  Noticing Newbies
This week: Will You Make It on Writing.Com? Edited by: JACE  
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Hi, I'm JACE .
Welcome to this issue of the Noticing Newbies newsletter. Join me as I take you into some nooks and crannies of Writing.Com that you may not have found time to check out yet.
Don't forget to toss me a note about what you liked or didn't like in my column, or about a topic you'd like to see discussed. This newsletter is about and for you. And for you seasoned members, I hope you'll find something you can take from my ramblings. 
Your Noticing Newbies Newsletter full-time Editors:
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Will You Make It on Writing.Com?
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Congratulations. You've just joined WDC, the premier writing site on the web today. In case you weren't sure, WDC is a peer to peer writing site that allows you to post your work, and enables you to receive reviews, advice and assistance with that work in order to perfect your craft.
Granted, you're at the whim and mercy of those who would choose to offer that assistance. Everything on WDC is voluntary, up to and including the efforts of our founders, The ScaryMaster  and The StoryWitchress  . They could be like some bosses who stay in their offices raking in the money and letting underlings handle the human relations aspect of their business. (Between you and me, I'm being facetious about that "raking in the money" thing. ) They, however, prefer a more hands on approach, despite the awesome demand on their time with running a site as complex as Writing.Com AND caring for a family. How many folks can say they've been helped directly by them?
Senior Moderators, Moderators, Preferred Authors and even Registered Authors and Users all help one another freely according to the time and drive they have available to devote to this passion. Of course, not all members are active. I believe it's safe to say that each new member has a very good chance of finding the help he or she seeks here. I re-read my last Noticing Newbies NL before starting this one, and was sad to see one of the Newbies I featured had already left the site. That person barely had time to experience WDC. Yes, I realize many things contribute to a person's ability to remain on WDC; it's not just about desire. But still....
How can you make it on WDC?
First, fill out your BioBlock (on your main Portfolio page: Manage Your BioBlock), or your Biography (using the Biography tab in your Port), or both. It's important for you to tell us where your interests lie. We're not mind readers, and you're still the best person to toot your own horn.
Next, post some of your writings in your Port. Even free memberships can have up to ten items. I believe it's critical to post something before you introduce yourself to us. Don't tell us what you're going to do in some forum--do it, and then ask us to look. Start your journey on WDC by becoming active, not passive ... just like your writing should be.
Then introduce yourself in the "Noticing Newbies" or the "Writing.Com General Discussion" forums. Give us a teaser about yourself that would make another member want to check out your Port. It's analogous to a great story title or a unique Item Description that draws a reader into your story. Make that first impression great.
Finally, become active on this site. If you want to be a better writer, you must write. Everyday. You must work at your craft. Find folks with similar interests and styles, cultivate friendships, and encourage an exchange of ideas. Join a group, post in a forum, and review other members. Creating a presence on site shows others you're serious about your writing; I suspect that assistance you seek will be forthcoming.
Okay, I realize by the time you read this, you've already made your first impression. But maybe you've haven't yet filled out your Bio, or haven't posted anything yet. Do it now. Or you have a friend who's thinking of joining WDC. Pass these suggestions along.
As you read and write your way into action here, you may find writing is a passion you can't live without. Perhaps you'll publish one day. (That's my goal.) Maybe you'll make some great friends here. (I have.) For sure you'll find a place where your dreams can take flight.
Will you make it on WDC? I believe you will. Become active on WDC ... today.
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An Upgrade Moment
Each issue I write will highlight a feature available only to paid members at various levels. With so many nooks, crannies, and features available to members, one can hardly comprehend everything. Even older members can't track all the changes WDC has undergone over the past two years.  Most are explained in " Writing.Com 101" , and are marked with a symbol indicating to which membership level the feature applies. You may see something you didn't know existed, or something you just haven't tried before.
You can compare all the features available to a given membership level at " Compare Free and Paid Membership Benefits" .
This month, I'd like to discuss the Message Forum.
The Message Forum is probably the most versatile item after the Static Item. You must have at least a Basic membership to create and host a Message Forum in your Port.
Creating a forum steps up your game on WDC by allowing you much more interaction with others. Perhaps you wish to discuss your interest in a particular genre with like-minded folks, or maybe you want to host an activity, such as a contest or auction. The message forum is the perfect choice. Any WDC member is able to post in message forums, subject, of course, to the parameters set by the forum's creator.
A couple familiar message forums that are available to all WDC members are the "Noticing Newbies" and the "Technical Support Forum" . Other forums may be limited to just two members or a particular group's members. For more information about Message Forums, look at "Message Forum" .
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Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
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And from the mailbox about my last Noticing Newbies newsletter, "Newsletters: Information for the Masses" .
From CAD  : I feel giped. I wrote for the Dear Me contest only to realize that my insanity will go unnoticed. I do not have a paid membership. Such a sad sad waste of time. Would you like to me to send both a question and a comment? (Done.)
I understand your frustration at being unable to enter your letter in the official Dear Me contest, but I submit your efforts won't be in vain if you can follow through on your goals. You can also seek reviews from the "The Shameless "Plug" Page" . Good luck.
From sammieleigh: Currently working on novel. I put scenes in my portfolio. I am interested on anything you can send me that might help keep my juices flowing. thanks.
If you're thinking about your novel, read a few passages and sit back letting your mind wander around your characters and scenes. Write down everything that comes to mind whether it seems far-fetched or not. You may find something that moves you forward. For other ideas, just type 'prompts' in the Search window above and press enter. You might be surprised at what you find. Good luck.
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Noticing Newbies: February 08, 2012 Issue [#4861]
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