OK I'm weighing up whether to join the site or not. It certainly is different from others and has a friendly feel. The critiqueing seems healthy and measured if a little lite, and the forums are just terrific. Great how it's organised too, really feels like you are 'in' a place with different ways of getting around and places to hang out. Brilliant really. But I'm eager to know how the 'experts' thing works. Are experts co-owners of the site, or do they have a financial interest, are they paid by contribution, or is their input unpaid and altruistuc and ad hoc? If the latter then what should a member be allowed to expect from an expert if anything. If it's the former, should a paying member be allowed to expect certain things from an expert and if so, what? There's no doubt the experts add gravitas and a certain indefinable structure to the site and are a strong part of the appeal, so I'd just like to know how that works.

Z

Well, David or Anna or any of the experts, please chip in.

For all I know it's different for different experts, but judging by myself, we're not paid or connected in a business way to the site, though recently we have started receiving, shall we say, an honorarium. Some are very established writers, some - like me - have risen through the ranks. We each contribute as we think best: some host or mainly contribute to a group, and concentrate on it and critting its work. Some crit anything they feel they can help with. I mainly hang around in the forum, as I find it hard to clear the time to do proper crits, and I'm endlessly intrigued by the ins and outs and oddities of the publishing trade and its relationship (or lack of it) to aspiring writers. Like any other expert, I'm happy to do a crit if I'm asked for it, time permitting (it takes me at least an hour of concentrated work).

If you want to know more, the best thing would be to ask David Bruce or Anna Reynolds via the 'contact us' link at the bottom of the page.

Emma

Emma,

That's interesting. I was told the conditions of site experts receiving the 'honorarium' were that we make at least three critiques per month on members' writing (e.g. not including comments on interviews). Do you have a different arrangement to the rest of us?

Terry

yes terry that's correct.

Sorry, David, I'm not clear what you mean by 'correct': that site experts have to complete at least three critiques per month, or that there are different arrangement for different experts? If the latter, I'd appreciate some clarity on that. For the record, I enjoy critiquing, and am happy to do more than required. However, a contract is a contract. If there are two different kinds - one that is based on specific work being carried out, and another that is left to personal whim, I'd like to know about it.

Terry

"unpaid and altruistuc and ad hoc?" - That's me. I only joined the site recently and was asked to be an expert, I think, because I've had a fair bit published.

I've been terrifically busy of late with a film project, away from home a lot, and haven't been able to do any crits for a while, but I hope to get back into the site now the film's finished.

terry - the former

David,

Thanks; that's clear.

Terry

Have to say I like the unpaid, altruiustic and ad hoc idea best and I guess 3 crits a month for an 'honorarium' which I guess means a token payment, well that amounts to the same thing doesn't it? So all to the good and all strength to the experts...

Z

Zooter - exactly right. The experts are one of the most wondeful resources of the site and we're incredibly grateful to them for what they bring to the site. What's also great is that there are *so* many other talented writers here who will offer you advice and encouragement. Our members succcesses page gets longer each year!

Zooter,

I feel it's imporant to say here that as far as I'm aware, all the site experts joined the site, and got involved with it, simply out of a love of writing and wanting to help other writers as much as they can. I was very touched when David offered me a small monthly fee. I hadn't expected it and felt this was a sign that the site owners want the best for the site, and recognise good work when it's put in. Having said that, I do also see I have a responsibility to honour the terms of the contract, and am happy to do so.

Terry

Terry that's pretty much right yes, unless I've forgotten someone, all experts have "come up through the site" as it were - we've tried a few times to bring in people from outside but it doesn't usually work out.

So if we get a publishing contract do we automatically become a site expert?

I could do with a few quid extra for forum comments.

Nice try (;

More seriously, isn't it time Dee was a Site Expert - she comments on loads of stuff, to a very professional standard, and has been ever since I first found the site, just under two years ago.