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Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/3729-Handle-With-Care.html
Noticing Newbies: May 19, 2010 Issue [#3729]

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Noticing Newbies


 This week: Handle With Care!
  Edited by: THANKFUL SONALI Library Class! Author IconMail Icon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  Open in new Window.

Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

I've been on the site three years now, and the way members use the thirty characters of their 'handle' still amazes me!


A quick note: The 'handle', incidentally, is what appears to the left of your port, wherever you to on the site. It can be changed often, by visiting your 'My Account' area.

(The handle is different from the username, which appears when you 'mouse' over the portfolio icon and is a part of your Writing Dot Com email id, username@Writing.Com. The username cannot be changed easily. This issue of the Newsletter is about the handle, not the username!)

I give below some uses I've noticed of the handle, and some uses people brought to my attention in "Handling the HandleOpen in new Window. - thanks, everyone who contributed, and is about to contribute to the in-and-out!


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Letter from the editor

Handle With Care!

The highs, the lows
The thorn, the rose
The friends, not foes!
The way it goes
That is what your handle shows!


*ButterflyB* *Laugh* *Bigsmile* *Delight* *ButterflyG*


I was wondering how to sum up the many uses of a handle, when that ditty popped into my head, and I thought, well, why not? Handles can be so much fun!

Here are some of the uses people have found, for the handle. Where appropriate, I give how I personally respond to some handles. Of course you'll have your own way of 'handling' and of responding (or not responding)!

1. a. Name
Some users simply put their name in the handle. VikramAdith Author IconMail Icon and Sophurky Author IconMail Icon often have their names there.
1. b. Pen-Name
Some users, like Acme Acme Author IconMail Icon; Voxxylady Voxxylady Author IconMail Icon; Happiness Redefined Payal~is~Happiness Author IconMail Icon Gryffindor Gurl GryffindorGurl Author IconMail Icon and Hyperiongate Hyperiongate Author IconMail Icon have their handle reflect a pen-name, something they like to be called.
Two similar pen-names! brairfoot justme Author IconMail Icon

2. Name-or-pen-name-plus - Just an Ordinary Boo! Author IconMail Icon

3. A character, like ♥noVember tHiNg♥ Author IconMail Icon, The Milkman Author IconMail Icon, Arakun the twisted raccoon Author IconMail Icon, planetariumnut

4. To promote an item on WDC, with the item number or title. Example: Andrew Author IconMail Icon
Note - if you would like to see what the handle is promoting, you could 'search' the number, the item shows up!
If there's a title given, you could search that, and if it simply says, "my first contest" or something like that, you could click on the author's portfolio and look for the item there!

5. To ask for something, like "needs an upgrade" or "needs reviews" or "needs gift points".
There have been many discussions about this in various forums, whether this constitutes 'begging' and whether it is in good taste. Various viewpoints have been expressed, each reader of this newsletter is going to have an opinion on this. My personal opinion, for what it is worth, is that it is okay. Unless you express what you need, how are people going to know? I think expressing a need through a handle is acceptable, whereas emailing people or groups or misusing forums to 'beg' is not.

And what if you notice someone's handle that expresses a need? Well, it's entirely your choice how you want to respond. You are free to ignore it. You could, if you like, give them a gift, fully or partly meet the need. But that is entirely, wholly up to you and what you want to do.

6. To say 'thank you', to a particular member, all your friends, or anonymous. Sean Author IconMail Icon; GeminiStar Author IconMail Icon; dmerrysilver

7. To celebrate something - like publication *Bigsmile*, a real birthday *Delight* or a WDC Account Birthday Princess Megan Snow Rose Author IconMail Icon very thankful Author IconMail Icon *Cool*; a new job *Smile*... you name it. On site, an achievement, like 'Rising Star' or 'Preferred Author'. When I see a handle that celebrates, I try to greet the person, whether I know them already or not. It's fun, in a community, to celebrate with others!

Sometimes, handles congratulate others who have been successful, like "congratulate new yellows".

Recently, Writing Dot Com introduced the idea of becoming a 'fan' of another author or an item. Here's one author celebrating having a fan following! Way to go! Spooky, Cute & staiNed Author IconMail Icon

8. To reflect the 'downs' - like illness. I try to respond to those, too, if I can.
I simply send an email saying, "Your handle says you're feeling under the weather. Hope you're better soon."
Here's someone you could email! Prof Moriarty Author IconMail Icon

9. To support a group on site, like "The WDC Angel ArmyOpen in new Window. or "WdC SuperPower Reviewers GroupOpen in new Window., especially when they're having an activity, like the Power Review Raid. On a larger scale, to celebrate something site-wide, like WDC's birthday in September.

Here, Sherri welcomes the new leaders of "Simply Positive". SHERRI GIBSON Author IconMail Icon

10. To salute a white case, like Larry (Kansaspoet), Dawn or Judy.
godspeed Author IconMail Icon salutes JudyB Author IconMail Icon

11. To throw light on a particular issue.
Recently, some of the Moderators were talking about how the 'average' rating for an item has, somehow, become 4 stars. That people receiving three or three and a half stars from reviewers felt insulted. We wanted to bring awareness that on a scale of 1 to 5, three stars is average. That 'average' means 'average', it doesn't mean pack your pencils and stop writing! That a 4.5 or 5 rating is for brilliant items.

We changed our handles to throw light on this issue, and it gave rise to a lot of discussion and argument. We hope it raised a bit of awareness, too!

12. To give a word count, especially during National Novel Writing Month. sunshine014

13. To indicate being offline for a while, or internet problems which limit computer use Tehuti, Lord Of The Eight Author IconMail Icon

14. To reflect what's happening to them generally, like 'moving house' or 'busy Mom'.

15. As a 'handle' ... ? storychick05 Handle Author IconMail Icon *Bigsmile*

16. Just for fun!
Once, India was playing an important cricket match, a final. Some WDC friends from around the globe got caught up in my excitement. They didn't get the live telecast of the match, so I updated them using my handle, which is quicker than sending everyone an email or IM. So my handle changed every few minutes, to read things like "Oops dropped catch", "good a wicket" and finally "VICTORY!"

17. Anything else E-rated that you can think of, within 30 characters!

Got a minute? Try going on the 'authors' page and looking at all the different handles there!

Thanks again to everyone who contributed (and are about to contribute) to "Handling the HandleOpen in new Window..

- Sonali


PS - I received this email from Sticktalker Author IconMail Icon as a response to this Newsletter, and I had to include it here.
I think it's great advice to keep part of the handle static, so that you are recognisable.
Thanks!

Dear Sonali,
Then there are some of us who dislike the constant changing of handles. Unless something is static in a handle, such as "Sonali", its' really hard to tell just WHO the person is unless you click on the suitcase and you recognize the "account name". I know that I've deleted email, or put it at the bottom of the list from folks who "get creative" too often just because I don't immediately recognize who they are.
I've kept my handle the same ever since I've been a wdc member (and, note, the handle is the same as the account name...see, NO CONFUSION.)
Sticktalker - Sticky - AKA Lyle in real life


Editor's Picks

By Our Authors!

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1691067 by Not Available.


Chocolate Open in new Window. (ASR)
Almost everything you need to know about chocolate. From history to your shopping list
#821219 by Captain Colossal Author IconMail Icon


 Online Safety and Identifying Hoaxes Open in new Window. (E)
Maybe it's time to remind everyone about the dangers of the Internet.
#1675683 by J. A. Buxton Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1575236 by Not Available.


 Every day is a birthday Open in new Window. (E)
In this ever changing world, does the day we were 'born' have any significance?
#1258933 by VikramAdith Author IconMail Icon


 Nick's Newbie Guide Open in new Window. (E)
How I got started on Writing.Com. I followed these steps and found it very successful.
#1169342 by Nicholas Holder Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1663740 by Not Available.


 My View on Reviews Open in new Window. (13+)
If you received a review from me or are reviewing something that I wrote, please read this
#1419592 by 4theLoveofWriting Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1426495 by Not Available.


FORUM
Troublesome Musings Open in new Window. (18+)
Free your words. Be handsomely rewarded. Deadline extended!
#840115 by Turkey DrumStik Author IconMail Icon


The Three Kinds of Rejection Letters Open in new Window. (E)
Learn a bit about rejection letters from publishers
#871249 by Darshan1 Author IconMail Icon


All Time Favourites!

GROUP
WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group Open in new Window. (E)
Join the fun! We inspire reviewers through kindness and learning! Winner of eight Quills!
#1300305 by Maryann Author IconMail Icon


FORUM
The Writer's Cramp Open in new Window. (13+)
Write the best poem or story in 24 hours or less and win 10K GPS!
#333655 by Sophurky Author IconMail Icon


FORUM
Project Write World Open in new Window. (13+)
A celebration of writers and their distinct cultures to bring us all together.
#1254279 by iKïyå§ama Author IconMail Icon


FORUM
ACRO*BATICS [Round Over] Open in new Window. (13+)
I supply an acronym; you make up what it stands for. My favorite entries win gift points!
#921363 by Davy Kraken Author IconMail Icon


Fun contests!

SURVEY
What a Character! : Official WDC Contest Open in new Window. (E)
Create a memorable character using the given prompt for huge prizes!
#1679316 by Writing.Com Support Author IconMail Icon


FORUM
Parenting Short Story Contest ~ CLOSED Open in new Window. (ASR)
Parenting is the funnest job ever! Or not? You tell me!
#1558020 by NaNoNette Author IconMail Icon


To do with handles and usernames!

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1656118 by Not Available.


A fun 'handle' activity - it's closed now, and I hope it re-opens soon!
*Wink* Kathleen Author IconMail Icon - are you reading this? *Wink*
Some of those Holiday Handles are fantastic, like "Kath-o-lantern" or "Count Milkula" at Halloween!

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1485641 by Not Available.


Check out my contest!

 Get the Picture! Open in new Window. (ASR)
What great entries! Winners announced! Thanks everyone!
#1676525 by THANKFUL SONALI Library Class! Author IconMail Icon

 
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https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

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Ask & Answer

A big, big, heartfelt thanks to those who responded to "Noticing Newbies Newsletter (December 30, 2009)Open in new Window.

Sandy~HopeWhisperer Author IconMail Icon

Sonali, this newsletter was hopefully read by every member of WDC. It is an outstanding read. You are so right on every point made.

We are passionate; we do see, feel, and express in ways different from other folks. Alas, this also makes us more sensitive to poor reviews (anything less than perfect). Sure our writing is personal...it is OURS.

I love your new phrase "Think-skinned." It is perfect...a 5.0 rating. If someone is rating our work, they are reading it. If we go back, we can always improve our work. While as author we may not always agree with the reviewer, in most cases we can find at least one suggestion we can use from a reviewer. That makes a win/win situation.

I personally love to be reviewed. In the majority of the time I am encouraged. The suggestions I get are usually given in a positive manner and even those few that seem harsh have helped me improve my own reviewing skills.

GREAT NEWSLETTER!

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-JeRrY- Author IconMail Icon

I love the fact that this newsletter took the time to post a piece of my work. I appreciate all the feedback that it generated. Also this weeks newsletter is one of the best ive seen so far. Keep it up.

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Acme Author IconMail Icon

Fab newsletter, Sonali. I like your 'think-skinned' way of thinking *Wink*

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Adriana Noir Author IconMail Icon

Fantastic newsletter! I applaud you "think-skinned" phrase and think it's a great mentality. You are so very right, writers are emotional, and there is a time to cling to emotion, and a time to roll with the punches, so to speak! Great advice, Sonali, for both newbies and vets!

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JacDesign Author IconMail Icon

Great article! Thank you for the insights. You have a great newsletter that not only encourages the new writer, but also points out that we're not alone in this venture. Happy New Year! May it be filled with inspiration and great accomplishments.

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water pebble Author IconMail Icon

I wish you the best ever this coming new year. May the Think-Skinned be an aspiration to all.

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Winnie Kay Author IconMail Icon

Great advice, Sonali!!
Your 1st Newbie NL is right-on.
Published or unpublished, we are all sensitive writers. Rejection and criticism HURTS. I know. But you are right -- if we stop and work WITH the critical evaluations, we may learn something.
winnie

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eyestar~* Author IconMail Icon

I am new to this venue and thank you for your assessment of a writer and your new word: think-skinned. It's like a code and now we know what it means! thanks too for the common sense message about keeping on in spite of Happenings!
a useful concept in life too. Eyestar

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-JeRrY- Author IconMail Icon

I love the fact that this newsletter took the time to post a piece of my work. I appreciate all the feedback that it generated. Also this week's newsletter is one of the best I've seen so far. Keep it up.

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Cricket Author IconMail Icon

I would love to help with the newsletter in some capacity. Is there any way that I can do this and how? Any information would be greatly appreciated. (Response - As of now, only Mods edit the official site Newsletters, thanks for your enthusiasm!)

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annieframe

I really enjoyed reading this newsletter. Brilliant words and brilliant advice that all writers will grow from. Thank you

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