Noticing Newbies: September 19, 2012 Issue [#5263]
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Noticing Newbies


 This week: Tricks and Tips
  Edited by: JACE 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

Hi, I'm JACE Author Icon.

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. *Smile*

Your Noticing Newbies Newsletter full-time Editors:





Word from our sponsor

ASIN: 197380364X
Amazon's Price: $ 15.99


Letter from the editor

Tricks and Tips


We've just finished the official Writing.Com's 12th Birthday festivities (though some unofficial ones still continue). And yet time moves on ... and new folks keep joining each day. New members mean some manner of confusion is sure to exist over the complexities of our writing site. I've been a member for almost four and a half years, and I still learn something new each day.

Of course, I'm naturally nosy, and to carry that further, I decided soon after I joined to become actively involved in all facets of Writing.Com. I became a member of a couple of groups--one that focused on reviewing ("Simply Positive Review Forum Open in new Window.), and one that helped me focus on my writing ("The Talent PondOpen in new Window.). I also spent lots of time in the numerous help forums, combing them for tricks and tips about the workings of the site. I suspect many of you have taken advantage of these forums. Here are a few tips I've seen explained in these forums more than once.

Forgotten passwords: If you forget your login password, there are specific steps that must be taken to re-gain access to your Portfolio. The StoryMaster explains that process in the following post: "Re: Paul Redfern"  Open in new Window.. For more information on this topic, click on the URL link in his post. (By the way, I purposely avoided expanding on these tips here; I want you to click through the links and learn how to navigate the system.)

Frequent logouts: You're working on an email, or story, or something, and all of a sudden, you see that notice--you've been logged off Writing.Com. The chances are all the work you've done since your last Save will be lost. I've heard that some browsers may allow you to use a back button to retrieve your work. It's more than frustrating to lose something that you've spent a lot of time composing. Remember, there is no automatic save mode on Writing.Com. Whether you can salvage your work or not, you need to take some steps to stop this from happening in the future. Two things come to mind:

         Stay Logged In (Keep Cookie): See the following post by the StoryMaster, "Re: Re: Log In Command"  Open in new Window.. Click on the URL link to go to that area in your own Port that allows you to manage your cookies for WDC. Please note this is different than setting your browser to enable cookies, which should be your first step.

         Set Your Computer's Clock: Make sure the time on your computer is set to the correct time. This is one of the most common reasons for early logout from the site.

Replying on Forums: If you create a forum post, you have the option to be emailed by anyone who answers you by checking the appropriate box below the Post a Reply window. Generally, a person answers your post using the Reply window below your post. Confusion might result when the thread has several posts (and answers). These are displayed in the Full Message Thread, indented much like the old outline format. The current active post in the thread is marked by a *Star*. Any answer you wish to post in the Post a Reply: window, will go to the person who made the post indicated by the *Star* no matter how many intervening posts there may be. If you wish to answer another person in the thread, be sure their post is marked with that *Star*. The bottom line is your reply will not go to all members in the thread.

Take some time to read back through these Help forums ("Technical Support ForumOpen in new Window. and "Non-Technical Support ForumOpen in new Window.. Or, if you have a specific topic you wish answered, try typing it in the Search box in that forum. You might find it has already been answered for another member. If that fails, start a new thread--post your query; someone is always ready to help.



Editor's Picks

Check out these Newbies (I've selected folks who have filled out their Biography or something in their Bio-Block). Take a moment to review something in their Port ... or just say hi.
"Stormy Mind"  Open in new Window. by William Kail Author Icon
"Invalid Item"  Open in new Window. by A Guest Visitor
"Invalid Item"  Open in new Window. by A Guest Visitor
"Lost Lyrics"  Open in new Window. by LavenderOnYourDoorstep Author Icon
"As The Old Pine Fell"  Open in new Window. by Fredrik Author Icon
User Submitted items:
"Invalid Item"  Open in new Window. by A Guest Visitor
"A Different Red Riding Hood Story"  Open in new Window. by BIG BAD WOLF Feeling Thankful Author Icon
"Secrets of a molested child"  Open in new Window. by Charlie Author Icon



 
Submit an item for consideration in this newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Word from Writing.Com

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

Don't forget to support our sponsor!

ASIN: B083RZ2C5F
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Ask & Answer

And from the mailbox about my last Noticing Newbies newsletter, "Member ClassificationsOpen in new Window..

From C.Evil Author Icon: There has been a few newsletters going over on how to describe a person's writing to make sure that your story about a child serial killer is not listed under children's story. I find though that sometimes a person lists a story as a poem. Or true event and fiction at the same time. I think reminding authors on what they call their item is important too. If a person opens a poem and sees a story they may not read it.

Good point. Folks should consider how they advertise or market their work. After all, is your work any less important than someone selling whatever? I don't think so. *Wink*


From troy ulysses davis Author Icon: Enjoyed the advice on reviewing.

Thank you. *Smile*


From redthai Author Icon: Jace, I would really love to get some reviews. These days when I sit down to write anything it almost always is a poem. I am kinda shy In showing anyone my poems, but would love to have someone just to give me the heads up as to if I am writing crap

There are several ways to get reviews. One is to promote your work on the "The Shameless "Plug" PageOpen in new Window.. Another is to get involved with a group with similar views and writing styles as yours. Remember, giving reviews to others is the best way to get reviews, and learning how to accept what may be critical comments from others is key to being able to improve your writing. Best of luck to you.



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Word from our sponsor
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