The Sunday Salon: Looking to The New Year

Hello all. Hope everyone enjoyed the holiday or just the time off. It's the close of the year and after reading a few year-end wrap ups or New Year resolutions, I'm not so thrilled about sharing my own version of either. First of all, I can barely remember the day before so trying to put a year into perspective is practically futile for me and since I'm feeling like two tons of fun after eating holiday food, I don't want to talk about my weight issue. Let's move to some non-threatening, non-depressing items like a few changes, questions and requests for feedback here.

Let's start with our book loan program. Do any of you even know about it? No one has taken advantage of it. I cannot accept non-use in 2010. Many of these books are visibly used books so I'm not comfortable putting them in the Prize Bucket but they cannot collect dust. That's not how we roll at Color Online. I will be speaking to staff at the local library about starting a book chat group so there are some options for sharing there but for here, I'm thinking of doing a Color Online Book Swap. Anyone familiar with Paperbackswap.com? Like PBS, requesters would request a book but unlike PBS, instead of swapping with a credit, you swap a book for a book or send postage. You send me postage to cover the shipping and I'll send you the book. I'd also extend the choice of book from the Swap stash to prize winners. What do you all think?

We need and I am going to start harassing folks if necessary for guest bloggers. The reality is my life has forever changed since my daughter entered high school and my new job has meant I no longer have online access during the day. This is a community not the "Susan Show" so show up people or I will find you. lol Please, please contact me if you're willing to guest blog.

If you have suggestions or ideas for new features please let me know. What should we keep? What sounded like a good idea but isn't giving us bang for our buck? What would you like to see new? Should I create a poll for this?

There are several reading challenges launching in January. I've already shared with you Women Unbound and let me say, it could use some color. I'm really hoping, asking members of this community to join on some level. There are different levels of participation and the blogosphere needs more brown. Blog brown, people.

In 2010, I'm joining Social Justice, South Asian Authors, The Challenge That Dared Not Speak It's Name (GLBT) and 2010 Young Adult Challenge as well as Women Unbound. Have you participated in reading challenges in the past? Plans for this year? Share your recommendations.

Well, that was less painful than I thought. What about you? Resolutions, goals or challenges for 2010?