Great pointers for New Members

[Elizabeth-Tush4Christ]

I was once a new member and had no idea how to navigate the site or search for something not included on the page. Well truth is they're included you just won't find it if you don't know where to look. An example is the giveaway entry done daily I had no idea there was a daily giveaway and I could enter. After a few months, I was able to get to it.
If you need help navigating your page leave a question and we can sure figure it out together. Here to help. Feel free to shoot me a dm we can be friends or foe seriously I am still trying to figure out why we have the Foe option

[Esther-David]

I've also been a member for a little bit and was initially confused on the website navigation! I just found out about the daily giveaways and entries

Thanks for making this post. Do you have any other tips on features to utilize?

[Gerry Steen]

I was once a new member and had no idea how to navigate the site or search for something not included on the page. Well truth is they're included you just won't find it if you don't know where to look. An example is the giveaway entry done daily I had no idea there was a daily giveaway and I could enter. After a few months, I was able to get to it.
If you need help navigating your page leave a question and we can sure figure it out together. Here to help. Feel free to shoot me a dm we can be friends or foe seriously I am still trying to figure out why we have the Foe option

This is a great idea to set up this post, Elizabeth. You are solving a common issue experienced by all. Thank you! I will check from time to time to see if I can help. Have a good day!

[Jane Gent]

Hi Elizabeth,
Having trouble with climbing the progress ladder! I’ve been here a few months now and am still stuck on level 0. When I first joined I didn’t take into account the time difference for updates so I have a few penalties for that to make up for. I don’t have time to read the BOTD and even find the daily giveaway a bit of a challenge time wise. I’ve done the Facebook, twitter and Pinterest sign in. Any other ideas?
Much appreciated, thank you.
Jane

[Nevo Ifeanyi]

Thank you. I am a new member, to navigate this site is very technical and complex. I think the admins or owners should simplify and make it easier for new members and also old members to fully navigate. Thank you

[Nevo Ifeanyi]

As a new member I don't know how it is done on this platform, the reviews that I sent for a free book has been pending since a week now and which has made me stuck in one level. Any suggestions please

[Adrian Bouknight]

Hi Elizabeth,
Having trouble with climbing the progress ladder! I’ve been here a few months now and am still stuck on level 0. When I first joined I didn’t take into account the time difference for updates so I have a few penalties for that to make up for. I don’t have time to read the BOTD and even find the daily giveaway a bit of a challenge time wise. I’ve done the Facebook, twitter and Pinterest sign in. Any other ideas?
Much appreciated, thank you.
Jane

For me, I started back in May and I am at an 84 reviewer score.

I think that for starters, filling my bookshelf for 10 points was a good first step. Finding books that I would like to read, and filling them up.

Linking your Facebook account for another 10.

Then, I don't regularly participate in the BOTD because I can't read a book every single day, I don't have the time. However, the BOTM opportunities are really significant, so I try to participate in the forums for 10 points there.

Then the rest just comes organically through conducting reviews (and continually learning from editors) and engaging forums. The "In it Together" opportunity is good as well, as you can gain an additional 10 points there.

And being sure to use things like Microsoft Word or Grammarly to assist with the review of grammar and spelling is a big deal as well. Grammarly has a free option that can do wonders with proofreading assistance.

[Jane Gent]

Thanks ever so much. I have ‘In it together’ to read actually, just not got around to it yet - and yes, the BOTM is a good compromise too. Thanks for the pointers!

[Linnea Doumas]

Thanks for making this post! I'm new and struggle a bit learning the ropes with things like this.

Not sure if you or anyone here can advise on this, but I've been wondering about something and couldn't find an answer to elsewhere. I recently started to read a book here with the intention of reviewing it but quickly decided it was not for me. Certain things that can't be conveyed in the book description, such as writing style and character development, are very important to me and I end up putting down a not-insignificant number of books that I've started. It doesn't really matter for books that I read on my own, of course, but does that have any effect on our account here? The guidelines and explanation of the points/levels don't say anything about penalties, but I just want to see if anyone knows. The only compensation in this case was the free e-book, by the way.

Also, any guidelines for forum posts? I want to contribute to a BOTM discussion, but my first review took a few tries to get it approved and I don't want to get to get dinged again for bad forum contributions.

[Gerry Steen]

Thanks for making this post! I'm new and struggle a bit learning the ropes with things like this.

Not sure if you or anyone here can advise on this, but I've been wondering about something and couldn't find an answer to elsewhere. I recently started to read a book here with the intention of reviewing it but quickly decided it was not for me. Certain things that can't be conveyed in the book description, such as writing style and character development, are very important to me and I end up putting down a not-insignificant number of books that I've started. It doesn't really matter for books that I read on my own, of course, but does that have any effect on our account here? The guidelines and explanation of the points/levels don't say anything about penalties, but I just want to see if anyone knows. The only compensation in this case was the free e-book, by the way.

Also, any guidelines for forum posts? I want to contribute to a BOTM discussion, but my first review took a few tries to get it approved and I don't want to get to get dinged again for bad forum contributions.

Hi, Linnea. Regarding the book that you decided was not for you, I think you can go to your Update tab and choose the option that basically states you did not complete the book and that you hate it. Please don't take my word as the ultimate truth, as I am telling you this from memory without checking. Check it out yourself. i don't believe there is any penalty for this. But check the reviewer guidelines to be sure.

Regarding the BOTM discussion, click on that forum and proceed to give your opinion on any of the topics. To be able to do this you might have to provide a proof of purchase with a screenshot of the Amazon, or Barnes and Noble, or other book provider receipt of purchase even if the purchase was free. But first, try to leave your comment on the forum. If they want you to provide the screenshot of the proof of purchase, they will let you know.

I hope this was helpful and that your questions were answered. Have a great evening.

[Diana Lowery]

Thanks for making this post! I'm new and struggle a bit learning the ropes with things like this.

Not sure if you or anyone here can advise on this, but I've been wondering about something and couldn't find an answer to elsewhere. I recently started to read a book here with the intention of reviewing it but quickly decided it was not for me. C The guidelines and explanation of the points/levels don't say anything about penalties, but I just want to see if anyone knows. The only compensation in this case was the free e-book, by the way.

Here is an old link on the topic of unfinished books. As far as I know, this policy has not changed.
viewtopic.php?f=132&t=183761&hilit
"There is a penalty that is based on percentages.
As long as you have a higher percentage of completed reviews than unfinished, the penalty shouldn't come into effect. I also believe Scott made it to where it doesn't take effect for new reviewers, as they don't have the buffer of completed reviews, but I can't say for certain."

[Michelle stately]

Hello, new user here! Learning as I go along, reading, checking out tabs and becoming familiar with the website!

[Qwerty Writes]

It was real nice of you to do this. Honestly, I feel the same way. What is the foe option for? Why is it there? And also, does the other person see that you have placed them as your foe? It's quite the scandal if they do but also how would that play out? I'd like to find out, truly.

[Bossrichking]

Thank you so much, Elizabeth!
You're definitely a lifesaver for a newcomer. I'm looking through the whole thing and it feels like a daunting task to shift through it all.

Glad to know you're offering a helping hand. Wil definitely message ASAP when I find myself in a predicament (which is soon hehe).

[jwcalloway]

Can you help me, please? I am lost. I purchased the two-week social media blast over two weeks ago and have not received anything from the Online Book Club referring to it. I do not know where to go to find information on it. Could you please direct me to where I need to go?