Shelfari

Taking a 5-Minute Break

The team has been working long, crazy hours for the last few weeks to bring you some features that we think you'll really like.  There's been a lot of late nights and mediocre pizza from Mario's on the first floor, but we're getting closer.

I just though we'd take a 5-minute break and enjoy a good playlist to enhance your reading enjoyment.  You can try playing these tunes on Rhapsody, my former employer and habitual love.

--Dave

Music to Read to

1. Chocolate Town by Ween
2. Sloop John B by The Beach Boys
3. Paint The Silence by South
4. Honey And The Moon by Joseph Arthur
5. White Flagby Dido
6. Orange Sky by Alexi Murdoch
7. Caught By The River by Doves
8. Don't Give Up On Me by Solomon Burke
9. Lazy Days by Leona Naess
10. All Kinds Of Time by Fountains of Wayne

Big changes just went live

You'll notice that we made some fairly dramatic changes to our book pages today.  We think you'll love (or grow to love) what we've done.

When we set out on this endeavor, Tim (Shelfari's designer/artiste) focused on bringing books to life by showing the community behind each book.  While the old book design focused on information about the books, the new design gives you a glimpse into the book's community. Now it's much easier to find out which friends, members and groups have the same book.  Add or remove the book from your shelf or lists with a single click.  You can even add your rating/review and join the community discussion without ever leaving the page!

So... what changed?  First off, you’ll notice that the page is much faster.  There are no more overlaying screens when you create tags or add a book to a shelf.  All of that is done right on the page with one quick click.  You can write reviews right on the page… and hopefully this design will compel us all to opine with greater frequency. 

You’ll also notice that we’ve put Shelfarians with that book on the book page with their avatars.  This allows you to go off into their world and find a new friend… or at something new to read.  Click on the more button to find more friends.  We also list groups that have that book on the group shelf.

OK, so many of you may know that the single-most requested feature in on our feedback page is the ability to pick the cover for your book.  We weren’t neglecting you.  We just wanted to do it right.  Now, once you add a book to your shelf, you can choose your cover so it truly reflects what’s on your actual shelf.

We hope the new book pages make it easier for you to discuss your favorite books, find new friends and share your love of reading with kindred spirits.  Please do send us your feedback... We read all of it.  Truly.

--Josh