Preserved Topic: A Writer's Forum!? Please!

What's everyone's opinion on having a writer's forum here for discussion of literary works, creative writing, business writing, technical writing, etc.? I'm in favor.

Hmm... well, seeing as that's not really the main thrust of the Asylum here, I'm not sure if that would be a good idea. I think the Philosophy forum would be the best place to discuss things like that, but I don't know about a new forum. We really can't make forums for every topic out there.

Then again, writing does have it's place in web design, which is a large part of the Asylum. We could have a web writing forum, something like "Content is King," or some other cliche. That would definitely fit the Asylum theme.


Cell 270

Well, the main reason why I'm requesting a writing forum is because I noticed some variancies in the level of language around these forums and elsewhere. I think there are some very good writers around these forums that haven't recognized that they have talent for language. I know I do. And it's not often that I contribute to a community. In fact, I cannot even remember the last time I really helped people. I would like there to be a writer's forum so that those of us who are in the position to help others with writing skills, be more creative with words, be more professional with words, and realize that the pen truly is mightier than the typical Photoshopped sword, should be able to contribute and help through a specific forum.

If the forum name was "Content Is King," I don't see any problem with that, but what would matter is the description of the forum. I don't think it's very productive to limit a forum, or yourselves, to an understanding of a theme. I remember an artist friend of mine a few days back told me that most artists and designers are not strong writers. I believe that no matter your skill that through a group of friendly and educated people, you can improve whatever it is that you want to improve.

I've learned in my years of songwriting that it is not always smart to use cliches. For example, do you want one of your creations to become a cliche: an excessively used, uncreative, unoriginal, and practically boring cliche? Some cliches aren't that bad but you don't want to fall into one.

I don't disagree with what you've said, but I still don't think that the Asylum would be the best place for that type of forum. The Asylum mostly focuses on coding, graphics, web development, etc. Just my opinion, of course, but I don't see how a general writing forum would fit in, especially with all the sub-categories you're talking about.

As for the forum name... that was just something I threw out there. I think it would fit in with forums like "Philosophy and Other Silliness" and "WARNING ***BIG SIG APPROACHING***" (Sorry for the caps...).

If you want to give something back to the community, how about starting your own writer's forum? You could have different sections for discussing literature, sharing your work, getting started as a writer, etc. I bet if you got one up and running and then posted it here, a lot of folks would check it out--especially since it wouldn't be a "competing" forum. It would be a good way to get started.

Well, Suho, I didn't mean that I was requesting multiple boards. I was requesting just a writing forum, not another category.

.

[This message has been edited by ramsaydesigns (edited 08-09-2002).]

Single forum or category, I've got to stick with my original opinion. Which is all it is, of course: an opinion. I'm not sure who you would have to speak to about this on an official level. Maybe they'll be nice enough to drop by this thread.

Well, Doctor Thaddeus Ozone for one. Thaddeus is such a cool name. "Thaddeus Rains" from American Outlaws.

Good point. But I doubt the Doc would act without a general consensus, and I'm not sure how keen he would be on adding new forums. I don't think any new ones have been added for a while. At least, none have been added since I started coming here (not all that long, admittedly). It's worth asking, though, if you're enthusiastic about it. The worst that could happen is you'd get a "no."

rd: In the end it is up to the Doc I suppose. Although it is a reasonable idea I'm a little undecided on whether I'd support such a move because:

1. These issues could be dealt with in some of the other forums (print, site reviews, philosophy and silliness, outpatient counselling, here, the MS lab).

2. I suspect there are better places out there if people are interested:
http://directory.google.com/Top/Arts/Writers_Resources/Chats_and_Forums/

Anyway just my thoughts on the matter.

___________________
Emps

FAQs: Emperor

But yet another question to be asked.. is would anyone use this forum apart from ramsaydesigns

and what would the ain of it be? can some one put it plane and simple for me.. because i seemed to of missed it

Thanks
Trigger

It would be used in the same fashion as the Photoshop forum is used but for a generalized genre of writing (e.g. technical, scientific, business, creative, journalistic, etc.) instead of Photoshop. Your writing skills truly do have an effect on your design abilities. Therefore, to prove a writing forum unfit for inclusion into the Asylum is counter-productive to improving your talents.

[This message has been edited by ramsaydesigns (edited 08-09-2002).]

and how many people do we have that are.. or are intrestied in technical, scientific, business, creative, journalistic writing.....i personaly cant see how it would work within the Asylum. ... but thats just my opinon
i cant see how it would fit in with the whole desing theme the aslyum has going... thought the same could be said.. about why did the Philoshipcal (sp?) forum work...
well there are alot of strongly opinated .. intelligent people here.. who like to express there view's
can the same be said for writers?


and you have evidence of how it would be counter productive? or is this just your opinon? expressed as fact?

[This message has been edited by Trigger (edited 08-09-2002).]

That's a common problem with anyone in any field even writers. They hate to write but love their writing. It's just like how so many people hate to set goals but love to achieve them.

Think about what you're doing right now. You're reading this. And you might respond to me. When you respond what will you have to do? Write. Don't you see how writing ties into so many things?

It's fact that it would be counter-productive. What do you have to lose to include a writing forum? What do you have to gain? It's truly an easy decision, but the problem lays with how much "Asylumites" would take advantage of a writing forum. I know that people who do game design, etc. like to write stories, etc. Just take a look at the forums at: http://www.gamingw.net/

The problem with most of the writings there is that most of the stories written are not formatted to be an easy read. In other words, there's little to no understanding of the technical side of composing literary works.

[This message has been edited by ramsaydesigns (edited 08-09-2002).]

I'm a writer. I was a Marine Corps Combat Correspondent for 12 years. I now write a weekly column for a small town newspaper. I will also be interviewing for an editorial position in the near future (crosses fingers and toes).

With all that said, I don't think a writing forum is the best thing here at the Asylum. There are multiple writing forums elsewhere if folks want to hone their skills. Whenever I get the chance (which hasn't been often lately) I drop into the site reviews section and help folks there with their site content -- content has a tendency to get skimmed over during site reviews.

Even if a new writing section was created here, I doubt it would get much traffic. Take a look at print graphics as an example.

My two cents ...

Cell Number: 494

Well i cant argue with that ..... i see the point of using one

but id say 90% of the post's from other people havent been so much negative.. but have been suggestiong they wouldnt use the forum.. there for rendering it pointless to have one..
my 2 cents


Thanks
Trigger

... I put my $20 on the table. I'm waiting to see what someone with administrative control over the forums has to say.

Actually, I think I like this idea. A lot. This has always been one of the big issues when building a site, who gets to do the copywriting? Is it the client, or the project leader, or should we perhaps (shudder) hire a copywriter? Even when I was with some of the big web bureaus, this is an area that was frequently glossed over, and some poor schmuck got stuck with the job, did a lousy job, and we never got to bill for it!

I've been thinking about combining some of the CSS/HTML forums again, they don't get enough traffic all by themselves, and this could make room for something new. RD, I'm assuming that you'll be one of the Psychotics for this if I do it, no? ;-) Let's have some more discussion about this, I won't have time for anything until next week at the earliest.

Your pal, -doc-

OK, the Doc rings in!

I'll reiterate what I said before in the spirit of discussion. While I disagree with a general writing forum (too broad), I wholeheartedly agree with a content forum: mechanics, style, etc. Writing for the web, basically.

Writing is a very big part of my life, and a constant part of what I do for a living--I even majored in creative writing in university. I would be very interested in this forum, I would most likely be a frequent visitor, and I would help out in any way possible.

Hmmm...interesting suggestion. I like the Web Content idea, Master Suho. Maybe you should ask the Doc if you can be a mod...I'd support it.

I like the content forum Idea also. I, however, think "content" is a little broader a than you think. It can include content organization, attribution, copyright issues, photographs, multimedia (these as the relate to content)etc.

I like a the idea of having a place you can discuss what goes into the site beyond design and coding.

-tiki, cell 478

Personally I don't see the point in a writing forum. I don't think anything could be discussed in there that doesn't already fit into a category covered by the existing forums here. I think Outpatient Counselling is the place to discuss copyright issues as the Doc mentioned, and anything else can be discussed in Site Reviews, Philosophy, Mad Sci, etc as Emps already mentioned.

quote:

---

a writer's forum here for discussion of literary works, creative writing, business writing, technical writing, etc. --ramseydesign

---

In that sense, I'd disagree with starting a new forum for it.

However, a "content" forum, including some/most/all of the things Doc, Suho, and tiki mentioned would probably work out IMHO.

A lot of the other stuff that was mentioned would be just as appropriate in the Philosophy, Outpatient, and Ozone forums...

Just my 1 cent (only one cause I just restated what other people said )


________________________________________________________________
-- Jack of all trades, master of that which has my attention at
the moment.

Home Sweet Home

And yet, do you not use technical writing skills when writing content for a technical site? Do you not use scientific writing skills when writing content for a scientific site? How about business writing skills for a business web site? Do you use creative writing skills at all?

If a forum would be about writing, I think an emphasis should be placed on content as words because like tikigod said, " 'content' is a little broader a than you think. It can include content organization, attribution, copyright issues, photographs, multimedia... "

Ok. I just had to yell and scream at someone. I'm going to stop chatting because I fear that I will just go off on someone. I feel like I'm Satan or something...

Well, with that thinking, you could justify a forum about anything.

My thoughts are thus: If there's already a lot of discussion about a specific topic, then a new forum to provide a proper place for those existing discussions would be justified.

However, the simple act of making such a forum, in my opinion, isn't going to spawn a surge of related discussions.

If you want to talk writing, talk writing. Get enough people talking about it, then a new room may eventually be warranted.

I just want to say that I think the Print Graphics forum (however inactive it may seem) has a lot of quality information there. I think what may be a better option, if you consider deleting it, is a general design forum.

Agreeing with Jeni... Pound for pound... the print forum may just be the overall champion.

Please do not delete the print forum! It is very useful!

Well, ultimately, not a lot of people here want to have anything to do with me. For me to speak about writing is like calling in the bullies and I'm not about to stand up against self-declared virtual enemies. If someone here wants a writing forum via a content forum like DocOzone, then so be it and it will continue as such.

Continued at my new thread "Goodbye, Farewell, and Thanks."

Well, I suppose I'll weigh in for the hell of it.

I don't necessarily disagree with a writing and/or content forum.

However, I do beleive that the stated 'arguments' presented for such are very weak and thinly stretched.

I also can't help but point out what (to me) is the obvious - as Ramsay states, he feels not many people like him, so starting a thread on wht he wants to talk about - so he feels - will "call in the bullies".

And so, he feels that a forum created specifically for what he wants to talk about will then 'save' him from this.

Which just seems rather silly to me.

But that's just my opinion (which hasn't stopped the world so far, so I wouldn't worry too much)

Ramsay-Nobody is "bullying" anyone. This is a discussion.

Some people like your idea(including the man in charge), others may not. Some may even put their own spin on the thing.

I think your being a bit preemptive in getting angry. As far as I can tell the discussion isn't over yet. So come back(cause I know your lurkin'), get some pills from Wakkos, and relax.

Jeni- The General Design forum is also a cool idea.



-tiki, cell 478

Although rd has left us I wouldn't want the idea to die and I am in favour of just slightly reclassifying a forum (like the HTML one possibly?). Both Beekay and Suho1004 would be ideal candidates for admins.

___________________
Emps

FAQs: Emperor

Well, at the moment, I fail to see where anyone was "bullying" anyone else. Yes, people were taking sides, but that's the way life works. If someone says something and others agree, they tend to push it along and support those with similar ideas. That's just the way it is, and if someone can't handle that, it's their loss... Not trying to be rude or anything, just my slant on things... Anyways...

While on the topic of combining/deleting/moving forums, it might be best to simply redefine an existing one to include content discussion, since it seems that most (if not all) the forums are very useful, even if they don't generate much discussion. Site Reviews seems like it would be the easiest to add this idea to maybe.

A writing forum?

I'd actualy like that. But I'm probably one of the few, and I wouldn't use it anywhere near as much as say the Photoshop forum.

It's a nice idea but I seriously doubt we have enough users to justify it. Maybe we could lump it in with the Print forum.

Something like, Print, Typography and the literary arts, cause typography is a big part of print and with CSS we should also be applying this to the web more often. Which kinda leads into the actualy words themselves. Kinda....

ramsay,

You have entered the "Asylum"...I take it you've never set foot in an asylum before...well lemme tell ya there is a lot of angry people in there (until they get their Thorazine shots). Don't take anything anyone in here says personally. We're all lunatics!!!

*ponders*
Ramsay has an idea --> Ramsay make's his idea public --> Ramsay ask's for Opinon's on his idea --->People give Opinon's --->Ramsay feel's like he's being Bullyed


Did i miss something there? or does it just not add up?

no one was bulying you.. we where expressing our opinon's a opinon you asked for...
i dont think "bullying's" the style of the asylum...
it dosent even happen to Insider
but no doubt .. you've left and your not reading this so it's in vain
Nevermind
Trigger



[This message has been edited by Trigger (edited 08-11-2002).]

Arr yeah. There's already a thread for those kind of comments here, can we get back to topic now?

[This message has been edited by Dracusis (edited 08-11-2002).]

so writer's forum or not?
i personaly think it wont get used enough to warrent it's creation

I'll second Dracusis' Print, Typography and the literary arts idea. It sounds like a good way to incorporate the idea without going overboard.

Cell Number: 494

Well, despite ramsay's departure, I would still be interested in a writing forum, whether it is incarnated as a content forum or Drac's "Print, Typography, and the Literary Arts." IMHO the latter sounds a bit too much like the Print Media forum (although, admittedly, I don't hang around there much), but if that's what happens, I'm fine with it. I'm still willing to help out in any way, whether that means being an admin or just hanging out and contributing. I will trust the Doc's good judgment on that.

Still, though, I have to agree that it would be difficult (and probably pointless) to have a forum devoted solely to writing. Even a content forum (as tikigod pointed out) would deal with numerous issues besides writing itself. I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing, though. In the end, we want the forum that will be most useful for us. The way I see it, Site Reviews is the only forum that really deals with content, and--as Beekay noted--content usually gets skimmed over there. Completed sites would still be directed to Site Forums, but a content forum would be a place where people could put up some of their content for critique, ask questions about content organizations, copyrights, etc. I think the Doc will have more to say on this when he gets the chance.

I wanted an art forum here, but I realised its just better sticking it in the best category you can, unless there is a better place for it your not going to get abused over it.

Lets say there was a specific forum for your needs your posts wouldnt be viewed as much, and people who wouldnt be highly interested in writing wouldnt go to that section and wouldnt see your posts and its good to get views from people dont read too much etc..

I probably seem negative toward your idea .. im not .. I just think theres more reasons against it than for.

And if you start posting such stuff, it might catch on .. its then that you think about starting a forum for it. Thats what i was told when i suggested an art section.