Writers' Discussion

[Ducard]

Hello everyone.

 

I would just like it if the activity for Writers' Discussion is boosted. Of course, such a thing can be done only if members participate but I do think the moderators could try boosting the activity of the section so that more people participate.

 

I think the main problem is the placing of the section, It's buried at a lonely corner of the forum and the works of many great writers are being buried in dust. I don't know if most of the forum even know that that place exists. I myself did not find out about it until 3 months after my registration back in 2012.

 

It used to be a nicely active section back in 2007 (When all GTA related stories where in one place along with other stories, maybe you guys should consider bringing this back?) but over the years it has fallen down in popularity.

 

As the admins and moderators are intent on raising the traffic of the forum, particularly the GTA sections, I would also like some effort being put into increasing traffic in the Writers' Discussion section.

 

Thank you.

Edited February 20, 2015 by Ducard

[uNi]

It's a small niche, it would have to be the W&D members taking the first steps though, as the staff priority is GTA.

 

Why don't you guys participate more in the GTA Concepts board? That section could also use a boost and it's somehow related. If you can provide quality threads there, you can get members to post later on W&D on different subjects.

[universetwisters]

I don't think the placement of the board determines how many people go there, especially seeing as how the Debates & Discussion board is below it and it gets more traffic evidently.

[RedDagger]

GTA Series had a noticeable drop in traffic when moved down from the top, although it's sprung back a fair bit since then (probably from people taking time to find it again ).

 

With uNi's suggestion though, I think it'd be nice to have a link to the other section at the top of the both sections (like the PGC link under 'Gangs') considering how some of the concepts are written - it wouldn't be out of place.

[Tyla]

I don't think placing is an issue. Writer's Discussion is frequented by talented and dedicated people and I've always liked the feeling that I could go in there on any given day, post a piece of writing and Ziggy/Mokrie Dela would review it. Not just, "Nice story mate," they'd thoroughly dissect it. If you're looking for that -- great, but this is a GTA forum and most people just want + likes for their bitching and moaning. I don't think the observation that many great works are being buried in the dust is a fair comment as both of them work their bollocks off to give feedback to everything.

 

With uNi's suggestion though, I think it'd be nice to have a link to the other section at the top of the both sections (like the PGC link under 'Gangs') considering how some of the concepts are written - it wouldn't be out of place.

I agree with this. Why don't staff place a couple of markers in GTAO & GTAV sections for 'GTA Concepts' and some for Writer's Discussion wherever their users would like them? Similar to Debates & Discussion in Gen Chat and the Awards link?

[Kirsty]

I agree with this. Why don't staff place a couple of markers in GTAO & GTAV sections for 'GTA Concepts' and some for Writer's Discussion wherever their users would like them? Similar to Debates & Discussion in Gen Chat and the Awards link?

A good suggestion. We'll get some kind of advert drawn up for the Concepts board and trial it over GTA V/GTA O/WD.

[Ducard]

Thanks for taking this into account, don't forget about an advert for WD too.

[PhillBellic]

I like that Idea. Furthermore it would generate more traffic for Concept Threads. There are some great ones on show in that section.

[Mokrie Dela]

I've always felt the WD was buried. I refer to it as the darkened library in the basement at the back.

 

The truth is, though, is that it is niche section - more so than even the graphics section. I think it's a reflection on today's world, that writing is often considered a dying art - which isn't always the case.

 

I've spoke of making WD more active before but honestly never had a good idea to make it so.

 

On the one hand, I wonder if off topic and expression would be better at the top of the left hand menu. most people on this site will head over to the GTA sections, and many i think don't realise some of the expression sections exist. I didn't until awards once, and i looked into it and found it.

On the other hand, however, I realise that this is not a writing forum, but a GTA one, so GTA has to take priority.

 

Adverts seem like a good idea, on the surface of things. Perhaps members should carry self-made adverts in their signatures (my sig is self-advertisement for my writings, mainly). I've seen a couple saying "visit the writers discussion".

 

I remember when i worked on a GTA concept, I posted the story in the Writers discussion, while the rest of the concept was in its own topic in the gta series section. Ultimately the two are different - write prose and we'll critique it and offer suggestions to improve; WD members aren't going to want to read character bios or radio station lists, just as many concept fans won't want to read wall of texts. However, the two are similar, and i wonder if concepts would be better placed in the expression section - as all creative.... creations (as i writer that's not effective alteration!) make sense to be in one place.

 

It certainly would be nice to see more activity in the WD, though. It's at a point where new and old user alike post things and often they're not read or replied on, and I think that might put people off.

 

Some interesting ideas to kick around, though, and I applaud your enthusiasm, Ducard