This is already in the works, but still requires a lot of moderating to implement. Instead, we want to create some guidelines in order to reduce our need to use this. Basically, the guideline and the moderating tools need to work in conjunction with one another rather than relying on only one of them alone. But it's good to see that we've been brainstorming similar ideas.
The only problem is that the episode # are hardcoded, so it's very difficult to move episodes from series to series. This has more to do with our infrastructure than anything. Originally, Tapastic was structured around long form content and we didn't account for re-ordering or transporting episodes from one series to another. When I think about long sprawling short form series like Anything About Nothing, I can see why re-ordering episodes would be cool (you can start bundling similar themed episodes together). For long form, it's become apparent that some creators want to add prologues or when they are mass uploading episodes, they sometimes mess up and upload them out of order. But yeah, ideally, we'll tackle this in the future (kind of like the episode update with new pages system).
We do notify creators privately. We try to keep these reports as discrete as possible. When reports are minor or are false reports, we tend to resolve it ourselves without getting the creator involved. There are certain occasions when we have to make certain quick changes (i.e. NSFW filtering an episode) in order to comply with app store rules. But we always contact the creators to let them know after.
We have something in the works - it won't be a gallery, but better ways to highlight certain pieces on an individual's wall so that it's easier to organize.
I don't think that's necessary. I talked about this in an earlier post but it's understandable that due to the current limitations of Tapastic that creators have made series specifically tailored to promote supplementary material (i.e. additional drawings, fanart, etc). Until Tapastic comes up with a better solution, I think those series are fine for now - I'm sure we will try and migrate that information elsewhere in the future.
We will likely have to take measures in order for series with supplementary content to not be promoted internally within the new dynamic feed on the apps (unless they're already subscribed to your primary series). I think that's a fair middle ground.
Yeah, I sometimes think that these topics are sort of difficult to talk about, especially since I have access to all this information that creators don't (i.e. big data, future tools being built, why current tools are built, etc). I always want to share as much information as possible while also respecting the wishes of other parties. If you skim through the later portion of the newsletter, you can sort of see that I got carried away with detailing our future plans with the apps, haha.
To talk a little more about building tools and creating guidelines. A little off topic, but at the end of the day, it's a balancing act. A very delicate one too. First and foremost, we have to collect information about what tools creators want (big shout out to @noxfox for always mocking up some cool designs) and how it fits into what already exists on Tapastic. At our best, we create tools creators want that also synergize with pre-existing tools. If not, then we factor in how this new tool can synergize with future tools.
We also consider how these tools are going to be used. Intention and implementation are totally different, we expect one thing and we get another. And then we adapt. If some tools aren't working, we're quick to get rid of them.
We collect feedback in various ways, sometimes creators let us know directly, other times we get forum threads (which I feel is the best way because it creates dialogue), other times we get angry e-mails, and most importantly, we track and study user behavior. How are these tools being used, by who, when, where, why? We factor in all of these (especially the angry e-mails because I think if you feel very passionately about something, it's worth looking into), and then we do it all again.
On the flipside, this goes for readers as well.
@kurisquare brings up a really point - and I agree. I think most of our guidelines relate to reader experience but the tools we build are more creator focused. I think what we really want to try and do with our guidelines is to strike a balance. Make it clear and fair - but most of all explain why.
I think about the reader experience a lot and because of that I sort of take it for granted that maybe not everyone is on the same page. The guidelines are meant for creators to take into account the reader experience - it's meant to set up some ground rules that will hopefully help them grow their readership, and have the most meaningful experience on Tapastic possible. And I guess, that's when we're really at our best.
Hookay, long post, I think Chang and Min did a good job addressing some questions and concerns in the thread, and hopefully I tackled a few more.
I appreciate everyone taking the time to chime in. We're taking notes. Looking forward to more of the discussion.