Writers Rock!

2008-10-29 [Nocturnaliss]: Wow, that's so weird. I just created a writings Wiki yesterday after taking a long time to decide whether I should, and today I find the link to this wiki XD I think that's the best of ideas. I'd be interested to meet up with writers, which seems so hard to do here on ET. Great wiki! ^^

2008-10-29 [FamousPanda]: i would be interested too ^-^ great idea =]

2008-10-30 [Artsieladie]: Great to see you here, [Nocturnaliss] and [FamousPanda]! :D Feel free to sign up and add your works so everyone can see. Critiquing and having works critiqued I leave up to the individual writer and what each is comfortable with. I think by coming together, we can increase awareness about writing here on ET. A picture is said to be worth a thousand words, but there is tremendous power in words. 

It is a little weird, because I've had this urge to see about doing something to reach out to writers and to bring them together, but I hesitated not knowing if I could bring all the writers and their writing styles together. It was [Captain Rachel Black]'s positive comment to me on Editing Assistance - Elftown that convinced me to go for it. Elftown definitely caters to artists and being an artist, I have no problem with this. But... I'm also a writer and as a writer, I see very little focus or attention given to/for writers, other than the Daily Poem, which is great, but it's only poetry. I do believe that part of the problem lies in the fact that it takes a greater effort to view written works as opposed to art works. :P I know there are many writers here and I'm pretty sure there are many private writing activities and/or contests that most writers here just aren't aware of. Hopefully, this wiki can bring a greater communication among the Elftown Writing Community. ;)

So.... ideas, suggestions, thoughts,..... please do not be shy. A silent idea or thought has no chance of recognition. ;)

2008-10-30 [Captain Rachel Black]: For the love of toast! I forgot my own contest!?

2008-10-30 [Artsieladie]: hehe This sounds like something I would do, too. ;)

2008-10-31 [Paul Doyle]: Hi there :)

2008-10-31 [FamousPanda]: hewwo

2008-11-01 [Artsieladie]: Hi! :D

2008-11-01 [Nocturnaliss]: I think it really is a great idea to try and bring writers together, [Artsieladie]. Personally, aside from [Paul Doyle] and [NOOOPE], I haven't yet met any other writers... or perhaps I have and didn't realize it, which is even worse.

Seriously, I'm glad you created this wiki. I'll be curious to see how it evolves :3 (no ideas/suggestions yet, but I hope to get some << XD)

2008-11-02 [Artsieladie]: Exactly! We writers don't know who all the other Elftown writers are. Me, too. I wish there was more in place on Elftown that would focus on what's going on among the Elftowners, themselves. Maybe like a news box that covers 'general stuff' on Elftown. Right now the news focuses mostly on 'official' stuff, which is great, but I'd like to know more about what the general community is doing, too, like announcing 'new' privately run contests, 'new' wiki pages by Elftowners, and other stuff. Other than in houses, moods, and diaries, mainly, these are the only places that the average member has as a tool to advertise what they are making for other Elftowners, with the exception of new contests and polls for. These can go on the Mainstreet Calendar through the MC page. ;-3

2008-11-03 [Nocturnaliss]: I think they'd need someone specific to organize all of that. I think it's a really good idea, but for such things to get known, Elftowners themselves need to know whom to address in regards with getting their private contests ran and wikis noticed. Personally, I don't know whether there even is such a person at all. Is there ?

2008-11-03 [moira hawthorne]: why not... make all private contests and wikis run by council aswell... than they too can be run like 'official' contests and wikis *headdesk* ((oh and just in case there are some that dont appreciate the fine art of sarcasm ... this would in my opinion, be disaster and is the farthest thing from what I wish would happen!))

2008-11-03 [Artsieladie]: Well, if it were as a news item is now, only for 'general Elftown activities', people would know where to go and/or where to mention or address something. It's just like, too, with this 'Reviews' feature now, it's great to know about movies and books and so on, but there is so much right here on Elftown to learn about. I think anything put in place that would unite the community, increase awareness and communication among the members could only have beneficial affects. I also think adding more 'related links' to pages can also help, as well as members learning and/or remembering to fill in the keywords on their wiki pages. Keywords are great to help find pages on Elftown particularly certain topics/subjects, but if people don't fill them in, then the feature is useless.

Personally, I don't know whether there even is such a person at all. Is there ?

I'm sure it would have to be something that would be operated by several and they would have to be members that login daily or almost daily. I certainly wouldn't mind helping with such. I'm here almost all the time anyway. *lives here* hehe

Personally, I'd like to see more done by regular members. The Council has more than enough on its plate as it is, so if more non-Council members could get more involved, I think this would be a good thing and it might even make for closer working relations between the private and crew sectors.

I wouldn't want all of the contests and wiki pages run by the Council. I think this would not be a good thing and this is not what I meant by my previous suggestion. I'm not sure I'm really getting what you are saying Moira, though. But I am half asleep at this point, too. I haven't been to sleep in many hours as usual. So I is a zombie right now. lol

2008-11-03 [moira hawthorne]: there are wikis to advertize your own private wikis and contests on... if thats what you want... but some people like have stuff open to their own friends only... some poeple like to control their own private wikis... and some people are willin to look... if you find something yourself isnt it more special?... like comin across a small flowered woodland glade.... you can imagine it as your very own discovery... much better than visitin a commerical toutist garden will signs posted everywhere and parking lots and litter and a whole lot of people tellin you what you can and cant do

2008-11-05 [Nocturnaliss]: Here's the thing, Moira: people wouldn't -have- to submit their wikis for public posting! I think what [Artsieladie] wanted to say, is that said wikis and suches could be submitted to the Council, but only for advertizing purposes - this means that the wikis remain the sole property of their owner, and remain run as the owner wishes.

I highly doubt the Council would have the time or the desire to start controlling everything. The point would be to allow exposure to people who are looking for it through an -official- way. At least, that's how I understood it.

2008-11-07 [Alexi Ice]: Hey guys ^^'

2008-11-09 [Artsieladie]: Yes, there are wikis to advertise private wikis and contests on, but I wonder really, how many members even know about these? Members won't use or view something they don't even know exists. I must add, though, that part of this is due to the fact that many simply do not read. Many members seldom visit Mainstreet, for instance, to actually take the time to give it a good looking over. I do think there is a lack of communication on more than one level and I highly doubt this can be totally rectified, regardless of what is put into place, but I also think, to strive to alleviate as much as possible, this lack of communication should always remain an open agenda.

I see no reason why both sides of the coin can't be feasible here. For those that want others to know about what they have to offer, then try to make other members more aware. For those that wish for their wikis and whatnot to remain secret or just between them and their friends, then these simply would not offer their stuff up for the general public to see. It's like, we can lead the horses to the water, but it's up to the horses themselves, if they wish to drink. Kinda'... In other words, provide, but leave it up to the individual what he/she wants to do with the provisions. :P

The Council has more than enough on its plate. Council would only need to be involved if it involves putting something on Mainstreet (I think). I know I suggested a box, but I've been thinking about this since. Even if we had a wiki-page for this reason for featured stories on Mainstreet. Then the link could be 'included' in the news box. It would be up to a group of 'reliable, consistent logginers' (now there's a word! lol), Elftowners to maintain the page and keep it up to date. In one or two news items in the beginning possibly could be added to the news a very brief description about it, to make people aware of its existence and purpose. After this, just the link could remain in the news' articles. It wouldn't be a small project, though. It would be something #1: that would be ongoing and #2: it would require possibly sub-divisions eventually and most likely archiving. I must say that it has been my experience in working with major and/or ongoing projects, people are enthusiastic at the beginning, but then most seem to fall by the wayside for various reasons and this usually leaves the tasks to be done by an individual or two and then these remaining people left to take care of things become overwhelmed by the huge responsibility that's then resting on their shoulders.

Before such an idea can be put before the Council, it must be well thought out/through, not only to show it's validity, but also that it is organised and run well or has the potential to be run well.

I wouldn't mind getting the ball rolling in the right direction, but I am sure it will be some time before enough even become aware of such a project's existence. This in and of itself will discourage many most likely. One of my mottos is "Nothing ventured, nothing gained". So even if it didn't fly, I wouldn't view it as a waste of time. One never knows unless they try. :)

....And I'm quite sure that many would see all that I have written here as too much writing, but this is our form of communicating on here after all..... and I am a writer! lol ;)

2008-11-09 [Artsieladie]: Hi, [Alexi Ice]! :D

2008-11-09 [Chrysilla]: Hey there :) I added the writing portfolio at the list, it's a part of the portfolio contest (10 weeks, 12 themes).

2008-11-09 [Nocturnaliss]: I'm personally one of those people who doesn't check out Mainstreet. The reason is that you can't get a good overview of what's going on, and have to scroll through a lot to get to everything. I usually only check the top of a page and then I'm off, and I imagine I'm not the only one doing so. There's a word in Dutch which conveys my feeling: 'overzichtelijk' - which roughly translates as 'being arranged in a clear and convenient way'. The first thing you see there are links to several other wikis, which are things that never, or seldom, change. For me, Mainstreet's like the hallway of a home: leads you to the other rooms, but has no importance in itself. That ought to change to attract potential readers.

I'd really like to help you out with this idea, [Artsieladie] (btw, can I call you by any nickname ? XD). I'm definitely interested in making Wikis more attainable for everyone, because it's obvious that what instances are in place right now to promote Wikis just aren't working. And it's a shame.

2008-11-09 [Paul Doyle]: I've been too distracted by real life to fully get caught up, of late. I had a 17-day paid vacation that sort of sucked, and I got the worst art/writing block that I have gotten since I started actively drawing in 2003. Only now am I starting to get out of the creative block. (Whoopie, I might have my Halloween 2008 picture done before Thanksgiving 2008! :P) As my creative energy returns to full speed, I'll be sure to get properly acquainted with this page. And yes, I certainly know [Nocturnaliss]---my longest-standing ET relation who helped me through an incredible amount of personal grief in mid-2003 (my mother's passing) and dammit, if it's true we are reincarnated, maybe in another life Issy and I could go dating xD

2008-11-09 [Paul Doyle]: And personally, I thought Writersco was horrendous, unless of course it's changed in the few years since I scrambled my account there and left permanently. In any event, I'd far prefer writing-related stuff to be here on Elftown. :)

2008-11-09 [Nocturnaliss]: Hey, I'm glad to have been able to help you back then, Paul <3 I remember it was a really hard time for you. Never realized I'm your longest-standing ET-relation, though... although I do clearly remember you giving me an LJ code way back when it was necesary in order to open an account, and that dates back to 2004. ... such a long time XD

Dunno about the dating part, though :P XD in another life, I'll probably still be hooked on the same person I am now. Unless we'd meet -before- I'd meet him. Hmm. What a weird thing to think about. XD

Anyway, I concur: let's have the fun writing-stuff here on Elftown ^^

2008-11-10 [Alexi Ice]: Lol. I am reading this WIKI but it may take me a second to check out all the links !

2008-11-12 [Nocturnaliss]: Don't worry, you're not the only one who'll need time to check everything out XD

2008-11-12 [Alexi Ice]: ^^

2009-03-05 [Artsieladie]: Hi everyone! :) I've been super busy as always and I just haven't had the time to get here. But... as I've stated before, I want the writers here on Elftown to use this wiki to the fullest of their advantage. I think I have left all of the pages 'freely editable'. If not tell me. I didn't set this up for anything other than for the writers here on Elftown, to promote themselves as writers and to bring in and mingle with other writers here, interact with one another, share ideas, and so forth. So if anyone has some good ideas, please don't hesitate to implement them.

Thanks, [Chrysilla]! Yes, please feel free to post links here. :D

[Nocturnaliss], any way you'd like to help, please go for it. I'll be very happy to see writers make use of this wiki to all writers' benefits. Thanks! :)

As far as Mainstreet, I know it seems huge, but to cover as many aspects of Elftown as possible and cover as many interests of folks as possible, it would be impossible to keep it small. If anyone has suggestions on how to improve on anything, the best way is to gather together, lay the ideas on the table, so they can be discussed. If anyone wants to talk about on how Mainstreet can improve and be more appealing to everyone, we can start discussing here: Can We Improve On Elftown's Mainstreet?. :P

If there were a feature on Mainstreet for 'prose' writers, similar to the poem slot, would this appeal to writers on Elftown? Obviously, an entire story can't be posted, because it would make Mainstreet even bigger, but an intro or brief summary of the written piece could be posted and with a link, of course to the written work. :)

2009-03-05 [Nocturnaliss]: I actually wonder how many people on this Wiki have already gone and read something by other members (I'll be honest: I haven't done so myself). Maybe having some incentive to do so might help to start things up, as reading takes a lot more time and energy than just going to look at pictures. Like, my first thought'd be some cool badges you get after reading a certain amount of stories (5, 10, more...), which could be proven by commenting on other writers' Wikis. I know not everyone'd be interested in just badges, but I for one would find that cool << and you might run into cool stuff in the process that'd keep you coming.

2009-03-05 [Artsieladie]: I'm afraid I'm guilty of the same. It's not because I don't want to, because I enjoy reading, and reading a fellow writer's works and getting to talk with them about them is even more rewarding, but the thing I lack is time. I have far too many things going on and tasks that I want and/or need to get done, so unfortunately, I have to prioritise and the result is that many of the things I want to do get pushed onto the back burner. :P

I agree about offering incentive and it's not always about the fact that people would be getting awards, but rather a visible accounting of what they have done and/or are doing. Eh, just an idea that popped in the ol' noggin' here, but I'm thinking something like "Star Readers". These readers could get a star added for every so many stories they have read? But ...just an idea. :)

2009-03-05 [Nocturnaliss]: I know what you mean. Time's always a huge obstacle when it comes to investing oneself in reading, which in itself takes a lot of time. So when you already have a lot of things waiting for you to get to them, finding that time gets hard <<

I like that idea :D Star Readers sounds so... mystical. ... and it's a lot easier to get going fast than badges or something << XD

2009-03-05 [Artsieladie]: *nods* Time.. I only wish there were 48 hours in a day, instead of only 24. :/

I think people that take the time to read others' works are stars, because there aren't all that many that will. Badges aren't all that difficult to make, once we decide what we be good to put on them. I wouldn't mind making badges (loves to make graphics). The stars can signify how many works have been read and there are always different colours that can be used, too. So with the use of a certain number of reads for each star and then use different coloured stars, we should be able to make badges that would show an accounting of many, many reads. ;P

2009-03-06 [Nocturnaliss]: I like your thoughts :3 I know I'd love for people to read my works, and that others feel exactly the same about their own work. But, again: incentive. Stars seem like a great idea ^^ it'd definitely be a good idea to have different colours depending on the type of work (poetry, entire short story, story fragments, etc...). As for badges, I imagine it'd be coolest if they have something to do with stars (naturally XD). I'm sure you'd be able to come up with something great :3

Also, I wonder if a seperate page to hold reading info and stars might be a good idea, and this I say because a House quickly gets filled up on images XD perhaps also mention what else you've read from other members ? That might be good to keep track once there are more members than there are now <<

2009-03-08 [Captain Rachel Black]: I'm likin' this XD (just thought I'd throw that out there)

2009-03-10 [Artsieladie]: Yes, I would, too, like people to read mine. Most of my written works are poetry, though, because of that ol' time factor. I've had a story, "The Magic Of The Unicorn" in the works for ions, it seems. Gosh, I don't think I'll ever get to it! <..< ,-_-, 

I've been playing around with a badge idea. I'll place what I've done so far on *Star Readers*. I'm not happy with the "Lectores" (Spanish for 'readers') text, yet, though. I think I'm going to close the eye for the drop shadow layer of and see if the text looks clearer. The trouble is, when you try to make something fancy and small, clarity is often compromised, but I'm usually a person that will try for all I can get in. I detest limitations. ;) I figure once I get the one set established, I can make a second set, so one can be for poetry readers and one for prose readers. So, please let me know what you all think. :)

I'm so glad that my idea is coming to fruition: Featured Story! Woot! :D

2009-03-10 [Nocturnaliss]: I hope you'll get to it! I know I'd be curious to read your story ^^ Unicorns are love <3

So far they're looking good, really. You're again putting in an insane amount of time and effort in o.o we need a 'Show your Love to [Artsieladie]'-day too. Seriously XD

Ooo featured story, that's... very interesting o.o I'm definitely gonna nominate something of mine if it's nominatable <<

2009-03-10 [FamousPanda]: That is definitely a day that we need. =]

2009-03-10 [Nocturnaliss]: Maybe we should organize that <<

2009-03-10 [Artsieladie]: Oh my! *blushes beet red* I'm not used to any fusses or credits, which is a good thing, because I am so terribly awkward at accepting even compliments. *fidgets* The thing that would give me such great pleasure, though, would be to see Elftown the bustling community it once was and this is the goal I try never to lose sight of in spite of the obstacles I constantly encounter. ;) *squeezles the both of you* You are both so sweet! :) I think I'd much rather see a 'Show your Love to [Hedda]-day'. He's the one that truly deserves the recognition for all he does to keep this site we love going, making it better all the time, and so much other stuff. ;D

2009-03-13 [Nocturnaliss]: *squeezles* well, considering all that you do for Elftown, I say you ought to have a special Day, too :P. But I'd love to organize one for Hedda. I don't know him at all, but I do know he deserves love and respect for all I'm sure he does for Elftown. I wonder how we could go about doing that, though.

2009-03-23 [Artsieladie]: Hmm... I guess it could be started by the deciding of a date for this, whether for a day or a week, even an entire month would be fine by me. I do think he deserves it. I don't think we would want it around Elftown's birthday or his birthday, because that's a little like people having their birthday fall on Christmas. :)

2009-03-23 [Nocturnaliss]: True, true. Well, you know Hedda better than I do, so... when would be a good day/week ? XD

2009-03-25 [Artsieladie]: Hmm.. I'll have to think and my brain is scattered in about 4711 directions at the moment. ;)

2009-03-26 [Nocturnaliss]: Not surprising XD you always keep yourself too busy :P XD

2009-03-27 [Artsieladie]: hehe I'd rather be busy. I haven't an idea what I would do if I were to have nothing to do. I'd probably invent something to do then, I'm guessing. ;P

I think a week would be good and maybe best in the winter, when the days are so short and makes the winter more dreary. So a [Hedda] week would be perfect then to cheer him up. :) Maybe we could plan something for each day of the week involving 7 things that would make Hedda the most happy. Like one day could be "Donation to Elftown Day", another could be "Donate to Reference Pictures Day", another "Invite New Members' Day", and one day would have to be "[Hedda]'s Party Day", because he loves to party! hehe I have a little something, a project up my sleeve right now, that will fit perfectly, the timing, in with such a week. Mua-ua-ua! *winks* What do think? :)

I just had a thought... It would be really great if the invite feature could invite EVERY ET member and then be able to exclude one. This way every ET member could be invited, all except [Hedda]. Then when we got everyone 'we possibly could' present and watching, then we could invite [Hedda]. Kinda' like a surprise thing? In RL I like organising surprise parties. ;)

2009-03-27 [Nocturnaliss]: People tend to also be less busy during the winter, so that's a good choice. Considering you know Hedda much better than I could, I trust you'd know what would make him very happy. I'm all for it ^^ sounds like a good plan.

Aawwww I love the invite idea! That'd be... the best surprise party ever (if people don't go and tell him about it, rofl XD). What about making an inconspicuous forum and getting people to sign up for it ? I know that'd not make ALL of Elftown, but... XD that's all I can come up with on the spot.

2009-03-27 [Artsieladie]: This is true, too. Good point! :) Well, I know he would love to see Elftown not only thrive, but really bloom, that's a given. :)

Yeah, I thought about this aspect, too, because there always has to be at least one spoiler or party pooper. The forum is a good idea for those that don't shy away from the forums, but many members don't or won't go near the forums, unfortunately.

Well, we can keep thinking and eventually we'll come up with something. We are now getting over the colder weather, so it gives us time to put something together by the time it rolls around again. Right? ;)

2009-03-27 [Nocturnaliss]: So let's try and work towards that goal. Btw, not to load more work on your shoulders, but have you made any idea progress on the Star Readers wiki ? XD

Yeah... I don't go near the forums myself << XD; it just seemed like an easy way to invite everybody when the time comes.

Exactly. I'm sure an idea'll pop up like a shroom sometime. We just need to let it grow for now XD

2009-03-27 [Artsieladie]: *nods* Yessum. :) Not lately, I'm afraid, but hopefully when I get a couple biggy things behind me. :P

I belong to 40 or 41 here on ET. <..< O..O hehe

Yeah, probably, or I'll dream it. I can't tell you how many thoughts especially in regards to ET have come to me in a dream. I guess when I say that I eat, breathe, drink, and even sleep/dream Elftown, I'm not kidding. lol

2009-03-27 [Nocturnaliss]: Awesome. I'm kinda waiting for it to start reading people's stuff << XD as awful as that may sound.

... wow. That's... alotta forums. XD;

Obviously not XD you're definitely a Townie of the Elftown. I think that's pretty neat, really... wish I could give that sort of dedicated devotion to my own projects XD

2009-04-03 [Artsieladie]: I don't think 'reading people's stuff' sounds awful. ;) Actually, I would be more inclined to think that these words would be more like 'music to a writer's ear'? :)

Yeah, hehe, I'm a hopeless 'Townie". If I gave my own projects the same, I would likely be a lot richer. But that's just with money and I feel a lot richer as a person when giving to help others and/or to something that wll ultimately benefit others than I ever would for myself. :P

2009-04-04 [Nocturnaliss]: Well, I was referring to the part where I'm waiting for the rewards to be done before I start reading << XD I likies rewards :3

I completely understand. In fact, it's nice to know someone else who attaches a lot more importance to emotionnal wealth than financial wealth <3

2009-06-03 [Nocturnaliss]: Hey Artsie, out of curiosity, but... do you plan on working on this here Wiki again ? I imagine you've got other things to do, but I'd still like to know if you're still interested at all in it.

2009-06-08 [Nocturnaliss]: I'll assume that you're not. 's too bad, would've been a neat Wiki to pursue. Ah well. Good luck with it, if ever you do decide to work on it again.

2009-06-09 [FamousPanda]: Some of us could work on it.

2009-10-20 [Artsieladie]: I've got too many irons in the fire, trying to make money mostly, but others that are interested in this are certaimly welcome to work with and on this wiki. I created this wiki for the purpose originally to be for Elftown writers to make use of. :)