This week: Respect and Content Ratings Edited by: Warped Sanity  
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The intent of this edition of Noticing Newbies is to help with understanding the reasoning for content ratings and why they are important.
To understand more about content ratings and how to use them, please read "Content Rating System (CRS)" . |
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Offline, all of us have preferences for what type of environment we prefer to put ourselves in. Some of us might feel right at home in an atmosphere where more adult topics take place in conversation and profanities are spoken, while others might choose to only go around atmospheres more churchlike. When we come to Writing.com, we have the opportunity to tailor our content rating preferences to reflect what we are comfortable with.
Most areas on Writing.com allow you the option of setting a content filter. For example, if you prefer only items 13+ or below when reviewing or reading, you can set your search preferences to that. On your review page in your portfolio, you can even set your review preferences accordingly. This means others have this option as well and it is important to respect their space.
When you comment on someone's newsfeed post, comment in a forum someone else created, or add to an interactive story, you are stepping into another member's space. Before you comment it is important to do so in accordance with their content preferences. You can find the content preference of newsfeed posts by clicking on the downward facing arrow on the right of the post. For interactive stories and forums, the content rating is underneath the title.
Personally, I don't mind more mature conversations, even if it includes profanity, which is why I often set my newsfeed posts to 18+ or higher. Yet, it does not mean it is acceptable for me to assume everyone should conform to this school of thought. When others have a particular content rating in their forum or newsfeed post, it is important that I respect their space by not adding a comment that exceeds that preference.
This extends to rating items appropriately. By doing so, you are respecting fellow writers. If you have an item incorrectly rated E when it should be 18+, you are telling readers that your content is tame enough for all readers of any age. Although rating it E might make it accessible to more readers, many of those readers will not be your target audience. As a matter of fact, some of those readers who read it with the anticipation of it having E content, are likely to find the content offensive.
Many years ago, I joined a writing site called Experience Project. The purpose of EP was a lot different than Writing.com. EP's purpose was to have a site where people could post non-fictional stories about life experiences and get support from others with similar experiences. The concept was great, but the site eventually failed miserably and was shut down. Below is a video by Armen Berjikly, the original creator of Experience Project on Ted Talks, which shows a clearer picture of what the intent of the site was.
Unlike Writing.com, the creator of the site was not very proactive and there were no moderators. Due to this lack of moderation, many of those who would have gone there to post meaningful stories were pushed away because the site was taken over by X-rated stories, child predators, and harassment. By the time the owner decided to be proactive and clean it up, it was too late.
Maintaining correct content ratings is a way of keeping Writing.com from succumbing to a similar fate of sites like Experience Project. This site allows for writing of any content rating, hence allowing creative freedom for writers, but it also makes it a safe place for all types of writers and readers. So, when choosing your content rating on items and commenting in other writer's spaces, remember by doing so correctly, you are aiding to the continued success of the site and helping it to be a safe place for everyone.
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Thank you to all who responded to my last Noticing Newbies newsletter, "Noticing Newbies Newsletter (November 28, 2018)" . Below are those comments.
Kimbug  wrote: Those are wonderful suggestions. What worked for me was reviewing other writers' works. It took a little while for me to get noticed. I must admit to being quite intimidated by the amount of talent on this site.
Response: Thanks you! Yes, it can be intimidating sometimes. Sometimes I am blown away by some of the writers on this site. It can be humbling when I compare it to my own writing.
hbk16 wrote: The chance to be read by many readers should be offered to all authors. The rubrics are rich and diversified and should contain a publishing option.
Response: Thanks for your response. I agree. I think this is why self-publishing has become so popular. It gives virtually anyone the availability to be published. Although, there are some downsides to doing so, rather than going through a conventional publishing company.
eyestar~* wrote: Excellent tips and picks for the week! The topic is so relevant as there are new folks who do think we will see their items just by posting. Thanks for sharing your helpful vision.
Response: Thank you. I tried to tailor the newsletter to struggles I notice expressed by newer members. It can be frustrating and overwhelming being new on the site.
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Noticing Newbies: February 20, 2019 Issue [#9391]
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