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My reflections as a member of WdC over the past four plus years. |
What a great idea this is, Gaby ~ Finding my way back ![]() ![]() My original interest in WdC was sparked by Hatsuda ![]() ![]() I was, of course (and still am, a comment I shall no doubt return to de temps a temps – that’s yer actual French, you know) in total awe of both the The StoryMaster ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Be that all as it may, I’m in awe of our leaders who have developed WdC to the powerhouse it is today. Maybe they didn’t do it ALL by themselves, but they have been the driving force, for which we should all be truly grateful. And which has given me the opportunity to spread my wings—and flap, from time to time, particularly as the deadline for a competition approaches. I’m not a great competitor, preferring the quieter wander through the realms of short stories and poetry. Poetry, now there’s something that would have been quite unexpected 1,554 days ago. I had never written any poetry up to that time, but a few intriguing prompts started me on a new journey which I have found exciting and rewarding. All sorts of poetry, including Limericks, of which I have written over 100, and managed to keep them all free from smut, although I would plead to a few innuendos occasionally. Reference to Limericks was a deliberate ploy to get me to the many In&Outs that I do enjoy, my favourites being (in alphabetical order), "Linericks" ![]() ![]() ![]() Anyway, to return to In&Outs, and allow myself the luxury of a few extra tags. One of my great joys is to be able to visit these (and other In&Outs) and contribute, or just enjoy a little nonsense. Especially therapeutic if I’m feeling a little flat, a bit blue, with the added bonus of being able to indulge in a little gentle mutual verbal abuse with no bad feelings. For me, the key perpetrators good guys are Dad ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() The richness and diversity of WdC is such that, at any moment, you can turn an unexpected corner and discover something new. And in that process of discovery, I want to tag people who have helped it to happen. Once again, just three, in alphabetical order. Elle - on hiatus ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() And I’m going to allow myself the luxury of an extra tag for ANN Counselor, Lesbian & Happy ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() I think part of the reason for this contest, I suppose you might call it, was Gaby’s disappointment at people cancelling their membership with Writing.com. Sure, completely agree. But there is a similar phenomenon of members gradually disappearing over time. Not actively cancelling, but who don’t post any more. I’ve had interesting and fun communications with several people like this; if I mention names, maybe they might reactivate their memberships. ms_penguin, Parthena Black ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() One other group of members I have to mention, and I hold these in the highest esteem. These are the “go to” people for excellence and information about our language, for their willingness to impart this knowledge to all who may ask, and also for their highly professional reviews. You want a review which tells it how it is, not how you think you want it to be, but which is done with respect and a very positive approach, you cannot do better than Joy ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() On a marginally more serious vein, I also want to say how much I enjoy reviewing, and I need to do more of it. I’ve always been mildly curious about the 250 character bar—for me it is 1,000 characters and work up. Still, the process is thoroughly enjoyable, and I’ve found it helps in my own writing, too. I just want to finish (okay, okay, at last!) by saying that in my opinion, humble or otherwise, Writing dot com is a family. A huge, sprawling, international family, full of eccentrics and committed writers. From what I have seen, there is surprisingly little argument, bad-mouthing or general nastiness. Disagreements? Yes, of course – that must be expected. But so much enjoyment, pleasure and respect. This is a good place to be, and I will be here as long as I can. |