[Go for Gin]

We really need more activity in the Hangout. There's not much activity with critique. I propose we put in a review or synopsis system. It would let readers know what's good or what needs more critiques or reads. As it is, the rating system isn't working well--people either ignore it or rate it based on what they know of the person and their works.

So...ideas? Comments?

[Spinner]

What part of the Hangout you talking about, Andy? OW, IFF, GF, PC or IFS?

If you're talking OW, what exactly do you expect? The section is, for all intents and purposes the writing section on the fan-site for an established book series. We've had some pretty good critiquers in the past, but it seems most of those have moved on. I feel if people want exposure for their stories they'd go around critiquing others and being active in the section. That way, those active in the section will know who you are and how much you're willing to give back. I'm sure if everyone posted at least three crits a week, the section would burst in activity.

Ben

[Go for Gin]

I know, and I know we tried working in a review section in the past (which didn't go well). I dunno, the thing is, the review would be a form of critique that people would know how to do. They always say "well, I'm not too good at critiquing," but a review is essentially a form of critique.

Synopses would also help get away from the "well, I don't know these people and they seem like n00bs so I won't read their story" sort of thing. It would get unknown authors out there and get them known.

I know, it's just a disjointed idea and the activity could be generated another way, but I like it.

Also, it would really work for all the sections. Except maybe Poetry Cafe. Poetry is already pretty short as it is and you could easily read and critique quickly. But maybe I just don't know how poetry works.

[Arthryn]

I don't want to install any stupid system thing. These never work on forums. Another thing that never works on forums is dumping your content and sitting and waiting and wondering why no one is paying attention to it and then complaining about it.

The way forums work is that user-made content builds on user-made content. You get content and entertainment by giving content and entertainment. WH critiquing has a problem because most people just sit back and expect to receive without having given anything first. I don't even know if I can legislate or force this, but what people here need to do here is to drop their 'well what about me' attitude and give and contribute without the expectation that they need to receive something in return.

So everyone reading this post, go critique a story or chapter or poem or essay, even if you don't know them or even if they didn't give a critique first.

[Hresvelgr]

Or we could go around kidnapping people, forcing them to give detailed, polite, and constructive critiques of the works in every section. But that's just my idea. Little iffy I guess. Maybe we could listen to Arthryn.