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?

[callan]

I really like what you said it is more of a writing site and its practice for me some times I dont log on becasue I am working or re-working something else and if i like a writer i just click on the page- your point about winter is valid- people have more free time in the summer

[Paul de Denus]

This site has an addictive nature to it- having to only come up with six sentences is an enjoyable snack though I’ve learned it is quite difficult. It’s a great exercise in ‘saying less is more’- I’ve written more here in the past year than I ever did in the years before and I’ve gained a lot of confidence with my words. I’ve also discovered a lot of talented writers (you know who you are!!!) and their work has inspired me to attain that level, if you will.

As for the social network, I think everyone has equal opportunity to post and comment to their desire-as Jeanette said, hit their icon and read their stuff. Personally, I scan what is posted here, then read completely ‘what hits me’ and not always my favorite writers either.

I often think, what now? What do I want to do with my writing/product? I’ve self published it and have it for ‘me’ (and my siblings who I strong armed and used Catholic guilt against) But beyond that…?

[Toby Tucker Hecht]

I post only now and then (about once a month on the average) so maybe I'm not the best person to address this issue. I like reading on this site and leaving comments and then have others join in the conversation. For my own work--I write short stories and belong to a critique group. Many of my stories have been published so I am not looking for a critique here. I am looking for a community of writers. I am open to everyone's work and I would hope that when I post something everyone is open to mine. That said, I notice that the same few people comment when I post (of course these are people I have come to love). But I would like to have a wider readership. Any suggestions?

[Robert Crisman]

I'm kind of in the same boat as you, except I get a different same few people. The stuff of mine that has been commented on the most is the occasional political piece that others either love or hate and feel the need to comment upon. I also generally get a larger amount of feedback responding to the even rarer personal piece I do.
My usual pieces, about Roanne and all those guys--and I've written a ton of these--don't usually get a lot of feedback. Seeing as it's my best stuff, I think so anyway, I don't know why that's the case but it is. I've noticed that a number of people who comment occasionally remark that they've been following a certain series of pieces, and maybe they have, though I'm like you, I wish they'd comment more.
Anyway, it could be that a whole lot more people are reading your stuff than comment upon it.
As for how to get them to comment more, I haven't a clue.

[Toby Tucker Hecht]

Thanks Robert. You are right about reading and not commenting. Sometimes there is nothing more to say that hasn't been said already and it seems self-serving to add a comment just for the sake of commenting. I often get to a posting late when 8 to 10 people have already staked their claim (!) and there is little fresh to say. But I have read it and enjoyed it (or not). The thing I like about this group is the diversity of opinions and the lack of pretense. It wasn't always like this...not too long ago there were fights and it could be really unpleasant.

[Teresa]

@Bill ~ Damn straight you're stayin'!

[Jeanette Cheezum]

Yea!!!!!!!!!!

[shauna mcclure]

Hello Grey, here is my two cents. This is my first, last and only "blog". I don't contribute on any other Internet site. I don't come here to develop my craft (I have no craft) I actually am not sure what my motivation was in coming here in the first place, except a friend at McSweeny's recommended I take a look and one thing led to another. At the risk of offending anyone here, I only leave comments for blogs that move or amuse or touch me in one way or another. I scan through as often as work permits and if I am "hooked" on the first sentence I read on.
There are a few "regular" contributors that I look for and am always eager to read. I am happy when others like what I have written, but this site (for me) is about a relief valve...people change and re-write and edit me all the time and I get an earful of "comments" from people who sign my cheques...so ultimately I blog here because it is fun. That is it. I don't think about what anyone has said about my writing before, during or after I write it. It is like running naked in the woods when I write here...free free free...if I fall off the front or whatever is not important to me... "The play's the thing"...even if there is no audience.

[Angela]

Shauna, I enjoy the way we differ and the way we enjoy each other's writing so much, too. You are here because it is fun and an escape valve for you. I am here because I interact weakly when face to face with people - it exhausts me. I can carefully construct what I say, and communicate with others at a pace which is comfortable to me. Example - It took me over ten minutes to write this.

[Paul de Denus]

I wonder where everyone is at? The Member page says there are almost 1800 members here? Between my fingers, toes and other appendages I won't go into, I could count maybe a couple dozen people who 'write' here- what are the others doing?

[Toby Tucker Hecht]

If you check who is on line at any moment, there are generally at most about 15. I think many have joined at some time in the past but are not active.

[callan]

not every one has the time and prehaps they are shy- or they just want to get there name out there get there blogs followed find names who knows