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Our club hit 50 members and I think it's making our talks worse
Everyone was excited when we passed 50 people in our Seattle book group, but I see a real problem. Bigger groups mean more people just agree with the loudest voice instead of sharing their own take. Last month, 15 people said they loved 'Project Hail Mary' but only 3 could actually say why beyond 'it was fun'. Has anyone else found a way to keep real debate alive when a club gets this big?
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jamesfox6mo ago
Actually, bigger groups are way better for book talks. More people means more chances someone has a really wild take that gets everyone talking. That thing about people just agreeing? Maybe they just actually agree. If 15 people loved a book, that's a good sign the club picked something great. The three people with reasons give everyone else something to think about for next time. Trying to force "debate" just makes meetings feel like homework.
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perry.evan6mo ago
Honestly that Seattle group sounds like it's working just fine. Fifteen people liking a book is a good thing, not a problem. Big groups mean you hear from folks who might not speak up in a smaller setting, they just need time to feel comfortable. Forcing a debate every time can make people not want to come back. The goal is to talk about books, not win an argument. If three people gave reasons, that's a solid start for the next meeting.
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