MR Book Club

[loismustdie]

but which one is suited to be the first(

I would strongly suggest other MR members post books they would be willing to lend out. The book the most people have may be the best start choice simply to increase participation. By lending out these books, costs are lessened. Also, a book may not be that good and some may not be happy with the purchase.
I think the book club is an idea, but the more expensive it becomes, the less people will be involved. Step up. Post what you can lend out.

 

[digitalreefer]

This is the thread for loaning or swapping books as well as reviewing books you already have!

http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/general-discussion/22345-mr-book-swap-review.html

 

[Domboski]

I would also like to participate in the book club. Maybe we should organize a collection of funds and see what we have and decide on the first book based on that? I don't mind chipping in a little extra as long as everyone takes this serious.

Good idea Chris. I have two books that are ancient!!! One is written by a former director of Shedd Aquarium (Keeping Marine Fishes - or something like that) and I have a book about anemone fishes. Probably not the greatest for the book club but if someone is interested in them I'd be happy to lend them out.

Dom

 

[TUGBOATBRUCE]

I'd love to Join would someone let me know what book youdecide on

 

[Domboski]

This is the thread for loaning or swapping books as well as reviewing books you already have!

http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/general-discussion/22345-mr-book-swap-review.html

I'll post my books there when I get home and have the correct titles and author. Thanks Digitalreefer!

 

[daisy]

I think Fenner is great because he talks about not only the science (at both non-scientist and more advanced level) but also the very practical aspects of keeping reef systems. He writes in a way that is easy to read - not too heavy. I bought his book very early on in my reef-keeping and have turned to it over and over and would love to read it again!

The only thing that we should be aware of is that this hobby has really advanced technologically, so while the basics of the science are all there, the latest advances in lighting and other technology is maybe missing... just something to be aware of.

I think it might serve the book club well to have an advanced book going as well as a newbie book going, unless those who have read all the newbie books are going to stick it out while those new to the technology and science get up to speed. Just a thought -- what do you all think?

 

[Domboski]

I can use a newbie book talking about the science. I took classeson it a long time ago but it wasn't aquarium focused. If I am the only one, I can read a book like that on my own.

 

[jhale]

I hope Randy comes up with some choices that everyone can read, I don't think we'll have enough people to do 2 books at a time.

 

[alrha]

well this is prob the first time im not in on an MR activity...i cant read
have fun y'all

obtw why is alrha in caps? albert u doing some self promoting?...lol

maybe we could start with hooked on phonics to bring everyone up to speed.

and ALRHA is supposed to be that way, just cant figure out how to get MR to display it properly. who's responsible?

 

[Harif87]

I just hope the people who replied to this thread are serious about the book club. But i think we should forget about the newb books for now and start with the more advanced stuff. If we see that some people are having difficulty then maybe we could take it down a notch.

 

[daisy]

Fair enough. So start with something moderate/advanced and we can help each other to understand. That's the way book clubs are supposed to work, anyway...



I'm psyched!!!

Let's get started.

um.... who's in charge again?

 

[alrha]

Charles in charge

 

[Harif87]

Is there really no one in charge?

 

[loismustdie]

I just hope the people who replied to this thread are serious about the book club.

I didn't want to leave the impression that I wanted to be involved in the book club. I just wanted to offer some of books to be borrowed and throw in my 2 cents on what I thought would be a good start point.
I'll just go ahead and post my books and reviews in Eric's other thread. Sorry.

 

[Harif87]

I didn't want to leave the impression that I wanted to be involved in the book club. I just wanted to offer some of books to be borrowed and throw in my 2 cents on what I thought would be a good start point.
I'll just go ahead and post my books and reviews in Eric's other thread. Sorry.

I meant to say; i hope all those who said they wanted to participate in the book club are serious.
didnt mean to speak for you guys who didnt say theyre participating :redface:

 

[jhale]

um.... who's in charge again?

we are waiting for Randy/prattreef to post some books he thinks would be good choices. he's an author and runs the writing center at Pratt.

 

[meschaefer]

I am interested as well. Just want to see what books you are thinking of reading.

 

[prattreef]

I just wanted to check in on this thread. I have been out of town for a week and thus am spending a bit of time catching up on personal things, so it might take a while for me to get this together.
Some questions for you--
What are we trying to accomplish with the book club? Is the focus beginners, advanced hobbyists or what? Do we rule out older works because they are a bit out of date? Do folks want to focus on system design or organism husbandry or both? How would you like this to be structured-- a chapter a week? A set meeting time for discussion? etc.

I took a quick look through my library and couldn't find the Fenner book ( the problem with lending books) as that had occurred to me as a possibility. I did glance through an oldie but goodie "The Modern Coral Reef Aquarium" by Fossa and Nielsen published in 1996 and thought that it might be an appropriate 1st text. It is pitched at a fairly high level, but is still full of lots of practical info and because it is 10 years old, certain chapters might stimulate good discussions in light of more up-to -date info. Just a thought. This really isn't about my wishes though, as I have read them all before.

Randy

 

[Harif87]

It makes sense to start with organism husbandry... its a topic that should be mastered before going on to system design IMHO.

Maybe we shouldnt rule out older books, i personally think its good to hear what everyone says to help broaden our knowledge on the subject (whatever it may be). Again... just my humble opinion.

 

[digitalreefer]

I'm open to pretty much everything, but I think a book that might attract new reefers would be a better way to start. Although some of us may be interested in organic chemistry and how it applies to our tank, this type of subject may scare off people that are just starting out.