You're welcome.

Yeah. While in GD, someone can start a topic and people discuss it from different angles and various ideas about it without being too specific. In the others, the focus is much more specific, so there's not as much room for the discussion to branch off in different directions.

Exactly. Which is why you won't see me post often in a place other than GD (I don't post often in GD either, but that's for different reasons): the chances of my having something worth while to say are extremely slim.

GD is my most frequent forum mainly because I haven't been writing much lately. But that's my fault, not HW's.

That was a very good explanation, Varon. You're right, the topic makes a difference in whether one can add to the conversation or sit back and watch.

On another note, I wouldn't sell yourself short, Sui. I'm sure your posts are worthwhile when you put your thoughts into it. ^^

*agrees*

But we've had many ideas like that which actually do take off. Look at the Sword and the Pen, which did well enough that we're doing a second collection "Heralds of Courage." We did get a homepage setup, and the blog and podcast are doing well. The newsletter is even soldiering on. On the project front I think it's just a matter of feasible projects rising to the top, and massive ones sinking to the bottom.

Yes.

"Members were more interested in being silly and random on chat or in General Discussion than participating in forums that would help each other grow"

*nods* I personally have been disappointed by this...but I've actually been a part of it.

I think that is because I don't really have much to say that's going to help anyone. I used to search for topics that I might actually be able to post on, but there are usually enough replies already that mine would just add clutter (and usually the people who posted already actually knew what they were talking about, as opposed to me).
I also don't tend to those discussions because I usually end up being off topic, or just not really contributing at all to the actual discussion (those go hand in hand, but if I am on topic I usually am still not being that helpful).

And that is why I haven't been posting as much, along with me just being busy; though if I felt my posts were really worthwhile I would make a greater effort to post more, despite other things going on.

The other forum I used to enjoy was theology, but apparently it is only for discussing theology as it relates to writing (in a very specific way); though I thought that had been adjusted... And to me theology has everything to do with writing, and so discussing it itself is helpful to me, though apparently not to anyone else.

So...the only things left for me have been GD and the chat room. *shrugs*

Theology was changed to writing related, Lycanis, but we changed it back. So you can post anything theology related in there now, not just writing related. So don't shy away from discussing anything you want to.

I have always found your posts really helpful, and informative, Lycanis, and I'm not just saying that. I'm being honest. Even if people have commented on posts and seem to have said everything that needs to be said, don't hesitate to add your two cents as well.

I have noticed that people seem to have been hanging out in the chat room more and more, and we do seem to have had a rise in GD threads and so on. I always think that chat room is a great resource for if you want a word war, or you're having trouble with a section of your writing that you need help with in the here and now. However, it can also be a real time waster if people are just chatting and not doing anything resourceful; it's lovely to chat as well, of course, and there's a time and place for that. It can just swing both way. If we can spot a problem like that it's good to try and steer back towards what we intend Holy Worlds to be. We have to consciously aim to try to liven up the writerly discussions, rather than spending our time just in the chatty threads.

I like the GD room as it's a place where the members can chill out a bit and get to know each other, but it's good to use it in moderation and try to keep to our main focus. I think as well, the more people write the more questions they come across, the more threads they start up writing related, because they're hitting sections in their writing that they really need help with. So it all plays a part; if people aren't writing as much, then I think that can be another reason why things quieted down.

Yes, I feel the same way. That's exactly what I was referring to in my post.

*has been lurking in this thread*

I have a similar... whatchamacallit... as Sui and Lycanis do, and can relate to them.

I don't post much outside of GD and the chat. This is mostly because I'm insecure. I don't often feel like anything I have to say would be of value in any of the other threads. If I even have anything to say, which I often don't, simply because I don't know a whole lot about what's being discussed.

I post on GD because I love to talk. #extrovert But I don't like going near the theology threads. GD seems the place where I'm comfortable, happy, and content. Maybe that's why I co-moderate it. Or maybe I frequent it because I moderate it... I don't know, but I love GD. It's my area, where I can contribute and feel good about what I'm contributing.

Oh goodness, I hope you guys don't feel like you need to have well-thought out and eloquent posts all the time. I used to struggle with the same lack of confidence because I saw how many members seem better at posing their words than I am. Not every post has to be hugely thought provoking or inspiration. I admit, I am a simple and down-to-earth person, so my own posts may not compare structurally or bodily, but what matters is that it came from my heart.

Throw out what's on your mind. Your posts matter to the forum because you are wonderful and precious members. ^^ All of us have gifts in different areas, and for those who lack confidence, it will just take time to grow comfortable. When you think about it, it's like public speaking, so it's no wonder some members feel a little insecure about posting.

Be encouraged!

Preach it to them, Almond! You people have self-esteem issues. And big sister doesn't like that. *pauses in frosting cupcakes to give peoples disapproving frown*

In all seriousness, it's good that you weigh your posts carefully and determine that what you're saying is edifying before you say it. However, refusing to say something before you feel your thoughts would be of lesser value or quality is not a good reason to remain silent, especially on a discussion forum. Although we value mature posts, this is still a discussion forum. Not a term paper, a news conference, or a speech class. This is casual. We are here to talk, like friends around a table. Threads are not works of art; they are ongoing discussions. Just talk. One of the benefits of a public discussion thread is the ability to get a feel for majority opinion; what are random people saying? Duplicate opinions are not worthless, especially if you expound on the thoughts or phrase the thoughts in your own way. When someone starts a thread on HW, it's because they want the community's input. If the community ain't talking, what's the point?

Elanor is correct about the Theology room. Discussion on general theology topics is allowed. There are still some threads that are better placed in GD because they are more personal or casual in nature, but all theological discussions do not need to be tied directly to writing.

You three. No self-discrimination about the quality of your posts allowed. Phili's not the only one who doesn't like that.

Seriously, guys, listen to the yellow person. We want you to say "Yes, it makes sense" when we ask if our world building is too confusing. Yeah, it might be a four word post, but like Phili said, we want the majority opinion.

Guys, even if you don't think what you have to say measures up, post it anyway. Practise makes perfect. Honestly, if you want to make yourselves feel better, go and look at the crumminess which are the posts I made in the first nine months after I joined HW. Talk about cringeworthy.

And theology has been switched back to an all purpose room? How did I miss this??! *shall be diving in in the future*

Excellent.

I didn't make a public announcement about Theology, I don't think, as that seemed unnecessary; I just gave my mods new policy. But yeah, y'all can relax. Go get some deep and invigorating discussion going, okay?

Thank the Lord Theology has been returned to its former glory. I didn't realize members didn't know that. We should spread the word! That was my favorite forum, once upon a time.

I can certainly post an announcement of some kind if y'all would like.