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Each day we have new writing -- and new selections on the front page. An important part of this project is to give each other positive, constructive feedback. So add your comments to the writing. Read as a writer. Help out your fellow young writer!

Community life

Submitted by ggevalt on May 11, 2008 - 00:16.

To the YWP community,

It's been sad to me to see that this site has had some small tension over the last few days. A few things got said. A few things got said a bit too harshly. And a few things got misunderstood. Hmmmm. That ever happen in your house?

What's unusual is that it's happening on this Web site. I have been struck over these last two years at the amazing civility and positive spirit that has marked most discourse here. You have created a safe, civil site that is built on trust.

So now that the dust has settled a bit, I just want to say, not to worry. This will pass. Those who have departed for now will be back, or will be checking in from time to time. I'm sure of that. Too much of their souls have been put onto these pages. They care too much.

And that's, maybe, what some of you newer folks may not have understood completely. People really place a stake on this site; they care about it, they put a lot into it. They are proud of what they've done to build it.

There is no one person at fault here. Really. Fact is it's a high-stress, hectic time of year and everyone is probably feeling a bit tired. And pressed for time. Just keep this in mind: YWP is different. Write with emotion but do not REACT with emotion, at least not with anger. Be supportive. Be respectful. Be considerate. Remember your words sound harsher than you intend them; always. Remember, too, this site is about helping each other become better writers.

So hang in there. Keep on writin'.

cheers
gg

Zeal_37mm's picture

Thank you, Geoff for

Submitted by Zeal_37mm on May 11, 2008 - 00:52.

Thank you, Geoff for stepping up to confront the sensitive issues going on in our community. It saddened me a bit to see the events unfolding on this site, and I was very disheartened to see that it caused people to leave.
I agree that this is probably caused by high stress (i feel it in the air too, it's suffocating), and I hope that by the time summer rolls around everyone can take a deep breath and attempt to fix any wrongs and amend any broken relationships.

Remember, buddies:
we're all here because we want to be here. this hostility is something not needed, because some of us come here to get away from it.

Thanks again, Geoff for being a true leader for this site. =]

Ciao...
The Procrastinating Senior- Skyler.

---------
The Ship Is Sinking, Sailor Let Go!

SnowStars's picture

This, too, will pass...

Submitted by SnowStars on May 11, 2008 - 06:50.

I see that it's not the end of the world- and before I was able to join, I did read alot of stuff on here, so even though I am new, I see it has changed- and I can see why people are leaving.
As a community, we have changed, but after the first, hardest parts of this change have passed, I think people, myself included, will be able to move on.
And thank you, gg, for creating and maintaining this site and helping us all so much. This site has helped me alot. Thanks!
:)SnowStars

Anonymous's picture

Knowing the people that have

Submitted by Anonymous on May 11, 2008 - 12:36.

Knowing the people that have left (are leaving) as well as the people (person) who spoke in rather harsh tones about the people on this site, I'm sure there are other reasons besides just the community changing. things in people's lives have changed, people, places, goals, and so much more. I believe this is the beginning to a NEW session of YWP, the summer version, where people pop in and out, and give and take, using this site as a TOOL rather than a means of communication. We have not lost the old members, they are still here, lurking as guests and thinking of things to say.
_____________________________
"As a child I used to think that 'Anon' was a Greek philosopher, when told otherwise, I lost my first real hero."

Dreamsprite's picture

Thanks Geoff, and I agree,

Submitted by Dreamsprite on May 11, 2008 - 12:46.

Thanks Geoff, and I agree, there has been a lot of tension here.

Thanks for being here to support us <3

__________________________________

"...All you have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to you..."[Gandalf]
"So the lion fell in love with the lamb..."[Edward Cullen]

SnowStars's picture

Thank you for being a voice

Submitted by SnowStars on May 12, 2008 - 18:47.

Thank you for being a voice of reason in our world!

1 week 1 day, says my account
but in truth there is more to it than that
this is such an important part of my life after just those
8 days
(and many more as a guest)
Thank you.
~SnowStars

Snowstars...

Submitted by ggevalt on May 12, 2008 - 18:56.

Glad you have jumped in with both feet, but pace yourself....

gg

SnowStars's picture

Don't worry, I have

Submitted by SnowStars on May 12, 2008 - 19:04.

Don't worry, I have (mostly). I find this a great place to connect with other writers, and to expand my own boundries for writing.
Thanks.
:)SnowStars

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