Well, I'm back at university and my new Computing course is in full swing. So much, in fact, that I find myself looking to do extra, personal projects. Just to have something to do.

So, to the idea:

In a nutshell, I'm looking to design and develop a website, dedicated to writing enthusiasts and amateur authors, by allowing them to post their work to the web, and discuss their writing with other authors, in similar positions as theirs.

Would anyone be interested in such a website, or believe it has merit?

Oh, and for the record. The name I've chosen is "Pensmith's Retreat".

I would certainly be interested in writing for such. I've been trying to write this novel as of late, but keep encountering a great deal of writers block in the process.

Do it!

To be honest, I've got Ariasa's opinion, so all of yours are just moot now.

Here, have a banner:

Incidently, that was my first photoshop thing, too.

I'd like to see it too, Halfbrood. Go for it.

I tried this once, It was called "Project Failure". It ended up living true to it's name. But, I am certainly interested!

DO IT DO IT! Also mention Dr D gives free Advice for the ladys and youll be swarmed.

Well, I suck at writing, but still a good idea. Maby I can even get less sucky... Ok, maby not, but still, great idea.

Also: If you need any help with web design, I can help with Html, Php, Css, Javascript, Actionscript (for flash), anything Zetaboards related, and most other commonly used languages. I can also help with graphics, although it being my job has kinda sucked the fun out of it. Just send me a Pm.

P.S. I'd HIGHLY reccomend Zetaboards for any forums. They blow even the pay boards out of the water. And its free, hosted for you, and easily set up.

Edit: Fixed link and expanded

Yes.

Will you allow any type of writing-even the more risque genres, such as those that discuss the aspects of romance and lovemaking? If so, I would definitely love to see this take shape, and would offer some of my own fan-fiction to get it started.

-SaRF

The feather needs green and blue. Get back to work.

No, really, if it's done properly, the idea definitely has merit. DeviantArt isn't done properly, it has a terrible layout.

Squall and Rinoa Forever Will you allow any type of writing-even the more risque genres, such as those that discuss the aspects of romance and lovemaking? If so, I would definitely love to see this take shape, and would offer some of my own fan-fiction to get it started.

-SaRF

:shock:

8)

Post some of that good stuff for our make benefit great server of Underdark.

P.S.

I've been meaning to tell you, I've got this feelin that won't subside: I look at you and I fantasize you're mine tonight.

[REAL POST BELOW]

If you can find a way to keep a standard of quality for the works hosted on the website, you'll definitely have something no other such site can honestly claim. Go for it.

On the subject of standard, it's a fine line to walk. Too high a standard would scare people off (and it doesn't even need to be that high for that to happen), but no standard will just scare all the "good" contributors away. A more ideal solution than a fixed make-or-break standard could be to have WIP sections that allow for user-to-user feedback and an exposition section for the completed, standard-approved submissions.

I was going to do the slashfic gig, but SaRF got there first.

So.

I've nothing I can really say..

- DD

Thanks for all the support.

I'll begin designing and developing the website this Christmas, once all my other marked projects are handed in. I'll try and come up with some way to keep the standards of submissions high, but also try not to be too exclusive. I like Snoteye's idea, and I'll be looking into a way to make it fool proof.

Any more input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again.

I'm of the opinion that the forum(I presume) should be split into subsections. You've no doubt thought of that already, so moving on.

As for the standards of a post, a little more simple a solution would be to just add a rating in general to the site. "All stories contained within are rated up to an 'R' rating, if you are under the age of 17, get out. Otherwise, happy reading.", or something to that effect.

Because myself personally, I'm prone to writing on a number of subjects and backgrounds. One moment I can be writing about a heroic fantasy world a group of villains on the run, the next I can be writing a 40K story about superhuman soldiers crushing the skulls of humans in a visceral display of carnage.

I'd hate to see a writer's progress and expression turned away because of a rating, but at the same time, I understand that there will be readers who are of an inappropriate age.

So in two words, let's establish this rule so that Halfbrood/SaRF don't jump the go: "No Penetration"..there, I've said it, you two are in the clear now.

-H

Check out CGTalk.