Changes to the CW site structure

I'm planning to merge the Writer's Lounge and Open Forum together, and simply call them the discussion forum. I believe this will streamline discussion and make using the forum much more convenient. Members will have the option to sort by prefix and/or topic.

I'll also be shuffling around some of the other features and forums on our site to make them more visible. This will include the showcase and the ads/classifieds sections. Also, by popular demand the writing prompts will be located (under their own prefix) in the consolidated discussion forum.

I wanted to give everyone notice to head off any panic or confusion. I hope you enjoy the updates! :)

Rebecca

I have a question/suggestion. I personally don't like going into a thread thinking its a discussion just to find it's a link to a blog, or a website. I know I'm nitpicking here but will there be a way to have only writing topics in one section.

I know I've turned the table. I used to think there wasn't enough of topic discussions but now I have trouble finding the true discussions about writing.

LOL
Go figure.

Jacks, there's a blogging topic. I always put my links to writing blogs there.

Well then may be i don't know how to find the writing topics only . lol

I go to the top and look for writing topics. and find many of them under the yellow heading of general writing topics. As I said I'm nitpicking of course. When I go into a thread I'm looking for a good discussion, not a good read. I know my bad.... lol.

But it's a little disappointing, often I try to dredge up a discussion in the same thread about the topic on the blog but often folks just chime in.... with good story or good points and nothing get's discussed, oh well as I said I'm just nitpicking.

I like to talk about things and discuss the topic. My only problem with the links, is no one talks about stuff anymore.. they just print something for us to read and thats the end...

I guess I'm really complaining about a lack of writing questions and topics than I am anything.

Hmm, just to make sure I'm understanding correctly...

We shouldn't have links to other sites/blogs in the discussion forums, anyway. The only time I'd find that appropriate is if someone was referencing an article/blog for a discussion thread on CW. Otherwise I'd call it advertising.

We do have a Resource Directory for links (yet another section which needs better visibility). Also, the ads section will be more visible, so folks can post writing-related links either place.

Does that make sense? Or did I miss the point? ;)

The new navigation menu I'm putting in place makes it much easier to sort and jump to specific sections. Maybe I'll also look into putting a prefix list at the top of the forum for even easier sorting.

Rebecca