Discussing and Remembering Dewey

[Maw Books]

It is a sad week within the book blogging community. Dewey from Hidden Side of a Leaf passed away this past week. To say that she leaves behind a huge void is a understatement. Not only was she a prolific reader, reviewer and blogger but she was also the founder and organizer of Weekly Geeks, the Bookworms Carnival, and the 24 Hour Read-a-Thon. And I'm sure I'm unaware of many others. We have all been influenced by her amazing energy, creative juices and bringing the community together. She was a wonderful friend. Florinda at The 3 R's: Reading, 'Riting, and Randomness perhaps summed everything up best on this well thought out post. She already has a list of bloggers willing to help.

There has been a lot of discussion on many blogs and twitter about how to cope with that loss.

Some of that discussion has included:

1 - How to best express our condolences to Dewey's family. Many of us have her address in which to send cards/packages. It's been mentioned to donate money/books to her local library, donate money to have her family plant a tree in her name, gather all the online tributes to make sure that Dewey's family doesn't miss them all, send flowers, etc.

2. - How to best carry on the amazing community building events that Dewey started. Many have already expressed interest in taking up some of these projects, includes challenges, Weekly Geeks, the 24 Hour Read-a-thon (this has gotten so big, it probably should have a dedicated blog), secret santa (with Nymeth), and the Bookworms Carnival. Dewey already had a lot of help on many of these projects so I'm sure many feel more prepared than others to step up to the plate.

3 - Raych from Books I Done Read has asked for a RIP button to place on our blogs.

4 - Keeping Dewey's husband in the loop. He mentioned that he would like to either see Dewey's blog continue or just let it rest. Either way, I think he should be in the know how.

So what now? Let's figure it out! Ideas, like to help, etc? I thought that we should get a discussion going in just one place, so it's not spread out among everybody. This certainly doesn't make me the "moderator" here. I just want to be able to talk amongst ourselves. What have I missed?

And if you're reading this discussion that get the word out and direct traffic over here. I'll set up another discussion to list links of our remembrance posts.

[Ali]

If we think we're signed up to do a Carnival that's not yet listed on the website do you want us to tell you, or do you already have all the information you need?

[Maw Books]

Jackie - I think you , Jessica at Bluestocking and Renay at Bottle of Shine need to be the only ones involved with Bookworms Carnival. I doubt it would take more than the three of you. Both of those girls have expressed strong interest in being involved. Once you get together you can give us further details. Like Ali said, I know Dewey had emails out about scheduling (one to me at least). Just let us know if you need anything! ;)

[Literary Escapism]

That works for me. Jessica & Renay let me know how you want to do this.

I've been looking at the bookworms page at Dewey's site, so if you're not listed there, then wait to see what we're doing. But definitely check that first.

[Renay]

I'm a member of the group now, so I can be reached that way; my e-mail is available there, too. Is that going to be our main form of communication for now?

[Shelly Burns]

I just joined the Yahoogroup for the carnivals. I would be interested in hosting one of the summer openings.

[Maw Books]

FYI - I have emailed Dewey's husband alerting him to this discussion. Of course, we should only proceed with his input and blessing.

[Maw Books]

FYI - I received an email back from Dewey's husband. I'm sure he won't mind me sharing his thoughts:

"I believe that having the 24 hour read-a-thon become decentralized and led by several people was actually the next step in any case; I talked to her after the last one, and her health just wasn't up to it. Weekly Geeks, challenges, all that stuff, there's no copyright there, and she game it to the wider community.

I remember when she started her blog and we were talking about it. I said to her that the best way to increase audience size was to remember that building a community is the way to go. She was in total agreement; she loved building community. Take the community projects and run with 'em, with my and her blessings.

Good luck!"

It seems that we are all in agreement here. I'd hate to see her projects go, so I'm pleased that we'll continue forth with the amazing foundation she set forth.

[Ali]

Good to know. Thank you, Nathasha. (And now I'm sad all over again.)

[Maw Books]

Me too. It just doesn't feel right.

[Florinda]

Thanks, Natasha. I posted an update on my blog this morning re: Dewey's projects continuing, and just edited it to include your quote from his e-mail. I'm glad we have the blessing to continue - but yeah, it does seem somehow wrong at the same time.

[Maw Books]

More buttons (besides the ones shown here) can be found over at Stephanie's blog. I'd encourage you to post one on your blog.

[Gentle Reader]

I think keeping Weekly Geeks going as a new and separate blog is a great idea. Also, I like Amy's idea for a memorial--I'd be happy to donate to whatever cause the book bloggers agree on in her name. Thanks for getting this started!