Going back to what this thread was originally about I've only been here a few months, but I've got to say that this place is not like any other I've seen. usually people are rude and crass if you werent 'here from the start'. I havent experienced that here. I feel that not all the 'new' people are bad. I know I don't post a bajillion stories a day (the most I've done was two or three and I felt bad about doing THAT!) and I make sure I leave some sort of comment, whether its just a "great story" or some constructive criticism. I agree though about some of the one or two liners that have been posted.. those shouldnt be done.

Okay Mr Admin, since I tend to agree with Allmine, and I WAS a regular around here. By this new plan, I can basically give a bunch of comments to people and BUY my way onto the front page. I agree that we need to have a way of getting people to participate more and this is a decent idea, but I also believe that no one should be able to have their story on the front page without earning that honor.

I was on here all the time before, have you ever stopped to ask why I am not anymore? Have you wondered why all of those core members aren't here anymore? I know that you believe that anyone should be able to post something on here...to that I am a believer too. But there has got to be a better way to get the stories that belong on the front page on the front page.

Let's start brainstorming people...any ideas? Suggestions? Maybe a contest of some sort? That would be fun! Secret judges.....what do you guys think?

I agree with Lori,
The website StoryWars started with a similar format wherein you could vote for yourself whether it deserved it or not. StoryWars tanked a few days ago. The problem is that when the website is in its infancy, serious writers use it to both show their wares and read other similar serious writers works. Unfortunately it becomes populated with so much crap that serious writers leave in droves. When you see poetry on a short story site with inane grammatical errors voted as the top story, frustration sets in. This website was excellent at first when all stories were screened by the Adminstrator but I understand completely that you can't expect the Admin to review all the stories because of time constraints. Perhaps more contests and even charging nominal fees would bring back those that see creative writing as more than just a free site to publish IM's. They can do that on MY SPACE.
JJ

lorislittlesecret wrote:

QUOTE:
Okay Mr Admin, since I tend to agree with Allmine, and I WAS a regular around here. By this new plan, I can basically give a bunch of comments to people and BUY my way onto the front page. I agree that we need to have a way of getting people to participate more and this is a decent idea, but I also believe that no one should be able to have their story on the front page without earning that honor.

I was on here all the time before, have you ever stopped to ask why I am not anymore? Have you wondered why all of those core members aren't here anymore? I know that you believe that anyone should be able to post something on here...to that I am a believer too. But there has got to be a better way to get the stories that belong on the front page on the front page.

Let's start brainstorming people...any ideas? Suggestions? Maybe a contest of some sort? That would be fun! Secret judges.....what do you guys think?

One idea.Dont let newbies sudmit as soon as they join.They should get a email explaining the rules of the site.Give them 3 days.Let them see what this site is all about.Most of the time.Newbies spend two weeks sudmitting dribble and then their gone.

Second Idea.Please admin consider the points to sudmit stories idea.I know it's drastic but you gotta decide what direction you want this site to go.I sitE for serious writers at different levels or is it a free for all.

Admin have done a good job here and must be congratulated and they do care.Now thats me finished. I'm off to the pub.Who's with me.GOODNIGHT.

Flossy-
I certainly understand where you're coming from, and I actually did consider the credit requirement for story posting when I decided to integrate the whole credit system to Storiesville. To be honest, I guess I was somewhat hesitant to do that because I really do feel grateful that people are taking their time to visit our website and share their writings. But I see your point. You're absolutely right about the drive-by posters who spend about 2 minutes to submit their stories and never return until they are ready to post more of their stuff. I still appreciate their participation, but I recognize that I can't treat them on the same level as the other loyal members of the community (as you guys and gals like call them the core members). So yes, I will definitely consider using credits to submit stories, and work out a plan. Let me hear from other members as well before officially adding this option. It will probably decrease the number of postings per day dramatically, but hopefully this will help increase the quality of the stories in return.

I am, however, not so sure about 3 day of the grace period. I would be interested in hearing about other members' opinions on that.

I also encourage other members to join in this discussion. I don't want Storiesville to tank as whitj310 has put it.

Maybe for every 10 comments counted, members are giving 1 credit. Each credit earns them a single post. They could save them until they reach 30 if they want to submit 3 stories at once. But after 30 no more are given until they submit at least 1, and then it starts again at that point. If someone deletes the comment for what ever reason(abrasive, disrespectful, the commentor may still keep his counted comment.(its deleted and its forever gone off the face of your story..no harm done) Might cut down the rapidness of stories coming in and most stories would get viewed. I don't believe it would cause anyone to leave, I would hope not. People who never read; but just submit, might discover others have talent other then just them. Not sure how you would set that up,,,but Im sure anything is possible. Having a website this great already, and user friendly (by the way, I've been surfing a while and have never seen a more user friendly site--thats the truth)im sure you have the smarts to set up anything.

There are so many people(and we know who they are) who have a bunch of stories/poems but little to no comments unless its a response back to their own. These are the people who need to realize this site is not only for them....I dunno,,sounds good to me,,,but then, I like to read.

also,,,each comment must be more the 100 characters....in my opinion, with all that, this site would be an even more fantastic then it is already. Much thanks to the Admin for even listening.

I like potter's idea about commenting on others stories to earn a submission. I like to read other people's stories but I've got to admit I don't always post a comment; especially if I just dont like the story I feel no need to make an 'i didnt like your storyline' kind of comment. It does nothing to help the author technically with their writing. anyway potter's idea is a good one