Is it based on what you post or what you read/order? The reason I ask is I dont usually read the books I post, but the books I order I dont ever post I keep them. ( I collect a certain type of book Forgotten Realms and so any new books get put in the collection.

(Similarity percentage) = how you and your buddies or other members might have similar reading habits 

I think it's a combination of everything: what you post, what you request, your BIR, what genres are involved, and what's on your WL, etc. Therefore, I don't think it's very accurate in most cases, since a lot of people run an account for more than one person, or post books they don't read, etc.

If they did it just off our book ratings, it'd be more accurate, but I'm certain that they don't.

I wish I knew.  I sort of like the feature even if it isn't too accurate.  I'm always disappointed when a member doesn't have a public profile so I can check the similarity index!  ;D

Ruth

Sure sure, but it's more than merely current wishlist.  I've checked members with a high similarity percentage to mine, and found very little we have wl'd in common.  Therefore, I assume there is more criteria such as transactions and other account history type data.

The help center mentions that it's based on wishlist, book ratings and favorite genres, but it doesn't specifically say that those are the only things used.  I've always wished we could search member's profiles by keywords, I'd love to find other British mystery lovers that way so I could search their shelves and wishlists!  I've never found the similarity index to work very well for me.

I was thinking if they based it on anything it should be based on books you order........those are the kind of books you actually read. Do not even base it on the wishlist. That I think would narrow it down to members that are more alike. Like when I hit that FABIL button I get the kind of books I like....if PBS could do that with members it would be cool. Dont get me wrong I know how to search for the books I like and find them....I just think it would be cool to meet more people who like the same books I like.....

You know its kind funny I bet we would all like to put are little changes in to somehow make this site better for ourselves......I guess I am just grateful to be a member here my TBR pile is awesome.

I thought it was based on the Magic 8 Ball...

hmmm well I guess that explains alot.......

My sister finally joined a few days ago.  She joined, filled out the info and then we spent the day doing other things.  That night, I noticed I had a buddy request from her, logged on to here and saw that we had 37% similarity even though she had no books on her bookshelf or WL or anything yet.  She had only set up an account and then had to put the rest off until the evening. 

I think a 37% similarity score simply means that you're both human.  I've gotten 40+ scores with members who have nothing but romances on their bookshelves/wishlists, while I do not have a single romance listed anywhere.  I think they matched us because we're both middle-aged females.  Did not see any other similarity.  I'm starting to think that a score below 50% means that you essentially have no book tastes in common.