Although WW has an Introduce Your Work forum, new members tend to do that within their own genre forums. Wouldn't it be better to have a Welcome Board so new members can introduce themselves, and, hopefull old hands can welcome them and put them at their ease. It would make the place a whole lot friendlier.

- NaomiM

Yes, I agree, because when someone new joins, there's nowhere for them to say 'Hi I'm new' really is there, unless they post it in the Lounge or join a group, which some people don't want to do right away. Then if they have any questions re the site, they can ask and be answered in the Welcome board too.

I know how daunting I found this all when I first joined,

Good idea,

Katerina

That's a great idea. I'm still daunted and I've been here for two and a half years!!!!

Yes, that is a good idea, thanks.

I've often wondered if we should have something like this. What we need, I think, is a number of experienced members (experienced in terms of being members, not necessarily experienced writers) who can help new people through the intricacies of the site and the culture of giving/taking feedback… an interface between newbies and oldies.

This could maybe be linked to the Beginners Group which, by definition, is all beginners (apart from Anna). They're floundering among themselves, and no wonder, because there’s no-one in the group to direct them.

I realise, obviously, that not all new members are new to writing – in fact it’s noticeable now how many experienced writers the site is attracting – but we need to make sure that WW is a warm and welcoming place for all.

Dee

in fact it’s noticeable now how many experienced writers the site is attracting

That comes across very strongly, Dee. I am a member of several writing forums and this is the most 'professional' one I have found to date.
I think it is a combination of the tone set by the Site Experts; the fact that it is subscription based, which attracts the 'serious' writer rather than the beginner; and the high numbers of published and 'almost published' members (i.e. those whose writing style has already attacted an Agent): which combine to provide a level of expertise unsurpassed on any other forum I have found to date.

But, it is also more than a little intimidating.

I don't think a newbie 'serious writer' would appreciate being manoevered into the Beginners Forum, but it would be nice to have somewhere to meet the Site Experts, and be directed into the Genre Forum that would suit one's writing.

I have been on several forums that have a Welcome Board and whichever moderator gets there first, posts a standard, albeit personalized, greeting to the new member, giving them directions round the site.

Anyway, just a thought.

- NaomiM

The most common problem for new members (of which i was guilty) is uploading chunks for feedback which are way too large.
Maybe some beginners' guidelines to the site could be set up.eg


1) generally uploads of 1-2000 or 3000 words

2) the best way to get feedback is to join a group

3) just to remind them that only the lounge and group forums are private.

4)actually advise them to have a good scout around the groups, one of the novel groups, for example, maybe far more suitable for a relative beginner who is, nevertheless already several chap into their first novel.

Casey

Casey, I think those are all excellent points.

I'd add to:

2) the best way to get feedback is to join a group

Another great way to get feedback is to give it. I don't think it can hurt to point this out!

Luisa

All terrific ideas, and you might want to add that you won't get feedback if you post a chunk of text on a thread - that it doesn't work that way.

Emma

Another great way to get feedback is to give it. I don't think it can hurt to point this out!

This is very true, and on some Writers Forums members will not offer feedback until a newbie has critiqued several pieces on the review boards before posting their own work.

The problem is that critiquing takes practice. It is a nerve-wracking experience posting your own stuff on the board, let alone having the balls to critique the work of a complete stranger. It is easier to critique others when it has been done to you first and you have an idea of what is expected.

Also - one of Nik's comments on someone else's thread - the importance of thanking those who have taken the time and trouble to review your work (even if you don't agree with their comments), should be added to a 'general rules' welcome intro.





<Added>

Cross-posted with Emma.

you won't get feedback if you post a chunk of text on a thread

Maybe newbies should be advised to start with short extracts (500 words) to be reviewed, to get the practice in.

Hmm, good points - so maybe one guideline should be: all critques are appreciated, most of us found it nerve-wracking to begin with!

Casey

Yup, empathy's always good.

only the lounge and group forums are private

As far as I know, the lounge is private in the sense that it’s only visible to members, but the group forums are not. Work posted in a group archive can be set to be visible only to group members if the right box is ticked, but that reduces the potential feedback it will attract.

you won't get feedback if you post a chunk of text on a thread

No work of any length should be posted in a forum thread except as an example to illustrate a point. It’s not the place for uploaded work, and you can’t delete a thread, so anything posted in one is there indefinitely unless DB can be persuaded to remove it. And it's visible to search engines.

Dee

Dee, the forums should now (from August) be visible to WW members only. I remember being concerned about this and the discussion came up here. A message from David confirms that all forums are now WW members only.

I do agree that there could be some sort of mentoring system or something to ease new people in. This site is so professional which is an obvious attraction but it also can be offputting when you're new in the door and don't know how or where to start.

<Added>

Mind you I don't know if the privacy extends to the writing forums too.

No work of any length should be posted in a forum thread except as an example to illustrate a point. It’s not the place for uploaded work, and you can’t delete a thread, so anything posted in one is there indefinitely unless DB can be persuaded to remove it. And it's visible to search engines.

True, but new people do, though. In fact there's one quite recently. When I spot someone new I do try to dip in and say hi, have a look round, join a group, post something if you want help, but it depends on how sharp-eyed I'm being that week.

And yes, there's a difference between groups being visible to WW members only, and to Group members only.

Emma