Is it possible to search for friends by similarity? It seems like this would be the best method, since we all like to talk to people who like the same things we do. I just haven't figured out how to do that.

Robin

I've found that specific forums are the best, for me, to connect with people who like the same genres and authors as I do.

I don't have a lot of 'friends' per se as I'm not much into private messaging, but I've thoroughly enjoyed sharing comments and likes/dislikes with the Mystery & Thriller and Love & Romance forums. Unfortunately I've picked up a lot of new-to-me authors which has my TBR exploding at an alarming rate.

This doesn't actually answer your question. I have no idea on how to search that way.

Gail

To the best of my knowledge (and per the Help Center), this is only visible with folks on your friends list, so there's no way to search.

Gail's suggestion is a good one, though -- you'll find active members to befriend, and all sorts of new ways to send your Wish List out of control.

I third checking out the forums for the genres you like to read. That is the best way to find people interested in the same type of books!

And, don't forget the 'Hidden Gems" forum ... people interested in talking about books (as opposed to talking about random topics) go there as well.

If you like historical fiction the HF forum is great.  The ladies (well most of them are ladies) are friendly and knowledgeable.  Be prepared to watch your TBR pile to grow into a mountain.

If you click on their profile, then the similarity percent is listed in the side bar.

I never understand that percentage - sometimes it will say 45-60% and I look and see nothing we have in common.

I agree Margaret--the % seems way off a lot of times.  In fact, I have one friend who the % similarity always shows between 102% and 112%....not sure how someone can be more than a 100% similar to me!!   It makes me laugh. 

I agree that the similarity percentage is often way off...the genre forums are a much better way to find folks who like the same authors and types of books that you do. Granted, only a very small percentage of people use the PBS forums, but at least then you can get acquainted with those you know are active and who have mentioned authors you like.

If the system uses books you post/on your bookshelf as one of the factors in determining similarity, I can see why they would be off, as many books I post I get from family or book sales and are of a type I never read myself.

Cheryl

I keep asking that same question about how the "similarity"  % is calculated 'cause it sure doesn't meet the standard definition of "similar interests" when we try to make friends!   THE PTB at PBS told me it's based on the similarity of books you have on your wishlist and your BIR list.    Unfortunately, I was a member for almost a year before I started a wishlist so that didn't help me figure it out.  Then when I looked at my BIR and their BIR the matches of books and authors were almost non-existent!  I still don't get it.