Well, I'm done... - Writers Forum

valeca · 04-05-2005, 12:46 PM

When I first joined WF, I was immediately impressed with the amount and calibur of writing I had found. Lately, though, all I've found is it degenerating into a free-for-all.

There is a serious lack of discussion about writing and writing posts in general. I've come to see that the time I spend here is dwindling in a big way. And sadly, I don't see that improving the way things are going. I enjoyed reading works in progress and seeing the advice that came with it. Now, those thing just barely even exists here...

It's really a shame that something so great is being brought down to roll around in the muck. I suspect I'm not alone in feeling this way. And I suspect more than a few have began seeking out other sites in which to fulfill their writing.

I can appreciate the social aspects of a writing forum, but when there is a serious lack in anything writing related, there's a problem.

EDIT: I wasn't sure where this post belonged...but I felt it needed to be said.

Bhauger · 04-05-2005, 01:10 PM

You're right. Since this is a writing forum, we should not deviate from the writing. Especially not in a forum called "THE LOUNGE", basically a name for "OFF TOPIC."

cyberspecter · 04-05-2005, 01:14 PM

I'm in total agreement. Some people who were sharing writing and their advice and support on writing have stopped coming here.

I've not been here as long as some, but even in the short two months I've been her I've seen non writing topics expand and writing posts and especially comments contract...

I hope this trend does not continue, but fear with the summer break coming up that it will worsen...

And so another chapter comes to a close...wonder how the novel will end...

Paul

valeca · 04-05-2005, 01:17 PM

You missed the point, B.

When the majority of the posts aren't writing related, it's hard to think of it as a writing site any longer.

Selorian · 04-05-2005, 01:21 PM

Quote:

You're right. Since this is a writing forum, we should not deviate from the writing. Especially not in a forum called "THE LOUNGE", basically a name for "OFF TOPIC."

Bhauger, grow up, you are one of the people complaining about the same thing I think Val is referring to, just in a different way. If you are posting here, it proves to me you are someone that just likes to create controversy and offer nothing that benefits the actual purpose of this site. I usually am not so blunt, but I am highly dissappointed in the way things have been going here lately too.

Val, I understand your concerns, and hopefully something can be done about it. I would like to say that the Lounge would be a place for non-ridiculous off topic discussions, but doubt it will happen. Also, I would hope that instead of adding to them, more people would use the forum for what it was, but don't see that happening anytime soon either. I agree, WF needs to get back to what it once was.

Cliff

**Penelope** · 04-05-2005, 01:29 PM

What? It's changed? I never noticed! It must be my fault.

Kimberly Bird · 04-05-2005, 01:49 PM

Hi Valeca, sorry to hear you are leaving. And sorry if I never got a chance to read any of your stuff or others lately. I know for myself, as a mentor, I have not been up to snuff.

I wish you would reconsider and stay.

Kimberly

valeca · 04-05-2005, 02:02 PM

oh, I didn't mean I was leaving..just stating what I had noticed happening lately.

But ty, Kimberly..I do appreciate it.

Pen: touche

gohn67 · 04-05-2005, 02:05 PM

Glad you're not really leaving Valeca. I always enjoy the stories you post.

But I do agree that things have gotten a little out of hand, with that April Fool's Pope thread, and Babs and her Lounge posts.

**Penelope** · 04-05-2005, 02:34 PM

Valeca, thanks for taking my ribbing in the way it was meant. I'd like you to take a look at this thread.

http://www.writingforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=2172

If you notice the date it was in November 2003 when the membership was reaching 700. Now it's where? In just over a year this site has rocketed through the roof to pushing 4000.

I've been around for a while and have found this to be the hottest site for feedback and lively times. I stay here because I like it.

Sure, I get grumpy (shh .. don't tell anyone) once in a while but I have yet to find another spot with as much action and interaction as this place.

The site now has moderators, mentors and even a roaming rogue supervisor. This doesn't include noble Chrispian who hosts this venue and spends a lot of time fine tuning a wonderful hot spot.

I do have other interests when it comes to writing but I try to do my bit here as much as I can. It's not because I hate the place either.

There are some malcontents (not you but *hint* they never seem to know who they are) which mess up things in their undying quest for attention amongst this host of heathens. I see them come and go as their star fades into another barfed up mass of tarnished tinsel.

I'm glad you aren't leaving by the way. I'll still keep doing what I'm doing.

LoneWolf · 04-05-2005, 02:39 PM

I understand what you mean. Even though I have recently gotten off topic and joined them (the whole Lounge war; I couldn't help myself) I've realized how crazy it's starting to get here.

Don't you just wish there was some form of spring cleaning for forums? But I do love WF, and I'm sure this part of WF history will pass...hopefully. Glad you're not leaving Valeca!

LW

cyberspecter · 04-05-2005, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Penelope

There are some malcontents (not you but *hint* they never seem to know who they are) which mess up things in their undying quest for attention amongst this host of heathens. I see them come and go as their star fades into another barfed up mass of tarnished tinsel.

Ma'am..I beg to differ..they DO know who they are...though I agree it's all for attention. Suppose they feel they won't get any by just writing.. but I hope it will pass soon..

daniela · 04-05-2005, 03:04 PM

All I have to say is RELAX. Things grow and change, as do people. WF will turn around again soon once the new blood figures out how things work around here and the malcontents either shape up or find a new “playground.” The best thing you can do is stay involved. Post critiques, start interesting topics for discussion (for instance, is posting your work on a forum or personal website a form of self-publishing?), and basically lead by example.

This has happened before, it will happen again. Just weather the bad times as best you can and when WF becomes "good" again, you will treasure it that much more because you stuck it out instead of quitting.

Like Penelope, just keep doing what you're doing.

--DM--

Queasy Dillo · 04-05-2005, 03:14 PM

I too have noticed this. In fact, LoneWolf and myself had a rather extensive PM conversation about the matter lately. The tone of the board is beginning to change. The literary elements are fading. Politics are moving in. Tact seems to be a distant memory.

Part of the trouble is a sudden influx of new members. While this isn't necessarily a bad thing (more members = more material and more critiques), an unsettling numbers of the newbies seem to begin posting without getting a feel for what WF is and how it works.

Also the idea of compromise seems to have taken one on the nose. In recent debates, there is no chance to agree to disagree - it's the black and white matter of "I'm right, you're an idiot". This is thoroughly useless and creates nothing but bad blood. There are other boards that exist solely for political/religious debate. Take it there. When on WF, keep it to yourself.

And, like others have said, I've begun spending less and less time here. I recognize fewer faces nowadays, and to be quite honest I'm just not seeing much that grabs my attention. I can still write the odd critique here and there, but sometimes it's a real stretch to do just that.

With any luck this is just a cycle and the unpleasantness will move on. Or so we can hope.

Ilan Bouchard · 04-05-2005, 03:14 PM

Indeed valeca, we can only do our best to restore order in the forums.

I was worried you were leaving as well. The forums just wouldn't seem the same without you.

There is no pollution we can't purge.