Process Over Product?

[Angela]

What do you think is the primary goal of the 6S Social Network? If it is writing, how do you define writing - by the product you share with others, or by the work and care you put into developing your craft?

 

If the sharing of an idea or an event is most important to you, how does this function in a Social Network? Is everyone an equal part of the conversation? Does everyone have an equal opportunity to be heard?

 

Are there any special issues, in your opinion, regarding the importance of the front page and the length of time your post spends there? Do you feel you gain enough comments to help you evaluate what you have said in your post?  Is reflection on comments part of what you think about when you write someting new?

[Robert Crisman]

I define writing as the sum of all of those things, the product, the work and care that goes into developing a craft, etc.
One thing to remember: without product, fully realized or aborted, there is no process worthy of the name. The idea that process is more important than product is ludicrous.
Everyone on 6S has an equal opportunity to be heard. All anyone has to do is write something, a Six or a comment or for discussion, and it gets posted.
The various contests and so forth at 6S--that's kind of different. The winners are selected according to the subjective criteria of whoever is running the contest.
I don't think comments do much in the way of helping people evaluate their stuff because, by and large, they are not critiques, which is good. This isn't Lit Class or a workshop.

[callan]

Exactley it is not a lit class thats why I am here

[Angela]

I think that at 6S, our primary goal is to share ideas and emotions, which is probably the purpose of every social interaction. Like Robert, I believe writing is both process and product, and those two things work together, each feeding the other. I do not think that when the product is complete, the process is over. My focus is a little lopsided, I admit. I may edit and rewrite excessively, but it is because I want my product to shine.

Sharing an idea or event is less important to me than evoking some type of emotion. I think this brings me closer to the reader, which is what I come here for. I am not sure about the level playing ground here, sometimes. Like Robert, I agree that everyone has an equal opportunity to post. Not so sure about everyone having an equal amout of time in which to be heard.

I read my comments with great interest, and I especially like the ones that ask questions, or state specific things that the reader liked. General comments are wonderful, too. So yes, I think about prior comments, and about people who commented and the kinds of things they enjoy when I write.

[Robert Crisman]

Grey, I'm not quite sure what you mean when you say that you're not so sure about everyone having an equal amount of time to be heard.
There are some people who seem to attract more attention from others for whatever reason, generally because more people like or relate to their stuff more than they do the pieces of others. I don't think much can be done about that. Yet and still, anybody can post and say pretty much anything they want short of pornography and personal attacks, and I think that's about all the equality you can expect out of a place like 6S.
Is this what you were talking about?

[Angela]

I'm trying to say nearly the same thing that others have very politely said about the speed at which posts roll off the front page. I like to feel egalitarian. It isn't working like that for me right now - just not feeling it.

I try too hard to keep up with posts. I don't know how to pick and choose which ones to read, and I feel like I'm not being fair when I skip people. Please don't laugh. I would ask your advice, but I fear it would be too true and practical.

And I agree with you. There is only so much equality a person can expect. Maybe even from themselves.

[Jamie Hogan]

Grey, I think maybe you're being too hard on yourself. And maybe others as well, not sure.

There are a good number of people posting and commenting here. I'm brand spanking new, and I've been impressed and heartened by the number of comments I've received on stuff I've posted. I think the sheer numbers favor any one post receiving its fair share of attention from other writers.

You may also be overestimating how much self-esteem folks have invested in what they post here. I love it when I get opinions on my posts, but I don't post anything I wouldn't want someone else to read, which means anything you see from me is crafted with some amount of care. Which means doing it made me a better writer. Which is the reward.

[callan]

what you are tryin to do read every bodies posts is nobel far more nobel than many other people- pragmatically I dont see what can be done about that - are you suggesting a time limit that a person stays the first post- how could you detrmine that? I think its wonderful you try and read everyones posts- I dont if the first few line dont catch me I move on- I do not think that makes me a monster I have no doudt people do the same to me- some themes just bore me

[Angela]

Not suggesting anything. Making observations, asking questions, listening to others. Trying to sort out how I can be a better writer, reader, and fellow community member. Don't like overlooking writing of others knowing how much effort I put into mine, and how much I value what others have to say. Am I a monster? Are you a monster? I don't think so.

[Jeanette Cheezum]

I think 6S has given us the opportunity to write for what ever reason we want. I personally have seen growth over the years. I love to read and comment, but I also wish to receive commnets on my work. Most of us don't have the time to read/comment on every single 6 that is published.

I think we all have the opportunity to participate in conversation and events. However, I have noticed group favorites, and that is fine as long as we don't exclude 6ers.

I don't feel that most of the revolving posts are up long enough, but that depends on how many 6ers are publishing at the same time. We can always go to a 6ers page and find their work there.

I have asked Rob to see if he could place all our work together for the Regular side, but he has been so busy, he hasn't been able to do that.

I have been a part of other social sites and I feel that 6S is one of the best. We have a lot of opportunities here, thanks to Rob. I think Rob would be willing to look into any good suggestions, and that is how you maintain a good site.

[Brittany]

First of all, I think this discussion is a great idea!
The process is huge for me because I want my reader to be engaged and stirred by what they are reading. That is why I read so often in the first place ;) I have only been serious about my writing for a short time in the sense that I devote a lot of time to organizing my thoughts in my mind and on paper and then constantly re- work them in an attempt to convey what I want in a clean and concise manner. I hope to do a big write one day. For me, this site means small steps toward personal success. I think it's very important to comment because most writers want to know how something made you feel... I think it is part of our craft to tell a story that begs to be remembered and passed along. I am constantly learning and evolving as an active writer and a member of this site. I do think posts fall off the page too easily but I am thankful to the people who stop by my page to check for new posts... I am eternally grateful to those who do! I consider 6S great vehicle to use on my road to becoming a better writer.

[Mike Handley]

I imagine this site means different things to different people. For some, like me, it's a form of entertainment and a way to discover kindred spirits outside of a bar, the workplace or a church. Others might see it as a public forum to flex and hone their talent and skill. There's no reason this website can't meet all these needs.

I have to pace myself here, lest 6S becomes all-consuming. I read and comment as much as I can, and I write whenever the muses speak. I also come back and read the comments to comments. I know there are many other great sites for writers, but I just don't have the time to keep up with them. I generally stay right here unless steered to read a piece elsewhere.

I do wish the posts would stay out front longer, but I'm slowly adapting. If I have to miss logging on for more than 24 hours, I'll simply go to my favorite writers' pages to see their latest works. The only problem there is my list of favorites is always growing.

[Teresa]

I agree that writing is both process and product. The blog posts do fall off the page quickly when everyone is feverishly writing. This is both good and bad. I like to see others writing, writing, writing. We're a writing site more than a social site, at least that's how I see it. Without a place to write that guarantees readers, we'd probably be surfing the net for something else or scribbling in our private journal.

I'm really here to practice writing, interact with folks I care about, and have a good time. It's like a bar or an opium house. I write to get high, I read to get high. As has been said, if a particular writer's blog falls off the front page too soon, they can be sought out on the writer's private page. Blogs are falling off more quickly these days but like everything, it's part of the wax and wane and winter might settle things down some. We'll just have to read faster (speedball anyone?).