us have the posher version.

Oh, and thanks for joining!

Thanks for your replies. Look forward to watching this venture grow and hopefully make some new bookloving friends! Good Luck.

[QUOTE=tuscanhills]Oh, and I forgot, TB & I have been in communication on this & she's keen to pursue it too. That idea would be a little more complex, allowing a database of books to be held, searched and 'taken out'.

The [url]www.VitaBookClub.com/forum[/url] concept is currently a "quick & dirty" answer to this that gets 'us' off the ground, but also keeps the momentum up whilst TB is doing some hard work to build an application that'll let us have the posher version.

Oh, and thanks for joining![/QUOTE]

and the plan is to include DVDs and CDs too! FYI, the development environment has been created and database design is underway. As our move to Puglia is imminent and I still have to do a few days consultancy work here in the UK, progress will be slow for now. Will keep you all posted.

Fo all of the members who expressed an interest in this, I have now improved the website.

The forum that I'd originally put together has been enhanced by a website that allows users to post and share books.

If you'd like to look, please visit [url]www.VitaBookClub.com[/url], but if you have any basic queires, you might like to explore the FAQs at [url]http://www.vitabookclub.com/FAQ.html[/url].

All it needs is for you guys to join, post books and shart sharing!

[QUOTE=tuscanhills]Fo all of the members who expressed an interest in this, I have now improved the website.

The forum that I'd originally put together has been enhanced by a website that allows users to post and share books.

If you'd like to look, please visit [url]www.VitaBookClub.com[/url], but if you have any basic queires, you might like to explore the FAQs at [url]http://www.vitabookclub.com/FAQ.html[/url].

All it needs is for you guys to join, post books and shart sharing![/QUOTE]

This is a great start. I have registered and will be posting a load of books soon. For the meantime the forum relies on members managing the location of where there books are and postage etc. I will be working (with David) to create a database that will manage the administration of the books (and other items) automatically.

The more people that register / use the [URL=http://www.VitaBookClub.com]VitaBookClub[/URL], the more I will be encouraged to work faster on the automated managed version!!!! ;)

Why dont you also go to your local library , see if they have an English section, if not help to set one up . Most libraries also have growing film sections .
They have a budget for new books and will usually order books the public requests.Our local library has yet to order my books (and I cant donate copies of all) because someone has to request the title.