Goodreads is a staple in the book reading community. Book lovers recognize it as the most well-known and established platform that offers a place to congregate, talk about books you're interested in, share thoughts on what you've read, and find your next read.

However, as times go on and change, Goodreads does not. That has led to many users deciding to leave the platform—a decision supported by years of unaddressed concerns and piling issues.

Here's why you should look into moving away from Goodreads.

1. Stagnant Under Amazon's Ownership

Ever since Goodreads got acquired by Amazon, users have had a bad taste in their mouths.

It's true that nothing appears to have changed, or be out of the ordinary, at least on a surface level. That in itself is a double-edged sword with users. Some are unhappy with the change of ownership but happy that nothing has changed.

Others are the exact opposite. They're unhappy that the Goodreads platform has become one of the many acquisitions under Jeff Bezos' belt and expected that, at the very least, it would lead to positive changes for the platform.

In any case, both camps tend to agree that they'd have preferred if the ownership switch hadn't happened at all.

2. Not Many New Features

Goodreads has been around since 2007. That's quite a long time to survive. At the start of 2021, Goodreads had more than 90 million members, which is an impressive feat and a testament to its ability to withstand the tests of time.

The issue is that in all that time, there haven't really been any major changes to its functionality. It remains the same website with the same basic functions. Many users complain about the stagnancy, but that appears to have little impact, as it continues to be a fact. Some users have set their sights on alternative platforms to Goodreads, of which there are plenty.

That's likely why users speak out louder and voice their complaints more prominently now, since there are so many good alternatives to the Goodreads platform. Good options that don't have the same issues. Or, if they did have them, have worked to address them.

3. Outdated Website Design

Many Goodreads users continue to complain about the platform's outdated design and to ask for a revamp. While you can still maintain the look that everyone associates with you, that doesn't mean that a little update now and then is a bad thing.

No one is preaching for a complete overhaul of the platform to where it's completely unrecognizable. But it's fair to say that you get underwhelmed when you go to the Goodreads site as it doesn't have that modern edge many other book lovers' sites possess, like, StoryGraph, Riffle, or BookTrib. They look a lot more crisp in their design than Goodreads.

That's hardly the sole reason for users to jump ship to other platforms, but it's certainly a contributing factor.

4. The Community Aren't Listened To

For years, users of the Goodreads platform have complained about the issue that arises when they don't finish a book. Here's the deal.

As it stands currently, if you don't read through the entirety of a book on Goodreads, there are two things you can do. One is to accept that you'll never finish it, and it becomes a permanent part of your reading list. Or, in an effort to get rid of it, lie about finishing it and write a bogus review on it. Neither option is particularly alluring.

That's not a new issue, and despite countless users complaining about it, it remains a part of the Goodreads experience. The competing StoryGraph platform did address it, and made it simple by adding a third button. Apart from the read and currently reading options, you also get a did not finish (DNF) button. Why hasn't Goodreads done the same? It would make so many of its users happy, yet they keep not implementing the change.

That's only one of the issues that don't get addressed, but it's the perfect example of something that's simple but would have a massive positive impact on the platform. Yet, Goodreads continues to ignore its users' requests.

5. The Review Process Remains Unchanged

Reviewing a book is one of the most rewarding experiences. Sharing your thoughts, praises, and complaints leaves you with the best feeling. It's great that Goodreads allows for reviews. However, it's not great that they haven't changed the review process in recent years.

So many Goodreads alternatives exist now, and that leads to comparisons. When you compare the platform with others and what they offer, it's apparent when Goodreads falls behind.

Let's take StoryGraph. It's among the most recent arrivals in the avid reader sphere, and users are flocking to it because of its incredible functionalities.

Whereas Goodreads is stuck on a full star system, StoryGraph allows you to give out half and quarter stars. Not every book deserves a full five stars, even though you may have liked it, but with Goodreads, you have to wonder whether four stars is underselling it. StoryGraph fixes that by giving you the ability to split the difference.

Apart from the change in the star rating, StoryGraph also allows you to make a much more comprehensive book review. There's a massive section that you can fill out about the book, like pacing, mood, character development, and more.

Goodreads only lets you write down your thoughts on the book, give the title a star rating, mark whether you're reading, will read, or have read the book, and add the time you took to go through it. That feels like it's not enough, especially when you start comparing and realize how other websites allow you to review.

6. The App Is Buggy and Crashes

Goodreads has an app, but it's almost better to pretend that the app doesn't exist.

The app crashes frequently, so often it's not worth using at all. Sometimes, the app can cause your phone to freeze, with only a full restart fixing it. There are so many better apps for book lovers.

What's more, the iOS and Android versions differ in features, but both are not nearly as good as the website itself is. The Goodreads app is not nearly as stable as it should be, especially when considering that the platform has Amazon money behind it.

You Don't Need to Keep Using Goodreads

Why should you leave Goodreads? Well, it's very simple: because you can.

The bottom line is, there are so many better alternatives to Goodreads. It's not worth putting up with the platform simply out of nostalgia. Though it might have been the best book cataloging platform once, that's hardly the case today. It's better to look elsewhere to fill your book reading record needs, find your next read and a community to belong to.

Goodreads is no longer leading the group but falling behind everyone else. Newer platforms that continuously update their functionalities have popped up in recent years and keep popping up even now.

You'd best find a Goodreads alternative that fits your every requirement instead of settling with using something that's found lacking in comparison. Don't be content with Goodreads, be happy elsewhere.