1. JayTokes

    JayTokes New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 2, 2009
    Messages:
    18
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Flat Rock, NC

    Takin' a step back

    Discussion in 'New Member Introductions' started by JayTokes, Jun 21, 2009.

    Hey,

    I've already posted around the site in a few places, but I thought this would be a good time to cover the part I skipped - my introduction. I've never been on a forum where introductions were the status quo, so the urge to post one slipped past me at the time I joined.

    I'm not here for any particular reason. I've only dabbled in creative writing, and about all of that occurred was when I was about ten years younger. I'm in college now, and all of my writing for the past six years at least has been purely academic. I decided to join because I realized that I really enjoy reading others' work, and at college I've become somewhat of a go-to guy for essay revision. So while I don't put out much original work of my own, my peers seem to think I'm a good editor. I attribute this trait of mine to the fantastic primary schooling I received over the course of a couple years I spent living in England. Unfortunately, the American system of writing education pales in comparison to the lessons overseas. To say the least, I'm very grateful to Mr. McNamara, my fourth-grade English teacher of Scottish origin.

    It's somewhat of a slow summer here in North Carolina, so during the hours I have available after work I'll surely be swinging by the forums.

    I'm sure it'll be a pleasure.
     
  2. Cogito

    Cogito Former Mod, Retired Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    May 19, 2007
    Messages:
    36,161
    Likes Received:
    2,827
    Location:
    Massachusetts, USA
    Hello Jay, Welcome to the Writing Forums.

    Posting your own work should not be among the very first things you do here. It is worth taking the time to see what other people have done to improve their writing, and see if some of it applies to your writing as well. That is part of why we require members to review other members' work before posting their own for review. On the other hand, there are no restrictions, other than content and copyright rules, on showcasing your work in your member blog.

    If you haven't explored the site yet, you should probably do so soon. Newcomers often gravitate to the Lounge, the Word Games, or the Review Room, but there is much more to be discovered if you poke in the corners. Remember to check out our FAQ as well, and be sure to read through the forum rules, too, to avoid any misunderstandings or hurt feelings. Respect for one another is our principal mandate.

    As for the Review Room, new joiners often wonder why we do things a bit differently on this site than on other writing sites. We emphasize constructive critique as a vital writing skill. Training your eye by reviewing other people's work helps you improve your own writing even before you present it for others to see. Therefore, we ask members to review other people's writing before posting work of their own. The Review Room forums on this site, therefore, are true workshops, not just a bulletin board for displaying your work (and on that note, please only post each item for review in one Review Room forum). Also, please use the same thread for all revisions and additional excerpts from the same piece of writing. See this post, Why Write Reviews Before Posting My Work? for more information.

    And while you're looking around, don't forget to check out our Weekly Short Story Contest and Weekly Poetry Contest. They actually run more than one week apiece, but any member may enter, and all members are urged to vote for their favorites.
     
  3. Sonshine

    Sonshine New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 7, 2008
    Messages:
    154
    Likes Received:
    5
    Location:
    The shoreline
    Welcome aboard Jay! Wow, that must have been a great experience to study over there. :)
     
  4. Maroon

    Maroon Active Member

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2009
    Messages:
    118
    Likes Received:
    2
    Hi Jay - good to have you around! M.
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice