I just started in Historical! It was shaky, but I loved writing the book. I'm more of a contemporary writer. Which one do you prefer? Do you have a preference between contemporary and historical fiction?
So many people who want to go into this! Maybe one day we'll have a discussion about self-publishing. Welcome!
I'm sure you'll get there!
@Chita Welcome to the thread. 
Answers to the daily discussions!
I think it's main purpose is to over a template for proper story pacing.
Just like "The Heros Journey" it's a simplification of what works---it's one of those things that people also do subconsciously when telling stories. We all know that we need to introduce a character, and that we need to tell the important bits of our stories, and that we need to end a story (3 act structure.) It's used because it works and because it's engaging enough to an audience.
The three-act structure is fine for most genres, but in genres like Mystery and Crime where most storytelling uses parallel timelines, and disjointed act arrangements to keep the mystery hidden, it becomes ineffective.
Most contemporary romance novels.
Master Of The Game, Kiss The Girls, Tell Me Your Dreams (all Mystery and Crime novels.)
Name: Cal
Pronouns: she/her
Genres: fantasy, horror, paranormal, romance, western
Writing journey: I honestly have no idea right now
Link to account: https://tapas.io/calblackwriter1
The three act structure is basically your expanded 'every story has a beginning, middle, and end' explanation for elementary school. I'd say it's the most popular structure because it's the easiest to adhere to and gets the point across effectively. But I suppose adhering to it strictly can snuff out a lot experimentation.
Most works I've come across use the three act structure, while varying the lengths of each act of course. But I think one that does this beautifully is The Breadwinner (highly recommend it. It's on netflix!). You're introduced to the protagonist, her family and living situation. Shit goes down. She overcomes her fears and finds the courage to embark on a difficult journey where we witness her trials and tribulations. And there's a resolution for her and her family at the end.
Things that break the structure can be anything not intended to tell a set narrative with a problem to be solved or characters to be developed: the Travels of Marco Polo for example, or any sort of historical/factual account.
Hello,everyone! Big thanks to @KRWilliams for starting this thread. A lot of valuable information to go around!
Preferred Name: Makayla
Pronouns: She / Her
Genres you create: Fantasy and Paranormal romances. My tag line is “romance that bites”!
Where you plan to take your writing journey: I want a combination career of writing serial fiction and traditional publishing.
Link to Tapas Account: https://tapas.io/makaylasophia2
Answering the daily questions!
What do you think is the purpose of the three act structure?
The three act structure is a guiding post for stories that has worked since basically the beginning of stories. It introduces characters, a conflict, and a resolution.
Why do you think this structure is the most popular among storytellers across the world?
It’s popular because it works. There’s lots of ways to manipulate it. It’s a general outline with tons of wiggle room.
What issues do you think sticking rigidly to a three act structure could cause?
Personally? Not a lot. A lot of stories that may seem like they’re not three act structures could potentially be three act structures. Going with the three acts doesn’t necessarily mean there needs to be a singular timeline, point of view, etc. There’s a lot of movement and a lot of ways to move around.
If there is one issue, it could be potentially focusing too much on plot development or character development, instead of finding a nice ground between the two.
What works can you think of that use a simple three act structure?
Most things I think of use three act structures. @saintc mentioned romance, and I agree with that. A lot of children’s, middle grade, and teen also use the three act structure.
What works can you think of that break the rules of the three act structure?
A lot of sequels break away from the three act. Especially in trilogies, the middle book can tend to me a middle ground between an overarching story. Instead of having one storyline that connects the three, sometimes it’s the middle act of the bigger picture.
A bit late for Introductions day because of timezones but gonna hop in anyway!
Preferred Name: Ivan (pen name)
Pronouns: He / Him (I'm female but chose a male pen name for marketing reasons. So it would be weird to call she/her with that pen name)
Genres you create: Action, Scifi, Mystery, Drama (Romance as subplot)
Where you plan to take your writing journey: Would love to have my novels published! But a more achievable goal is to gain more readers and earn a little side money.
Link to Tapas Account: https://tapas.io/ivanskilling
Also to answer the discussion for today:
What do you think is the purpose of the three act structure?
I think the structure helps authors to stay on track.
Why do you think this structure is the most popular amongst storytellers across the world?
The three-act structure is easy to remember and most importantly, general enough to allow room for innovation and experimentation.
What issues do you think sticking rigidly to a three-act structure could cause?
I don't think there's an issue in general. But if one were to compromise the logic or flow of the plot, character development for the sake of sticking to the structure, then it could result in a flawed story.
What novels can you think of that use a simple three act structure?
A lot of novels can be characterized as using that structure. It's a very general structure after all.
What novels can you think of that break the rules of the three-act structure?
Maybe those novels that end with an unresolved problem (although they tend to resolve others). Also novels that start at the end and progress in a reverse time chronological order. (I've personally written one such story and boy was it interesting and fun to write! )
Preferred Name: Nau / Nau Koko
Pronouns: She/Her
Genres you create: Romance, Drama
Where you plan to take your writing journey: Well I started my comic because I really wanted to see the story drawn out personally...And I wanted to try drawing comics as the thought has been on my mind for years, I just could never make the jump to it from 'just' illustrating. Something that really pushed me to start this year was reading akiko hiashimura's autobiographical manga Kakukaku Shikajika.
I don't have any lofty goals with it at the moment, I'd just be really happy to complete it. ^^
Link to Tapas Account: https://tapas.io/naukoko14
Time to answer the questions
What do you think is the purpose of the three-act structure?
I just learned this, i think it is a good first step for us writers, it helps to structure our stories and it is definitely going to help me.
What do you think is the purpose of the three-act structure?
I think it helps to structure the author thoughts on what they want to write for their story for me. I will be using it for sure
What issues do you think sticking rigidly to a three-act structure could cause?
Hmm I am not sure but maybe it may not make the story not flow or too structured not sure
What novels can you think of that use a simple three-act structure?
Pretty much every one of them if they do. It is a good structure
What novels can you think of that break the rules of the three-act structure?
Most of the novels I have read unconsciously use this structure, most resolve the problem and gives us a little epilogue at the end
My apologies if I get any of this wrong, I'm not a writer... or really very good at anything involving writing.
- What do you think is the purpose of the three act structure?
I see it as a guideline for pacing and an overall solid story structure.
- Why do you think this structure is the most popular amongst storytellers across the world?
It's really to work with, the instructions are very clear and the layout is overall simple. At least, that's why I would think it's so popular.
- What issues do you think sticking rigidly to a three act structure could cause?
I imagine, just like with putting too much focus on anything, it could be detrimental to your story. Not every story works with this kind of structure, forcing in this kind of structure for all of them make affect pacing, how the story is told and how the characters act. It's better to put the focus on the story first, brainstorming whether it would call for a three act structure or structure of a different kind.
- What works can you think of that use a simple three act structure?
Lol most stories, at least the movies I've seen. I guess one example would be Jurassic Park, we get act 1 where all the characters and the park are introduced, the midpoint where the dinosaurs escape, the climax is that iconic moment where the raptors are about to kill everyone, the T-Rex bursts into the lobby and eats the raptors. Which allows everyone to escape, leading to the resolution showing the MCs flying home.
- What works can you think of that break the rules of the three act structure?
This one is a little tougher to answer since I'm admittedly not the most well versed in writing, also opinions on this are more subjective. Like, there are people who see Forrest Gump as a movie that breaks the three act structure due to it's style of narrative with how the flashbacks and present day stuff is laid out, while other's see it fitting right in with the said structure.
I guess for me personally, one movie I can name off the top of my head that I feel doesn't fit the three act structure is Swiss Army Man. If not for the introduction style, or the fact that it feels like it has more peaks and valleys, but it kinda has two climaxes. The first one where Hank escape a bear attack thanks to corpse-man Daniel Radcliffe learning to walk, and they scare it away with a fire explosion. The second, smaller one, is when the cops are about the arrest Hank for stealing corpse-man Daniel Radcliffe and taking him to the shoreline. But before they could take Hank he farts, causing corpse-man Daniel Radcliffe to "come back to life" and jet fart his way back into the ocean, making everyone except Hank question what just happened.
I may be misreading the structure of Swiss Army Man, but it is a very unique film regardless.
As for the writing exercise, I don't really feel like breaking out my MS Paint or Photoshop since it's my bedtime, but I will say I don't think it quiiite fits into the three act structure. The pacing is very slow and doesn't progress like a normal story, there are about two major realization moments and one major event, also the story gets more sad or upsetting until it reaches the second realization moment after the major event. So it's like: Act 1 - Act 2 - Act 3 - Act 2 - Act 3 - Act 3? Although this may be my lack up understanding talking, and my comic could very well have a normal three act structure.
I know that shaky feel! I guess I'm more of a contemporary writer. I love writing contemporary because I find it easier to write the backdrop. (though I have to keep up with the latest trends 
) Historical fiction is challenging for me because of lots of research needed, like double compared with contemporary. But I love writing it because it's like creating your imagined society.
What do you think is the purpose of the three act structure?
It's structure. Anything with structure is often perceived as good. I especially think that this form holds a lot of value in one-shot books. And by that, I mean, a story that starts and ends with one book.
Why do you think this structure is the most popular amongst storytellers across the world?
The format. It's sequential and uni-directional. Most stories are linear, and benefit greatly from such form. I think that's what adds to the beauty of this format. Interestingly, I've been writing for so long, and I've been kind of winging it. Never really studied the three-act structure until your infographic, @KRWilliams. But I can see patterns form from the way I've written my other books, when in comparison with the three-act structure. It's almost wired into your brain to write that way, and at the same time, I think the readers are also wired to read stories the same way. That probably adds to the popularity.
What issues do you think sticking rigidly to a three-act structure could cause?
I love this question! And the reason I love this question is, I try my best to not think of a structure when writing my stories. I like to think of building a world, its characters, and its premise. Now. After developing personalities, I often step back and let the story simmer the way it's supposed to. I loosely hold onto the overall plot, but I let the characters guide the story more strongly. It helps with my emotions as well.
Several of my characters have died because that's just how they would've reacted in such a situation, or because they simply couldn't overcome said situation no matter how hard they tried. Similarly, one person's decision, at a certain point, would have made my life as a writer much better, but instead, due to their personality, they end up doing something else entirely, throwing a wrench into my plan and progress of the story. When you create a world, you can't become its god. I think that's the beauty of writing, unless you're writing non-fiction, to allow the characters to carry your story forward, even if it stops being uni-directional. Does that still ensure a three-act structure? Perhaps. But I'm fine even if it breaks away from it in such scenarios.
What novels can you think of that use a simple three-act structure?
I grew up reading a ton of Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot novels, and also a ton of Jeffry Archer's works. They're usually very defined stories. And I think they fit best with the structure in question.
What novels can you think of that break the rules of the three-act structure?
The Alchemist from Paulo Coelho comes to mind, despite being a one-shot. In my opinion, it's as far as you can get from a three-act structure. But it was still wildly entertaining, and with a good sense of finality attached to it. Let's see, anything that spans over several books, or even manga or manhwa? Although, one could argue that they follow bite-sized three-act structures throughout the course of their arcs. But in totality, are all those pieces necessary for the story to have progressed from A to Z? Take One Piece, for example. It's a story with a defined plot and ending - Become the Pirate King. But if you remove one or two, or even multiple arcs between chapter 1 and chapter 900, does it still take away from the overall story? I don't think so.
That felt great to write!
You formed this reply while I was writing my own. But yes! I relate so much to what you've said here
Happy to find a like-minded person.
What do you think is the purpose of the three-act structure?
I think it acts like a very high-level outline. By separating into three distinct acts, authors/scriptwriters/etc. can then plan out when to describe the setting and characters, when to bring up the conflict and when to get to the Resolution and wrap things up.
Why do you think this structure is the most popular amongst storytellers across the world?
Like @ivanskilling mentioned, it's easy to remember and relatively easy to plan out. Once you have a high-level plan written out in the form of the Three-Act structure, you can then break those down into different scenes.
What issues do you think sticking rigidly to a three-act structure could cause?
At times, I find it a little too rigid. The Three Act structure doesn't seem to allow for subplots, multiple mysteries, a tie of different conflicts into one solution and/or ending, etc. I think that a lot can be lost by sticking rigidly to the structure and some interesting stories can have information missing. Also, is it really just three acts? Couldn't there be multiple arcs with their own beginning, middle, and end?
What novels can you think of that use a simple three act structure?
Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, Antigone, Medea, a lot of plays have these structures. I think mystery novels and some horror stories (Carrie, IT, Misery, Colors out of Space) do very well with the Three-Act structure too.
Romances commonly use the same structure and often end the same way: "Happily Ever After"...ugh. Kinda boring, I also want to know MORE about the relationship once it's finally settled.
What novels can you think of that break the rules of the three-act structure?
Though it asks Novels, I'm gonna also bring in movies well. Stream of Consciousness novels and Autobiographies ('Catcher in the Rye', 'Trainspotting', etc) often don't follow the structure because they are focused on an actual day in the life, or year in the life of someone.
We then have Irreversible and Memento, which are movies that explicitly break the rules and start from the END (aka Resolution) then go through events backward (or in Memento, forwards AND backward) to reveal precisely how the main character got to that point.
We also have light-novels and serialized stories that have an overarching goal, but the characters go through multiple arcs towards that goal. Often times that goal ends of changing as a result of the resolution of one arc, leading to another conflict in the next (Attack on Titan, Claymore, One Piece, Sword Art Online, insert some anime here...)
Finally, we have novels, movies, and shows which show different events in different time periods finally coalesce into one story. This is done to show the backstory or different journeys of multiple protagonist before we get to the main conflict. An interesting way to do this would be to show the POV of the protag, but also then show the POV of the antag, therefor offering different views to the conflict. I don't think a lot of stories do this, and I really wish they did.
Thanks! I really would like to find more light-novels. I'm not sure if they are in the novel section or the comic section though...
I do think that breaking a three act structure usually works best in media that isn’t necessarily consumed in one sitting.
This place seems interesting.
Preferred Name: D
Pronouns: He
Genres you create: Fantasy, Action.
Where you plan to take your writing journey: Trying to take this writing thing somewhat seriously and draw attention to myself a bit more.
LInk to Tapas Account: https://tapas.io/darkone4587