From what I understand it would work like this:

There would be a bunch of books suggested and then we all decide on one book. I'm not sure how it's going to be decided, but one idea is to have someone (or someones) who is familiar with the book sort of lead/help along the discussion.

The books would have to be available readily available at the library or in paperback. I say readily available because most of the popular new books at my library have horribly long (as in several hundred people) lists.

A date would be set to start the discussion and to end the discussion and pick a new book. It woudl be enough time for everyone to read the book.

Also people would know the begin/end dates so if they don't want to read a book (for whatever reason) it's easy to unsub and then resub when it's time to pick a new book.

Somebody had suggestions in Literary, and Cindy linked to a site with suggestions, but I'm far too lazy to look them up.

I think a month was suggested to read the book.

I'd agree with that, except I think we'd pick books for the next few months at least all at once, so that people can see what's coming down the pike and have extra lead time if they want it.

All that is for discussion in thread if it passes.

Speaking just for myself, I'm undecided so far, but will definitely vote against it if this is the case. I don't think it makes any sense to create a new thread, knowing it will have structure, and then decide what that structure will be.

I skipped and so I beg forgiveness.

You also missed the part where I suggested an Allyson thread be implemented in the future.

That'll teach you to skim.

ETA: I also agree with Jessica. I think that the way in which the thread will work needs to be hammered out now and included in the proposal.

I would actually have a book in the queue before discussion on the previous ends. And I'm not sure with as chatty and opinionated as we are anyone really needs to lead a discussion. But whatever works.

I don't think it makes any sense to create a new thread, knowing it will have structure, and then decide what that structure will be.

Personally, I might've chosen to hash it out in thread first. Except for the fact that a number of people have mentioned the difficulty of building an online book club, so I think it's important to have some flexibility and not lock ourselves into a particular schedule or set up ahead of time. But before a vote or after, I do think the [old or new] thread is the place for that conversation, not so much this one.

I don't think it makes any sense to create a new thread, knowing it will have structure, and then decide what that structure will be.

I think it's worded that way in the proposal, Jessica. I see your point, though. I'm guessing proposals can be amended if the proposer agrees? It might be worthwhile to create a bare bones structure. Doesn't mean it would have to be written in stone, right? We could word flexibly. Part of the deal, if it goes through, would involve figuring out what works and doesn't as we go along.

I can look at the site Cindy linked to see what some basic suggestions are.

Speaking just for myself, I'm undecided so far, but will definitely vote against it if this is the case.

No, you speak for me, too. I'd need to know more about the structure before I could vote, otherwise it seems I'm just voting for a mess.

Yeah, I don't think we need to have every tiniest detail worked out and a reading schedule through 2005 settled upon, but it'd be nice to have some broad parameters, e.g.:

1. How do we select books? Vote? Work from some master list of Great Works? Let participants nominate their favorites, and get the reading order by random draw?
2. Do we want some sort of moderator/discussion leader, or just let everyone have at it the day a discussion starts?
3. One book at a time, or 2-3 parallel tracks?
4. One book per month? Every two weeks? Or what?

Though if we can have that discussion while simultaneously arguing about proliferation, I dunno. But I also want to have some idea of just what this book club is going to be before I vote on it.

FWIW, I'm for the new thread, while undecided on whether or not I'll participate.