[gekkostate]

Great questions!

1. How would you keep it discussion-centric (not GoodReads) ...?

2. How will this be any different than a simple online forum about literature?

To answer your first question -- the idea is to use the guided questions as a basis for your discussion. So, you already start on firm ground followed by questions/prompts for the group you're in. A lot of this is dependent on the UI/UX however, I am considering having structured responses which aren't entirely free form or even, a series of responses with a mix of both.

Why is this not just a forum about literature? Literature forums typically are composed of, essentially, smaller book clubs. The problem is that book clubs will have a group of people that you'll have to edge your way into and they'll be going at a specific pace and roadmap. On the other hand, with Qitab, you're not beholden to the whims of a book club etc. Instead, you start with structured questions to engage you with your text so you have the upside of a book club without being a part of one _and_ when you're ready, you can search out other people on Qitab who are also reading the book so you can engage when you want.

I hope that answers your questions! It would be awesome if you could visit http://qitab.club and sign up (you're e-mail is 100% confidential and _will not_ be shared with advertisers etc.) -- that'll be a really great vote of confidence and I can follow up with you as we're developing.