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eileenmac
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Having recently returned to YWO after an absence of three months to re-write Woodsmoke, I am amazed at the lack of interest there now is on the site. Hardly any "thankyou's", barely a word on "The Place where Everyone....", and very little on any of the other boards.
Not so long ago, the boards were full. There were lively discussions between members, sometimes controversial but never dull, lots of thankyou messages, and helpful hints and tips.
I'm sorry to say that now, members, with one or two exceptions, are just not bothering to join in, and apathy has set in, in a big way. I've noticed that Jenny and Cath still contribute regularly. If they didn't, the boards would be completely blank!
Reducing the message boards to just four hours per day, three days per week must have had something to do with it. Is it really necessary to carry on like this for another three months? If so, I can foresee a complete lack of interest in YWO by the time we get to January.
I do appreciate that there is a great deal of work to be done to improve the site, and it will take time, but in the interim period, couldn't we have more time to post messages and keep in touch with other writers?
It will be interesting to see what reaction there is to this message.
Eileen
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Assignment Robot
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There's no-one here but us chickens. Traditionally, as on most sites - unless they're a forum based site - a small percentage of the membership visits the forum. As they usually visit for whatever the main purpose of the site is - in our case, review exchange, which is maintaining at 1,000 reviews plus per month. I think we're more a review based site than a forum site but we will be extending hours in the development phase, as most people are at work during current hours, and I'm sure it will be fun to see what develops accordingly.  On YouWriteOn I'd say that members who visit the forum is between about 2% and 10% of the membership, even when the hours were previously extended. Usually hovering, very roughly, around 5% on a regular basis. Most don't post, and most members use the site just for reviewing. The good news is reviews are maintaining at over 1,000 reviews per month. As mentioned, membership usually visits for whatever the main purpose of the site is - in our case, review exchange. Aside: Help Dog, blow a bugle or something. 
This post was last edited by Assignment Robot, 24 Oct 2006, 15:52
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plumboz
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Eileen, Yep, the chatter has been reduced quite a bit. I like to think we are all busy working on our craft, honing our writing skills and polishing those sentences into shiny gems every single one. Or it could just be the limited access time, I dunno. I can see and respond to messages between 5:00 AM and 9:00 AM Tues-Thurs. That actually means I can see and access between 6:00 AM and 7:30 AM on account of I'm either asleep, in the shower or driving to work during the rest of the time. Oh well. On the plus side, it is true that we should be spending as much time writing as we can and a constantly available message board can, at least for folks like me, be a very attractive distraction. But all things being equal, I would love more access time and would truly enjoy hearing from everyone, not only those who have been around for a while, but any interesting new voices. In any case a hearty howdy from Arizona to all and I wish you well in whatever the day brings. Here's a great quote from Mark Twain I saw in Writer's Digest magazine: "A successful book is not made of what is in it, but what is left out of it." That can be a tough one, but I think the man's record indicates he knew what he was talking about. Best to all, Alan 
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visinker
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I was totally bereft when the hours were cut down but I realise it is necessary to improve and expand the site. Sometimes I can make it onto the boards, sometimes not, but it hasn't stopped me reviewing. Whenever the timeslots for the forum expand, I'll probably be back more often - but in a way it's a good thing to have some limits set as it becomes addictive - even now I find myself desperately clicking on the forum in the middle of the night and getting the Reading Room! Sad, very very sad!      :omg:
Barbara Scott-Emmett The Bumble's End by Jimmy Bain - Comedy Crime EbookThe Stiletto Heel and other stories - erotica ebook MadCow
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C. Bird
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Hello Eileen, nice to see you back  You're right - I'm reminded of that advert a couple of years ago with a little dog wandering round a deserted place, asking 'where IS everybody?', (I think the ad was for a travel firm and everyone was supposed to have gone off on their hols), and finally resorting to throwing sticks for himself to catch. I think the short hours have a lot to do with it - they do for me anyway. Twice I've been caught out during the four o'clock shutdown. I wonder what happened to those unfinished messages.... Kit
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QBall
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If I get up before 8am I can check this forum (I am 8 hours behind gmt) so I have sooo-oo-o-o little time to read the items before my eyes.
Incidentally your chicken photo is quite fowl!
Cheers,
QBall.
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visinker
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Quote: I can see and respond to messages between 5:00 AM and 9:00 AM Tues-Thurs. That actually means I can see and access between 6:00 AM and 7:30 AM Jeez, Plumboz - is it that time there now? :omg:
Barbara Scott-Emmett The Bumble's End by Jimmy Bain - Comedy Crime EbookThe Stiletto Heel and other stories - erotica ebook MadCow
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Assignment Robot
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That's early. We're going to bring in some U.S. and Canada time slots as well so that you don't have to set your clock during the middle of the night. I think those who like forums really like them, but equally we've had correspondence saying we should do away with it altogether or just have something fact based. Naturally, we thought a good compromise would be bringing in an expert like Dr Puzzle, but unfortunately he turned out to be the most hated member on the site. Hours will be extended, they'll fit in nicely, we hope, with community but also not be a distraction to the writing board.
This post was last edited by Assignment Robot, 24 Oct 2006, 15:47
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plumboz
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Quote: visinker, Tuesday, 24 Oct 2006 15:33Quote: I can see and respond to messages between 5:00 AM and 9:00 AM Tues-Thurs. That actually means I can see and access between 6:00 AM and 7:30 AM Jeez, Plumboz - is it that time there now? :omg: Yes it is. And I should be watering the plants and drying my daughter's hair right now before I whisk her off to school and get myself to work. The work that pays the bills. Although I must share with SOMEONE the fact that this will be my first profitable year writing. Five columns for a new bi-monthly magazine this year actually nudged me into the four digits after expenses. Not exactly quit the day job time, but hey, it's progress. Bye! Alan
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eileenmac
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It's reassuring to know that there are still members out there who read the message boards. I agree that when they were open all day, seven days a week, the temptation not to write was overwhelming but I'd still like to talk to other members from time to time, without so many limitations. At least my post has brought forth a pretty good response, which is good. Best wishes Eileen
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Where is everyone?
24 Oct 2006, 14:58
