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What is the purpose, and point, of "hiding" books in random locations?

Seems rather counterintuitive imho.

Addendum:

Wouldn't it be more prudent to donate said books to various libraries (especially in impoverished area ones)?

"Emma visits your local library to donate a book and/or books!"

Granted the books would be lifted because Watson touched them, but at least it would get people into the library; as there are other books there.

Also would keep the books out of the weather.

I believe it's because we want to share those books not only with people who don't read as often as we do, but because some people don't have time to go to a library, or can't afford to buy other books. Emma brings them in metros, places that almost everybody go to, to go to work or school, a place where not only a certain elite has access to, but most of the population, even those who have no idea what this shared bookshelf is about. It is opening a new world to people who weren't going for it in the first place, so I think it's a pretty good idea :)

Honestly i think its just something fun and creative for Emma to do not to mention the people who might pick them up may not be feminist. I think Emma is just trying to spread the word to those who may not be thinking about feminism already. Of course i do think that Emma announcing she was doing it only encouraged her own fans to go and scour the cities for them. It might have been a bit better not to announce that she was doing it and more as a "surprise" to those not expecting it.

Gabrielle wrote: "I believe it's because we want to share those books not only with people who don't read as often as we do, but because some people don't have time to go to a library, or can't afford to buy other b..."

More prudent to work upon the social structure that makes a majority of the population unable to visit a library?

If one does not have time to go to a library, does one also not have time to read a book?

Or visit a park before the "flash mob" takes them all?

James wrote: "Honestly i think its just something fun and creative for Emma to do not to mention the people who might pick them up may not be feminist. I think Emma is just trying to spread the word to those who..."

Again: There are more books at a library.

Maybe back to high top marginal take rates so we can make more libraries, and by that, more available books.

Maybe counter irony: Place books around the Bull.

It would be a pleasant dream for me if for some reason I was without a book (I usually have one on me), and then, boom, book ninjas have hidden short stories everywhere. Boredom gone.
And you don't only get to donate books to the library, but also to your friends or relatives. I speak from experience that if you're addicted to books like I am, you may find your book-love rubbing off on your friends and family.

Adam wrote: "What is the purpose, and point, of "hiding" books in random locations?
Seems rather counterintuitive imho."

So, in essence you ask for the reason behind stuff like "bookcrossing" it seems to me. Essentially I think it's just a nice thought that someone might come across a book/topic that way he or she wouldn't naturally pick by themselves.

Adam wrote: "James wrote: "Honestly i think its just something fun and creative for Emma to do not to mention the people who might pick them up may not be feminist. I think Emma is just trying to spread the wor..."

Sometimes there is just not enough hours in the day. For those who spend time traveling to work its more of a convenience to pick up a book on the subway than it is to go to the library. Honestly, i didnt see this little project as a negative thing.

Adam wrote: "Addendum:

Wouldn't it be more prudent to donate said books to various libraries (especially in impoverished area ones)?

"Emma visits your local library to donate a book and/or books!"

Granted t..."well this is logically apt but by this act of hiding the books is done so that anybody even those who may not be comfortable with gender equality concept will get this book! because if the same person enters a library then the probability that he/she will pick this book is reduced to almost zero!
Again as far as weather is concerned they are hidden in the underground (subways? ) and not randomly thrown in public that's safe right?
Emma is just a mascot, its for us to spread the message and this may not be the best way to do it but it's an idea that's new and dynamic which I feel can bring changes to our society.

It is fun and kind the idea is to read the book and put it back giving to people of the sake of giving. Random act of kindness have a value simply for being that.

Brilliant way to spread knowledge of feminism does not hurt either :)

This is simply a fun, creative, and direct way to share literature, get the word out, promote reading, etc to anyone who comes along and finds a book during their commute. Giving to a library (assuming they accepted what you're donating. From exp libraries don't always accept all books) is a good thing to do but it's not the only way to book share. Books on the Underground/Books on the Subway is just another way to share. There is no right or wrong way to book share.

Yesterday I made a book drop of Mom&Me&Mom at my local LIRR station. It was fun and it felt good giving to others who also love reading or spark the interest of someone and encouraged them to read all while passing on the wisdom of a great feminist. Nothing wrong with that.

Somehow someone found a way to complain about the Easter Bunny'ing of free books. How they've managed to find fault with something as harmless and fun as this, I cannot fathom.

If Emma wanted to do something big like fund a library, then she'd write a check and fund a library. This is supposed to be a fun little surprise thing, not a big huge social movement.

Zaruyache wrote: "Somehow someone found a way to complain about the Easter Bunny'ing of free books. How they've managed to find fault with something as harmless and fun as this, I cannot fathom.

If Emma wanted to ..."

I totally agree with you! I bet Emma is wealthy enough to fund a small library (or a bigger one:) ), but that's not what it is about here! It's about the thought of sharing, and since she is so well-known, I think many are very happy to pick up a book which has a little message from her. And I also think it is a good idea to do this on IWD, since we need education so much, in many, many ways, to free women of hurdles they face.

I think it's a funny thing to do for the people who gives the book and for the one who receives it unexpectacly when he/she founds it. I think that giving books in unexpected places is made for people who do not go to libraries but if they see a book on the metro, for example, they may decide to read it and open up to a new world like this group or feminism.

"Again: There are more books at a library."

Part of the goal is to also control the message. If you are at a library you have historical, research, poetry, genre, and a plethora of other sections and books to check out. By placing books in such a book free environment, you are decreasing the chances that someone will pick up something else. And thereby increasing the chance that your message will move beyond women's studies groups and book clubs.

Works the same as viral marketing. Market in places and ways that are not the norm and your message stands out bc there is nothing to compete with it.

But is it anywhere near measurably effective?

A way to find that out: Have one of Watson's entourage contact Amazon and see if a particular hidden book sales correlatively increased. Though that alone would not be enough.

That anyone (if anyone) picks up one of the books (does not turn it into lost and found/sell it on Ebay/worship it); reads, fully comprehends and learns from it; that this makes that "one person" (or many) start a conversation that spreads far and wide.

Because that is where we need to be: Having those conversations.

That is what needs to be, and needs to be known for any of this to be effective.

Adam wrote: "But is it anywhere near measurably effective?

That's a good question. Return on Investment (ROI) measures are always pretty interesting. Amazon records may show an uptick, but we would have to keep in mind the influence of Our Shared Shelf readers on it first. Then the campaign second.

Far more difficult to track discussions / ideology changes unless included in the books was a) an invitation to join OSS b) a survey on the reader's experience or c) a tracker on the book - similar to those plastered on billfolds ala "Where has George been" campaigns.

Does the mods or anyone else have a system of tracking how / why people joined Our Shared Shelf? I would love to see a) a timeline of joining (Was there a tipping point and did it correlate with any PR items such as EW's Vanity Affair article?) and then b) the number of countries reached. Oh... and also a measure of "most likely to recommend" too.

Additionally, would we then want to target certain places? Urban or Rural? Third World or First world with later campaigns?

Emma wrote: "Does it have to be measurably effective? Hiding books is a low-risk endeavor."

Low-Risk is not the problem. It's the cost that I believe Adam is getting at. You can spend the same amount of money on purchasing the books as hosting a forum, promoting the book/ author on a local tour, creating an OSS scholarship, purchasing these books for local libraries, sending them overseas to our soliders, etc, etc.

Pam wrote: "Adam wrote: "But is it anywhere near measurably effective?

That's a good question. Return on Investment (ROI) measures are always pretty interesting. Amazon records may show an uptick, but we wou..."

One can always look up the "added", "reviewed" etc. categories for each individual book. The spike for My Life on the Road is around the time when OSS was founded, one can see the same effect for the other books, although not always as strong as with My Life on the Road.
That's why I recommend everyone to do that, to at least "add" the book to our "to-read" list, after Emma announced it. But as Ana said it already, the publishers have the final numbers. If one wants to really look into that, they would have to ask the publishers. (If Emma asks, I'm sure they would share them.)

It's interesting to see that the VF interview and Emma's book ninja'ing (she's recognised now when she's doing it, so people definitely have knowledge about the book club in one or the other way) had such an impact.

I think the Book Fairy thing is a good way to promote OSS, although I also do see the benefits of donating books to libraries, or hosting events around the books(but I do think that it's mostly members for the events, I still think they're important).

On a side note: When will the interview with Eve Ensler be published. It's quite a while ago.

Meelie wrote: "@Meerder - I'm Meelie, not Ana ;) haha!!

As for the interview, it's coming as soon as possible!"

Sorry for confusing the both of you. I'm glad the interview is coming asap. It'll be nice to hear Emma speaking again:)

For anyone wanting to donate to libraries, find out what your library's policies are first. Many libraries, at least in the United States, sell all donations. They don't put any of them on the shelf.

My local library asks for book donations, but they're clear it's because they want to sell them.

It's like Hermione leaving the SPEW manifesto around for the house elves to find.

Kressel wrote: "It's like Hermione leaving the SPEW manifesto around for the house elves to find."

Now that is the best answer anybody can give!

May I quote you, whenever I get asked about it?

On a sidenote: A student colleague today said something about Emma giving a speech recently, and I just said: Couldn't be on March 8th, she was book ninja'ing there:) I know her too well...

²Ñ±ð±ð°ù»å±ð°ù°Âö°ù³Ù±ð°ù wrote: "May I quote you, whenever I get asked about it?"

I'd be flattered if you did. I also really wonder if the SPEW thing was exactly what Emma had in mind. So, Moderators, if you're reading this and you get a chance, please ask her.

not everything needs a reason.
she can randomly give, drop or hide books anywhere.
There's no harm in there.
So just be happy and dnt ask :)

Is SPEW the best analogy though?

SPEW was mocked by most of the student body, the elves lived in terror of her antics, and it was very misguided. Her heart was in the right place, but only two things good came out of it a) Dobby got an awesome wardrobe and b) Ron remembered the elves during the Battle for Hogwarts.

I think this campaign is trying for a larger success rate than 2 individuals.

Otherwise I second Je's comment not everything needs a reason.

SPEW may not be the best analogy, but the tactic is all Hermione.

Ryan wrote: "SPEW?"

It's a HP thing I assume.

I would argue that SPEW is a great analogy here since there are still great numbers of people who spurn the idea of feminism and intellectualism or the NEED for those things in our culture. Also, Hermione went on to work for the rights of magical creatures as an adult so we as readers can imagine her making at least SOME strides in that endeavor.

Also, does anyone remember the bookswap/book crossing that was popular in the early aughts? I found a book on campus with my friends while out at night and continued the practice for a while. I would find cheap used copies of books I liked, write notes in them, and leave them in public for people to find. I think Emma is getting press for this but it's not a new, wild concept (Sorry if this has been mentioned elsewhere--I just joined!).

I think this is a really beautiful idea. Imagine, if you were just sitting on a bench somewhere and you just see a book, it might make you smile. You might pick it up and be so curious about how it came to be there that you just read it. It's a great way to encourage people to read. Although I hope there is a note left on the book saying its okay for whoever finds it to take it or otherwise they might not because they think it is something someone lost. Does anyone know if this is the case?

Question: Are people supposed to take the books home with them and finish reading it, or are they only supposed to read it in that specific location, before leaving it behind for others?

Megan wrote: "Question: Are people supposed to take the books home with them and finish reading it, or are they only supposed to read it in that specific location, before leaving it behind for others?"

Take it with you, read as long as you need, then leave it somewhere for someone else. Or if you thought someone you know would enjoy it, give to them and encourage them to leave after they are through.

Kristen wrote: "Megan wrote: "Question: Are people supposed to take the books home with them and finish reading it, or are they only supposed to read it in that specific location, before leaving it behind for othe..."

Thanks. Hmm...could we donate them to the library also? For the record, I'm just curious. I don't live in the US so I definitely won't be reading any of Emma's ninja books, I'm just curious about how others will be able to use and read them.

To be honest, I started doing this with my copies of our chosen books after some time. I also write a letter when I send them to members in need, and encourage them to make the chain even longer... It's so cool if you see all the scribbled notes in a book and I think you even get more out of it, because you come to agree or disagree with the notes, or you get additional information.

I'd love to be a book fairy!

You also have to keep in mind that not everyone has easy access to a library and, at least where I am, not everyone is eligible for a library card.

And besides, this is just more fun!

Maybe the people who need these books the most aren't going to the library. If they are, they probably aren't going to the sections these books can be found in.

And if anyone has crazy ideas about randomly educating the public, I'm all for it.
Education and compassion will save this planet. In many ways.

Meelie wrote: "Pam wrote: "Does the mods or anyone else have a system of tracking how / why people joined Our Shared Shelf? "

I'm afraid not, there's no physical data we can download. However, just by surveillan..."

"Around 7K new members"

What does that (all the members) number signify tho?

180K all in a women's equality?

The other extreme that will not be named (as I will most likely get this thread "archived and locked")?

Some sort of combo(ish)?

The number of people activ..,, not including myself.

The number of people that actively participate on this form in a constructive manner of some kind is rather low according to this : /group/17958...

How can we (general "we") get those numbers higher?

How can we get the number of Twitter followers talking about Feminist literature and other things more than......well, let's just say more important issues?

Rhetoric:

It's so sad that most members have 0 comments. I mean, you (general you) don't have to write as much as I do, but just a tenth is stil quite something. We should actually really use this opportunity and discuss topics with a diverse group of members. I'm not saying we're not diverse, but I think we could talk way more diverse when more of us actually comment.

Keith wrote: "²Ñ±ð±ð°ù»å±ð°ù°Âö°ù³Ù±ð°ù wrote: "It's so sad that most members have 0 comments. I mean, you (general you) don't have to write as much as I do, but just a tenth is stil quite something. We should actually real..."

I'll keep (try) the cynicism to naught.

(keep it short, ass)

How about (depending on logistics/feasibility/funding) a online Feminist library?

Maybe supported by Patreon?

I live in the US and we have tons of "Free Little Libraries" across the nation. There are approximately 45+ in my city. You get to look at books others have left, take one or more and leave one or more for someone else to enjoy. When we travel we actually go on a hunt for a local "Free Little Library." Love leaving and finding books, seeing the different "little libraries" that others have created and it is like going on a scavenger hunt. Hadn't heard about "Book Fairies" so now I want to explore this fun initiative!

²Ñ±ð±ð°ù»å±ð°ù°Âö°ù³Ù±ð°ù wrote: "It's so sad that most members have 0 comments."

Not everyone joins books clubs for the dialogue. As a former long time lurker, I was interested in the book recommendations but intimidated by the size of the community. Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ style of 1 long record as opposed to say Reddit's chains make it hard to have long lasting conversation and true dialogue before the conversation moves on to another point. You have to invest a lot of time to see things through.

Pam wrote: "²Ñ±ð±ð°ù»å±ð°ù°Âö°ù³Ù±ð°ù wrote: "It's so sad that most members have 0 comments."

Not everyone joins books clubs for the dialogue. As a former long time lurker, I was interested in the book recommendations bu..."

I'm one of those new members to this group and I joined in order to acquire recommendations for new reads. Engaging with others on this platform is also important to me but only after I have made some progress through the new reading suggestions.

²Ñ±ð±ð°ù»å±ð°ù°Âö°ù³Ù±ð°ù wrote: "It's so sad that most members have 0 comments. I mean, you (general you) don't have to write as much as I do, but just a tenth is stil quite something. We should actually really use this opportunit..."

This is my first comment. I joined to keep track of the book recommendations, and to potentially discuss those books after I've finished them which I haven't had a chance to do yet. Half of why I haven't responded to other comments yet is because the reply system seems to be glitchy on my computer and is far worse on mobile. If you're not familiar with it you have to really really want to do it to spend enough time fussing with it to make it work.

²Ñ±ð±ð°ù»å±ð°ù°Âö°ù³Ù±ð°ù wrote: "It's so sad that most members have 0 comments. I mean, you (general you) don't have to write as much as I do, but just a tenth is stil quite something. We should actually really use this opportunit..."

My experience is that its a bit hard to keep up with the discussions. I check OSS about twice a week and almost never post anything. Sometimes while reading the books I remember something someone said here, but when I come back I cant find the original comment anymore. Any suggestions on how to deal with that?
Another thing might be that some people (myself included) don’t always read the book on that specific month and by the time they read it the discussion has moved on. I read most of the books from OSS, but this is actually the first time I read it on the same month ;)

Pam wrote: "²Ñ±ð±ð°ù»å±ð°ù°Âö°ù³Ù±ð°ù wrote: "It's so sad that most members have 0 comments."

Not everyone joins books clubs for the dialogue. As a former long time lurker, I was interested in the book recommendations bu..."

I agree with you. I recently joined Our Shared Shelf and this is my first comment. I am only 14 and joining this group was daunting for me as I've never been involved with something like this. I feel like I have no place among all the intelligent people on here who are getting into thoughtful debates and meaningful conversations. I have been wanting to post discussion topics, but every time I try I feel incompetent to others on this board. Therefore, I am more of a lurker, staying back and reading all the topics, but never commenting for fear off saying something, to put it bluntly, stupid. This is my first message and I am so nervous to see how people react to it or if anyone even bothers to reply to it. I am glad you called attention to this topic as I feel many members of Our Shared Shelf are like me, lurkers who are afraid to post.

Meelie wrote: "Little wrote: "Pam wrote: "²Ñ±ð±ð°ù»å±ð°ù°Âö°ù³Ù±ð°ù wrote: "It's so sad that most members have 0 comments."

Not everyone joins books clubs for the dialogue. As a former long time lurker, I was interested in ..."

Aww thank you so much. I only posted a little bit ago, but the support I've received is so amazing. I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the conversations and love reading them. Now I hope to start contributing to the discussions. One big discussion I have always wanted to get involved in is: Feminism for High School Students.

I feel like as a high-school student I people ignore my voice and my opinions, and I would really enjoy what other have to say on the topic.

Again thank you for your kind words and I hope to contribute more in the future.

Faith

Meelie wrote: "Little wrote: "Meelie wrote: "Little wrote: "Pam wrote: "²Ñ±ð±ð°ù»å±ð°ù°Âö°ù³Ù±ð°ù wrote: "It's so sad that most members have 0 comments."

Not everyone joins books clubs for the dialogue. As a former long tim..."

Thank you all for your support. Everyone has been so kind and encouraging. I just posted a topic discussion about Feminism Among High School Students.

It was my first time every posting a discussion topic and I cannot wait to see what people have to say about it.

Thank you all again

Little wrote: "Meelie wrote: "Little wrote: "Meelie wrote: "Little wrote: "Pam wrote: "²Ñ±ð±ð°ù»å±ð°ù°Âö°ù³Ù±ð°ù wrote: "It's so sad that most members have 0 comments."

Not everyone joins books clubs for the dialogue. As a ..."

Meelie and the others have already answered to you, but I'd still like to answer to your comment too!

I'm definitely gonna check out your topic, it sounds really worth a debate/some discussion:) I'm 20 so high school is not that long ago, let's see how the discussion unfolds.
And about the experts Just because we have "experts" doesn't mean that nobody else is allowed to participate in the discussion. There are no silly questions, ask me anytime:)
Uff, I wasn't online in the last days, lots of reading to be done:)
You'll hear from me soon, ah, today was a day of history in the making for me:)

Keith, that HP reference was just perfect:)