Feb 2018
1 / 13
Feb 2018
Mar 2018
Testaccount
Feb '18

Hey, everyone!

This may be an odd question, but I'm looking for feedback on what users want in a writing website. Right now, me and a few web developers are creating a new writing platform for writers. The focus of the website is for original stories only, and for NA and Adult stories.

The goal is to have a relaxed environment for writers to find readers and network with each other. Mature stories will be welcomed without fear of them getting removed. Of course, there will be content guidelines, but the point is a safe place for mature stories (within fair guidelines). So far, we don't plan to monetize the website.

So, what do you want in a writing platform?

Some users already said a dedicated beta reader program and writing resources. We already have plans to include those things.

And please, no drama. We simply want to collect user feedback for our data analysis. If this post isn't allowed, please remove it.

  • created

    Feb '18

  • last reply

    Mar '18
  • 12

    replies

  • 1.5k

    views

  • 9

    users

  • 16

    likes

gateofselidor
Feb '18

A few things off the top of my head:

Sensible ToS that protect the author’s rights.

Robust commenting system that allows easy interaction with readers, and is properly equipped to deal with trolls and other problem commenters.

Works well on both desktop and mobile (I’m thinking here more of reading than submitting, though obviously both would be nice).

Tagging system to allow readers to search for more specific things than simply genre.

Proper user profiles that allow authors to link out to their websites, social media, Patreon etc.

Testaccount
Feb '18
1

Thanks so much for responding to me =)

We definitely have plans to make it clear in the TOS that everything users post is their work. We will not (strong emphasis) claim to own their stories, and we will protect users from plagiarism.

Yes! We are working on a strict policy for trolls and other users who are going to harass writers through comments, thread posts, and PMs.

We plan to have a mobile app as well =) Once we get to the mobile side, we'll work on including those things.

For the last two, we plan to have a tagging system, and will work on creating good profiles.

Thank you so much for your feedback!

GoldenPlume
Feb '18

Agreed. Authors pour a lot of effort into their works and everyone should respect that.

Another thing that would be nice would be to establish a relationship with a print publisher(s) where the website becomes a sort of slush pile. What rises to the top is given consideration by said publisher(s) to undergo professional editing and move on to print and paid digital distribution. Most authors want to "break out" and having that as a distinct possibly on your site because of established connections would be a major attraction.

Also if you could add ad revenue and share it with authors, that way they can earn something. It won't be much but something is better than nothing and gives an immense feeling of empowerment, earning something from your work.

Rochrok
Feb '18

Most of the ideas I like have already been stated. It would be nice to also have a system where you can schedule posts and perhaps ways to offer early access to pages or special content in exchange for support, like a Patreon for writers but without Patreon.

Strontium
Feb '18

Ease of using it on mobile! Figment and Wattpad are nightmares on my iPad.

Being able to save your place within a chapter would be cool too!

SerenaMCiprano
Mar '18

In addition to the suggestions above...include a function where no one can copy the text of the story (just like Tapas and Wattpad do). This is a huge bonus for all writers because most of us tend to worry about plagiarism.

spicy_sweets
Mar '18

Actually, you can copy on wattpad if you select the url on the pc site and drag down. I'm guessing that's for all sites, though?

lunaartemisasama
Mar '18

Girls love with mature content.
Boys love with mature content.
:slight_smile:

Actually I would like to be in a safe and respectful environment even if the themes are mature so probably mods will be necessary if you don't want things to get out of proportion specially if you will want to have some controversial tags that might limit with plain p*rn such as some philias and/or fetishes.

So establishing limits from the beginning is a must.

Testaccount
Mar '18
SerenaMCiprano

I agree, and that's definitely something our developers are serious about. We don't want stories to be copied off the website.

Rhombik
Mar '18

I'm pretty happy with the writing websites I'm a member of but one thing I wouldn't mind is a more minimal, professional design. Lots of groups tend to over-do the memes, GIFs, illustrations and videos. If I'm somewhere where the internet is a bit slow, a writing website should be the one thing I can count on as it's just a bunch of text loading but often I can't get onto them because somebody thought it'd be funny to throw in a GIF.

They're just also really not my cup of tea. I think it's better to leave them for forums and social media streams.

Also, it'd be nice to get some "how to" articles especially with a focus on how to improve your technical writing skills. The internet is a bit saturated with personal journey stories and motivational stuff which is nice for some but can get a little repetitive when everybody faces the same struggles. What I like about my writing group is that the focus (apart from fiction) is almost purely on "how to" stuff and some reviews. I'd say less than ten percent of the non-fiction stuff is on personal pieces.

It'd be nice to see more short stuff. I read quite a lot of short stories but a lot of stuff online is 20 000 words or longer. Not that novels are bad but a lot of people seem reluctant to write shorter stuff and it can be pretty amazing.

I hope this is some helpful feedback.